Christian Motorcyclists Association Guidelines

A) The most important guideline is that you are representing our Lord Jesus Christ. Individually and as a team, we are held to a high standard and must glorify Him at all times. To properly represent Him, Jesus Christ must be your personal Lord and Savior. 

B) We are a non-denominational ministry.  CMA does not promote any particular denomination.

C) All team members are under the umbrella of CMA guidelines and agree to adhere to their policies.

D) No “colors” other than a recognized Christian biker organization may be worn (i.e. HOG, ABATE etc.). This does not include small patches on your vest. If you are not a member of an approved Christian biker organization, please wear a Christian tee shirt or a plain button up shirt.

E) Do not wear any garments that have the Maltese cross on them. This is the sign of the Arian Nation and is very offensive to some offenders.

F) The only jewelry that may be worn is your wedding ring.  THIS WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.

G) All pins, nametags, and extender chains must be removed from your vest.

H) Please clean out all your pockets (pants, vest, coat, etc.) before you enter the facility. There are usually lockers inside the institution to safe-keep your car keys and drivers license.

I) A team member may not have physical contact with an offender of the opposite sex except to shake hands.  For example: at male facilities, female team members may only shake the offender’s hand; at female facilities, male team members may only shake the offender’s hand.

J) A team member must be at least 21 year old.

  DOC Regulations

A) Any type of tobacco product, including smokeless is prohibited.

B) Pagers, cell phones or cameras are also prohibited.

C) Firearms are prohibited on DOC property.

D) Any communications from the outside to a prisoner or from a prisoner to the outside is prohibited.  In other words, you may not carry messages to an offender from someone on the outside and you may not take a message to an offender to anyone on the outside of a facility.

E) You are not allowed to be in contact in any manner with an inmate in this facility. This includes writing, receiving mail or being on a visitors list.

F) Do not take anything from anyone, even a note to call someone. This is trafficking and it is a felony.

G) Do not hand out anything, including tracts or bibles, unless they are approved.

H) Absolutely nothing is to be brought into a facility.  This includes Bibles, water, medication, tapes, CDs, gum, personal/ministry business cards, etc.  If you have a need, email the event coordinator at least one month prior to the event and he/she will advise you if your request is possible.

I) The inmates can be very creative on making weapons and no one wants someone hurt with anything we accidentally dropped.  Please be very careful and account for all your belongings at all times.

J) If you have an issue with someone, please go to the nearest staff member and report it. Do not confront the inmate alone.

K) Dress code:  Jeans (full length/no cut-offs), shirts with sleeves, closed toe shoes or boots.  No apparel advertising alcohol, drugs, gangs, tobacco, etc.

L) When you are inside a facility you are under the rules and regulations of that facility. If a staff member tells you to do something, do not debate it. They are the professionals, listen to them. If you have a question, please to go to the CMA person in charge and they will then go to the proper officer.

Bike Shows

A) Most visits will have a vehicle outside the facility to lock your belongings in, but the best idea is if you don’t need the item don’t bring it.  If there is not vehicle and you bring something unapproved, you may not be allowed into the facility.  If in doubt, DO NOT bring the item in question.

B) If the weather is cold when you leave home, most facilities will allow you to put extra clothes in a lockable tour pack or saddle bag.  If you do not have a lockable feature, someone else may.  But please remember, if you wear it into the facility, and then do not have the ability to lock it up, you MUST wear it the entire time inside.  Do no lay your coat or vest over your bike.  Someone might pick it up and then we will have an issue with the facility.

C) Be prepared – some facilities will not allow us to have ANYTHING in our tour packs or saddle bags – even if they are lockable.  We will let you know prior to an event if this is the case.

  Team Member Behavior During a Service

A) DOC staff must be respected at all times.  When you enter a facility keep talking and visiting to a minimum.  Sign in as directed, move to the designated waiting area, remove shoes & vests for the x-ray machine and be alert for instructions from the staff. 

B) Arrive at the facility prepared to listen and follow through all DOC instructions.  This means conversation among team members should be kept to a minimum.  While we do not want to take away from having fun, this is not the purpose of our visit to the facility. 

C) When you arrive at the room where the service will be held gather immediately for prayer.  Again, this is to be a time of preparation for the work of the Holy Spirit.  If you are unsure of what to do, ask a speaker if they would like to be prayed for.

D) No team member is to be at the microphone or speak unless they have been approved prior to the event.  If you are a speaker for a particular event, please limit your talk to the previewed material.  Teasing of other team members while you are in front of the microphone will not be tolerated.  Only pre-approved music and/or testimony will be allowed.

E) Stay with the team at all times.  Do not wander outside of the designated meeting room unless you have permission from the event coordinator.  If you have a need to use the restroom or a drinking fountain, take a buddy with you and inform the event coordinator. 

F) When it is announced that it is time to wrap up the event, please do so promptly.  Any ongoing conversations or prayer with offenders must be ended immediately.  There are no "ifs," "ands," or "buts" on this stipulation.  Gather your coat and be prepared to leave.  We must convey to the DOC staff that we take the privilege of our being inside their facility seriously.  This is done by following all of their rules completely.