Consent* I agree to the Ride Safety Policy
Ride Safety Policy
In the motorcycling community, there are various methods to manage a group ride (from pack management to signals). With the nature of our participants (from different clubs, to lone wolves; from highly experienced riders, to “nuggets”), we have witnessed most of those variants and styles. In past years, the differences and nuances of each group that rides with us has sometimes caused confusion.
To resolve this, we have adopted a standard that, we believe, is simplest and widest known. To you, it may not be the best way or your way. However, for the time that you ride with us, we ask that you adopt our methods.
If you feel there is a better way, please send us an email and we’ll address it at our next meeting of the Road Safety Team. If, on the ride, you feel it’s urgent for safety reasons, please see the Lead Bike or Lead Tail Gunner off to the side and away from the group.
Helmets (which meet the most recent DOT, ECE 22.05 or Snell standards) are mandatory to participate in TRB Events, except where exempted by the local Highway Traffic Act.
We are riding in staggered formation, not knuckle to knuckle. If you are in an MC and want to travel knuckle to knuckle you ride behind the Tail gunners.
If there is a gap in the pack, stay in the lane you are in. If the gap is in front of you speed up and fill the gap. If it is in the other lane do not merge into that lane, let them fill the gap. This reduces the chance of tagging tires.
If a vehicle (car truck whatever) is trying to merge, don’t try to stop them. If they come over anyway, you’ll lose. Make a hole let them in. They won’t want to stay in the middle of the bikes and will transition out. If they don’t, let the waist or tail gunners deal with it.
Bikes pulling trailers and trikes, like spiders, are at the rear of the pack in front of the Tail gunners. Travel in single file.
Spacing between bikes (Rule of Seconds) – You should be 2 seconds behind the bike directly in front of you and 1 second behind the bike diagonal to you. Pick an object at the side of the road. When the bike in front of you passes it, start to count till your front wheel passes that object. If you get to the proper time great, if not adjust your speed accordingly. Do not let more than an extra second develop between you and the bikes ahead. Cars see the gap and do try to wedge in..
Do not fixate on the bike in front of you. If you do you will slow down and then the accordion starts. Look around, enjoy the ride, be aware of the bikes around you but don't fixate on them. Ride like you do when you ride normally. Look after your safety and you look after everyone's safety.
There are many different skill levels of riders here. Some have been riding for decades, some months. Don't get pissed off if someone is intimidated about riding in a pack, some have NEVER done it. If you are intimidated about riding in a pack, feel free to ride in the back in front of the Tail gunners. They will not push you. They will ride with you and help you.
The Tail gunners are in the rear (Tail gunners raise your hands). If for any reason you have to pull over, do it by yourself. If you are adjusting gear and do not need assistance, put your thumb in the air until Tail gunners pass. If you do not put your thump in the air one of the Tail gunners will stop and try to help.
There are also Waist gunners (Waist gunners raise your hands). They are here to try and keep the group spaced right and block traffic in passing lanes if allowed.
When passing a vehicle on the right accelerate and get past, don’t try to pass on cruise control, others are waiting to go too. Do not cut the vehicle off (especially large transports). Give it at least a few seconds past them before you pull in front of them. Don’t decelerate after you complete the pass, those bikes behind you need in too. Once all bikes have passed, the Lead Bike will slow the group down.
If you need to break out of the pack for any reason do so. Please get the attention of the bike to your right (if you’re in the left tire track) so they know you are coming over. Once you leave the group, do not attempt to catch up and rejoin. You can meet up with us at one of the stops ahead. Also, please signal to the Tail Gunners with your thumb in the air, so they know you’re good and don't follow you. Also if you plan to tap out for the day before the end of the ride, please let the Lead Tail Gunner know at the stop before and position yourself to the back so it’s less impact to the group.
If there is an accident, Lead Tail gunner will take scene over. Witnesses also remain at the scene until police and EMS are on scene. Remainder of pack carries on. Lead Tail Gunner arrange witnesses’ bikes as a traffic guide. Remaining Tail gunners carry on, get pack to next stop or pull over with front of pack in safe place. Lead Tail gunner and lead bike will get in touch with each other and sort things out. When police at scene are done with all witnesses, lead Tail gunner will lead group to meet up with rest of pack.
Traffic/Intersection Control – Regardless of the presence of police officers or authorized traffic control personnel, the TRB Road Crew is still in charge of the command and control of the ride, with the Lead Bike having final say. When police traffic services are available, they will be responsible for blocking and control of intersections. Should police escorts not be present then the Road Crew takes over. Depending on the local Highway Traffic Act they may be allowed to provide us with limited blocking. However, they are not police escorts and must follow the laws like any other motorist.
If you see the officers take off with lights and sirens don't follow them, they are probably going to a scene.
Be aware of the location of the police escorts at all times, they may come up on you suddenly from behind or need to dart back in, to avoid oncoming traffic or obstacles – give them the room they need.
When we pass through an intersection, if officers controlling traffic take note of how many officers there are. When we move into single file the officers will be passing on the left. When the officers that were in the intersection pass, feel free to move back into two files, when safe, and roll on your throttle. If you wait for me to give the signal, the accordion will be huge.
If police officers are not present, the Lead Bike will do their best to keep the group together. Group Safety is paramount. Expect that the following may occur:
Lead Bike may stop the group before the traffic control light turns from green to yellow (if it can be safely done), when the amount of time left on the green is insufficient for the group to all make it through;
The pack may get split if the traffic control light turns red
Signals – When a signal is given, always make sure you pass it back. All will be demonstrated in the safety brief of each morning and on the stops for new riders that join in part way.
Single File: Single finger raised above the head (LEAD BIKE INITIATES THIS), Form Single File, when safe to do so.
Two Files: Two fingers held above the head. Move back to 2 Files when safe to do so.
Tighten up: Open hand palm up, finger splayed, closed slowly to a fist; repeats at least three times. This will be used by Tail gunners and Waist gunners. They will pull up beside you if there is a gap, get your attention and use this hand signal. DO NOT take offence, the accordion really sucks and is dangerous if cars decide to cut in.
Signal light left on: Arm down at 45°, open palm facing rearward; finger splayed, closed slowly to a fist; repeats at least three times. Offender owes ice cream or beverage to signaler who alerts them (only valid for that ride day until end of evening celebrations).
Obstacles in the road: If coming to an obstacle on the road, point with your feet not your hands. Keep your hands on your bars for control. If you are passing obstacles to the right, point with your left foot, if passing on the left, point with your right foot.
Left turn: Left arm Straight out perpendicular to the ground (demonstrate)
Right turn: Left arm Straight out perpendicular to the ground bent t elbow so forearm points straight up (demonstrate) (demonstrate)
Slow down Left arm Straight out perpendicular to the ground, palm down; motion toward ground until 45° down; repeat at least 3 times
U-Turn: Similar gesture as right turn but make a vertical circle in the air with your fist twice; then extend thumb and point rearward to indicate direction of travel (demonstrate)
Round-About Similar gesture as U-turn but make a vertical circle in the air with your fist twice; then extend number of fingers to match the desired exit. A knife-hand gesture may follow to indicate direction of travel (demonstrate) (demonstrate)
Leaving the Group (demonstrate)
Break Down: make a fist and tap top of helmet 3 times.
Tapping Out: with a flat palm, facing down, tap top of helmet 3 times.
Waving is highly encouraged. Please, use ALL of your fingers not just “the one”. We are trying to portray a good image and are riding for a cause. Alienating or making others angry does not serve us.
Consent* I agree to the Code of Conduct.
TRB PTSD Foundation Code of Conduct – Events
Since 2017, The Rolling Barrage (TRB) maintains a mission to help serving and retired members of Canada’s Military, First Responders, Emergency Healthcare Providers, and the Safety Community who live with the effects of an Operational Stress Injury, including PTSD, from their service to Canada.
TRB PTSD Foundation is not a politically motivated organization. Our ride is a pilgrimage that creates new friendships and changes lives, it allows riders to enjoy the beauty that is Canada, and finds new ways to deal with mental health issues. Apart from being a fundraiser, TRB is rolling therapy, bonding of like-minded people, resilience support for those mentally injured, and has many remembrance ceremonies for those who succumbed through their service.
We believe that respect is a two-way street, established through mutual support; in the Rights and Freedoms of all Canadians, including their entitlement to support the causes that fit their values; and that behaviours which offend those around us or adversely affect the local populace have no place at our events.
We welcome all law abiding and respectful Canadians to come out and support The Rolling Barrage as it makes its way across Canada this August. All persons participating in our annual pilgrimage must read, understand, and abide by the following Code of Conduct in its entirety. It is subject to change without notice. Your event registration is your certification that you understand and will abide by it. Violation of this Code of Conduct may result in your immediate removal from TRB events without refund.
1. OBJECTIVE
1.1. This policy shall establish minimum standards of ethical behaviour expected by The Rolling Barrage Event – herein, identified as TRB event(s).
2. FIELD OF APPLICATION
2.1. This policy shall apply to the following participants in TRB event activities:
2.1.1. TRB PTSD Foundation Board of Directors
2.1.2. TRB PTSD Foundation Chief Officers (CEO, COO, CFO, CAO, & CMO);
2.1.3. TRB events organization committee members;
2.1.4. TRB event staff, contractors, organizers and volunteers;
2.1.5. Road Safety Team members;
2.1.6. Riders participating in TRB events;
2.1.7. Participants in TRB events that are not motorcycle rides;
2.1.8. Team Organizers for TRB events;
2.1.9. Sponsors, their employees, agents and contractors when in attendance at TRB events;
2.1.10. Family members of any of the aforementioned, when in attendance at TRB events; and
2.1.11. People and organizing posting to social media with respect to TRB PTSD Foundation, its events, its Participants, its sponsors or its assets collectively referred to herein as “Participants”.
3. DEFINITIONS
3.1. Code of Conduct - a set of rules outlining the responsibilities of or proper practices for an organization and people affiliated with that organization.
3.2. TRB events include the following:
3.2.1. Motorcycle rides organized by TRB events’ organizing committee;
3.2.2. Celebrations (opening night, evening stops, grand finale, etc);
3.2.3. Organized meal services (evening suppers, lunch & snack stops, etc);
3.2.4. Rest stops as a full group or packet;
3.2.5. Museum visits, public or private tours;
3.2.6. Any event involving a memorial/commemorative service; and
3.2.7. Any public event that is associated with, and authorized by, TRB events, however organized and in any location.
3.3. Social Media - any form of any person or organization’s public journal, personal website, social networking site or application, and/or chat room or application.
4. PRINCIPLES
4.1. TRB PTSD Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the military, first responder, emergency healthcare, and safety communities across Canada. Its TRB pilgrimages across Canada raise funds for those who are mentally injured in the line of duty and to raise awareness of mental health and other challenges faced by Canada's guardians.
4.2. TRB events is at the forefront of the professions of arms and emergency service in Canada, and the activities of the organization, as well as its participants, reflect back on those professions.
4.3. The behaviours and values required to succeed in completing a TRB motorcycling event are the same that characterize our professions: discipline, teamwork, pursuit of excellence, integrity and respect. Professionally, we strive to promote a healthy lifestyle; the Participants in TRB events do so as well.
4.4. Participants in TRB events are expected to:
4.4.1. Uphold these values when participating in governance of the organization, organizing TRB events and participating in TRB events;
4.4.2. Be exemplary role models for other participants, supporters, and members of the public;
4.4.3. Promote a positive image and advance the public perception of the service-persons who live with PTSD as a result of their service to Canada and her communities;
4.4.4. NOT engage in any political display or demonstration, nor attempt to use or infer TRB’s involvement is such activities; and
4.4.5. Do nothing, in or out of our groups, on or off the bike, at TRB events or otherwise that would bring TRB PTSD Foundation, the TRB events, our organizers, other participants, or our supporters into disrepute.
5. MUTUAL RESPECT
5.1. Participants in TRB events shall:
5.1.1. Remember at all times that they represent TRB PTSD Foundation and TRB events;
5.1.2. Demonstrate, through words and actions, teamwork, leadership, professionalism and ethical conduct;
5.1.3. Treat others with respect and refrain from negative or disparaging remarks or comments including the use of profane, insulting or otherwise offensive conduct or language;
5.1.4. Cooperate with other participants, demonstrate mutual respect and avoid criticism of each other by any means (including without limitation email, social media and traditional media and conversations);
5.1.5. Always demonstrate respect for Fallen members, sponsors, board members, committee members, organizers and volunteer, or TRB participants and supporters (this includes when announcement, safety briefings, dedications, or memorial services are being given);
5.1.6. Not criticize or disparage any Fallen member, sponsor, board member, committee member, organizer, volunteer, or TRB participants and supporters by any means (including without limitation email, social media or traditional media);
5.1.7. Know the identity of TRB events’ sponsors, be supportive of their role as sponsors and refrain from displaying support for sponsors’ competitors when involved in TRB events;
5.1.8. Follow any rules put in place by the Organizing Committee for a TRB Event with respect to participation. Examples of such rules include, without limitation:
5.1.8.1. Scheduling of events;
5.1.8.2. Following a prescribed route;
5.1.8.3. Checking in with organizers at check points;
5.1.8.4. Assignment to rider groups;
5.1.8.5. Wearing of participant numbers or other identification;
5.1.8.6. Refraining from continuing to participate in an event for a period of time or for the remainder of an event.
5.2. Adhere to all Canadian, provincial and municipal laws that apply to the location where a TRB events Event is being held.
5.3. When participating at TRB Events their status as guests at all locations used for the events, be respectful of local traditions for those locations, take proper care of any property entrusted in their care, and express the proper gratitude to people who are not Participants, but who have shown their hospitality and support for TRB events;
5.4. Be respectful of the fact that TRB events take place upon the traditional territories of Canada’s First Nations People, Metis and Inuit peoples; and
5.5. Refrain from the use of power or authority in an attempt to coerce another person to engage in inappropriate activities.
6. ABUSE, HARASSMENT, AND DISCRIMINATION
6.1. Participants in TRB events shall:
6.1.1. Maintain and enhance the dignity and self-esteem of other Participants and other people by demonstrating respect to people regardless of body type, physical characteristics, athletic ability, gender, ancestry, color, ethnic or racial origin, nationality, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, religious belief, political belief, disability or economic status;
6.1.2. Refrain from any form of abuse, harassment, sexual harassment or discrimination towards others:
6.1.2.1. Abuse:
6.1.2.1.1. May be physical, sexual, emotional or financial;
6.1.2.1.2. Is any intentional infliction of non-trivial harm on another person; and
6.1.2.1.3. In addition to the forgoing, it’s also a misuse of power which uses the bonds of intimacy, trust and dependency to make the victim vulnerable.
6.1.2.2. Harassment is any comment or conduct, directed towards an individual or group of individuals, which is insulting, intimidating, humiliating, malicious, degrading or offensive.
6.1.2.3. Sexual Harassment is unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favours or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Examples of Sexual Harassment include, but are not limited to:
6.1.2.3.1. Sexist jokes;
6.1.2.3.2. Display of sexually offensive material;
6.1.2.3.3. Sexually degrading words used to describe a person;
6.1.2.3.4. Inquiries or comments about a person’s sex life;
6.1.2.3.5. Unwelcome sexual flirtations, advances, propositions, requests or invitations;
6.1.2.3.6. Persistent unwanted contact; and
6.1.2.3.7. Sexual assault.
6.1.2.4. Discrimination is an action or a decision that treats a person or a group negatively for reasons such as their gender, gender identity, ancestry, color, ethnic or racial origin, nationality, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, religious belief, political belief, disability or economic status.
6.2. Participants in TRB events shall act, when appropriate, to prevent or correct practices that are abusive, harassing or sexually harassing or discriminatory.
6.3. Without limiting the obligations set out above, Participants shall NOT:
6.3.1. Engage in written or verbal abuse, threats or outbursts;
6.3.2. Display visual material which are offensive or which the Participant ought to know is offensive in the circumstances;
6.3.3. Make unwelcome remarks, jokes, comments, innuendos or taunts;
6.3.4. Engage in leering or other suggestive or obscene gestures;
6.3.5. Engage in condescending or patronizing behavior which is intended to undermine self-esteem, or diminish enjoyment of participation TRB events;
6.3.6. Make practical jokes which cause awkwardness or embarrassment, endanger a person’s safety or negatively affect enjoyment of participation in TRB events;
6.3.7. Engage in any form of hazing;
6.3.8. Engage in unwanted physical contact including, but not limited to, touching, petting, pinching or kissing;
6.3.9. Commit physical or sexual assault;
6.3.10. Engage in behaviors such as those described above that are not directed towards a specific individual or group but have the same effect of creating a negative or hostile environment; and
6.3.11. Retaliate or threaten to retaliate against any person(s) who reports a violation of this Code of Conduct to TRB PTSD Foundation committee, staff or organizers.
7. EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING
7.1. Participants in TRB events shall:
7.1.1. Respect TRB equipment and property and return it in proper condition, when borrowed or used;
7.1.2. Always wear a helmet (which meets the most recent DOT, ECE 22.05 or Snell standards) whenever riding a motorcycle at a TRB event – except where exempted by the local Highway Traffic Act;
7.1.3. Dress appropriately at all times. TRB recommends wearing appropriate footwear, motorcycling safety attire and weather protection when riding a motorcycle to prevent injuries from road debris, weather, or accidents;
7.1.4. Be welcome to wear the motorcycle vest and display the paraphernalia (patches, pins, decals, flags, and clothing) of their choice, so long as they do NOT:
7.1.4.1. Represent or support any criminal organization;
7.1.4.2. Represent or support any 1% Motorcycle Club or their affiliates;
7.1.4.3. Offend any participant, supporter, or members of the general public; or
7.1.4.4. Undermine or bring discredit to TRB PTSD Foundation or its events (as so deemed by TRB PTSD Foundation, committees, staff, or organizers);
7.1.5. Ensure that their motorcycle/vehicle is in proper repair and otherwise is safe to be operated (including tow-behind trailers);
7.1.6. Operate their motorcycle or vehicle in a manner that is safe and within the Participant’s skill level;
7.1.7. NOT participate in TRB events or using equipment that is outside of the Participants skill level or prior experience;
7.1.8. NOT use Emergency Service equipment or vehicles without the written permission of the owner of that equipment or vehicle. Where permitted to use such equipment of vehicles, Participants shall not do so in a way that is not approved by the Emergency Service.
7.2. Replica Emergency Vehicles shall NOT, at any time:
7.2.1. Operate as true emergency vehicles;
7.2.2. Attempt to restrict/control traffic; or
7.2.3. Operate any emergency lights or sirens (except at an evening celebration, when TRB staff have received authorization by the jurisdictional law enforcement officers present, to do so).
8. INTOXICATING SUBSTANCES
8.1. TRB PTSD Foundation has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy, with respect to intoxicating substances. Our priorities shall always be the safety of our hundreds of participants and to safeguard our insurance/liabilities.
8.2. In all cases, decisions shall be:
8.2.1. At the discretion of TRB PTSD Foundation, committees, staff, or organizers;
8.2.2. To err on the side of safety; and
8.2.3. The final say in these matters.
8.3. Participants in all TRB events shall:
8.3.1. Avoid and reject the use or consumption of any illegal products while participating in a TRB Event, where illegal is defined as prohibited by the laws of Canada;
8.3.2. NOT directly participate in TRB events while under the influence of intoxicating substances; and
8.3.3. NOT consume any intoxicating substance (regardless if prescribed by a physician or not) during the ride, stops, meals, or breaks, if they are operating a motorcycle, other motor vehicle, or their consumption could affect the safe operation of a motorcycle or other vehicle.
8.4. Anyone consuming any intoxicants or appearing to be under the influence, during the day’s events:
8.4.1. Shall be removed from that day’s ride and asked to:
8.4.1.1. Remain where they are; or
8.4.1.2. If they can find alternate means, make their own way safely to the final stop for that day;
8.4.2. May rejoin the next day, so long as they can prove they are no longer affected; and
8.4.3. May be ejected entirely from the TRB events without refund (depending on the severity or repetition of the incident and the participant’s attitude).
9. SHARING OF INFORMATION
9.1. Participants in TRB Events shall:
9.1.1. Fully respect and safeguard the privacy and personal information of others;
9.1.2. Fully and accurately complete registration and other forms required TRB event organizers for participation in our events;
9.1.3. Be open and honest with TRB event organizers, volunteers, medical support staff, or any on-duty first responders assisting us, regarding medical problems;
9.1.4. Respect decisions by TRB event organizers, medical support staff, or first responders, regarding continued participation in TRB events (taking into consideration the Participant’s health)
9.1.5. Report any health or fitness problems in a timely fashion where such problems may limit the ability to participate in a TRB Event;
9.1.6. Report violations of this Code of Conduct to TRB PTSD Foundation, committees, staff, or organizers for violations specific to their event:
9.1.6.1. Reports shall be made as soon as practical, no later than 14 days of the violation; and
9.1.6.2. Where possible, such reports should be in writing.
10. MEDICAL CARE AND FIRST AID
10.1. TRB PTSD Foundation, committees, staff, or organizers may or may not be trained as medical professionals or first aiders.
10.2. Participants in TRB events shall:
10.2.1. Have NO expectation of on-site or on-scene medical care;
10.2.2. Call 9-1-1 or seek medical attention from an Emergency Room or Urgent Care Clinic;
10.3. Anyone who renders assistance to participants that are injured or ill, during TRB events, MUST do so in accordance with the following provisions:
10.3.1. NOT perform any Delegated Medical Act, as defined by the provincial legislation of the province where the TRB event takes place, unless specifically authorized by a physician, Base Hospital or Provincial College or Provincial Licencing Board to perform such an act at a TRB event;
10.3.2. Where a Participant becomes injured or ill and requires medical assistance by way of a Delegated Medical Act, request such assistance immediately in the manner most efficient for obtaining that assistance – NOTIFY TRB EVENT ORGANIZERS IMMEDIATELY.
10.3.3. Otherwise, render First Aid within the scope of your training and ability ONLY.
11. DISCIPLINE
11.1. A Participant’s failure to achieve or maintain an expected standard of behavior, as set out above, may be considered an infraction and may result in the imposition of disciplinary measures in accordance with this policy.
11.2. Disciplinary action may include, without limitation and in any combination of a:
11.2.1. Demand for oral or written apology;
11.2.2. Reparations for damage caused;
11.2.3. Suspension without refund, from that or the next day’s TRB events;
11.2.4. Suspension without refund, from the remainder of TRB events
11.2.5. Suspension from other involvement with TRB PTSD Foundation;
11.2.6. Permanent ban for participation in TRB events or any further involvement with TRB PTSD Foundation; and
11.2.7. Removal from an organizing committee, as Executive Officer; or from the Board of Directors.
11.3. Any Participant may report an infraction of this Policy to any member of the TRB PTSD Foundation, committees, staff, or organizers as soon as practical (no later than within 14 days of the alleged infraction). If time sensitive, such a report may be verbal, however a report in writing must be submitted the next morning.
11.4. In all cases to decide the appropriate action, the rules of procedural fairness must be respected. Thus, the person affected must know the allegations against him or her and must be given a chance to respond to the allegations. For reasons of safety or the dynamic of the event, the decision may be swift and have to be revisited at a later time.
11.5. Minimum decision authority for disciplinary actions against any team member (consistent with the provisions of this policy) are as follows:
11.5.1. Lead Bike, with consult of two Chief Officers (CEO, COO, CFO, CAO, or CMO) – sub-para’s 11.2.1, 11.2.2, 11.2.3, 11.2.4;
11.5.2. Committee of Chief Officers (CEO, COO, CFO, CAO, or CMO) – sub-para’s 11.2.5, or 11.2.6, pending an investigation, a hearing, and a disciplinary decision; and
11.5.3. Committee as stipulated by the Board of Directors – sub-para 11.2.7, pending an investigation, a hearing and a disciplinary decision.
11.6. The Participant may appeal (in writing) all discipline decisions made by committees or Lead Bike, to the Board of Directors:
11.6.1. Within 30 days of receipt of the decision; whereby
11.6.2. The Board will:
11.6.2.1. Review the original decision and evidence;
11.6.2.2. May conduct an additional investigation or seek new evidence;
11.6.2.3. Render a final decision, which may be greater/lesser than or overturn the original; and
11.6.3. All decisions of TRB PTSD Foundation Board of Directors are final.
12. NON-PARTICIPANTS
12.1. No person, who is not a Participant in a TRB events, shall hold themselves out as being affiliated with TRB events.
12.2. TRB PTSD Foundation, committees, staff, or organizers may take such action as it deems necessary to make it clear to the public that a person is not affiliated with TRB events and to enforce its legal rights against any person who conducts him or herself in a manner that is not approved by TRB events or its policies and procedures.