1. Purpose
This policy governs the use of repeater systems operated, sponsored, or controlled by Sin City Repeater Group, Inc. (the “Corporation”). Its purpose is to ensure lawful operation, technical reliability, respectful conduct, and compliance with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Amateur Radio Service Rules codified in 47 CFR Part 97.
2. Regulatory Authority
All repeater operations and communications are governed by 47 CFR Part 97. In the event of any conflict between this policy and federal law, FCC regulations shall control.
3. Trustee and Control Operator Authority
- Pursuant to 47 CFR §97.205(e), the repeater trustee has ultimate responsibility and authority over the operation, configuration, access, and use of the repeater station.
- Sin City Repeater Group, acting through its designated trustees and control operators, retains exclusive authority over repeater configuration, access, linking, identification, and operation.
- Use of the repeater system is a revocable privilege, not a right.
- Membership in the Corporation does not automatically confer repeater access privileges.
- No user acquires any ownership, property, contractual, or continued-access interest through use of the repeater system.
Use of the repeater system does not create any entitlement to access, service, or continued operation. The Corporation and its trustees do not operate repeaters as a public utility or guaranteed communications service. Access is provided solely at the discretion of the Corporation and the applicable trustee to support mission-aligned activity.
3A. Trustee Supplemental Rules.
Repeater trustees may adopt supplemental operating rules applicable to their individual repeater systems, provided that such rules are consistent with these policies, the Corporation’s bylaws, and applicable law.
Supplemental rules shall:
- Not conflict with or diminish any provision of this policy or the Corporation’s bylaws
- Not create any entitlement to access, service, or continued use
- Not impose obligations that are arbitrary, discriminatory, or unrelated to system operation, safety, or regulatory compliance
- Be reasonably related to technical operation, site requirements, interference mitigation, or system performance
All supplemental rules remain subject to review, modification, or rescission by the Corporation. Supplemental rules shall be documented in writing and made available to users upon request. In the event of any conflict between trustee supplemental rules and this policy, the Corporation’s policy shall control.
4. Permitted Use
Use of the repeater system is permitted only for communications that:
- Comply with 47 CFR Part 97
- Are non-commercial and lawful
- Are consistent with the mission of Sin City Repeater Group
- Respect the shared nature of repeater infrastructure
Emergency and public-service communications shall take priority at all times.
The protection of system integrity, regulatory compliance, and operational reliability shall take precedence over any individual user’s access or communication preferences. The Corporation may limit, restrict, or terminate use of the repeater system at any time where necessary to protect equipment, maintain technical performance, ensure compliance with FCC Part 97, or preserve the Corporation’s mission.
5. Prohibited Conduct (Non-Exhaustive)
The following conduct is strictly prohibited on repeater systems operated or controlled by the Corporation:
A. FCC Compliance Violations
- Failure to properly identify in accordance with 47 CFR §97.119, including failure to transmit a valid FCC-issued call sign at required intervals or transmitting under an unauthorized, incorrect, or deceptive identifier
- Transmission of communications is prohibited under 47 CFR Part 97, including prohibited commercial traffic
- Repeated conduct that, while individually minor, collectively interferes with normal repeater operation or degrades the user experience
B. Disruptive or Abusive Conduct
- Harassment, bullying, intimidation, or targeted abusive behavior toward any individual or group
- Hate speech, threats, or incitement of violence
- Conduct intended to provoke, demean, or silence other users
C. Obscene or Inappropriate Content
- Obscene, indecent, or profane transmissions
- Pornographic or sexually explicit content, including descriptions or audio content of a sexual nature
D. System Abuse
- Excessive quick-keying, kerchunking, or intentional triggering of the repeater without a legitimate communication purpose
- Repeated brief transmissions that disrupt normal operation
- Use of automated devices or practices that cause unnecessary repeater activation or congestion without authorization
- Intentional interference, jamming, or disruption of communications
E. Deceptive or Dangerous Conduct
- False distress calls or simulated emergencies
- Knowingly false, misleading, or deceptive transmissions
- Any conduct that places the repeater system, its trustees, control operators, or Sin City Repeater Group at regulatory, legal, or reputational risk
F. Circumvention
- Circumventing or attempting to circumvent access controls, bans, timeouts, identification systems, or technical safeguards
G. Operation While Impaired or Appearing Impaired
- Operating, transmitting, or attempting to operate on Corporation-controlled repeater systems while impaired, or reasonably perceived to be impaired, by alcohol, illegal drugs, misused prescription medications, or any other substance that affects judgment, coordination, or communication ability
- Operating in a manner that suggests impairment, including slurred speech, incoherent or erratic transmissions, significantly impaired judgment, or unsafe on-air behavior
- The determination of impairment or apparent impairment shall be made at the discretion of the repeater trustee or control operator based on observed conduct and the need to protect system safety, regulatory compliance, and public trust.
6. Best Practices for Repeater Operation
These best practices reflect commonly accepted amateur radio operating standards and are intended to supplement, not replace, FCC regulations and trustee authority.
To promote efficient, courteous, and enjoyable use of repeater systems operated by Sin City Repeater Group, users are encouraged to observe the following best practices:
- Listen before transmitting to ensure the repeater is not already in use
- Pause briefly between transmissions to allow for emergency, priority, or breaking traffic
- Identify clearly and properly, using a valid FCC-issued call sign in accordance with 47 CFR §97.119
- Keep transmissions concise and on-topic, recognizing the shared nature of repeater systems
- Avoid monopolizing the repeater for extended conversations
- When conversations become lengthy or highly technical, move to simplex when practicable
- Use standard ITU phonetics when clarity is needed
- Avoid unnecessary repeater activations, including quick-keying or kerchunking
- Respect repeater time-out timers, courtesy tones, announcements, and linking behavior
- Yield the repeater immediately for emergency or public-service communications
These practices support compliance with 47 CFR Part 97, protect system reliability, and ensure equitable shared use.
7. Enforcement
- Sin City Repeater Group may immediately suspend or revoke repeater access, with or without prior notice, for any violation of this policy or 47 CFR Part 97.
- Enforcement decisions are made to protect system integrity, regulatory compliance, and user safety.
- Safety-related violations, including operation while impaired or appearing impaired, may result in immediate suspension without warning.
- Enforcement action does not require progressive discipline and may be taken based on a single serious violation.
- Repeated or intentional disregard for the Best Practices set forth in Section 6—particularly after guidance from a trustee or control operator—may be considered in access and enforcement decisions.
Enforcement decisions may be based on a single serious violation or a pattern of conduct that, taken as a whole, demonstrates disregard for system rules, operational standards, or the Corporation’s mission. The absence of prior enforcement action shall not be construed as permission or acceptance of any conduct.
8. No Expectation of Due Process or Continued Access
- Use of the repeater system does not create any entitlement, property interest, contractual right, or expectation of continued access. Enforcement actions are administrative and operational in nature and are taken to protect system integrity, regulatory compliance, and user safety.
- The Corporation is not a judicial body and does not conduct formal adjudications. Access decisions may be made without hearing, confrontation, or formal process where operational or regulatory considerations require immediate action.
9. Responsibility of Users
All users are responsible for knowing and complying with 47 CFR Part 97, including identification requirements under §97.119. Ignorance of FCC rules or corporate policy is not a defense.
10. Cross-Platform Conduct
Conduct that would be prohibited under this policy may also be considered in decisions affecting access to Sin City Repeater Group-managed digital platforms, events, or activities, and vice versa.
11. Administration and Amendment
- This policy is adopted by resolution of the Board of Directors of Sin City Repeater Group, Inc.
- It may be amended, suspended, or rescinded by the Board at any time.
- This policy is subordinate to the Corporation’s bylaws and applicable law.