[ARDF] Questions for Region 1 ARDF WG

[Charles Scharlau]

Hi Ken,

I know you've been very busy with travel and the ARDF World Championships
this month, so I understand if you have been unable to take any action on
this request. But I wonder if you might acknowledge receipt and indicate
whether you feel that this is something you can and should address in the
context of your position as IARU Region 2 ARDF Coordinator. I think that
the issue being addressed is quite important, but if you are not the proper
interface for this request please let me know.

To make it easier to view the questions I have added them to my blog so
they can be accessed with a URL instead of having to repeat them in the
text of an email:
https://openardf.org/index.php/2018/09/17/questions-for-region-1-ardf-wg/

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

73,
Charles
NZ0I

On Wed, Sep 5, 2018 at 11:30 AM Charles Scharlau <charles.scharlau at gmail.com>
wrote:

> Hi Ken,
>
> First, congratulations of your top-10 finish at the WC! That is a great
> achievement.
>
> I have a request for you as part of your Region 2 ARDF Coordinator
> responsibilities. I wonder if you might address the following questions to
> your interface at the IARU Region 1 ARDF Working Group? Coordination on
> this topic is important if Regions 2 and 3 are to keep the sport in sync
> with Region 1.
>
>  *Regarding 2018 ARDF Rules Part B:*
> *"T4.2 The use of satellite positioning devices is allowed provided they
> do not contain digital map of the terrain (“nonmapping” devices)."*
>
> *Question 1*: Was it the intent of Region 1 ARDF WG that T4.2 be
> interpreted to mean that it is permissible for competitors to utilize GPS
> technology for navigation purposes so long as the navigation assistance is
> provided audibly instead of utilizing a map display?
>
> If the answer to Q1 is in the affirmative, then with respect to 2018 ARDF
> Rules Part A:
> "2.4 The guiding principle in the interpretation of these rules shall be
> fairness." The next question is:
>
> *Question 2A:* To ensure fairness to those who do *not* use satellite
> navigation, would Region 1 ARDF WG consider adding text similar to the
> following in the next revision of the rules?
>
> T4.3 Those using satellite-navigation technology for navigation
> assistance, including ARDF receivers containing integrated GPS or GLONASS
> receivers, shall be classified in a separate competitive category from
> those relying solely on personal navigation skills.
>
> *But if the answer to Q1 is in the negative, then the next question should
> be:*
>
> *Question 2B*: Would Region 1 ARDF WG consider changing the text of T4.2
> to make it clear that satellite navigation assistance is not allowed in
> ARDF competitions? Language similar to the International Orienteering
> Federation (IOF) might be considered:
>
> T4.2 GPS-enabled devices (watches etc.) can be carried provided that they
> have no map display and are not used for navigation purposes. The use of
> satellite positioning devices by competitors for any navigation purpose is
> prohibited. Navigation purposes include setting waypoints, measuring
> traversed distance, heading following, and any other assistance with
> directing one’s course.
>
> Regardless the WG's answers to the questions, would you be willing to
> share with the Region 2 ARDF community the responses you get?
>
> Thank you,
> Charles E. Scharlau
> NZ0I
>