Rules of Acceptable Conduct on Outings

In order to assure the well being of all; preserve natural beauty and living things; maintain good will toward the Sierra Club and its objectives — the following Rules apply to all persons joining Sierra Club activities. Conduct must, at all times, be acceptable to the group itself, to the general public, and to officials with whom the group may come in contact.

• The policy of the Illinois Chapter is that there is no place in Sierra Club events or outings for harassment, sexual or otherwise, of leaders or participants. Such action by any Sierra Club leader or participant will not be tolerated, and violation of the policy will result in disciplinary action, including loss of leadership status and loss of privilege of participating in Sierra Club events or outings.
   
• The authority of the leaders is to be recognized. Never precede a hike leader; never leave a group without leader's permission; abide by leader's rulings as to adequacy of clothing, footwear, equipment, proficiency, experience, etc.
   
• Obey all fire, sanitary, administrative, and safety regulations of both the Club and governmental agencies. Don't throw rocks. Bring out all unburned litter. Take only photographs; leave only footprints. On trails, don't cut switchbacks — the practice leads to erosion.
   
• Firearms are prohibited. Animals are prohibited unless a specific announcement that animals will be allowed is included in the trip write-up. Radios such as “walkman”, or similar entertainment devices are prohibited on outings. Radios necessary for navigation and GPS receivers are permitted. The leader and the sponsoring entity may regulate the use of electronic communication devices.
   
• Persons less than 18 yrs old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian or have written permission from same giving phone number and authorization for continuing treatment by a doctor in case of necessity.
   
• Outings are open to all members and guests unless the event description specifies special restrictions or the leader makes a determination that the nature of the outing is not suitable for your abilities. Make sure you understand these restrictions as they apply to your qualifications to participate — be sure you are qualified to participate and that you will not handicap the group because the activity is too strenuous for you. The privilege to attend outings and other events may be limited or withdrawn from those who willfully and/or repeatedly do not comply with the Rules of Acceptable Conduct. The outings leaders are the sole judge of the qualifications of participants, and they are required to screen participants to manage the safety of the entire group.

For clarification of these guidelines, please contact the Illinois Chapter Outings Chair.

Last updated: 10/25/2005