JOTA/JOTI Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated: 13th July 2009

What is JOTA?

The JOTA is an annual event in which Scouts and Guides all over the world speak to each other by means of amateur radio contacts. Scouting experiences are exchanged and ideas are shared, via the radio waves.
The world-wide Jamboree-On-The-Air is organized to coincide with the third full weekend of October each year. The event starts at 00:00 hours local time on the Saturday and concludes 48 hours later at 00:00 hours local time on the Sunday.
Each station can choose its own operating hours within this period.
 

Why do I have to register for JOTA/JOTI?

Victorian Branch requests that all JOTA / JOTI sites register with the Victorian JOTA Coordinator.
This ensures that:
- Branch is aware of the number of JOTA sites around Victoria
- The Amateur Radio Operator involved is checked for appropriate licenses
- The JOTA/JOTI sites receive any last minute information that may be available.

Only sites that are registered will be able to order JOTA/JOTI badges and call signs.

Registration is simple, just complete the attached registration form, or download a copy from the Scout Radio and Electronics Service Unit website at www.sresu.asn.au

I encourage all RC’s and DC’s to ensure that JOTA sites within their Districts and Regions are registered, and take an active interest in this world wide event.

Why do I need a Working with Children Check?
The Victorian Working with Children Act came into force from April 2007.

As overnight activities are an integral part of Scouting, the Act requires all members involved in such programmes to hold a current WWC. To simplify the process it has been decided that all members who are 18 years and over, irrespective of their role or position, must hold a current WWC.

All Adults who stay overnight at JOTA must be a CoAL Leader, have completed a Scouts Police Check, or hold a WWC ID Card and provide details to the Leader in Charge.

How do I obtain JOTA/JOTI Badges?
The 2009 JOTA/JOTI Badge is now available for ordering from the Scout Radio and Electronics Service (SRESU) unit, and will be distributed during the 2nd week of October. Badges cost 80c each.
Badge orders will only be accepted by completing the JOTA/JOTI Application form and posting with a cheque to the SRESU. We will not issue JOTA Badges for non-registered sites.


How do I obtain a “Scout” Call sign?
JOTA sites are able to apply to the SRESU for use of a “Scout” call sign. This enables the site’s licensed Amateur Radio Operator(s) to use the “Scout” call sign in place of their own, providing recognition to other JOTA participants in Australia and around the world.

What does this mean?
Amateur Radio Operators have 3 options for Operation at JOTA
1. Operate using your existing individual or club call sign.
2. Apply to the SRESU for yearly Scout call sign (This option will suit campsites and regions operating Amateur Radio at other activities.)
3. Apply to the SRESU is for the “loan” of an SRESU Scout call sign

How does the loan calls sign process work? Site that order over 100 badges have the option of requesting a “loan call sign”. Loan call signs are licensed by the ACMA to the SRESU for the whole year and allocated to the JOTA site for JOTA use only. These call signs are then used to expand the services the SRESU is able to provide to scouting events throughout the year.

NB: Groups wanting to request call signs and/or receive badges before JOTA must have their application to the SRESU no later than Friday 15th September 2009. Applications for badges will only be accepted by postal mail with appropriate payment.

My group wants to run a JOTA site?
In order to run a JOTA site, 90% of the site needs to be run and supported by the group or district. The Scout Radio and Electronics Service Unit receive numerous requests each year for Radio Operators to assist with the JOTA side of the event, and are fully committed for this year. Sites are filled on a number of youth members attending basis, with the larger bases getting more support. (To make the event worthwhile for all concerned you need at least 50 youth members attending.)

If you are keen to run a JOTA/JOTI base, then I suggest you get your leader team behind you, and organise for JOTA and/or JOTI to be activities as apart of a larger activity day (i.e. Cubs AAA day.). This means that youth members can be involved in activities for the whole day.

We can try to find Amateur Radio Operators from the AR Community for you. Contact the JOTA Coordinator.


Where is JOTA operating this year?
A list of sites and contacts will be published in the 2nd week of October on the SRESU website at www.sresu.asn.au