[ARDF] Region 2 Rules Request - Q and A

[homingin at aol.com]

I don't think we're in a spamfest at all. I believe the more input on this topic, the better. I have held off giving my own thoughts because they might be misconstrued as official policy. Instead, I want to hear what others, whether beginner or expert, regular participant or occasional, have to say.

Please keep in mind that, on average, about 25% of the stateside participants in the annual USA ARDF Championships are first-timers. Some come from the ham community, others are classic orienteers. We must insure that these newcomers have the opportunity to fairly compete with basic equipment. If they think that they will need special apps or GPS assistance to succeed against the "big guns" for medals and positions on Team USA, we will lose many of them, particularly the classic orienteers.

So let's continue the discussion, welcoming all comments and suggestions, keeping these beginners in mind. I'll be watching the ARDF list at kkn.net as well as Charles' new list.

73,
Joe Moell K0OV


-----Original Message-----
From: Charles Scharlau <charles.scharlau at gmail.com>
To: Bruce <abruceperson at gmail.com>
Cc: Mike (KA5CVH) Urich <mike at ka5cvh.com>; Steve Stutman <steve at radiorobots.com>; comments <comments at ardf-r2.org>; k0ov <k0ov at homingin.com>; ardf <ardf at kkn.net>; Hunt, Dale <wb6byu at arrl.net>
Sent: Wed, Sep 27, 2017 8:50 am
Subject: Re: [ARDF] Region 2 Rules Request - Q and A


Being the instigator of this discussion, I apologize for it devolving into a mass email spamfest. That was not my intention.

Please, if this topic interests you, let's take the discussion to a dedicated list server I have created for this purpose:
http://openardf.org/mailman/listinfo/iaru_region_ii_rules_and_smartphones_openardf.org


Everyone is free to join. No cost or membership required.


And just to clarify, my proposal for permanent IARU Region II rules that would include provisions for the use of smartphones does NOT alter the nature of ARDF as it has historically been practiced. It does NOT allow all smartphone features and functions to be used in ARDF competitions. The rules could be written so as to permit only the official map, compass direction, received beacon signals, and competitors' brains to be used, yet still permit competitors to carry smartphones running approved apps. Please see the SBAQ, and the petition:
http://openardf.org/index.php/2017/07/30/smartphones-in-ardf-sbaq/

https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/permanent-ardf-rules-for-region-2

more at http://openardf.org



SK de NZ0I