[ARDF] GPS on course?

[Marvin Johnston]

Normally, I also just read. At the discussion on Saturday morning after
the US Championships, we were talking about ways to increase
participation. We also talked about helping spectators to be more
involved. One of the methods was similar to what was done in the Czech
Republic where the Epunch results were radioed to the finish and
displayed on the screen. The same thing could be done if the armband GPS
units were able to transmit the results to the finish using perhaps APRS
protocol.

My thoughts are usually oriented towards increasing participation, and
this is no exception. GPS could prove useful for getting more people
involved by being able to see what routes the competitors are taking.
This could also easily be used for Orienteering competitiors.

Personally, I am not concerned about anyone thinking this is
inappropriate unless they also have some very good reasons. I had a few
problems with some people in the orienteering community thinking ARDF
was inappropriate when I first got involved. I took their concerns into
account, but kept at it. I haven't heard any real objections now for a
couple of years. Some (most?) people tend to resist change :).

Marvin



> 
> Normally I just read all the eMail and seldom reply, however this seems rediculous. 
>  
> So my thoughts:  I think they are really neat for TRAINING but NOT at an official event. There will always be someone who thinks them not appropriate or an
> aid. Why risk a problem? Why risk discontent? Stay with the RULE leave the &%$ thing home.
>  
> Bob
>  
> In a message dated 8/11/2005 3:03:05 PM Eastern Standard Time, marvin at rain.org writes:
> 
> 
> 
>      Marvin Johnston wrote:
>      > 
>      > I would like to see the use of the armband type of training GPS
>      > receivers allowed. Jay Hennigan has used that type of GPS on a number of
>      > the practice hunts held in So. California.  It is really pretty
>      > enlightening to see the route that was taken along with statistics such
>      > as elevation climb, heart rate, maximum speed, speed at different
>      > portions of the course, etc.
>      > 
>      > If there is indeed a concern about the GPS units being used for
>      > navigation, how about just putting a seal over the display? I would
>      > really like to see the top seeds in each class use one of these as I
>      > think it would provide some training aids for the rest of us.
>      > 
>      > Marvin
> 
>  
> 
> 
>      > "Kenneth E. Harker" wrote:
>      > >
>      > >      The rules for the 2005 IARU R2 meet included a rule: "The use of GPS
>      > > receivers for navigation is not allowed. It is considered receiving
>      > > assistance."
>      > >
>      > >      Should the rule go a little further and ban the presence of GPS units
>      > > (or cell phones, etc.) on course altogether?  The question is, is there
>      > > any sort of legitimate use of a GPS on course during the meet?  One that would
>      > > outweigh the burden placed upon juries to decide whether or not a GPS unit
>      > > was "used for navigation" after discovering that someone brought a GPS with
>      > > them on course?  Is it a good idea to create a situation where the jury has
>      > > to decide whether or not to trust that someone didn't cheat?