Lake City RC Club

Official Member & Operations Handbook

Adopted: 2026

“Driven by Passion. Built on Community.”

Table of Contents

Introduction and Purpose

Club Identity, Mission, and Core Values

Membership Structure and Expectations

Code of Conduct and Sportsmanship

Safety Policies and Risk Management

Race Day Operations and Event Procedures

Equipment and Vehicle Guidelines

Public Relations and Community Representation

Volunteer Structure and Event Staffing

Display, Branding, and Promotional Standards

Leadership Structure and Officer Responsibilities

Meeting Procedures

Conflict Resolution and Member Discipline

Social Media and Communication Policies

Youth Participation Guidelines

Property, Equipment, and Facility Care

Amendments and Policy Review

Member Acknowledgment and Agreement

1. Introduction and Purpose

This handbook serves as the official governing and operational document for the Lake City RC Club. It defines expectations, rules, safety standards, and behavioral guidelines for all members, volunteers, guests, and officers.

The purpose of this handbook is to ensure consistent club operations, maintain a safe environment, promote professionalism, and support a welcoming atmosphere for hobbyists of all skill levels.

Membership in the Lake City RC Club signifies agreement to uphold the standards outlined in this handbook.

2. Club Identity, Mission, and Core Values

Mission Statement

The Lake City RC Club exists to promote radio-controlled vehicle racing and hobby participation through organized competition, public outreach, education, and community engagement.

Vision Statement

To become a respected and sustainable RC organization recognized for professionalism, inclusiveness, and competitive excellence.

Core Values

Sportsmanship

Integrity

Safety

Inclusiveness

Community Engagement

Family-Friendly Environment

Fair Competition

3. Membership Structure and Expectations

Membership Categories

Active Racing Members

Individuals who participate in club racing events.

Supporting Members

Individuals who assist with events, volunteering, or administration.

Youth Members

Participants under 18 years of age requiring guardian supervision.

Membership Expectations

Maintain respectful interactions with all participants

Follow safety and race procedures

Support club events when possible

Maintain good standing with dues and administrative requirements

The club reserves the right to approve, deny, suspend, or revoke membership based on conduct or safety concerns.

4. Code of Conduct and Sportsmanship

All members are expected to demonstrate professionalism and sportsmanship at all times.

Members SHALL

Treat competitors, spectators, and staff with respect

Accept race results without hostility

Follow official rulings

Assist new members and encourage participation

Maintain a positive environment

Members SHALL NOT

Engage in aggressive behavior or harassment

Use abusive or discriminatory language

Intentionally damage equipment or track property

Cheat or manipulate race results

Disrupt organized club activities

5. Safety Policies and Risk Management

Safety is the highest priority for the Lake City RC Club.

General Safety Requirements

Follow marshal instructions immediately

Use designated pit and charging areas

Maintain safe battery charging practices

Immediately report unsafe conditions

Keep track areas clear of unnecessary obstructions

Battery Safety

LiPo batteries must be charged in approved containers or bags

Damaged batteries must be removed from the facility

Charging batteries unattended is strongly discouraged

Track Safety

Marshals must remain alert

No running across active track lanes

Closed-toe footwear is strongly recommended

6. Race Day Operations and Event Procedures

Event Structure

Track setup and inspection

Practice sessions

Driver meeting

Heat races

Feature races

Awards and closing

Driver Responsibilities

Register prior to racing

Verify scoring equipment is functioning

Attend driver meetings

Marshal races when assigned

Maintain readiness for scheduled races

Failure to marshal without approval may result in penalties.

7. Equipment and Vehicle Guidelines

The Lake City RC Club supports a variety of RC vehicle types to encourage accessibility and growth in the hobby.

General Equipment Expectations

Vehicles must be mechanically safe

Loose or hazardous components must be corrected

Vehicles must operate within designated class guidelines established by event organizers

Unsafe or unstable vehicles may be disqualified from racing

The club may implement class structures or racing divisions when necessary to maintain fairness and participation balance.

8. Public Relations and Community Representation

Members represent the Lake City RC Club whenever participating in public events or wearing club branding.

Members should:

Demonstrate professionalism

Provide accurate information to the public

Encourage safe hobby participation

Maintain welcoming attitudes toward spectators

Public demonstrations should prioritize safety and educational engagement.

9. Volunteer Structure and Event Staffing

Club events rely heavily on volunteer participation.

Volunteer Expectations

Arrive on time and prepared

Follow assigned roles

Maintain professional behavior

Support event setup and breakdown

Volunteer Roles May Include

Registration staff

Technical inspection support

Race control assistants

Crowd engagement and information staff

10. Display, Branding, and Promotional Standards

Club displays must maintain professional appearance and reflect club identity.

Display Guidelines

Maintain clean and organized presentation areas

Use approved club branding when available

Ensure demonstration vehicles are safe and presentable

Avoid clutter or non-club related materials in display spaces

11. Leadership Structure and Officer Responsibilities

The Lake City RC Club is governed by elected officers responsible for operational leadership.

President

Provides leadership and strategic direction

Oversees meetings and official functions

Represents the club externally

Vice President

Assists presidential duties

Coordinates volunteer operations

Assumes leadership when President is unavailable

Secretary

Maintains records and communications

Tracks membership and meeting minutes

Oversees document organization

Treasurer

Assists with membership dues tracking

Supports event-related monetary collection when necessary

Works with officers to ensure funds are properly recorded and handled

12. Meeting Procedures

Regular meetings may be scheduled to discuss club business.

Meeting Standards

Agenda distributed prior to meeting

Members may present discussion topics

Officers will review and determine implementation of operational decisions when necessary

Personal Hygiene and Appearance

Members attending meetings or representing the club at official functions are expected to maintain reasonable personal hygiene

Clothing should be appropriate for a family-friendly environment

Offensive, inappropriate, or disruptive attire is not permitted during meetings or official club functions

Special Event Area Standards

Special event areas are designated working zones and are not general gathering areas

No loitering is permitted within special event operational spaces

Only assigned staff or volunteers wearing proper club attire or identification will be permitted within designated event work areas

Members and guests must remain in public or spectator areas unless specifically assigned to event duties

13. Conflict Resolution and Member Discipline

Disputes should be handled professionally and respectfully.

Disciplinary Procedures May Include

Verbal warning

Written warning

Temporary suspension

Permanent removal from club membership

All disciplinary actions should be documented.

14. Social Media and Communication Policies

Members are encouraged to promote the club positively through digital platforms.

Members should:

Avoid public disputes online

Represent the club respectfully

Share accurate event information

Official club announcements shall be made through designated club communication channels.

15. Youth Participation Guidelines

Youth racers are welcomed and encouraged to participate.

Youth Requirements

Guardian presence required during events

Youth must follow all safety rules

Unsportsmanlike behavior will be addressed with guardian involvement

16. Property, Equipment, and Facility Care

Members must respect shared equipment and facilities.

Members must:

Clean pit areas before leaving

Assist with track teardown when requested

Avoid damaging club equipment

Damage caused by negligence may result in disciplinary action.

17. Amendments and Policy Review

This handbook may be amended as the club grows and evolves.

Amendments require:

Officer review

Member notification

Majority approval vote

Annual review of handbook policies is recommended.

18. Member Acknowledgment and Agreement

All members of the Lake City RC Club must acknowledge receipt and understanding of this handbook. Membership participation indicates agreement to abide by all rules, expectations, and policies described herein.

Failure to follow handbook guidelines may result in disciplinary action, including removal from club activities.