Doc. #33

ARDF Report

Plans are almost complete for the First USA ARDF Championships in Albuquerque, New Mexico, taking place from July 31 through August 4, 2001. The Albuquerque Amateur Radio Club (AARC) is organizing and hosting. The Championships are open to all ARDF enthusiasts, including visitors from any member country of the IARU.

Most of the participants are being housed on the campus of the University of New Mexico. Training sessions take place on August 1, the two-meter competition is on August 2, and the 80-meter competition is on August 3. Practices are on the UNM campus. Competitions are in the nearby mountains, at sites carefully mapped by AARC members.

A total of 42 competitors have registered, coming from several states and the following foreign countries: Australia, China, Mongolia and Ukraine. Competitors are divided into six age and gender divisions in accordance with IARU rules.

Special recognition should be given to the AARC President, Mike Eaton K5MJE, and the Chair of the Organizing Committee, Jerry Boyd WB8WFK. Many other AARC members have volunteered for organization and hospitality at the event. A generous donation from the Upper Rio FM Society is funding bus transportation for the competitors between UNM and the competition sites.

We look forward to welcoming President Jim Haynie, representing ARRL at the events. ARRL Headquarters has provided a valuable service by arranging for funds transfer in behalf of the Chinese team.

Topics for discussions taking place during the Championships will include promotion of ARDF in both the USA and elsewhere in IARU Region 2, plans for forming Team USA to attend the 2002 ARDF World Championships in Slovakia, and adding ARDF to Amateur Radio programs for Scouts and other youth groups.

The encouragement and support of the ARRL Board of Directors for the above-mentioned activities is greatly appreciated.

Respectfully submitted,

Joe Moell K0OV
ARRL ARDF Coordinator
homingin@aol.com
http://www.homingin.com