[ARDF] Albuquerque to host USA ARDF Championships next year

[Homingin at aol.com]

I am pleased to announce the selection of Albuquerque Amateur Radio Club 
(AARC) as host of the fifth annual USA Championships of Amateur Radio Direction 
Finding (ARDF).  Tentative dates are August 1 through August 5, 2005.  Besides 
separate on-foot direction finding competitions on the two-meter and 80-meter 
bands, there will be opening ceremonies, practice sessions, a sightseeing day, 
and a closing banquet with awards presentations.

The event center will be on the campus of the University of New Mexico, where 
competitors will be housed.  Bus transportation to the competition sites will 
be provided.  A flat entry fee will cover the competitions, housing, meals 
and site transportation.

Although most participants will be licensed hams, the USA ARDF Championships 
are open to anyone of any age, with or without an Amateur Radio license.  
Visiting competitors from outside the USA are welcome.  Competitors will be 
divided into five age categories for males and four for females, with medals for top 
finishers in each category.  Stateside winners will also be under 
consideration for positions on ARDF Team USA to the 2006 World Championships in Bulgaria.

Co-chairs of the AARC organizing committee are Jerry Boyd WB8WFK and Mike 
Pendley K5ATM.  WB8WFK was a member of ARDF Team USA at this year's World 
Championships in the Czech Republic.  Other core team members of the committee are 
Scott Stevenson WC5VVB and Jack Stump KD5OEO.

AARC's official Web site for the 2005 championships will be online soon, with 
more details and registration information.

Because many conferences and other events will take place at UNM next summer, 
the organizers are conducting an informal survey to get a preliminary 
headcount.  This will insure that sufficient housing and other resources are reserved 
and available.  If you think you will be able to attend, please e-mail WB8WFK 
(wb8wfk at att.net) to indicate your interest on a no-obligation basis.

Joe Moell K0OV
USA ARDF Coordinator
www.homingin.com