2) It is much easier for clubs to deal with safety issues when they can point out that the AMA "backs them up" on the issue at hand. When the issue is an AMA rule, it has the full weight of the AMA behind it; when it's a rule that exists only at the club level, lots of folk figure it's unimportant and they can argue their way out of any confrontation by pointing out that if the issue were real, the AMA would have ruled on it already.
Another issue that clubs need to think carefully about relates to the Safety Code. Rule 3 states: Where established, I will abide by the safety rules for the flying site I use, and I will not willfuly and delibertly fly my models in a careless, reckless and/or dangerous manner.
A club should think carefully before making safety rules and eliminate any that are not necessary. One way to approach it is the way the AMA does on areas outside of the Safety Code. That is to make 'recommendations'. The AMA uses this on things like Site Specifications. Always keep in mind that the Safety Code can be retitled 'Exemptions to your AMA insurance'. Rule 3 of the AMA Safety Code incorporates the club safety rules into those exemptions.
Bottom line: if the rule is absolutely needed, make it, if not, don't.
JR