Code, Rules & Regulations

Faith & Moral Development The Federation recognizes Christian faith and moral development as important foundations for personal character, responsibility, service, and the betterment of the community.

Patriotism & Love of Country Members are encouraged to develop a strong appreciation for the United States, its history, its people, its communities, and the responsibilities associated with citizenship.

Unity & Fellowship The Federation seeks to bring men and women together through shared principles, mutual respect, fellowship, cooperation, and a common commitment to the Federation’s mission.

Integrity & Honesty Members are expected to conduct themselves with honesty, integrity, accountability, and good character.

Personal Responsibility Members are encouraged to take responsibility for their decisions, actions, obligations, personal development, and contributions to their families and communities.

Discipline & Self-Improvement The Federation encourages members to pursue continual improvement in their character, education, skills, physical well-being, financial responsibility, and leadership abilities.

Service to Others Members are encouraged to assist one another and contribute positively to their communities through service, volunteerism, mentorship, and acts of goodwill.

Respect & Dignity Every member is expected to treat fellow members and others with basic dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Family & Community The Federation recognizes the importance of strong families, healthy communities, responsible relationships, and mutual support.

Responsibility The Federation encourages members to take responsibility for their choices, actions, obligations, relationships, and contributions to their families, communities, and the Federation. Members are expected to understand that their decisions can affect both themselves and those around them.

Leadership & Accountability Leadership within the Federation is a responsibility rather than merely a position of authority. Leaders are expected to act with integrity and remain accountable to the Federation and its members.

Preservation of Federation Traditions The Federation shall work to preserve its founding principles, traditions, symbols, history, and organizational identity while allowing the organization to grow and develop over time.

Respect for Others Members shall treat fellow members, leaders, guests, and members of the public with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Integrity Members shall act honestly and in good faith when dealing with the Federation, its members, affiliated businesses, and the public.

Personal Responsibility Members are responsible for their own words, decisions, actions, obligations, and conduct.

Respect for Federation Rules Members are expected to understand and follow the Federation’s Rules & Regulations, as well as any applicable rules established by their affiliated group, chapter, business, or division.

Protection of the Federation’s Reputation Members representing the American Federation are expected to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid knowingly engaging in conduct that could seriously damage the Federation’s reputation.

Cooperation & Fellowship Members should work cooperatively with one another and contribute to an environment of unity, fellowship, mutual support, and constructive communication.

Conflict Resolution Members are encouraged to resolve disagreements respectfully and through proper Federation procedures rather than through threats, harassment, intimidation, or violence.

Prohibited Conduct Members shall not engage in violence, threats, harassment, intimidation, fraud, theft, or other unlawful conduct in connection with Federation activities.

Representation of the Federation Members shall not claim to speak officially on behalf of the American Federation, its leadership, or its affiliated entities unless they have been authorized to do so.

Protection of Federation Property Members shall respect and properly care for Federation property, equipment, documents, funds, intellectual property, trademarks, logos, and other organizational resources.

Confidentiality & Trust Members who receive confidential Federation information through their position or responsibilities shall protect that information and shall not misuse or improperly disclose it.

Accountability Members are expected to accept responsibility when they violate Federation rules and to cooperate with reasonable investigations or disciplinary procedures.

Conduct at Federation Events Members attending Federation-sponsored events, meetings, programs, or activities shall follow applicable event rules and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with Federation standards.

Conduct Online & on Social Media Members representing themselves as members of the American Federation online are expected to exercise good judgment and avoid falsely representing Federation positions, leadership, or official statements.

Eligibility for Membership Membership in the American Federation shall be open to individuals who meet the Federation’s established membership requirements and agree to abide by its principles, rules, and regulations.

Membership Application Individuals seeking membership must complete the official membership application and registration process established by the American Federation.

Official Membership An individual becomes an official member only after completing the required registration process through the official American Federation website and receiving confirmation of membership from the Federation.

Agreement to Federation Standards By becoming a member, an individual acknowledges the Federation’s principles, values, Rules & Regulations, and applicable policies and agrees to conduct themselves accordingly.

Member Rights Official members shall have the rights and privileges associated with their membership level, subject to the Federation’s Rules & Regulations and any applicable requirements.

Member Responsibilities Members are responsible for understanding and following the Federation’s Rules & Regulations and for fulfilling any responsibilities associated with their membership, group, position, or affiliation.

Membership Information Members shall provide accurate information during the membership application and registration process and should keep required membership information current.

Membership Levels & Categories The Federation may establish different membership levels, categories, or classifications for individuals, groups, businesses, organizations, or other affiliated entities.

Voluntary Membership Membership in the American Federation is voluntary. Members may leave the Federation according to the established resignation process.

Changes to Membership The Federation may establish procedures governing changes to membership status, including transfers between membership categories, suspension, resignation, or termination.

Membership Benefits The Federation may provide members with benefits, services, programs, educational opportunities, events, resources, discounts, or other privileges as determined by the Federation.

Membership Representation Members may identify themselves as members of the American Federation but may not represent themselves as an official spokesperson, officer, representative, or authorized agent of the Federation unless specifically authorized to do so.

Federation Leadership The Federation may establish officers, directors, administrators, committees, departments, or other leadership positions as necessary to operate and develop the organization.

Authority of Leadership Federation leadership shall have the authority necessary to administer the Federation and carry out its stated mission, subject to these Rules & Regulations and applicable law.

Leadership Responsibilities Federation leaders are responsible for acting in the best interests of the Federation, maintaining organizational order, protecting Federation resources, and upholding the principles and standards established by the Federation.

Accountability of Leaders Holding a leadership position does not place an individual above the Federation’s Rules & Regulations. Leaders are expected to follow the same fundamental standards of conduct required of members.

Appointment & Removal of Leaders The Federation shall establish procedures for the appointment, election, replacement, suspension, or removal of individuals serving in leadership positions.

Delegation of Authority Federation leadership may delegate specific responsibilities or authority to qualified members, officers, committees, groups, or affiliated entities when appropriate.

Federation Groups & Chapters The Federation may establish or recognize groups, chapters, divisions, departments, or other organizational units. These entities shall operate consistently with the Federation’s governing principles and Rules & Regulations.

Authority Over Affiliated Entities Businesses, organizations, groups, and other entities officially affiliated with the Federation shall maintain their own operational responsibilities while remaining subject to applicable Federation standards and regulations.

Use of Federation Authority No individual, group, business, or affiliated entity may claim authority to speak or act officially on behalf of the American Federation unless that authority has been granted by the appropriate Federation leadership.

Protection of Federation Interests Federation leadership shall have a responsibility to protect the Federation’s name, reputation, property, resources, intellectual property, membership, and organizational interests.

Leadership Succession The Federation shall maintain procedures for transferring leadership responsibilities when an officer or leader resigns, is removed, becomes unable to serve, or otherwise leaves their position.

Leadership Development The Federation may establish educational programs, training, mentorship, or other opportunities to prepare members for future leadership responsibilities.

Affiliated Entities The American Federation may establish, own, operate, sponsor, recognize, or become affiliated with businesses, organizations, groups, chapters, divisions, programs, and other entities that support or further the Federation’s mission.

Current Affiliated Entities All businesses, groups, organizations, and other entities currently recognized as affiliated with the American Federation shall be subject to applicable Federation Rules & Regulations.

Future Affiliates Additional businesses, groups, organizations, and other entities may become affiliated with the American Federation in the future according to procedures established by the Federation.

Independence of Affiliated Entities Unless otherwise established by the Federation, affiliated businesses and organizations may maintain their own management, operations, finances, branding, and internal policies while remaining subject to applicable Federation requirements.

Federation Standards Affiliated entities shall conduct their activities in a manner consistent with applicable Federation principles, standards, and Rules & Regulations.

Use of the Federation Name & Identity Affiliated entities may use the American Federation name, logos, symbols, trademarks, or other identifying materials only in accordance with authorization and policies established by the Federation.

Representation An affiliated entity shall not make statements or commitments on behalf of the American Federation unless authorized to do so.

Responsibilities of Affiliates Affiliated entities are expected to maintain responsible business and organizational practices and to protect the reputation, resources, and interests of the American Federation.

Separate Rules & Policies An affiliated entity may establish additional rules and policies governing its own operations, provided those rules do not conflict with the governing principles or Rules & Regulations of the American Federation.

Termination of Affiliation The American Federation may establish procedures for ending or suspending an entity’s affiliation when necessary, subject to applicable agreements and law.

Official Federation Activities Federation activities may include meetings, gatherings, educational programs, training, ceremonies, community service, charitable activities, recreational activities, conferences, workshops, and other events approved by the Federation.

Participation Members are encouraged to participate in Federation activities and contribute positively to the success of events and programs.

Event Standards All official Federation events shall be conducted in accordance with applicable Federation principles, Rules & Regulations, and any specific rules established for the event.

Respectful Conduct Members and guests attending Federation events are expected to conduct themselves respectfully and responsibly and to follow reasonable instructions from event organizers or authorized Federation representatives.

Safety & Security The Federation may establish safety and security requirements for events and may take reasonable measures to protect members, guests, property, and participants.

Guests & Non-Members The Federation may permit non-members to attend or participate in designated events. Guests may be required to follow applicable Federation event standards while participating.

Event-Specific Rules Organizers may establish additional rules for individual events when necessary due to the nature, location, purpose, or circumstances of the event.

Federation Representation Members attending official events are expected to remember that their conduct may reflect upon the American Federation and should act accordingly.

Property & Facilities Members and guests shall respect venues, equipment, vehicles, materials, and other property used during Federation activities.

Removal From Events Authorized Federation representatives may require an individual to leave an event when their conduct presents a safety concern, substantially disrupts the event, or violates applicable Federation or event rules.

Documentation & Promotion The Federation may document, photograph, record, or promote official events and activities in accordance with applicable laws and established policies.

Expansion of Activities As the Federation grows, additional programs, events, traditions, and activities may be established to support its mission and serve its members and affiliated communities.

Responsibility for Compliance All official members and applicable affiliated entities are responsible for understanding and following the Federation’s Rules & Regulations.

Reporting Violations Members may report suspected violations of Federation rules through procedures established by the Federation.

Review of Allegations Reported violations may be reviewed by authorized Federation leadership or designated representatives to determine whether further action is appropriate.

Fair Process Individuals accused of violating Federation rules should be given an appropriate opportunity to understand the allegation and provide relevant information or an explanation before significant disciplinary action is taken, except when immediate action is reasonably necessary to protect members, the Federation, or its property.

Corrective Action Depending on the nature and seriousness of a violation, the Federation may use corrective measures intended to address the conduct and prevent future violations.

Disciplinary Measures Disciplinary measures may include:

• Verbal or written warnings
• Required corrective action
• Temporary restriction of privileges
• Suspension of membership
• Removal from a Federation position
• Termination of membership
• Suspension or termination of an affiliated entity’s relationship with the Federation

Serious Violations Serious violations, including violence, threats, fraud, theft, serious misconduct, or conduct that presents a significant risk to the Federation or its members, may result in immediate suspension or other appropriate action.

Consistency & Proportionality Disciplinary action should take into consideration the nature of the violation, its seriousness, relevant circumstances, and whether there is a history of similar violations.

Appeals The Federation may establish an appeals process allowing members or affiliated entities to request review of certain disciplinary decisions.

Restoration & Reinstatement The Federation may establish procedures through which suspended or terminated members may seek reinstatement when appropriate.

Records The Federation may maintain appropriate records concerning disciplinary matters in accordance with its policies and applicable law.

No Retaliation Members should not be subjected to retaliation for making a good-faith report of a suspected violation or participating honestly in an authorized review.

Authority to Propose Amendments Amendments, additions, or revisions to the Rules & Regulations may only be proposed by the Founder and CEO of the American Federation, or by a group, committee, council, or other authorized body that includes the Founder and CEO as a participating member.

Review of Proposed Changes Proposed amendments may be reviewed to determine their consistency with the Federation’s principles, organizational structure, mission, and applicable law.

Approval of Amendments No amendment, addition, or revision shall become an official part of the American Federation Rules & Regulations unless it receives the approval of the Founder and CEO, or is approved through a process specifically authorized by the Founder and CEO.

Notification of Changes The Federation shall make reasonable efforts to notify affected members and affiliated entities of significant changes to the Rules & Regulations.

Effective Date Each approved amendment shall identify when the change becomes effective.

Superseding Provisions When a new amendment conflicts with an existing provision, the newly approved provision shall supersede the previous provision to the extent of the conflict.

Record of Amendments The Federation shall maintain an official record of amendments and revisions to the Rules & Regulations.

Periodic Review The Federation may periodically review its Rules & Regulations to ensure that they continue to serve the Federation’s mission, members, and affiliated entities.

Temporary Rules When circumstances require an immediate organizational response, the Federation may establish temporary rules or policies, subject to any limitations and approval procedures established by the Federation.

Federation Name The name American Federation is an official identifier of the organization and shall be used only in accordance with authorization and applicable Federation policies.

Logos & Symbols Official Federation logos, emblems, symbols, designs, insignia, and other identifying marks may only be used in accordance with standards established by the Federation.

Official Materials Documents, manuals, publications, training materials, websites, digital content, promotional materials, and other resources created specifically for the Federation may be considered Federation property or intellectual property, subject to applicable ownership agreements and law.

Protection of Federation Assets Members and affiliated entities shall not knowingly misuse, damage, steal, sell, transfer, or otherwise improperly dispose of Federation property or assets.

Unauthorized Representation No individual or affiliated entity may use Federation names, logos, symbols, or materials in a manner that falsely suggests official authorization, endorsement, partnership, or representation.

Commercial Use Commercial use of Federation intellectual property, branding, or other protected materials may require authorization from the Federation.

Digital Properties Federation websites, social media accounts, digital platforms, domain names, databases, and other official digital properties shall be maintained and controlled according to policies established by the Federation.

Return of Federation Property Members or affiliated entities may be required to return Federation property, documents, equipment, credentials, or other assets when their membership, position, or affiliation ends.

Protection of Confidential Materials Members and affiliated entities shall not improperly disclose or distribute confidential Federation materials or information entrusted to them.

Future Federation Assets As the Federation develops, additional intellectual property, trademarks, publications, products, services, digital properties, and other organizational assets may be recognized and protected under this section.