Blacklisting & Blackballing by Coalitions Is It Legal Under Anti-Trust Laws_

The podcast episode explores the perceived "2-year rule" for new motorcycle clubs (MCs) throwing parties or annuals, stipulations from coalitions, blacklisting practices, and whether any of this violates U.S. anti-trust laws. Let's break it down.Why Can't an MC Just Throw a Party Whenever It Wants? Stipulations & the "2-Year Rule"Traditional MC protocol often requires new clubs to "earn" the right to host events by demonstrating respect, loyalty, and commitment to the existing MC community. This isn't a universal "law" but a common practice enforced by regional Confederations of Clubs (COCs) or coalitions—loose alliances of established MCs that set guidelines to avoid conflicts, overcrowding of events, and territorial issues


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• The "2-Year" Practice: Many COCs expect new clubs to start as riding clubs (RCs) and spend 1-2 years attending other clubs' functions, supporting events, and building relationships before "graduating" to full MC status and hosting their own parties. This includes paying entry fees, showing up consistently, and getting a "sponsor club" (an established MC vouching for them). The idea is to prove you're not a "pop-up" club causing drama or diluting the scene
  
  
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• Why the Stipulations?: Overcrowded calendars (e.g., multiple parties on the same weekend) lead to low attendance and resentment. Coalitions coordinate to "space out" events and ensure new clubs "pay dues" by supporting others first. It's about maintaining order in a scene where rivalries can escalate fast
  
  
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• Origins: This stems from post-WWII MC culture, where clubs like Hells Angels and Outlaws established informal "rules" through dominance and respect. Coalitions (e.g., in Ohio, Texas) formalized it in the 1980s–90s to reduce violence and promote unity. It's not in any "official MC bible"—just evolved custom
  
  
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  .Blacklisting/Blackballing by Coalitions: Is It Legal Under Anti-Trust Laws?Blacklisting (coalitions agreeing not to support or attend a club's events) or blackballing (excluding a club from alliances) happens when a new club violates protocol—e.g., throwing parties too soon or not supporting others. Is it anti-trust?
  • Not Likely Illegal: U.S. anti-trust laws (e.g., Sherman Act 1890, Clayton Act 1914) target commercial boycotts by competitors with market power that harm trade (e.g., price-fixing, refusing to deal to raise prices)
    
    
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    . MC coalitions are social/non-commercial—they're not businesses competing for profit. Boycotts here are about community norms, not economic harm. Courts have ruled similar social boycotts (e.g., NCAA rules, political actions) don't violate anti-trust if not commercially motivated
    
    
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  • 1920s/30s Anti-Trust Context: You mentioned anti-trust battles (e.g., Standard Oil breakup, Sherman Act enforcement). Those targeted monopolies and business cartels—not social groups. No cases apply to MC coalitions, as they're not "restraining trade" in a legal sense
    
    
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  • Potential Gray Area: If a coalition has "market power" (e.g., controlling events in a region) and blacklisting harms a club's "business" (e.g., charity funds, dues), it could be challenged—but MCs aren't typically seen as commercial. No known successful anti-trust suits against MC coalitions.Should MC Protocol Change?Protocol isn't set in stone—it's evolved from military/veteran roots to modern realities. The 2-year rule and blacklisting promote stability, but critics say it's gatekeeping that stifles new clubs. With social media, recruiting is easier, so perhaps shorten probation or make coalitions more inclusive. But change risks diluting tradition—strong clubs adapt carefully.What do you think? Is the 2-year rule fair, or outdated? Call in and let's discuss. Ride safe, brothers—Black Dragon out.
    
    
    

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