Proposed Shotgun Rules 2008 Rev1.0

The last official release of the Shotgun Rules for The Glorious Collective (UK Regulatory Body) were published roughly this time last year. The shotgunning landscape has changed significantly over the past twelve months, and so the rules must be adjusted accordingly. With the recent introduction of the Webingnet, we can now disseminate documents to the wider populace; indeed, beyond Buckinghamshire. Should these updated rules be passed by the Opulent Council of the Denham Roundabout, they will come into affect as of 30th March 2008 0000GMT.

(The following is based on the myriad rules of Shotgun on the internet from a few years back, re-written and amended over time with a vague hint of grammar and the addition of appropriate Collective bylaws).

Please take note of rules 1.1 and 2.4.

1. VALID CALLS (IMPLICIT, EXPLICIT AND TACIT)
1.1. Both the the Shotgunner and Driver must be in clear sight of the car.
1.2. If you are the first to be picked up on a journey, you are automatically given shotgun until you violate the other shotgun laws and thus, forfeit your position.
1.3. The driver must clearly hear the Shotgun call.

2. INVALID CALLS
2.1. You cannot declare shotgun if someone has previously declared shotgun for that journey.
2.2. Shotgun cannot be called whilst inside a building (unless the caller(s) and driver are in a multi storey or underground car park)
2.3. Shotgun cannot be called in advance, only whilst on the way to the car for the journey.
2.4. The PENALTY for invalid calling is the forfeiting of all and any shotgun rights for the journey. Repeat offenders may be banned for longer periods at the Driver's discression.
2.5. Any caller who successfully gains Shotgun must not move away from the car. Moving away from the car after receiving Shotgun is classed as an INVALID CALL.
2.6. If Shotgun has already been called: If the driver gets in and reaches over to unlock the shotgun door and the chosen Shotgun opens it before its actually unlocked..(this happens when the driver is still trying to unlock it and person pulls on handle) they have to give up there rights as Shotgun, having just comited Shotgun suicide.

3. BOUNDARY-CASE CALLS AND CALLS OF CONTENTION
3.1. When simultaneous shotgun is called:
3.1.a. If ALL the callers are more than one car length from the vehicle, there is then a foot race to the passenger side door from the all the people who called.
3.1.b. IF ANY or NONE of the callers are within a car-length from the vehicle, an adudicated round (or three rounds) of Paper/Scisors/Stone will be held.
3.2. In the occurrence of more than one pirate then a sword fight shall determine the successful Shotgunner.

4. ALLOCATION OF THE REMAINING SEATS
4.1. Once shotgun has been called, then back left and back right can be called, thus leaving the fifth person who is travelling in the middle (or the "bitch" seat)
4.2. (Collective Corrigenda) The LAST person to call "I aint' no bitch" has to sit in the bitch seat if no other seat is available.
4.3. The claim/disclaim of the remaining seats can ONLY be made after a Shotgun call has been made. (The Shotgun does not have to be confirmed.)
4.3.a. Failure to adhere to this rule will be classed as an INVALID CALL. The caller forfeits any claims to a specific requested/unwanted seat.

5. SPECIFIC EXCEPTIONS (MOST IMPORTANT FIRST)
5.1. In the instance that the normal driver of a vehicle is drunk or otherwise unable to perform their duties as driver, then he/she is automatically given Shotgun.
5.2. The Pirate Rule - If One of the potential occupants of the vehicle is dressed (convincingly) as a pirate then they are given automatic shotgun. [Refer to rule 3.2.]
5.3. Automatic "Couple's Rights act 1997". If the driver is the boyfriend/girlfriend of a passenger in the car, the said passenger has the right to the seat of their choice.

6. DRIVER AUTHORITY AND ROLE
6.1. All decisions by the Driver are final. Anyone who disagrees with his/her decision has committed an INVALID CALL.
6.2. The Driver can choose (at their disgression) a "Designated Drunk", who will accept all offers of alcohol (toasts, free drinks etc) that the driver receives and cannot accept.
6.3. The Driver has ultimate control of radio/cd player/etc. and cabin temperature. However, the Driver can delegate control to the Shotgun.

7. SHOTGUN AUTHORITY AND ROLE
7.1. All navigational functions required by the driver must be performed by the Shotgunner.
7.2. The Shotgunner must shout "TETSUO!!!" to the Driver's call of "AKIRA!!!".
7.3. The Shotgunner must graciously accept control of radio/cd player/etc and/or control of cabin temperature.
7.3.a. The Shotgunner must graciously relinquish control of the above, at the driver's request.
7.3.b. If the Shotgun plays (or allows to play by tacit acceptance) any song by Take That, the Shotgunner will be automatically demoted to the Bitch seat.
7.4. The Shotgunner is expected to control unruly behaviour by passengers in the rear.
7.5. Holding Shotgun position gives no right whatsoever to correct the driver on their navigation skills ("Take a left here you dickhead!") or driving ability ("I'd be in third gear if I was driving") if the Shotgun does this, they forfeit their position as Shotgun.
20. The Shotgunner assumes the responsibility for all gate opening, off licence nipping into, takeaway ordering and question asking. He/she is, in essence the co-pilot and therefore the enforcer of behaviour in the vehicle and exacter of slaps/punches/bitchslaps/hissyfitting at the passengers in the back.

8. CLARIFICATIONS
8.1. ALL callers and potential callers are equal (with the exceptions described in the SPECIFIC EXCEPTIONS section).
8.2. Shotgun overrules Dibs, Baggsy's and and other girly calls!
8.3. If someone says "What's shotgun?" after it has been called then they have to walk.
8.4. When riding in a 2/3 door car it is the role of the Shotgun Rider to allow rear passengers in and out of the back of the car NOT the Driver's.