ARDF RULES — Part B / 2015 — valid from January 1st, 2015

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INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR RADIO UNION — Region 1

RULES FOR CHAMPIONSHIPSIN AMATEUR RADIO DIRECTION FINDING
PART B — COMPETITION
version 2015
Approved at the IARU Region 1 ARDF WG Plenary meetingin Burabay, September 8, 2014
Contents:
13. Event information..........................................................................................................................................2
14. Competition formats.....................................................................................................................................3
15. Categories....................................................................................................................................................3
16. Training / model event .................................................................................................................................3
17. Starting order................................................................................................................................................4
18. Team officials’ meeting ................................................................................................................................4
19. Terrain .........................................................................................................................................................4
20. Courses........................................................................................................................................................4
21. Time limit......................................................................................................................................................5
22. Restricted areas and routes.........................................................................................................................5
23. Maps.............................................................................................................................................................5
24. Equipment used by competitors...................................................................................................................525. Control cards and registering devices..........................................................................................................6
26. Start..............................................................................................................................................................627. Transmitters................................................................................................................................................. 7
28. Transmitters arrangement........................................................................................................................... 7
29. Finish and time-keeping.............................................................................................................................. 7
30. Results......................................................................................................................................................... 8
31. Prizes........................................................................................................................................................... 8
32. Fair play....................................................................................................................................................... 9
Appendix 1: Technical Specifications for Amateur Radio Direction Finding Equipment.................................10
Appendix 2: Principles for course planning .....................................................................................................11
Appendix 3: Approved control cards and registering devices .........................................................................13
Appendix 4: IARU ARDF International Class Referees ..................................................................................14
Appendix 5: Start list preparation.....................................................................................................................15
Appendix 6: Rules for Youth Regional ARDF Championships........................................................................17
Appendix 7: Rules for ARDF Sprint Competition.............................................................................................18
Appendix 8: Rules for ARDF Foxoring Competition.........................................................................................20

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13.

Event information

13.1

The official language during the entire event shall be English. Official information shall be given in writing. It may
be given orally only in urgent cases and in response to questions at team officials’ meetings.

13.2

Information from the organiser and / or the ARDF WG shall be given in the form of bulletins. Bulletins shall be
published on, or linked to, the event website and the IARU Region 1 ARDF WG website. Bulletin 1 shall be sent
to all societies being known as interested in ARDF and the Chairmen of the other two Regional ARDF specialized
bodies. Bulletins 2 and 3 shall be sent to the societies having declared their intention to participate. Bulletin 4(several copies) shall be handed over on arrival to each team.
Bulletin 1 shall be published 10 months before the event, Bulletin 2 shall be published 6 months before the event
and Bulletin 3 shall be published 2 months before the event. Bulletin 4 shall be handed over on arrival of thecompetitors.

13.3

13.4

Bulletin 1 (invitation) shall include the following information:
 organising Society with address, telephone/fax number, e-mail and event website address venue dates and types of competitions
 any participation restrictions
 expected starting fee and costs of accommodation and board
 any peculiarities of the event
 latest date to reach the organiser and address for Letters of intent

13.5

Bulletin 2 (event information) shall include the following information:
 all information given in Bulletin 1
 names of the Chairman of the Jury and Siting Referee entry fee for competitors and team officials
 types and cost of accommodation and board
 bank / account details for payments and latest date for funds to be received to avoid late payment fees
 latest date for acceptance of entries
 description and type of any transport offered event programme maximum number of officials per team any permitted deviations from the rules
 directions for the registration of media representatives and any extra representatives of the societies
 directions for obtaining entry permits (visas) description of terrain, climate and any hazards
 opportunities for training out-of-bounds areas
 the exact location of each competition area and its finish (if they have been decided) description of the marking devices
 the technical parameters of the transmitters to be used for each competition◦ the frequencies and output RF power of transmitters◦ description (type, gain, height above the terrain) of the 144 MHz antennas◦ description (length, grounding system) of the 3.5 MHz antennas
 notes on competition clothing, if necessary
 a recent orienteering map(s) of the competition areas, if available

13.6

Competition areas published in bulletin 2 shall be declared as out-of-bounds for all participants from the date of
publication.

13.7

Bulletin 3 (Additional event information) shall include the following information:
 detailed programme of the event details of the terrain
 summary of entries received
 sample or 100% size picture of the starting ticket, if used electronic marking system description, if used
 size of the maps (not the paper on which it is printed), scales and vertical contour intervals of the maps foreach competition
 address and telephone/fax number of the competition office details of accommodation and food the exact location of each competition area and its finish
 transport schedule team officials’ meetings

13.7

Bulletin 4 (Final details) shall include following information:
 detailed programme of the event
 any anti-doping requirements

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



all special rules relevant to the event
any additional regulations and any rule deviations that have been approved
information about each competition:◦ time limit◦ list of transmitter and band assignments for each category.
◦ size of the map (not the paper on which it is printed), scale and contour interval of the competition map◦ start and finish area arrangement, length of corridors◦ technical parameters of the transmitters to be used for each competition▪ frequencies and output RF power of transmitters▪ description (type, gain, height above the terrain) of the 144 MHz antennas▪ description (length, grounding system) of the 3.5 MHz antennas
 start group allocation form for each competition to be filled-in by team leaders and deadline for delivery
 all other detailed information about the event site and event itself
14.

Competition formats

14.1.

ARDF competitions are organized in the following formats: classic competition (amateur radio band 3.5 MHz) classic competition (amateur radio band 144 MHz) sprint (amateur radio band 3.5 MHz) foxoring. (amateur radio band 3.5 MHz)

14.2

Separate competitions shall take place on each band on different days.

14.3

There is no team classification in the Sprint and Foxoring competitions.

15.

Categories

15.1. Competitors are divided into the categories according to their sex and age.
15.2. Categories:
Women (W)Men (M)

Age

W19

M19

19 and younger

W21

M21

regardless of age

W35

M40

35/40 and older

W50

M50

50 and older

W60

M60

60 and older

M70

70 and older

15.3

Competitors belong to the M19 or W19 category up to the end of the calendar year in which they reach the ageof 19.

15.4

Men competitors aged 40 or older or women competitors aged 35 or older belong to each category from the
beginning of the calendar year in which they reach the given age.

15.5

To qualify as an IARU World Championship, a minimum of six societies must have applied to participate.

15.6

To establish any official category, a minimum of three societies must have entered.

15.7

Each society may enter up to six competitors in total in each category. Each society may enter up to threecompetitors in each category for each competition.

16.

Training / model event

16.1

For training purposes the organising society shall offer a model event on both bands on the day prior to the firstcompetition to demonstrate the transmitter features, the set-up of transmitters and antennas, the registering
devices etc., which will be used in the competitions. If possible, the terrain type and map quality shall alsobesimilar to the competitions.

16.2

Competitors, Jury members, team officials, IARU officials and media representatives shall be invited to participate
in the training event.

16.3

Equal opportunities for training shall be offered to all societies.

16.4

Transmitters, antennas, flags and registering devices used in the training event, their installation and setting shallbe identical to those used in the competitions.

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17.

Starting order

17.1

The start draw shall be supervised by an ARDF International Class Referee who is a member of the Jury. The
start draw may be public or private. It may be made by hand or by computer. The start draw shall be done
separately for each competition.

17.2

The start list shall be published on or before the day prior to the competition and before the team officials’
meeting.

17.3

All competitors and teams correctly entered shall be drawn, even including competitors who might not havearrived at that time.

17.4

At the registration each team shall allocate its competitors to 3 starting groups, separately for each competitionand each category. If a team fails to allocate its competitors to starting groups in time, competitors will beallocated in the order in which they are entered.

17.5

The starting order shall be drawn at random. The draw shall be made in three starting groups (early, middle, late).

17.6

Competitors from the same society and category may not start at the same time or consecutively. If they are
drawn to start consecutively, the next competitor shall be inserted between them.

17.7

The competitors within one category start at equal start intervals. The normal start interval is 5 minutes.

17.8

All competitors of a particular category shall start in the same start corridor and at the beginning of the same
minute of the 5-minute cycle.

17.9

Competitors participating unofficially shall not start until 15 minutes after the last official competitor has started.

18.

Team officials’ meeting

18.1

A team officials’ meeting shall be organised on the day prior to each competition. This meeting shall start not later
than 19.00 hours. The Chairman of the International Jury shall lead or supervise the meeting.

18.2

All competition material (start number bibs, start lists, transport schedules, latest information, etc.) shall behanded out well before the meeting starts.

18.3

Team officials shall have the opportunity to ask questions during the meeting.

19.

Terrain

19.1

The terrain shall be suitable for setting competitive ARDF courses without any serious hazards to competitors andavoiding man-made objects which could interfere with direction finding activities.

19.2

The competition area shall not have been used for ARDF for as long as possible prior to the championship –certainly not for the previous two years - to guarantee fair play.

19.3

The competition area shall be placed out-of-bounds to ARDF competitors as soon as it has been selected. All
relevant information published in the country of the championship should be handed over to the ARDF WG
Chairman for further dissemination.

19.4

Any rights of nature conservation, forestry, hunting, etc. in the area shall be respected.

20.

Courses

20.1

The Principles for ARDF Course Planning (see Appendix 2) shall be followed.

20.2

The standard of the courses shall be worthy of international ARDF events. The technical and navigational skill,concentration and running ability of the competitors shall be tested. All courses shall call upon a range of different
ARDF techniques.

20.3

Transmitters including the finish beacon shall be located not less than 400 meters apart. The transmitter nearest
to the start shall be located not less than 750 meters from the start. Transmitters on different bands shall belocated not less than 200 m apart. Both finish beacons are at the same location.

20.4

Course lengths shall be given as the length of the shortest viable route from the start line via the transmitters in
optimum order to the finish line.

20.5

Total climb along the shortest viable route shall not exceed 6% of the course length.

20.6

The effective course length is defined as the course length (see 20.4) + 10 times the total climb along it.

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20.7

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Number of transmitters and course lengths assigned to particular categories:

Category

number of transmitterseffective course length

W19

4…5 + finish beacon

6…8 kmW21

4…5 + finish beacon

7…9 kmW35
W50

4…5 + finish beacon
3…4 + finish beacon

6…8 km5…7 kmW60

3…4 + finish beacon

4…6 kmM19

4…5 + finish beacon

8…10 kmM21

5 + finish beacon

9…12 kmM40

4…5 + finish beacon

8…10 kmM50

4…5 + finish beacon

6…8 kmM60

3…4 + finish beacon

5…7 kmM70

3…4 + finish beacon

4…6 km20.8

The composition of the courses (transmitter numbers assigned to particular categories) shall be defined by thesiting referee and published in Bulletin 4.

20.9

The Siting Referee shall calculate the parameters defined in rules 20.5 and 20.7 for each of the age categories ineach of the Classic race courses that are set, and to forward the results to the Chairman of the Jury at least one
calendar month prior to the event. The approval of the Chairman of the Jury shall be obtained prior to theoverprinting of the maps with course information such as the locations of the start and finish.

21.

Time limit

21.1

The time limit is the period in which competitor must complete the race. Competitors whose time exceeds the time
limit shall not be classified.

21.2

The time limit for each competition shall be decided by the siting referee and approved by the Chairman of theJury. The time limit shall be announced in Bulletin 4.

22.

Restricted areas and routes

22.1

Rules set by the organising society to protect the environment and any related instructions from the organiser
shall be strictly observed by all persons connected with the event.

22.2

Out-of-bounds or dangerous areas, forbidden routes, line features that shall not be crossed etc. shall be
described in the information and marked on the map. If necessary, they shall also be marked on the ground.
Competitors may not enter, follow or cross such areas, routes or features.

22.3

Compulsory routes and crossing points shall be marked clearly on the map and on the ground. Competitors shallfollow the entire length of any marked section of their course.

22.4

The use of official transport during the Championship may be declared mandatory by the organiser.

23.

Maps

23.1

Maps and additional overprinting shall be drawn and printed according to the IOF International Specification for
IOF Maps. The map scale shall be 1:15000 or 1:10000. Deviations need approval by the ARDF WG.

23.2

Errors on the map and changes which have occurred in the terrain since the map was printed shall be overprinted
on the map if they have a bearing on the event.

23.3

The competition map shall cover the whole competition area including start, finish beacon and all transmitters.
The start, finish beacon, finish corridor and finish line shall be clearly marked on the map. The start is marked bya triangle (symbol 701), the finish beacon by a circle (symbol 702), the finish corridor by a dashed line (symbol705) and the finish by two concentric circles (symbol 706).

23.4

Unless otherwise noted, the area covered by the map issued by the organiser shall be considered as thecompetition area.

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23.5

The IARU and its member societies shall have the right of free reproduction of the event maps with courses intheir official magazines.

24.

Equipment used by competitors

24.1

Every competitor shall have a direction finding receiver for the relevant band. The receivers shall meet theTechnical Specifications for ARDF Equipment (see Appendix 1, section 1).

24.2

Start number bibs shall be clearly visible and be worn on the upper part of the body and on the back and front of
the competitors. The bibs shall not be larger than 25*25 cm with figures at least 14 cm high. The bibs may not befolded or cut.

24.3

As long as the rules of the organiser do not specify otherwise, the choice of clothing and footwear shall be free.

24.4

On the day of the competition, the use of any telecommunication device by competitors or team officials is
prohibited until permitted by the organiser. The penalty for this shall be disqualification. If the team official breaks
this rule, the whole team shall be disqualified.

25.

Control cards and registering devices

25.1

Only ARDF WG approved control cards and registering devices may be used – see Appendix 3.

25.2

The control card shall be supplied to the competitor 10 minutes prior to his/her start at the latest.

25.3

When non-electronic or combined systems are used, competitors are allowed to prepare the control card, e.g. by
writing on it, by reinforcing it or by putting it into a bag, but not by cutting-off parts of the control card.

25.4

When electronic systems are used, competitors must have the opportunity to practise them at the model event.

25.5

Competitors shall be responsible for registering at each transmitter using the registering device provided. They
are responsible for correct markings which must be clearly identifiable.

25.6

Missing or unidentifiable control marks shall not be considered, unless it can be established with certainty that thecompetitor visited the transmitter and that the mark missing or unidentifiable is not the competitor’s fault.

25.7

When systems with visible punch marks are used, at least a part of the marking must be in the appropriate box for
this transmitter or in an empty reserve box. One mistake per competitor is acceptable, e.g. marking outside thecorrect box or jumping one box, provided all markings can be identified clearly. A competitor who attempts to gain
advantage by inaccurate marking may be disqualified.

25.8

Competitors who lose their control cards shall be disqualified.

26.

Start

26.1

On arrival at the competition area, competitors shall place their receivers at the point indicated to them by thereferee. Spare receivers and components, clearly marked as property of a particular team or competitor, shall beplaced at an indicated point just beyond the starting line beside the starting corridor. All transmitters shall remainsilent until collection of the receivers is completed.

26.2

All competitors shall have at least 30 minutes for undisturbed preparation and warm-up at the start area. Only
competitors who have not started and team officials shall be allowed to enter the warm-up area.

26.3

The following information shall be shown on a special board at the start area:
 time limit
 transmitter frequencies
 list of transmitter and band assignments for each category.
 start list
 first start time (in local time) sample of the flag and registering device
 the competition map without overprints
 clock showing the official time of the competition

26.4

The start shall be organised with a pre-start before the time start, situated at one edge of the warm-up area. The
competitors’ names shall be called or displayed. Beyond the pre-start, only competitors who are starting andmedia representatives guided by the organiser are allowed.

26.5

Competitors shall enter the pre-start area TEN MINUTES before their own start. At the same time, they shall begiven their receivers and maps.

26.6

The start shall be organised so that later competitors and other persons cannot see the maps and the route
choices of the starters.

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26.7

When the starting signal is given, competitors may switch on their receivers and shall run along the starting
corridor. Reaching the end, they shall start searching for the hidden transmitters. Competitors shall not stop in thestarting corridor except for a receiver malfunction.

26.8

Competitors, whose receivers fail, may return within their own running time to the start line and take their sparereceiver or parts from the referee. It is strictly forbidden to give or take any assistance to or from any person
except referees.

26.9

At least two start corridors shall be provided by the organiser. They shall not be longer than 250 meters. The endof each corridor shall not be visible either from the start area or from any part of the other corridor(s). The terrain
at the end of the starting corridors should offer normal runnability. The end of the start corridor shall be clearlymarked.

26.10 Competitors who are late for their start time through their own fault shall be permitted to start. The starting referee
shall determine at which time they may start which shall be as soon as possible but taking into consideration
possible influence on other competitors. These late competitors shall be timed, however, as if they had started attheir original start time.
26.11 Competitors who are late for their start time because of a fault of the organiser shall be given a new start time.
27.

Transmitters

27.1

Transmitters used at IARU ARDF Championships shall meet the Technical Specifications for ARDF Equipment(see Appendix 1, section 2).

27.2

The antenna installation shall not be changed during the competition.

27.3

All transmitters including the beacon(s) shall be clearly audible during the whole competition from the start point,using a receiver of average sensitivity. All transmissions shall be monitored and recorded by the organiser.

27.4

Transmitters begin to operate after all receivers have been collected at the start. Transmitters shall remain
operating until the end of the time limit of the last competitor. The beacon transmitter(s) shall remain operating
until all competitors have finished.

27.5

In the event of a thunderstorm, the Chairman of the International Jury is entitled to recall the competition
immediately. In this case, all transmitters except for finish beacon(s) will be switched off. Finish beacon(s) remain
in operation until all competitors reach the finish.

27.6

If the authorities of the organising society make any transmitter identification compulsory, such identification can
only be transmitted during the active minute.

27.7

The order in which competitors search for and discover the transmitters is entirely at their discretion except for thefinish beacon, which shall be registered as the last one of the transmitters.

27.8

The finish beacons shall be placed at the entrance of the finish corridor. They shall be registered in the same way
as other transmitters. Beacons for both bands share one flag and one registering device.

27.9

All transmitters shall be marked by a flag consisting of three squares 30 x 30 cm arranged in a triangular form.
Each square shall be divided diagonally, one half being white and the other orange.

27.10 The flag shall be close to the transmitter antenna and not more than 4 meters away. The flag shall be visible tocompetitors when they reach the transmitter antenna.
27.11 To prove that competitors have visited each transmitter, there shall be at least two or more registering devices in
the immediate vicinity of each flag.
27.12 Each transmitter must be easily recognizable by its code number, which shall be fixed to the flag or to theregistering device for easy identification by the competitors. In addition, there must be another clear sign
indicating the frequency band of the transmitter.
27.13 All transmitters shall be guarded.
27.14 The time at which each competitor finds a transmitter shall be recorded.
28.

Transmitters arrangement

28.1

Classic competitions are organised on both the 3.5 MHz and 144 MHz bands simultaneously. Categories are
divided into two groups: one group contains categories M19, M21, M40, W19, and W21, the other group contains
categories M50, M60, M70, W35, W50, and W60. On the first competition day, one group runs on the 3.5 MHzband and the other group on the 144 MHz band. On the second competition day, the bands are swapped.

28.2

There are 12 transmitters in the competition area, 6 on each band. Transmitters shall operate on each band in thefollowing sequence:

ARDF RULES — Part B / 2015 — valid from January 1st, 2015transmitter
finish beacon
transmitter No.1
transmitter No.2
transmitter No.3
transmitter No.4
transmitter No.5

code sent
MO
MOE
MOI
MOS
MOH
MO5

frequency
A
B
B
B
B
B

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operating period
continuously
in the first minutein the second minutein the third minutein the fourth minutein the fifth minute– of the 5-minute cycle, starting at 0:00.
29.

Finish and time-keeping

29.1

The competition ends for a competitor when the finish line is crossed. When using an electronic registration
system, the competition ends for a competitor by the registration at the finish line

29.2

The finish corridor begins at the finish beacon and ends at the finish line. Its entrance shall not be wider than 10
m. It shall be clearly marked on both sides by uninterrupted tape. The last 20 m shall be straight. The corridor
should normally be no longer than 250 m and its length shall be indicated by the siting referee at the team officials
meeting a day prior to the competition.

29.3

The finish line shall be at least 3 m wide and shall be at right angle to the direction of the run-in. The exact
position of the finish line shall be obvious to approaching competitors. Competitors in the finish corridor may run
only in the direction from the beacon towards the finish line.

29.4

The finish time shall be measured when the competitor’s chest crosses the finish line. When using an electronic
registration system, the finish time is given by the registration at the finish line. Times shall be rounded down towhole seconds. Times shall be given in either hours, minutes and seconds, or in minutes and seconds only.

29.5

Having completed the competition, a competitor may not re-enter the competition terrain without the permission of
the organiser. A competitor who retires shall announce this at the finish immediately. That competitor shall in noway influence the competition nor help other competitors.

29.6

There shall be medical facilities and personnel at the finish, who are also equipped to work in the forest.

29.7

The time-keeping system shall meet the Technical Specifications for ARDF Equipment (see Appendix 1,
section T3).

30.

Results

30.1

The place of an individual competitor depends on (first) the number of transmitters found and (second) his or her
running time. Only transmitters which are scored for the particular category are considered. Competitors who
have failed either to find any transmitter other than the finish beacon or who have exceed the time limit, shall not
be classified.

30.2

The place of a team depends on (first) the sum of transmitters found and (second) the sum of times reached by
the two classified team members possessing the best results.

30.3

Two or more competitors or teams having the same result shall be given the same placing in the results list. The
position(s) following the tie shall remain vacant.

30.4

Provisional results shall be announced and displayed in the finish area during the competition. The official results
shall be published not more than 2 hours after final approval of the provisional results by the Jury. They shall behanded out on the day of the competition to each team manager and to accredited media representatives andpresented openly at three different places for general information at least.

30.5

The official results shall include all participating competitors and teams.

30.6

At the end of the championship every Jury member, team leader and accredited media representative shallreceive an official results list and the competition maps. Not more than one month after the event official results
lists, competition maps with course details and further reports shall be published on or linked to the event website
and IARU Region 1 ARDF WG website and sent in electronic form to every participating society. Further result
lists and maps may be sold at a small charge to all interested.

31.

Prizes31.1

The title of World Champion or Regional/Continental Champion shall be awarded for the 3.5 and 144 MHz
competitions and for each official category separately.

31.2

The following prizes shall be awarded in all competitions: 1st place Gold medal and certificate
 2nd place
Silver medal and certificate

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 3rd place
Bronze medal and certificate
 4th–6th place Certificate
31.3

If two or more competitors or teams have the same placing, they shall each receive the appropriate medal and/or
certificate.

31.4

In the team classification, each classified member of the team shall receive the appropriate medal and/or
certificate.

31.5

The organiser shall arrange a dignified prize-giving ceremony.

31.6

The prize-giving ceremonies shall be performed by the representatives of the organising society and the IARU
Regional organisation.

31.7

During the prize-giving ceremony, the national flags of the first three competitors/teams should be flown and thenational anthem of the winner may be played.

32.

Fair play

32.1

All persons taking part in an ARDF event shall behave with fairness and honesty. They shall have a sporting
attitude and a spirit of friendship. Competitors shall show respect for each other, for officials, journalists,
spectators and the inhabitants of the competition area. The competitors shall be as quiet as possible in theterrain.

32.2

It is absolutely forbidden to give or take any assistance to or from any person, including competitors, or to utilize
any means of transport, except:
 assistance provided by referees within the scope of their defined duties, as long as that assistance is equallyavailable to all competitors;
 it is the duty of all competitors to help injured runners. No competitor will be disqualified for giving or receivingsuch an assistance, as long as he or she does not gain competitive advantage by doing so.

32.3

Doping is forbidden. The ARDF WG or during a championship the Jury may require doping control procedures tobe conducted.

32.4

Strict secrecy shall be maintained regarding the courses and starting areas.

32.5

Surveying or training in the area declared out-of-bounds by the organiser is not allowed. Attempts to gain any
information related to the courses, beyond that provided by the organiser, are not permitted before and during thecompetition.

32.6

Team officials, competitors, media representatives and spectators shall remain in the areas assigned to them.

32.7

Members of the international Jury and transmitter operators shall neither disturb or detain any competitor nor
supply any information whatsoever. They shall remain quiet, wear inconspicuous clothing and shall not help
competitors approaching transmitters. This also applies to all other persons in the competition area.

32.8

A competitor who breaks any rule, or who benefits from the breaking of any rule, shall be disqualified.

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Appendix 1: Technical Specifications for Amateur Radio Direction Finding Equipment
T1.

Receivers

T1.1

Receivers and antennas of any type may be used by the competitors.

T1.2

Any receiver producing audible interference in the 3.5 MHz or 144 MHz band at a distance of 10 meters or more
shall not be used in the competitions.

T1.3

The International Jury may require tests on any competitor’s receiver prior to its use in the competitions.

T2.

Transmitters

T2.1

It is the responsibility of the organising society to ensure that all transmitters in use comply with the relevant radio
regulations in force in the country of operation with regard to their electric parameters, identification and to their
being operated only by duly authorised operators.

T2.2

All transmitters within one competition shall have the same parameters and the same antenna installation.

T2.3

The frequency of the beacon transmitter shall be significantly different from the frequency of the other fivetransmitters.

T2.4

When not scheduled to be transmitting, neither the transmitter nor its antenna may radiate any RF energy.

T2.5

Antennas shall provide omnidirectional horizontal radiation patterns.

T2.6

Specifications for the 3.5 MHz transmitters:
 Carrier frequency * Frequency stability
 Channel spacing between simultaneously working transmitters Undesired products level Output RF power ModeA1A (keyed unmodulated carrier) Keying speed
 Antenna vertical

T2.7

Specifications for the 144 MHz transmitters:
 Carrier frequency * Frequency stability
 Channel spacing between simultaneously working transmitters Undesired products level
 Effective Radiated Power (ERP) ModeA2A (keyed carrier modulated by AF
by keyed AF tone)
 Modulation depth Keying speed
 Antenna polarisation
 Antenna height3510 … 3600 kHz
better than 50 ppm
30 kHz minimum
conforming to the national regulations
1…5W
8 … 15 WPM

144.50 … 144.90 MHz
better than 50 ppm
more than 200 kHz
conforming to the national regulations
0.25 … 1 W
tone or continuous carrier modulated
70 … 80 %8 … 15 WPM
horizontal
2 … 3 meters above ground level

Note: ( * ) Carrier frequency ranges indicated in these Rules are those normally used by IARU Region 1 societies.
Organisers in other Regions may employ different ranges to meet their band plan regulations. According to 13.5 of theseRules transmitter frequencies are to be stated in Bulletin 2, which is to be dispatched 6 months before the event.
T3.

Time-keeping system

T3.1

The official competition time shall correspond to the official local time.

T3.2

Two independent time-keeping systems, a primary and a secondary, shall be used.

T3.3

The maximum deviation of the clocks at the start and finish line is ONE SECOND against the official time during
the whole competition.

T3.4

The maximum deviation of the transmitting periods is FIVE SECONDS against the official time during the wholecompetition. The maximum transmitting overlap of two transmitters is FIVE SECONDS.

T4.

Other equipment

T4.1

Any other equipment used by the organiser (service radio net, time-keeping system, computers, electronic
marking devices etc.) shall not cause audible interference to competitors’ receivers.

T4.2

The use of satellite positioning devices is allowed provided they do not contain digital map of the terrain (“nonmapping” devices).

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Appendix 2: Principles for course planning
P1.

Introduction

P1.1

Purpose
These principles aim at establishing common standards for the planning of ARDF courses in order to ensure faircompetitions and to safeguard the unique character of ARDF.

P1.2

Application of these principles
Courses in all international ARDF events shall be planned in accordance with these principles. They should also
serve as general guidelines for the planning of other competitive ARDF events.

P2.

Basic principles

P2.1

Aim of good course planning
The aim of course planning is to offer competitors courses correctly designed for their expected abilities. Results
shall reflect the competitors’ technical and physical ability.

P2.2

Siting referee’s golden rules
The siting referee shall keep the following principles in mind:
 the unique character of ARDF: the combination of direction finding under time stress and the physical ability
 the fairness of the competition
 competitors enjoyment
 the protection of wildlife and the environment
 the needs of the media and spectators

P2.2.1 Unique character
Every sport has its own character. The unique character of ARDF is to find a number of transmitters hidden in
unknown terrain against the clock. This demands special skills: handling of the direction finding receiver andinterpreting measurements, accurate map reading, route choice evaluation, concentration under stress, quick
decision making, running in natural terrain, etc.
P2.2.2 Fairness
Fairness is a basic requirement in competitive sport. Unless the greatest care is taken at each step of course
planning and transmitter placing, luck can easily become significant in ARDF competitions. The siting referee
shall consider all such factors to ensure that the contest is fair and that all competitors face the same conditions
during every part of the course.
P2.2.3 Competitors enjoyment
The popularity of ARDF can only be enhanced if competitors are satisfied with the courses they are given. Carefulcourse planning is therefore necessary to ensure that courses are appropriate in terms of length, physical andtechnical difficulty, transmitters siting, etc. In this respect it is particularly important that each course is suitable forthe competitors doing that course.
P2.2.4 Wildlife and the environment
The environment is sensitive: wildlife may be disturbed and the ground as well as the vegetation may suffer fromoveruse. The environment also includes people living in the competition area, walls, fences, cultivated land,buildings and other constructions, etc. It is usually possible to find ways to avoid interference with the mostsensitive areas without damage. Experience and research have shown that even large events can be organised
in sensitive areas without permanent damage if the correct precautions are taken and the courses are wellplanned.
It is very important that the siting referee ensures that there is access to the chosen terrain and that any sensitive
areas in the terrain are discovered in advance.
P3.

ARDF course

P3.1

Terrain
The terrain shall be chosen so that a fair competition is offered to all competitors. To safeguard the character ofthe sport, the terrain should be runnable and suitable for testing the ARDF skills of the competitors. On a good
ARDF course, competitors are forced to concentrate on navigation throughout the race. Sections requiring noattention to navigation should be avoided (if possible).
Alternative routes force competitors to use the map to assess the terrain and to draw conclusions from it. Routechoices make competitors think independently and will split up the field, thus minimising “following.” A goodcourse shall disperse the competitors throughout the competition area and not bring them together. The
transmitters should be intentionally placed and numbered so that competitors of different categories have different“optimum first” transmitters. The direction of the start corridor carries a certain weight in these considerations.

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Courses should not contain routes or transmitter order choices resulting in any advantage or disadvantage whichcannot be foreseen from the receiver or the map by a competitor under competitive conditions.
Course sections which encourage competitors to cross the start or finish area or forbidden or dangerous areas
must be avoided.
P3.2

Start
The start area should be so situated and organised that: there is a warm up area and shelter sufficient for all competitors
 waiting competitors cannot see the bearings taken or route choices made by those who have already started.
The start point should not be located in the best part of the competition area – an area of 1.5 km in diameteraround the start cannot be used for transmitters.
The start corridors shall be easy-to-run and clearly marked, especially at their ends and the following terrain
should be runnable.
All transport from the start to the finish (competitors clothing, people) shall be well organised in order to prevent
information transfer in the reverse direction.

P3.3

Transmitters
Transmitter sites are the most important element of an ARDF course and will largely determine its quality.
It is particularly important that the map portrays the ground accurately in the vicinity of the transmitters. There
shall be no objects disturbing the electro-magnetic field which might upset the bearings taken in the vicinity of thetransmitters.
It is necessary to choose transmitter sites with the greatest care. Especially the ‘acute angle’ effect must be
avoided meaning that incoming competitors will be led into the transmitter site by outgoing runners.
The mechanical performance of the transmitter, antenna and registering device with a flag shall be rugged. The
transmitter and its accessories shall continue to operate for about eight hours under ANY circumstances. The
antenna of the transmitter shall be properly installed and the transmitter final stage shall be properly tuned into
the antenna. The counterpoises shall be installed in a way that they do not obstruct or trip competitors runningover them.
Flags should be positioned such that competitors may see them when they are within ten meters of thetransmitter. For fairness, the visibility of the flag should be the same whether or not there is a competitor near it.

P3.4

FinishThe arrangement of the finish beacon, finish corridor and the whole finish area shall be distinct, clear and notconfusing.
The finish corridor shall be easy-to-run, as straight as possible and at least 3 m wide. Two protective zones along
both sides of the finishing corridor are recommended for better visibility and to prevent spectators from getting in
the competitors’ way.

P4.

Siting referee
The siting referee should be fully acquainted with the terrain before he or she starts to plan the course. The sitingreferee should also be aware that on the day of the competition the conditions regarding map and terrain could be
different from those which exist at the time the courses are planned.
The person responsible for course planning shall have an understanding and appreciation of the qualities of agood course gained from personal experience. He or she shall also be familiar with the theory of course planningand appreciate the special requirements of different categories.
The siting referee shall be able to assess, on site, the various factors which can affect the competition, such as
the terrain, radio wave propagation, the quality of the map, the presence of participants and spectators, etc.
The siting referee is responsible for the courses and the running of the competition between the start and thefinish line. It is strongly recommended that the siting referee’s work shall be checked by another qualified referee
to avoid errors which might have serious consequences.

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Appendix 3: Approved registering devices
C1.

The only automatically approved control registering system is the SportIdent system.

C2.

A backup unit must be present at each transmitter – either a second electronic unit or a pin punch. It is thecompetitor's responsibility to ensure that the electronic chip is held in the electronic registering device until the
feedback signal has been received. If, and only if, no feedback signal is received, the competitor must use thebackup unit.

C3.

When using the pin punch backup, the competitor can punch either his/her map or start number bib. He/she is still
responsible for the correct mark which must be clearly identifiable at the finish.

C4.

The use of any other registering system requires prior approval of the ARDF WG.

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Appendix 4: IARU ARDF International Class Referees
R1.

An IARU ARDF International Class Referee is an experienced ARDF official supervising the strict observation of
the Rules at ARDF events.

R2.

There are two classes of IARU ARDF International Class Referees: Active Referees
 Honorary Referees
Unless otherwise noted, only Active Referees are considered in the ARDF Rules.

R3.

Candidates for nomination as an IARU ARDF International Class Referees shall fulfil the following conditions: to be a holder of a valid amateur radio transmitting licence to be a member of an IARU member society
 to be presented by the ARDF manager of his society
 to be familiar with ARDF Rules, guidelines and all ARDF WG documents concerned to be able to communicate in English
 to be physically able to serve in the competition terrain

R4.

Candidates for nomination as an IARU ARDF International Class Referee shall be submitted by his or her
national society to the relevant regional ARDF WG confirming that the candidate fulfils the conditions listed inparagraph 3. The Chairman of the ARDF WG shall send the request for nomination (with his comment) to therelevant regional Executive Committee for final approval. After the approval of the Executive Committee, a written
certificate is issued to the newly appointed referee.

R5.

The number of IARU ARDF International Class Active Referees shall not exceed FIVE for each member society.

R6.

Any referee who has not served once as a Jury member at national or international ARDF events organised by
the IARU or one of its societies for five consecutive years, shall be moved automatically to be an Honorary
Referee. At the start of every year the ARDF WG shall update the list of IARU ARDF International Class
Referees, moving – if appropriate – inactive referees from the list of Active Referees to the Honorary Roster.
Honorary Referees may be returned to the Active list by request of his or her society.

R7.

Societies having IARU ARDF International Class Referees shall send, as at December 31 st , a list to the chairmanof the ARDF WG showing the activities of their referees in the year ended.

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Appendix 5: Start list preparation
On the evening of day one (arrival day) of a championship the nominations of all competitors shall be in the hands of theorganiser.
To prepare the start list all nominations are to be split up into their corresponding categories and these into one of thefollowing two groups:

categories with up to 40 competitors – in which competitors shall start singly ;categories with more than 40 competitors – in which two competitors shall start together ;Note: When presenting the list of competitors to the organising society (see part A – organisation, para.8.3.) teamleaders are also requested to indicate the starting sequence of the competitors in each category.
To guarantee fairness and to avoid any chances of manipulation it is clear that the preparation of the start list becomesof great importance for any championship. The following balloting procedure has been designed to fulfil theserequirements and organisers shall make themselves acquainted with the balloting method well in advance of the event.
Although appearing rather complex – especially in written form – organisers will soon gain experience of how to handle
the system. Furthermore it is to be expected that suitable computer software shall be made available shortly by the
ARDF WG.
At larger competitions with many societies having nominated the maximum number of competitors in all or nearly all
categories, the manual procedure to draw up the start list cannot maintain all the essential requirements. The manual
procedure then has to be replaced by a computer program that fulfils all the requirements.
Balloting procedure to prepare the start list for categories with up to 40 competitors:
Note: Categories may be merged during the balloting process if this does not increase the number of start groups.
Single competitors and those belonging to teams of two or three have to be spread equally over the whole of the start
period. This is easy for teams of three: every competitor shall be placed into a different third of the starting period.
Competitors of teams of two and single runners, however, are to be spread by the following balloting procedure:
Balloting shall start by drawing lots for the two person teams (alphabetical order of the societies involved). For thisprocedure a ballot box has to be filled with three lots each marked with the number of the corresponding starting third.
Two of these lots shall be drawn for the first two person team and the two runners shall start in the corresponding
starting thirds. The lot which is still in the box shall be drawn for the next two person team. As there are no more lots inthe box the three lots shall be replaced into the box and another lot shall be drawn for the second runner of the second
two person team. The remaining two lots shall be drawn for the third team. The box shall then be refilled again andballoting continues until all two person teams have been distributed equally over the three starting thirds. The sameprocedure shall be applied to distribute the single runners.
Now follows the determination of the starting sequence for this category. Lots carrying the numbers of their starting thirds(as used before) also have to be marked with the name of the society they stand for (except all blanks, of course, which
are to be employed in this process as well – see below). Three ballot boxes are required – one for each start third. Intoeach of these boxes one lot for each runner of a three person team is to be placed. Also the lots of the balloting
procedure of the teams of two and the single runners must be added to the corresponding boxes. Eventually blanks must
be used to compensate for unequal numbers of lots in any of the three boxes. Further blanks are to be added to every
box until the total number of lots in each box corresponds to a third of the starting groups of the category having thehighest number of starting groups in the championship. There must be a minimum of 33 lots spread over the threeboxes, however, because a society can send up to 33 competitors (3 runners in 11 categories).
For the final preparation of the starting list please see below.
Balloting procedure to prepare the start list for categories with more than 40 competitors:
Competitors in these categories have to be split up into “top-runners” and “other-runners”. To be selected as a toprunner the organiser shall consider the results lists of the last two ARDF Championships and in doing so it will beirrelevant if the same or another sportsman has been nominated by his or her national society for the category
concerned. Only the society to whom she or he belongs is relevant. It will be taken for granted that a new sportsman
from a particular society will be as good as his previous colleague.
For ARDF World Championships, top-runners shall be selected on basis of the last two ARDF World Championships.
For Regional Championships the results of the last two Regional Championships shall be considered.
Considering the results of the two 3,5 MHz and the two 144MHz competitions of the last two championships and startingwith position no. 1 and working down from the top, the organiser shall note separately for every category all thosesocieties which have had runners in top positions. All competitors (of a certain category) nominated by these societies
shall then be listed as “top runners” until at least 50% of the total number of competitors in this category is reached. For
this procedure it shall be irrelevant if these societies have nominated teams of three or two or single runners. The othercompetitors in this category shall be listed as “other runners”.

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If the results lists of the last two championships do not yield 50% “top-runners“, competitors from the remaining societies
should be considered. The sequence of the societies shall be in alphabetical order.
For categories with less than 40 participants there now follows the procedure for the preparation of the two independent
ballots for “top-runners” and “other-runners”. First teams of two and single runners shall be distributed equally over thethree start thirds. Then to each box of the three thirds an equal number of runners of the three person teams has to be
added (not forgetting eventual blanks) and finally the lots shall be drawn - as described below - to determine the starting
sequence of the “top-runners” of this category. Nearly the same procedure shall be applied to establish the starting
sequence of the “other-runners”. However, before drawing, the blanks have to be placed into those start groups which
are already filled with blanks of the top runners of the same category. Then the lots of the "other runners" are being
drawn and distributed over the various start groups.
Final preparation of the start list: lots resulting from the previous balloting procedures for each category and eachstarting third have been placed into boxes - one for each starting third and category. Drawing one lot after the other andstarting with box number 1 (and starting e.g. with the M21 category) the organiser sets up the start list for this category. If
the first third has been finished, start thirds two and three shall follow. If by changing from one box to the next the lastdrawn society and the one drawn out of the new box are the same, the lot drawn last shall be placed one start group laterand the empty space be filled by the following lot. A similar procedure applies if two runners of the same society havebeen drawn for the same start group (within different categories, of course). If placing of such a lot into the next later
start group is impossible (because the following group(s) is/are already filled with this same society for other categories)that lot shall be placed at the first possible location in exchange for a lot that might be in this position. If a replaced lot
should also not fit, the exchange process has to continue and in cases where this occurs at the end of a starting third,
the exchange process has to return to the start of this third only.
After all lots of the first category have been drawn and their starting positions been marked, balloting must continue forthe other categories in the same way as described above until the start list is completed.
If organised in a suitable way the drawing procedure offers an excellent opportunity for media and public attention. The
best time for drawing would be the morning of the day after arrival. Studying the results lists of the last two earlier
championships well before this day, the organiser has ample time to prepare everything that is required to finish thisspectacular procedure within a reasonable time. Supervised by one or several Jury members, the lots being drawn –carrying so far only the names of the societies – could be fixed on a large board (or any other suitable display) visible toall present. The organiser should have at his/her disposal a list of the names of all competitors and the sequence inwhich the team leader wishes them to start. So each lot on the board shall be marked with the name of thecorresponding competitor. The organiser can enter all the details into the computer system to print the start list for
immediate distribution.
Although spectacular, it is obvious that a manual balloting procedure will consume a certain time span (two to threehours typically). So if the organiser prefers to employ an electronic balloting system he/she must obtain the permission of
the chairman of the ARDF Working Group as early as possible but not later than three months before the start of thechampionship indicating at the same time which software is to be employed.
Any computer program must perform the same functions as the manual balloting procedure. Improvements in theballoting procedure as such are permitted.
The permission by the chairman shall be granted only if a) the organiser intends to use an approved software for theballoting process, or b) the organiser obtains approval for his own software.
To obtain approval of any balloting software, this software together with description and documentation of the algorithms
used has to be sent to the chairman of the ARDF WG at least six months before the championship. The software shallbe tested and having been passed the software becomes “approved software for balloting in ARDF Championships”.
Such software shall be added to a software pool and becomes public domain for use at International Championships.
An electronic balloting procedure shall be carried out on a computer designated by the ARDF WG Chairman. The
organising society shall present the list of all participants. The result lists of the last two championships shall be suppliedby the chairman.

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Appendix 6: Rules for the Youth Regional ARDF Championships
These Rules are based on the Rules for Championships in Amateur Radio Direction Finding. The points as stated below
replace identically numbered points of part A and B of the Rules.
Y1.6

A Youth Regional ARDF Championship is the event to award the title of Youth Regional Champion in ARDF. A
Youth Regional ARDF Championship is organised by an amateur radio society authorised by its corresponding
IARU organisation.

Y3.1

A Youth Regional ARDF Championship is an annual event.

Y4.3

Applications are to be received by the Chairman of the ARDF WG not later than January 31st two years prior to
the year of the Championship.

Y5.5

Not valid at Youth Regional ARDF Championships.

Y6.4

Not valid at Youth Regional ARDF Championships.

Y8.1

The International Jury for Youth Regional ARDF Championships shall consist of the following members:
Chairman of the Jury
Secretary of the Jury
Siting refereerepresentative of each participating society

Y8.2

The Chairman of the Jury at a Youth Regional ARDF Championship shall be an ARDF International Class
Referee authorised by the relevant regional ARDF WG. The appointment shall be announced at least ninemonths prior to the Championship.

Y8.3

The referees in the competition area, at start and finish and the siting referee shall be experienced referees
provided by the organising society.

Y8.4

The names of the members of the International Jury shall be recorded and announced at the first Jury meeting at
the Championship at the latest.

Y15.2. Categories:
Women (W)Men (M)

Age

W14

M14

14 and younger

W16

M16

16 and younger

Y15.3 Competitors belong to the particular category up to the end of the calendar year in which they reach the givenage.
Y15.7 Each society may enter a team of up to five competitors in each category for the whole Championship (i.e., thesame competitors must be entered for all races).
Y20.3 Transmitters including the finish beacon shall be located not less than 400 meters apart. The transmitter nearest
to the start shall be located not less than 500 meters from the start.
Y20.7 Number of transmitters and course lengths assigned to particular categories:
Category

number of transmitterseffective course length

W14

3…4 + finish beacon

3…4 kmW16

3…4 + finish beacon

3…5 kmM14

3…4 + finish beacon

3…5 kmM16

3…5 + finish beacon

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Appendix 7: Rules for the ARDF Sprint Competition
S1.

General provisions

S1.1

The sprint event shall be organised in a forest or city park easily accessible by the public.

S2.

Starting order

S2.1

The competitors within one category start at equal start intervals. Minimum start interval is 2 minutes.

S2.2

Competitors from the same society and category may not start consecutively.

S2.3

Competitors from the same category may not start at the same time in the sprint competition.

S3

Race system

S3.1

The competition shall be run as two loops with a spectator run through the finish area between them.

S3.2

Each competitor runs through the start corridor, which leads to the area with transmitters No.1 to No.5 (slowkeying). After finding all the required transmitters from this loop, he/she runs to the spectator control and throughthe spectator corridor to the area with transmitters No.1F to No.5F (fast keying). After finding all the required
transmitters from this loop, the competitor runs to the finish beacon and through the finishing corridor to the finish
line.

S3.3

The transmitters searched for on each of the loops are defined in advance but may be visited in any order. Alltransmitters searched for on each loop shall be on the same frequency.

S3.4

The finish beacon and the spectator control may be at the same place. In this case, there is no spectator control
transmitter.

S4.

Courses

S4.1

The transmitters shall be located not less than 100 metres apart and not less than 100 metres from the start.

S4.2

The beacon (B) and the spectator control (S), if this differs from the beacon, could be located less than 100
metres from the start.

S4.3

The course shall be planned for an expected winning time of 15 minutes in all categories.

S5.

Maps

S5.1

The map for the sprint event shall be made at the scale 1:5000 or 1:4000, and shall not be more than 2 years old.

S5.2

The competitor receives the map along with the receiver in the pre-start area 2 minutes before the start. The start,finish beacon, spectator control, if this differs from the beacon, finish corridor and finish line shall be clearlymarked on the map. The start is marked by a triangle (symbol 701), the finish beacon and spectator control by acircle (symbol 702), the finish corridor by a dashed line (symbol 705) and the finish by two concentric circles(symbol 706).

S5.3

The organisation of the finish area shall be explained to the competitors in advance along with the symbols on the
map.

S6.

Transmitters

S6.1

Transmitters with a lower output power (0.3…1W) shall be used in the sprint competitions.

S6.2

The beacon (B) and the spectator control (S), if this differs from the beacon, shall operate continuously on thefrequencies different from the other transmitters and from each other.

S6.3

Two sets of five transmitters shall be used in the sprint event. Transmitters groups 1 to 5 and 1F to 5F shall
operate on different frequencies and with different keying speeds.
Example of frequency and keying speed assignment:
frequency
3510 kHz
3540 kHz
3570 kHz
3600 kHzfunctionTX 1…5spectator control
TX 1F (fast)…5F
finish beacon

code
MOE…MO5S
MOE…MO5MO

speed
50 PARIS
70 PARIS
70 PARIS
50 PARISARDF RULES — Part B / 2015 — valid from January 1st, 2015
S6.4

Pg 19

Transmitters operate in the following sequence:
No. 1 and 1F
No. 2 and 2F
No. 3 and 3F
No. 4 and 4F
No. 5 and 5F

sending code MOE
sending code MOI
sending code MOS
sending code MOH
sending code MO5

in seconds 0 to12
in seconds 12 to 24
in seconds 24 to 36
in seconds 36 to 48
in seconds 48 to 60– of a 1-minute cycle starting at 0:00
S6.5

Transmitters are equipped with registering devices without flags. The finish beacon is equipped with at least two
registering devices, especially if acting as the spectator control as well. Field transmitters have no flags and theirregistration devices stands are painted in red and white stripes. The spectator control and the beacon are
equipped with flag.

S6.6

The beacon (B) and the spectator control (S), if this differs from the beacon, are registered as any othertransmitter.

S6.7

The number of transmitters assigned to each age category will normally be twice the number given in 20.7.

S7.

Corridors

S7.1

The start corridor is the corridor that runs away from the start. The end shall be clearly marked and only after thispoint can the competitor start searching for the transmitters. The start corridor shall not be longer than 400
metres.

S7.2

When leaving the spectator control, competitors shall run along the spectator corridor. The spectator corridor
shall not be longer than 300 metres. The spectator control shall be placed at the entrance to the spectator
corridor.

S7.3

The finish corridor is the corridor that shall be run from the beacon to the finish line. The finish beacon shall beplaced at the entrance to the finish corridor. The finish corridor shall not be longer than 400 metres.

S8.

General arrangements

S8.1

Competitors waiting for the start shall be well separated from any other people (spectators and competitors whoalready finished their races) once the first competitor has started.

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Appendix 8: Rules for the ARDF Foxoring Competition
F1.

Basic explanation

Foxoring is a special format of the ARDF competition. Its main features are as follows:At the start, competitors get competition map with marked start, finish beacon and nominal positions of thetransmitters.
Transmitters except for the finish beacon are placed close to their nominal positions marked on the maps.
All transmitters except for the finish beacon are very weak and therefore audible only at the close vicinity of
the antenna. All transmitters operate continuously.

The RF field strength of each transmitter is adjusted so that :◦ the transmitter is clearly audible at its nominal position marked on the map AND at the distance of 30m
from its real position◦ the transmitter is NOT audible at the distance of 250m from its real position.
Competitors shall run to the close vicinity of the transmitters by means of the map and then complete thefinal approach by means of the direction finding receiver.
The Foxoring Rules are based on the Rules for Championships in Amateur Radio Direction Finding. The points as statedbelow replace identically numbered points of part A and B of the Rules.
F16.

Training / model event

F16.1 For training purposes the organising society shall offer a model event on the day prior to the competition todemonstrate the transmitter features, the set-up of transmitters and antennas, the registering devices etc., which
will be used in the competitions. One transmitter of each frequency which will be used in the competition shall be
installed.
F17.

Starting order

F17.6. Competitors from the same category may not start at the same time in the foxoring competition.
F17.7 The competitors within one category start at equal start intervals. Minimum start interval is 2 minutes.
F17.8 All competitors of a particular category shall start in the same start corridor
F20.

Courses

F20.3 Transmitters including the finish beacon shall be located not less than 250 meters apart. The transmitter nearest
to the start shall be located not less than 250 meters from the start.
F20.7 Number of transmitters and course lengths assigned to particular categories:

Category

F23.

number of transmitterseffective course length

W19

5…8 + finish beacon

4…6 km

W21

6…10 + finish beacon

5…7 kmW35
W50

5…8 + finish beacon
4…7 + finish beacon

4…6 km
3…5 kmW60

4…7 + finish beacon

3…5 kmM19

6…8 + finish beacon

6…8 kmM21

8…10+ finish beacon

7…9 kmM40

6…8 + finish beacon

6…8 kmM50

5…8 + finish beacon

5…7 kmM60

5…8 + finish beacon

4…6 kmM70

4…7 + finish beacon

3…5 kmMaps

F23.3 The competition map shall cover the whole competition area including start, finish beacon and all transmitters.
The map start (the point where competitors obtain the maps), nominal positions of all transmitters assigned to theparticular category, finish beacon and the finish corridor shall be clearly marked on the map. The start is marked

ARDF RULES — Part B / 2015 — valid from January 1st, 2015

Pg 21

by a triangle (symbol 701), all transmitters by a circle (symbol 702), the finish corridor by a dashed line (symbol705) and the finish by two concentric circles (symbol 706).
F23.6 Maps shall be protected against moisture.
F26.

Start

F26.1 On arrival at the competition area, competitors shall keep their receivers. Spare receivers and components,
clearly marked as property of a particular team or competitor, shall be placed at an indicated point just beyond thestarting line beside the starting corridor.
F26.5 Competitors shall enter the pre-start area not earlier than FIVE MINUTES before their own start. Competitors
receive maps after their start, at the starting line or at the indicated point within the starting corridor.
F27.

Transmitters

F27.3 Each transmitter shall be clearly audible during the whole competition at its nominal position marked on the map
AND at the distance of 30m from its real position. Transmitters shall NOT be audible at the distance of 250 m
from their real positions. The finish beacon operates at normal power and therefore shall be clearly audible during
the whole competition from the start point.
F27.9 All transmitters except for finish beacon have no flags. Registering devices shall be placed no more than one
meter from each transmitter.
F27.10 not valid
F28.

Transmitters arrangement

F28.2 There are number of transmitters in the competition area plus the finish beacon. Transmitters shall operatecontinuously.
Technical Specifications for ARDF Foxoring
FT2.6 Specifications for the 3.5 MHz transmitters:
 Carrier frequency
 Frequency stability
 Channel spacing between the beacon and other transmitters Undesired products level Output RF power (finish beacon) Output RF power (other transmitters)
 ModeA1A (keyed unmodulated carrier) Keying speed
 Antenna (finish beacon)
 Antenna (other transmitters)

3510 … 3600 kHz
better than 50 ppm
30 kHz minimum
conforming to the national regulations
1…5W
10 mW
8 … 15 WPM
verticalvertical (approx. 30 cm long)