[W1SMH] Fwd: Hams Needed for BAA 10K Race, Sunday, June 26, 2011

[raycord at aol.com]

-----Original Message-----
From: thomas bertolino <thober1 at verizon.net>
To: raycord <raycord at aol.com>
Sent: Mon, May 16, 2011 2:50 pm
Subject: Hams Needed for BAA 10K Race, Sunday, June 26, 2011



Subject: Hams Needed for BAA 10K Race, Sunday, June 26, 2011
 
Ray, K2TGX
 
Ten Kilometers in Boston – the first for the BAA
 
Be in on the first 10K race for the Boston Athletic Association (BAA).  As history has shown, this is likely to be the beginning of another Boston tradition – and you can be part of it.  The Boston Amateur Radio Club has been asked to coordinate hams for the safety and management of this race as we have performed so effectively for other BAA events.  
 
The race course is out and back primarily on Commonwealth Ave, from the Public Garden to Babcock St at Boston University.  This 10K race will be held on SUNDAY, 26 JUNE 2011, with the hams reporting at 0700.  The whole thing should be over by 0930.  
 
Wait a minute!  For those of you who just consulted your calendar or sundial, this date is the second day of Field Day.  Yes, although advised, the BAA could not get the City to allow any other day.  So we hams are squeezed into a public service conflict.  If you are intent on Field Day, so be it.  But there are hams who are available.  We need you to be one of them.  
 
Our ham radio team (including you) has been tasked to support communications for this event doing our usual medical, water and administrative tasks.  We definitely need your help – and more hams.  Time is short.  
 
The early morning weather is likely to be mild so the 6.2-mile course should not be a strain on the athletes.  Water and medical stations are spaced appropriately.  We also have assignments at several confusing points.  Our duties on the course will be to support these locations, but we also serve as observers of the runners, spectators and local residents (some of their streets are to be closed).  Most stations serve both outbound and inbound runners.  
 
Following your volunteer reply, you will be sent further details and your assignment.  Because the entire course is compact, one or two repeaters will be used.  Our present plan is to use both 2-meters and 70-cm, both bands with CTCSS.  
 
WE NEED YOU TO VOLUNTEER.  As in the past, we are committed to reliable, professional performance, and the requirements below lead to this goal.  Please note them and sign up quickly.  Our duties at this event are straight forward and are also well suited for hams who have little experience at public service.  Each ham must have his or her own radio and accessories - no sharing of equipment can be permitted during the event.  Each ham must be self sufficient for the entire period, as we cannot assure partnered assignments.  
 
1.   For the duration of this event you are considered a member of the Boston Amateur Radio Club (BARC) and a BAA volunteer.  BARC carries a liability insurance policy.  
 
2.   To assist in identification and security, you must wear a badge with your name and call sign.  Your volunteer credential will be issued at the beginning of the day.  Your bright orange “Emergency Communications” cap (available for $5.00 – let me know if you need one) is assurance that you are to be noticed.  
 
3.   Our communications support is provided only by licensed Amateur Radio operators, Technician class or above.  Be sure to have a good photocopy of your valid FCC license and a call sign badge with you.  
 
4.   Because of the noise potential and possible radio traffic congestion, you should have a full size antenna (that is, better than a minimal “rubber duck”) and a battery supply sufficient to run at your maximum power if necessary.  While you will mostly listen and rarely transmit, the best guide is for 4 hours of battery capability.  The ambient noise level may be high, so an inexpensive headset (not just an ear plug) is strongly recommended.  VOX is not permitted.  
 
5.   To present ourselves as professional and proficient, you must be neatly dressed.  The bright orange “Emergency Communications” cap is essential for identification.  Local residents and the media will be watching.  
 
6.   Expect the media.  If you are interviewed, state that you are a ham radio operator, and give only a very brief statement about what your assignment is.  Then refer the interviewer to our public relations staff (call Net Control for direction).  Please do not offer prolonged descriptions of the joys of ham radio.  
 
NOTE: 
SUNDAY, 26 JUNE is soon approaching.  More hams are needed – including those new to public service events.  Please spread the word in your local club and to your on-the-air friends!  Anyone interested should contact me directly ASAP.  We also need you to understand that although we must call for more hams now, final staffing needs may not match the number of ham volunteers.  Therefore, a very small possibility exists that we still may not be able to give everyone an assignment.  
 
We also need to know if your radio has 2-meters with CTCSS and if you have the 70-cm band.  If you have any questions about participation, do not hesitate to contact me.  
 
When you reply, please include the following information: 
    Postal mailing address.  
    Phone number(s) – home and cell
    Your best email address for last minute information.  
    Can you open an MS Word email attachment?  
    Are you available to drive, and, if assigned on the course (not assured), would you drive there directly?  
    Your shirt size.  
 
If you have already informed me that you are available, please reply to this message anyway.  
 
73,  
Tom Bertolino, KB1P 
781.608.6186  (Cell) 
kb1p at arrl.net