Tips for Hosting ARDF Championship Events

Here are some excerpts from previous Homing In articles about organizing and executing the USA national and International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 2 ARDF Championships.

Preparing shish kebab for foxhunters in North Carolina IARU rules call for separate 2-meter and 80-meter competitions are to be held on separate days. They should be at different sites, or in different parts of a single large site. The Pacific Northwest has an abundance of outstanding possibilities. Other areas of the country, such as the woods of the northeast, the Appalachian Mountains and the moss-covered trees of the south are quite good. Even mountainous parts of desert states like Arizona and New Mexico have suitable radio-orienteering sites. The entire location doesn't have to be forested. Sometimes portions of championship orienteering courses include farm land or open grass. Every state probably has at least one site where an IARU ARDF event could be held.

Good maps are a must. Most foxhunting champions are also skilled orienteers, expecting detailed topographical maps with contour lines at 20-foot elevation intervals and accurate depiction of vegetation. It may be possible to create suitable maps using USGS data from the Internet. Computer programs such as OCAD can also be used. Local orienteering clubs may already have up-to-date maps for suitable areas.

Supper at Camp Concord Most first-time foxhunt organizers worry most about obtaining the properly-timed transmitters. Those are indispensable of course, but they may be readily available for loan from a local ham or someone who will be attending. A controller, handi-talkie and battery in an ammunition is all it takes for two meters. Replace the handi-talkie with a simple 80-meter transmitter board to convert the box for that band.

It is an IARU tradition that foreign radio-orienteers are welcome to compete at national championships and out-of-region radio-orienteers are sought at regional championships. These visitors compete as individuals, not in national teams. Our championships should be scheduled well in advance so that foreigners can be notified and can make travel plans.

When ARDF enthusiasts converge from many states and countries, it's important to have them stay close together and interact on a continuous basis to form lasting friendships. The most cost-effective accommodations are usually found at schools and colleges. For instance, the 2001, 2003 asnd 2005 USA Championships were headquartered at colleges in New Mexico and Ohio.

ARRL President addresses 2001 USA Championships banquet It's likely that the competition sites won't be close to where competitors will be eating and sleeping. You may need to arrange bus or carpool transportation for each competition day. That insures that everyone arrives at the site on time with no lost souls. Box lunches for these days are in order.

Besides lodging and food, there should be a meeting room and social area. Consider having a special event ham station for visitors to operate in free time. Internet access would be a big plus, as visitors will want to send e-mail to their families and friends at home.

Beam antenna for special events station at 2003 championships It takes a team of volunteers to put on a well-run ARDF competition. At the starting line, helpers make sure that competitors receive their maps at ten minutes before their starting time and can tape them to their map boards. Then at five minutes before the start, they move up to the starting line, where volunteers make sure that they have competitor cards or that they clear and check their e-punch "sticks." Then they send off the hunters at exact five-minute intervals in the order previously drawn by lot. Helpers at the finish line announce incoming competitors, collect the cards and mark finishing time on them, or download the e-punches. They also offer refreshments and first aid where needed. Things can get hectic at these two locations, so several persons are better than one. Remember that these positions do not require licensed hams.

ARDF is an amateur sport, so cash prizes are not offered at national or international championships. It is traditional to have first, second and third place medals in all age/gender categories for the best individuals on each band. Medals are typically presented at the banquet by a VIP of ARRL or IARU.

Sponsoring an international radio-orienteering event isn't a moneymaking venture, but it shouldn't deplete the club treasury either. Carefully consider all the costs, set a reasonable competitor fee, and announce it well in advance. Typically, the basic fee covers cost of the competition, medals, some meals, supplies, and event T-shirts. In some cases, lodging and/or transportation is included.

Selection of sites and arranging for housing are substantial undertakings, but you don't have to do them alone. Your local Chamber of Commerce or Convention/Visitor's Bureau may have good suggestions. The National Park Service and the forestry authorities in your state can be of assistance in site selection.

Get to know the leaders of your local orienteering club. They can probably supply the standard orange-and-white flags, stands and unique punches for each fox, plus the competitor cards. Better yet, they may be able to provide electronic scoring equipment. They will also have excellent ideas for suitable well-mapped sites. They may even volunteer to assist with the event as course-setters, course marshals and timers.


Synchronizing the transmitters at 2002 championships Putting up the welcome sign at 2003 championships


Welcoming a finisher at 2003 championships Turning in a competitor card at 2002 championships

In the photos, top to bottom:

 

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HOMING IN logoThis page updated 8 July 2008