[VHFcontesting] Grid Circling Group & VUAC

[Joe Taylor]

Ron, and all --

Yes, the VUAC is an *Advisory* committee.  No, it does not directly 
advise any salaried employees of the League.

The VUAC was created by the ARRL Board of Directors.  Directors are 
elected by the League membership.  The VUAC reports back to the Board 
through its Programs and Services Committee (PSC).  In the end, the 
Board sets League policies, including contest rules.

In most cases, like the case we under discussion here, the Board's 
advisory structure is several layers deep.  Important sources of input 
for setting VHF/UHF contest rules include the membership at large, the 
VUAC, and the PSC.

Every ARRL Division has a representative on the VUAC, and there is one 
for Canada as well.  It has been my privilege to represent the Atlantic 
Division, and I have received and benefited from thoughtful input from 
many League members in my Division.

The hard-working salaried employees at ARRL do not set League policy, 
and they do not set the contest rules.  They are, however, responsible 
for implementing League policies, including contests.

Obviously it is advantageous for consultation to taks place between 
those who make recommendations and set the rules, and those who must 
implement them.  I can assure you that such consultation does take place.

-- 73, Joe, K1JT
Atlantic Division Representative, VUAC

Rogers, Ron wrote:
> What I find bothersome about a comment like "As far as the VUAC goes, I
> see that group as being rather worthless" on a reflector frequented by
> serious and professional VHF-UHF contesters is that it indicates some
> people have not done the research and STILL do not understand what the
> purpose (and limits) of the VUAC is.
> 
> Let's be clear with the facts, boys and girls. 
> 
> The fact remains that the VUAC only makes recommendations about rules
> changes and they ARE NOT the group chartered with actually changing or
> re-writing the rules. That function and power resides in a different
> (and salaried) branch of the ARRL.
> ...