There have been several versions of the Amateur’s Code since it was written by Paul M. Segal, W9EEA, in 1928. Here’s the version that currently appears in Ethics and Operating Procedures for the Radio Amateur, Edition 3, June 2009:
The Radio Amateur is
CONSIDERATE… He never knowingly operates in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of others.
LOYAL… He offers loyalty, encouragement and support to other amateurs, local clubs, the IARU Radio Society in his/[her] country, through which Amateur Radio in his country is represented nationally and internationally.
PROGRESSIVE… He keeps his station up to date. It is well-built and efficient. His operating practice is above reproach.
FRIENDLY… He operates slowly and patiently when requested; offers friendly advice and counsel to beginners; kind assistance, cooperation and consideration for the interests of others. These are the marks of the amateur spirit.
BALANCED… Radio is a hobby, never interfering with duties owed to family, job, school or community.
PATRIOTIC… His/[Her] station and skills are always ready for service to country and community.
Well, now the IARU is updating Ethics and Operating Procedures for the Radio Amateur, and I’m part of the group that’s working on the update. One of our tasks is to make the text more gender-neutral. The ARRL has a somewhat gender-neutral version of the Code, but really all they did was to replace “he” with “he/she.”
That being the case, I’ve taken it upon myself to create not only a gender-neutral version of the Code, but to also clarify some of the language. Here’s what I’ve come up with so far:
The Radio Amateur is
CONSIDERATE… The radio amateur never knowingly operates in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of others.
LOYAL… The radio amateur is loyal to and supportive of other amateurs, local clubs, and the IARU Radio Society in their country.
PROGRESSIVE… The radio amateur’s station up to date, well-built, and efficient. Their operating practice is above reproach.
FRIENDLY… The radio amateur operates slowly and patiently when requested and offers friendly advice and counsel to beginners. They are also cooperative and considerate of the interests of others.
BALANCED… Radio amateurs realize that radio is a hobby and never allow it to interfere with their duties owed to family, job, school, or community.
PATRIOTIC… The radio amateur’s station and skills are always ready for service to country and community.
Not only do I think that my version is clearer, I think that it is more parallel than the previous version. Let me know what you think, though.
UPDATE 10/19/23
In addition to the comments below, I got some great feedback from my followers on LinkedIn and Mastodon. For example, Jesse, WB2IFS, pointed me to his version of the Code, which he published on his blog in September 2022. I particular like his rendition of “progressive:”
PROGRESSIVE…An Amateur is curious. An Amateur is enthusiastically and continuously learning new techniques, technologies, countries, and cultures with the understanding that everyone is an Amateur.
I got quite a few comments on Mastodon. Several folks wanted me to reconsider the use of the term “patriotic.” Christopher, M0YNG, said, “I’m not a massive fan of “patriotic” and wonder if it could be more “humanity focused” rather than country? Not sure on the words though.” Jevid, KE8DET, opined, “Patriotic is often conflated with, and co-opted by nationalism, which contains an inherent aspect of ‘my country first.’ This sits in opposition to amateur radio being a means to foster international good will.”
Andreas, DJ3EI, had a number of comments, but this one I found to be the most appealing. He says, “The old Code requires ‘operating practice … [to be] above reproach.’ I highly recommend [a change] to ‘always be eager to try something new.’ You’ll enjoy! I certainly do! Learning+studying is one of the official goals of our hobby! Thus, we may become beginners on a regular basis, bound to make beginner’s mistakes. An ‘above reproach’ angst only hinders.”
Sam, N9MII, says, “Perhaps focus on safe and well-considered operation? As in something that doesn’t spike all over the band and whatnot.” I think that safety is something the the Code is surely missing.
Onno, VK6FLAB, also weighed in. In his version of the Code, he changes the word “patriotic” to “supportive.” He writes, “The Radio Amateur is SUPPORTIVE…knowledge, station and skills always ready for service to country and community.” I’m not sure that’s quite the right word, either, but the idea is that the radio amateur is ready to pitch in when needed.
Finally, for good measure, Peter, N5UWY, looked up the original Code and posted it. It reads:
- The Amateur is Gentelmanly. He never knowingly uses the air for his own amusement in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of others. He abides by the pledges give the the A.R.R.L. in his behalf to the public and the Government.
- The Amateur is Loyal. He owes his amateur radio to the American Radio Relay League and he offers it his unswerving loyalty.
- The Amateur is Progressive. He keeps his station abreast of science. It is built well and efficientlly. His operating practice is clean and regular.
- The Amateur is Friendly. Slow and patient sending when requested, friendly advice and counsel to the beginner, kindly assistance and cooperation for the broadcast listener; these are the marks of the amateur spirit.
- The Amateur is Balanced. Radio is his hobby. He never allows it to interfere with any of the duties he owes to his home, his job, his school or his community.
- The Amateur is Patriotic. His knowledge and his station are always ready for the service of his country and his community.
PAUL M. SEGAL, W9EAA
Director, Rocky Mountain Division, A.R.R.L.