Board rules

These rules are disclosed to clarify the various responsibilities of all community members here on Outdoor Club Japan. They shall be adhered to by everyone to ensure that our board runs smoothly and provides a fun and productive experience for all of our community members and visitors.

  1. Age
    You are 20 years of age or older to join OCJ (or younger only with written parental permission). #
  2. Liability
    OCJ is a volunteer organization and event organizers are not professional guides. You alone are responsible for your own safety, possessions, and travel.
    OCJ does not have insurance to cover injury, death, loss or damage to property, or travel problems. It is recommended that you arrange your own insurance.
    You agree that Outdoor Club Japan (including event organizer and club management) is not liable for any cost of accident, injury, damage to property, or travel costs related to events. #
  3. Behaviour
    Consideration and polite behaviour is expected on events and on the website. Also communications with members by other means (electronically).
    If you are upset do not argue in public on events in public. Discuss problems with the person or the organizer quietly, away from the group.
    Do not post moral, religious or judgemental opinions using the website. If you would like to give your opinion to a member then please send a private email.
    The organizer is usually right! Please follow their advice.
    Do not try to take control of an event if you are not the organizer, or try to change the event plan or lead people along another route unless there is a situation of danger and you are more experienced than the organizer. Always discuss any changes with the organizer in private to find a solution first.
    You are also a volunteer - do not ask the organizer to check everything for you. You can help with planning and during the event.

    Behaviour that damages the reputation of the club will result in loss of membership. #
  4. OCJ is Non-Profit
    Events are cost price for everyone. There is a small daily fee (usually 500yen) for website and organizer costs. Sometimes special events have a higher fee - see the event post.
    Organizers cannot profit or be rewarded for using commercial tours for specialist events (like rafting). You cannot promote profit events (yours or others which you or an associate or a friend may benefit from).
    Details about car sharing costs are in the information section. #
  5. Solicitation
    You cannot use OCJ to solicit members to join other outdoor groups or events.
    You cannot disclose members' email addresses (without their permission) or misuse personal details obtained while being a member of OCJ. #
  6. Guest on Events
    Guests cannot join OCJ outdoor events - every person must register on the website to complete the safety agreement (terms and conditions). That means an OCJ account is valid for only 1 person (cannot be shared).

    At all other times, members who invite guests on events and organizers who allow them are breaking club rules and will lose their membership. Rejoining the club will require payment of a fine (paid by both). #
  7. Private (selective member) Outdoor Events
    We would prefer outdoor events to be sent to everyone in the club using website but members can organize private events with each other - up to six people in a group. Over this number is considered discrimination against general members - choosing only people they like. Do not use events, the club website, or message system to arrange private outdoor events.

    Why?
    What is the point of joining a club, only to find out that many events are private. You have to be invited to get on them? Are you suitable? We would like events between members to be public.

    We do not want 'private' groups, or mini clubs in OCJ. Private events of up to 6 members should be enough but if people want to make a bigger group for a special occasion they should inform the club management so there is no misunderstanding.

    In a poll, over 80% of club members voted against private group events. #
  8. Delete Your Own Private Data
    After events, you are responsible for removing your own personal contact details from event posts or chat (email address,phone number etc). If you ask the Administrator has to do it there will be a fee. #
  9. Compliance
    Failure to comply with OCJ rules will result in loss of membership and other actions necessary to protect the club. #