[ARDF] Call for Team USA Members: ARDF World Championships 2004

[Homingin at aol.com]

Every two years, hams from around the world gather to see who is best at 
on-foot hidden transmitter hunting, also called foxtailing, radio-orienteering and 
ARDF.  There are separate events on eighty meters and two meters, each with 
five transmitters scattered in a forest that can encompass 1000 acres or more.

USA has been represented at every ARDF World Championships since 1988, and 
2004 will be no exception.  Team USA is now forming for the 12th World 
Championships which take place near Brno in the Czech Republic from September 7 through 
12.  Brno is 135 miles southeast of Prague.

If you are interested in attending the World Championships as a member of 
Team USA, now is the time to act.  Each country may send up to three competitors 
in each of nine age categories, five for males and four for females, in 
accordance with rules of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU).  Team members 
are responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from Czech.

In accordance with IARU procedures, I have submitted USA's Letter of Intent 
to Participate to the Czech organizers.  Fifteen stateside ARDFers have already 
expressed strong interest in attending.  But it's not too late to put in your 
own name for Team USA consideration.

The categories for males between 40 and 59 years of age (as of 12/31/04) 
already have three or more signups.  Team USA selection in these categories will 
be made based on performances and standings in the Third USA ARDF Championships 
(Ohio, July 2003) and/or the Fourth USA ARDF Championships (upcoming in 
California, June 2004).  The categories for males under 40 and for all females 
still have several openings, so it may be possible for inexperienced 
radio-orienteers in these ranges to join the team.  It is also possible to attend as a 
non-competing visitor, but all visitors must be listed as such on the national 
team roster.

If you are interested in traveling to the 2004 ARDF World Championships as a 
member of Team USA or a USA visitor, please let me know by e-mail 
<homingin at aol.com>.  If you have not been on Team USA before, include your full name and 
mailing address, home phone number, and date of birth.

For more information on the 2004 World Championships, including schedule, 
housing, and meals, see the Championships Web site:  www.wch2004ardf.com

For more information on Team USA, radio-orienteering in the USA, and the 
upcoming USA Championships in California, see the "Homing In" Web site:  
www.homingin.com

73,
Joe Moell K0OV
USA ARDF Coordinator