It had been a while since I last read the Region I ARDF Rules documents. So I was surprised recently when I came across this paragraph in Part B, Appendix 1:
“T4.2 The use of satellite positioning devices is allowed provided they do not contain digital map of the terrain (“nonmapping” devices).”
This rule, as written, would appear to allow the following:
A system of devices incorporating a GPS receiver, that is capable of showing the Start position (recorded by the competitor while at the Start), estimated locations of foxes and finish beacon (based on bearings and signal strengths from GPS-derived locations) and their actual positions once found, along with one’s current location relative to all those points, and the track from the Start to the current location. Such a system could also support the placement and display of waypoints that the user sets while on the course, or even prior to the competition. The only thing that must be absent from such a system is the map overlay, which is not allowed under paragraph T4.2.*
But even without the map data, such a system (readily implemented with existing technology) fundamentally changes the character of the sport. The advantages provided by a “featureless map of critical positions” affords a huge edge to the user, and is counter to the nature of a “map, compass, and radio” sport.
Paragraph T4.2 needs to be changed to disallow satellite positioning devices with graphical displays, and those integrated with other equipment capable of displaying graphical information.
Preserving the nature of ARDF requires that competitors receive no navigation-related information from any source outside a regulation map, a compass, and a DF receiver. Perhaps an argument can be made for utilizing satellite-based devices for calculating and displaying distances between points, like a high-tech measuring wheel. It even seems desirable to encourage GPS for recording track data for post-competition analysis – such data if mandated, and collected by organizers, could even be used to prove or disprove “following” and exclusion zone incursions.
But paragraph T4.2 must be modified to prevent ARDF from becoming a form of geocaching with radios, in which competitors eyes are glued to their display screens as they run toward satellite-determined waypoints.
* A crassly-literal interpretation of paragraph T4.2 could even allow the actual transmitter locations to be preloaded into the satellite positioning device, along with vector position information of roads and trails, enabling the device to provide turn-by-turn navigation instructions to a competitor. Disqualifying a competitor for such use would require appealing to the “fair play” provisions of the rules, but that argument could be made only if the pre-loaded data were somehow discovered by organizers. Competing while in possession of such a capable device is clearly permitted under paragraph T4.2, provided that it does not contain a digital map of the terrain.