GMFF Awards General Rules
GM Flora & Fauna (GMFF) invites licensed amateur radio operators worldwide to explore, contact, and activate a wide range of qualifying locations, including nature reserves, islands, lighthouses, grid squares, parks, castles, summits, lochs, rivers, and many other features across Scotland, the wider UK, Europe, and worldwide, depending on the specific award series.
The GMFF Awards Programme promotes portable operating, exploration, and responsible amateur radio activity, offering recognition to both chasers and activators who take part in this unique and growing programme.
1. Award Categories and General Principles
1.1 Chasers and Activators
The GMFF Awards Programme recognises two categories of participants:
- Chasers — operators who make contacts with stations operating from GMFF-listed locations
- Activators — operators who physically operate from those locations
1.2 Qualifying Locations
Only locations listed in the official GMFF lists are valid for award purposes. New locations may be added as the programme develops.
1.3 Award Structure
Awards are issued in graded levels for both chasers and activators, reflecting progressive achievement.
1.4 Membership Requirement
All GMFF awards are issued to GMFF members only as high-quality PDF certificates.
Membership can be obtained here:
https://gmff.uk/gmff-membership
1.5 Award Fee
Each GMFF award requires a fee of £10 GBP. These funds are used to support the development of the club, organisation of expeditions, and other activities related to GMFF.
1.6 Payment Procedure
Before applying for any award, the applicable fee must be paid.
After payment, participants must retain their PayPal Transaction ID, which must be provided in the award application.
If multiple awards are paid for in a single transaction, the same Transaction ID may be used for all corresponding applications.
1.7 Award Applications
Application forms for each specific award are provided within the individual award conditions.
1.8 Plaques
Optional engraved plaques may be requested for any award. Pricing varies and should be confirmed at the time of request.
1.9 Recognition
Participants achieving high levels within the programme may be featured in the GMFF Digest.
2. Eligibility and Communication Standards
2.1 Eligibility
Participation is limited to licensed amateur radio operators. Short-wave listeners are not eligible.
2.2 Callsigns
All QSOs must be made under a valid callsign assigned to the operator or a club station, within the same DXCC country.
2.3 Activator-to-Activator Contacts
QSOs between activators at different GMFF locations may count towards chaser awards.
2.4 Bands and Modes
QSOs may be made on any permitted amateur radio band or mode. No endorsements are issued for specific bands or modes.
2.5 QSO Confirmation
Scans of QSL cards (including electronic QSLs) are accepted as confirmation.
The Award Manager may request proof of any QSO at any time. This may include verification from the activator.
Any attempt to falsify contacts or submit misleading information will result in permanent exclusion from the programme.
3. Rules for Activators
3.1 Minimum QSOs
A minimum of 10 QSOs with different stations is required for a valid activation.
3.2 Station Location
All equipment, including antenna and power source, must be located within the qualifying location.
3.3 Permission to Operate
Activators must obtain all necessary permissions to access and operate from a location.
Holding an amateur radio licence does not automatically grant permission to operate from any site.
Compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and landowner requirements is mandatory.
3.4 Verification Requests
The GMFF Committee may request additional information or proof of activation.
Failure to cooperate may result in exclusion from the programme.
3.5 Rule Violations
Repeated non-compliance or misconduct may lead to termination of participation.
4. Guidance for Activators
4.1 Preparation
Ensure all permissions are obtained before activation.
4.2 Evidence
Activators are encouraged to retain evidence of their activity, including:
- photographs of the station at the location
- transport records or tickets
- logbook signatures
- signed statements from verifiable individuals
4.3 Documentation
All evidence should be retained and verifiable if requested.
4.4 Coordination
Activators are encouraged to announce plans in advance to avoid conflicts.
4.5 Notification
Early notification to the GMFF Committee is recommended for rare or difficult locations.
4.6 Operation
Activators may operate in any manner compliant with their licence.
4.7 QSL Responsibility
Activators are encouraged to respond to QSL requests in a timely manner.
5. Programme Management
5.1 Administration
The GMFF Committee administers the programme.
Contact:
info@gmff.uk
https://gmff.uk/contact-us
5.2 Liability
The GMFF Committee is not liable for any losses arising from participation.
5.3 Cooperation
Participants must cooperate with the Committee and provide requested information.
Failure to comply may result in exclusion.
All decisions of the GMFF Committee are final.
5.4 Jurisdiction
The programme is governed by the laws of Scotland.
5.5 Intellectual Property
All programme content is the property of GMFF and may not be reproduced without permission.
Final Note
The GMFF Awards Programme is built on trust, integrity, and responsible amateur radio practice. All participants are expected to operate in good faith and uphold the standards of the programme.
