That being said, The Blue River Regulators would welcome you with open arms! If I remember, the idea of a one year grace period to get your arms and gear correct is not officially written anywhere in NCOWS national policy, just a tradition. Although The Blue River Regulators have incorporated it into stated policy on our club by-laws.
RCJ
Actually, it was formally introduced in By-Law 1-1 in 2010:
1-1. Any responsible person, 18 years of age or over, may become a full member of this organization after application and payment of the usual initiation fee and/or dues. Membership shall not be denied because of sex, age, religion, race, national origin or physical handicap.
NCOWS truly represents the period which it embraces. We recognize that this was a time when a man's word was his bond. It is our philosophy that this honor system is much preferable to legislation whenever possible.
When an individual professes the desire to join our organization and participate in NCOWS events, local clubs work with new members, help them get their kit together and allow up to a year at the local or “posse” level to achieve “Level 1” authenticity as described by Marlan Ingram’s “Three Levels of Authenticity” attached elsewhere in these bylaws. Participation at Regional or National events requires full adherence to NCOWS standards and bylaws regardless of membership duration. (Amended March, 2010)
The one year is a really good addition, since not everyone is able to just jump in all at once.