P u b l i c   S e r v i c e   M I S C O N C E P T I O N S 
   
   
   R U N N E R   P O S I T I O N A L   I N F O R M A T I O N    P E R M I T T E D 
   
   The  subject  of  runner  positional information at marathons and other races 
   has  been  misunderstood  for several years.   ARRL 7th edition FCC Rule Book 
   Chapter 7-6 reprints a letter from the FCC responding to proposals of the New 
   York Marathon.  Most of the response from the  FCC  applies to race events in 
   general  (about  logistical  and  medical  communications). The segment about 
   LEAD-RUNNER  POSITIONAL  INFORMATION was in response to SPECIFIC proposals of 
   the New York group. This has led to a lot of misunderstanding. 
   
   The  New  York  Marathon HAMS wanted to BROADCAST race progress via HAM radio 
   directly  to  the  general  public.  They  proposed  a  "Race  Progress"  net 
   monitored  and  fed  directly  to loud-speakers and PA systems so the general 
   public  could  directly  hear  the  race  progress via Amateur Radio. This IS 
   PROHIBITED,  n o t   because it is runner position information but because it 
   is BROADCASTING. 
   (The original proposal was read to me By Mr. Small of FCC PRB Washington.)
   
   Additionally the New York Marathon proposed that HAMS feed race progress to 
   the  PRESS  and MEDIA. This is BUSINESS and PROHIBITED HAM communication.  It 
   is  NOT  prohibited  because  it  is RACE PROGRESS but because it is business 
   (i.e.  news  gathering  primarily for press and media). if the information is 
   only  for  those watching on the course and the finish line area PA announcer 
   (and NOT for any Press or Media) then it is OK to run on amateur radio."      
   
   
   ANY  Amateur Communication primarily intended to be broadcast directly to the 
   general  public  and/or  directly  fed to the press (as in news gathering) at 
   races  and  'thons  is  prohibited.  This is not limited to runner positional 
   information.
   
   For  most  OTHER  PURPOSES  runner  positional  information and Race Progress 
   information IS PERMITTED on Amateur Radio.    It is fun! It is great practice 
   It helps keep those HAMs who are involved informed of the event progress too. 
   
   
   If  your  club  has been involved with races or 'thons the question of runner 
   positional  information  has  probably  been a controversial subject.  I hope 
   this  helps  clarify  the  matter.   In  any  case,  if  you  have  questions 
   concerning  legality  of  certain  circumstances please seek competent advice 
   from knowledgeable sources.   
   
   For  further  reference, see QST October 1988, Emergency Communication: Is It 
   Legal? starting on page 54. This subject is dealt with on page 56. 
   
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