These nets are held for the purpose of membership check-ins and ARES- RACES announcements,
and Training in directed net procedure's and always contain important information about upcoming ARES-RACES events. This article will focus on procedures used by the Net Control operator
for our weekly nets.

The Weekly Net Procedures are included in your ARES-RACES net format, and should be reviewed often, especially before conducting an ARES-RACES net. These procedures have been developed with many members' input over the years and when followed, generate a professional
and efficient on-air net.

The net should begin promptly at 9PM. If there is a QSO in progress on the repeater at net
time, kindly break in and advise that a net is about to begin.

Prior to the start of the net, the net control operator should have a current roster and
preamble ready, along with scratch pad and pen. Plan to conduct the net from a
comfortable location. Check your signal before you begin to ensure that your signal is
"making it" into the repeater. Take a minute before the net and relax.

It is important that the preamble be read directly from the script that is published in the format. Adding your own comments, such as "thank-you" or "good evening to the net"detract from the professionalism of the net. But however makes it more inviting to newer check in's
and members alike.

The Net Control Operator must speak slowly and clearly, with a monotone voice. Speaking
too quickly or with a melodic tone can make your signal harder to copy. Avoid quick keying
during the net, and allow adequate spaces between transmissions for emergency traffic.

Every member check in should be acknowledged  by Net Control before the
next member is called. A signal report may be given, however Net Control should refrain
from trying to solve a radio problem during the net. "Roger…weak signal" from Net Control
is adequate.

 It is important that callsigns are read correctly and in order to avoid multiple stations checking in
simultaneously. If this does occur, acknowledge the station that was copied and move on.
The station that was not copied should try again during the "missed checkins" portion of
the net.

Sometimes, situations beyond your control may arise during a net, such as malicious
interference. It is a good practice to ignore the interference and continue with the net. If
communications are not possible due to the interference, use you best judgement to
determine how to proceed. If a member or visitor to the net is operating outside the
Weekly Net Control procedures, offer a firm, but polite advisement. Remember not to
chastise an operator on the air at any time!

As always, all ARES-RACES officers are available to answer questions or provide support for
you while running your Net. Please feel free to ask us question's. Review your format prior to
your Net Control Assignment. It will make a difference!

                                                                             Net mgr. john dollar N4NNX.