CUMBRIA RAYNET GROUP

Radio Communications required at an Event?

RAYNET communications (G4ZBW) at the top of Kirkstone Pass for the Helvellyn Triathlon

Cumbria Raynet Group will provide radio communications to assist organisers with the safety of events.  Members of the Group will not replace marshals but will assist by passing messages from marshals to the control.  Operators may be provided at fixed points, e.g. checkpoints, in vehicles, e.g. sweeping vehicles at runs or walks, and in some cases provide operators to walk with a group of people.  In the case of a safety incident operators may be moved to provide better communications at the incident.

Raynet operators will not be responsible for collecting runner / competitor numbers as they pass specific locations.  They will pass on the information collected by the event marshals and may be willing to assist the marshals in collecting numbers, although this decision will be made by the individual operator.

All equipment is battery powered, hence there is no need for mains electricity.  The equipment will provide communications in areas where mobile phones do not work.

If radio operators are required to access private land the organisers must either obtain the necessary permission or give the Group Controller the name of the land owner who needs to be contacted.

All members of the Group are covered by Public Liability and Personal Accident Insurance while on the Group’s business. The Group has a mobile control trailer which can be used as the base for the communications at an event.

What do I need to do to get assistance at an event?

The first thing is an e-mail to the Group's Controller or Secretary.  Their contact details are:

Please give as much notice as possible as people book dates from one year to the next.  A minimum of six weeks is required in order to give time to sort out operator availability and organise the specific radio equipment required for the event.

The individual requirements of the event will be discussed with the Controller but some of the information that is required is:

• Date and times of event (start and finish times)
• Location of the event control including a grid reference
• Number and locations of checkpoints, including grid references
• Any special access arrangements
• Type of messages that will be sent e.g. runner numbers, casualties, etc

What will it cost?

Cumbria Raynet Group do not make a charge for providing communications.  If the event is run by a charity then the Group will not generally ask for any payment although a donation to the group or assistance with transport costs would be most welcome.  For other organisations the Group will ask for the following:

• Payment of travelling expenses to and from the venues, members will share transport as much as possible but this is limited if member’s cars are to be used as shelter etc at check points
• A contribution to the running expenses of the Group.  In addition to insurance the Group provides and maintains specialist equipment that members do not normally own, and operates a mobile control trailer. 

What do Raynet require?

• Cumbria Raynet Group would ask that marshals are made aware that Raynet operators will be at the event and the role to be filled by Raynet. 
• Good co-operation / working is required between marshals and radio operators so it is helpful if marshals and operators can meet prior to the start of the event.
• A specific person within the organiser’s group who is the point of contact between the organiser and Raynet on the day of the event.  This person must always be accessible.
• We can only operate on behalf of a User Service and not directly for an event organiser; this is a requirement under the terms of our Amateur Radio Licences. Please let us know if one of the following organisations will be involved:

1. St Johns ambulance
2. British Red Cross
3. Police
4. Ambulance
5. Fire Brigade
6. WRVS
7. Coast Guard