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.
Skip K4EAK says
“Gender neutral” wording always seemed a bit pointless to me since a sentence like, “One must mind his manners” is already gender-neutral, or at least it had been for hundreds of years. And using plural pronouns to refer to singular antecedents can be confusing. But if one is determined to go along with modern imperatives, I like your version better than ARRLs.
Walter Underwood says
Where “modern imperatives” starts with Shakespeare.
“Shakespeare used they with singular antecedents so there”
http://itre.cis.upenn.edu/~myl/languagelog/archives/002748.html
Skip K4EAK says
I didn’t say it’s never been used, I said it can be confusing. But if an author wants to make their point, then OK. :) 73 Skip K4EAK
Newton White says
I like your version and agree it is clearer. I wonder if a version in first person could be a pledge? Each point could appear in each of the 3 level tests we amateurs must pass for licensing.
1. I as a radio amateur operator pledge to never knowingly operate:
a) to lessen the pleasure of others.
b) to help in an emergency.
etc.
Dan KB6NU says
I like that idea. With that wording, it would become the Amateur’s Pledge.
Samir K1SIP says
I agree with Newton. That is a great idea, kind of like the Hippocratic Oath that physicians take.
Walter Underwood says
Missing “is” in this “The radio amateur’s station up to date”.
Ed KC8SBV says
Are saying to refuse tube radios??
Walter Underwood says
Could get rid of some repetition by getting rid of “is” at the top and starting each point with a verb. This doesn’t quite work, but it is close.
“The radio amateur…
CONSIDERATE… never knowingly operates in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of others.
LOYAL… is loyal to and supportive of other amateurs, local clubs, and the IARU Radio Society in their country.”
PROGRESSIVE… has an up to date, well-built, and efficient station. Their operating practice is above reproach.
Walter Underwood says
If you want the person to be the subject instead of the station…
“PATRIOTIC… The radio amateur’s station and skills are always ready for service to country and community.”
“PATRIOTIC… is ready to serve their community and country with their station and skills.”
I slightly like putting community first, starting close to the person then going farther.
Walter Underwood says
Also, “Radio amateurs realize” can be “The radio amateur realizes”.
Dan KB6NU says
You make a good point, Ed. Any suggestions on how to modify this point? Maybe taking out the part about being “up to date?”
Christopher Goodman says
I would prefer: Progressive… keeps one’s radio station functional and efficient. One is mindful of current technologies, but respectful of older, proven technologies. One operates in a manner beyond reproach.
I wish to keep a balance between proven, traditional technologies and newer technologies, e.g. software defined radio’s. An amateur radio operator need not buy the new fangled gadget just to be “up to date”.
I would be careful about using the male gender, even in a generic manner. It helps make women feel more welcome.
Onno VK6FLAB says
What about people who are neither male, nor female? I ask because there are plenty of transgender people I know who are members of this community who often feel alienated by the conduct of our community.
Onno VK6FLAB says
I’m thrilled that the IARU is exploring the code, given it’s international reach, I think it’s important to have this conversation beyond the boundaries of a single national organisation.
Between August and October of 2022 I explored in depth the Amateur’s code and published that as episodes of my weekly podcast “Foundations of Amateur Radio” to encourage discussion around the Amateur’s Code, to explore its origins and to provide a discussion around each clause.
In June 2023 I put these eight articles together on the web to assist discussions like the one that’s being had here.
https://projects.vk6flab.com/projects/amateur-code
It’s also available as the original audio, and as a YouTube playlist if that’s more your style.
I’d welcome comment and feedback.