Blacklisting & Blackballing by Coalitions — Is It Legal Under Anti-Trust Laws?

Описание: Today on Black Dragon Biker TV, we’re tackling a topic that confuses a lot of newer clubs and quietly frustrates even seasoned ones:

Coalitions, blacklisting, the so-called “2-Year Rule,” and whether any of this crosses the line into illegal anti-trust behavior.

This is not rumor talk — this is protocol, history, and law.

🏍️ Why Can’t an MC Just Throw a Party Whenever It Wants?

Many new motorcycle clubs quickly run into resistance when they try to host an annual, party, or major event.

They hear things like:

“You haven’t earned it yet.”

“You need more time on the ground.”

“Coalition won’t support it.”

So where does that come from?

The ‘2-Year Rule’ Explained

The so-called 2-year rule isn’t a written law — it’s a common coalition practice, usually enforced by Confederations of Clubs (COCs) or regional coalitions.

Typical Expectations:

New clubs often start as Riding Clubs (RCs)

Spend 1–2 years supporting other clubs’ events

Pay entry fees

Show consistent presence

Build relationships

Obtain a sponsor club to vouch for them

The goal is simple:
Prove you’re not a pop-up club bringing drama or instability to the set.

⚖️ Why Do Coalitions Impose These Stipulations?

Coalitions exist to:

Prevent calendar overcrowding

Avoid territorial conflicts

Reduce rival escalation

Maintain order in regions with long histories and sensitivities

When clubs ignore those expectations, coalitions may respond with:

Blacklisting (agreeing not to attend or support a club’s events)

Blackballing (excluding a club from coalition membership)

Which leads to the big question…

️ Is This Illegal Under U.S. Anti-Trust Laws?
Short Answer: Almost certainly not.

U.S. anti-trust laws — like the Sherman Act (1890) and Clayton Act (1914) — are designed to stop commercial monopolies, price-fixing, and market manipulation.

Why MC Coalitions Usually Don’t Qualify:

MCs are social organizations, not businesses

Coalitions don’t set prices, restrict trade, or control markets

Boycotts here are cultural and voluntary, not economic

Courts have consistently ruled that non-commercial social boycotts do not violate anti-trust laws.

🧩 Is There Any Gray Area?

Possibly — but it’s narrow.

If a coalition:

Controlled all regional events

Used blacklisting to destroy legitimate businesses

Prevented charity fundraising for profit-based enterprises

Then maybe a challenge could exist.

But to date:
There are no known successful anti-trust cases against MC coalitions.

Should MC Protocol Change?

This is where opinions divide.

Supporters say:

The system protects tradition

It prevents chaos

It filters unserious clubs

Critics say:

It’s outdated gatekeeping

Social media changed recruitment forever

Some coalitions abuse authority

The truth?
Protocol has always evolved — but careless change destroys credibility.

🗣️ Today’s Discussion Questions

Is the 2-year rule fair or outdated?

Do coalitions protect the set — or control it?

Should new clubs have clearer paths instead of silent punishment?

Where is the line between tradition and stagnation?

Join the Conversation

Black Dragon, Lavish T. Williams, and Logic break it down without emotion, rumor, or fear — just experience, history, and facts.

Watch on:
Black Dragon Biker TV
Lavish T. Williams
Keep It Logical