ARRL Field Day Approacheth
June 24-25, 2023, marks a significant milestone in my journey as an Amateur Radio Operator. After three years of honing my radio skills and one year missing my beard, I am thrilled to announce my participation in the upcoming Honest Field Day event. But why do I emphasize the term “honest”? Well, allow me to share an experience that shaped my perception of this event and the values I hold dear.
A Disappointing Experience
In 2021, I had the opportunity to take part in an American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Field Day event organized by the Batesville Area Radio Club (BARC), operating under the callsign K5BRC. However, as the day unfolded, it became apparent that the Batesville Area Radio Club was not upholding the principles of integrity and fair play that are inherent in such events. The officers of this club, whom I had respected, knowingly and deliberately cheated during the Field Day event.
Let me elaborate on their actions. According to the 2021 ARRL Field Day rules, Class A stations, including clubs or non-club groups, must set up specifically for Field Day. These stations should not use facilities intended for permanent station use or any permanently installed structures. In clear violation of these guidelines, the BARC set up its camp in the midst of an established antenna field and shamelessly hooked up and utilized permanently installed antennas and towers during the 2021 event. I also have it on good authority that this was repeated on the 2022 field day event.
Questioning Affiliation
I was taken aback by their audacity and lack of respect for the spirit of the event. As amateur operators, we should take pride in self-policing and maintaining the highest standards of honesty. However, the BARC officers seemed to have forgotten these principles. Witnessing this blatant disregard for the rules makes me question my membership with the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), which allows the Batesville Area Radio Club to represent the ARRL in affiliation. And let me be perfectly clear the BARC leadership, NOT the Membership, is to blame and by lack of of response so is the ARRL.
Taking Matters into Our Hands
I should have recognized this incident as a sign of things to come. How can a club that openly flouts ARRL Field Day rules and brings new members into its culture of hypocrisy set a positive example for others? Frustrated and disheartened by the club’s behavior, a group of like-minded individuals and I decided to take matters into our own hands and ensure that Field Day 2023 would be a true representation of the event’s core values.
Invitation To Field Day 2023
If you share a genuine interest in playing radio and upholding the principles of integrity, I invite you to join us in this endeavor. Together, we can create an atmosphere of camaraderie, learning, and mutual respect—a community where we adhere to the rules, push our limits, and celebrate the true essence of Field Day.
Field Day is a time for us to showcase our skills, exchange ideas, and connect with fellow operators. It is a chance to explore the limits of our equipment and ourselves. By participating in this event with unwavering honesty, we can demonstrate the best of what the amateur radio community represents.
Conclusion
So, mark your calendars for June 24-25, 2023, and join us for a Field Day experience unlike any other. Let us stand united, passionate about our craft, and committed to fostering an environment of integrity and fair play. Together, we can make a difference and reclaim the true spirit of Field Day.
I look forward to meeting fellow enthusiasts who share my vision and embracing the adventure that lies ahead. See you at Field Day 2023!
By sharing my experiences with the Batesville Area Radio Club, I hope to prevent others from experiencing the same disappointment, grief and regret. I strongly urge you to share your own experiences with the club, whether positive or negative, in the comments section. It would be valuable for both myself and others to become aware of different perspectives. I kindly request that you help spread the word by sharing my posts on social media platforms. By doing so, we can encourage others to ask questions and engage in meaningful discussions. Feel free to share my content across your social networks.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post!
If you would like to leave a comment, please feel free to do so. Should you wish to share any experiences you’ve had with the Batesville Area Radio Club, whether positive or negative, we encourage you to share your thoughts openly.
My negative experience with the Batesville Radio Club is not an isolated incident. At least 11 members, including myself, have either been expelled from the club or chosen to leave due to a lack of effective leadership following the unfortunate passing of the club president.
Although my partner, Sheri, and I are no longer affiliated with this club, the feelings of embarrassment and shame associated with our past membership still linger deep within us. We intend to openly discuss our experience, concerns, and shed light on what we believe to be a clear violation of our rights as club members and as individuals with strong moral values.
MTC (Message to Community)
It is totally misleading to new hams as was to myself.. then. I listened to hubby and other experienced hams as to what Field Day should be. This is when I started reading “rules”…of everything. There is nothing that they will not cheat on, including testing. I do have PROOF! You know the rest of the story, so cuff me!
We are very happy with our White River Radio and Communications group. Not only are we allowed to make friends here, but we can share, learn and enjoy a hobby how it is meant to be used and taught.
‘73
Debbie
KI5QQG