Terms of Use

Effective Date: November 8, 2025

Agreement to Terms

By accessing and using the W5OBM website (w5obm.com) and participating in club activities, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our website or participate in club activities.

About W5OBM

The Olive Branch Amateur Radio Club (W5OBM) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting amateur radio through education, emergency communications, public service, and fellowship. We are an ARRL-affiliated club operating under FCC Part 97 regulations.

Membership and Participation

Eligibility

• Membership is open to all licensed amateur radio operators
• Associate membership available for non-licensed individuals interested in amateur radio
• All members must comply with FCC Part 97 regulations

Member Responsibilities

• License Compliance: Maintain current amateur radio license and operate within Part 97
• Conduct: Maintain professional and courteous behavior in all club activities
• Dues: Pay annual membership dues by established deadlines
• Information: Keep contact information current with club secretary

Website Use

Acceptable Use

• Use the website for legitimate amateur radio and club-related purposes
• Respect other users and maintain professional conduct
• Do not attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the website
• Do not use the website for commercial purposes without prior authorization

Account Security

• Maintain confidentiality of your login credentials
• Notify club officers immediately of any unauthorized account access
• Use strong passwords and change them regularly

Amateur Radio Operations

FCC Compliance

• All amateur radio operations must comply with FCC Part 97
• Proper station identification is required for all transmissions
• Third-party traffic restrictions must be observed

Club Repeaters and Equipment

• Use of club repeaters and equipment is a privilege, not a right
• Users must maintain proper amateur radio etiquette and procedures
• Commercial or inappropriate use is strictly prohibited
• Equipment damage due to misuse may result in repair charges

Emergency Communications

• Emergency communications take priority over all other traffic
• ARES/RACES participants must follow established protocols
• False or unnecessary emergency declarations are prohibited
• Training and certification requirements must be maintained

Intellectual Property

• Website content, club logo, and materials are owned by W5OBM
• Members may use club materials for amateur radio education and promotion
• Commercial use requires written permission from club officers
• Respect copyrights and trademarks of third parties

Events and Activities

• Participation in club events is voluntary
• Follow all safety procedures and local regulations
• Event coordinators' instructions must be followed
• Club is not liable for personal property damage or loss

Privacy and Communications

• Respect privacy of other members and club communications
• Do not share member information without permission
• Club communications may be monitored for quality and compliance
• See our Privacy Policy for detailed information practices

Prohibited Activities

• Unlawful or illegal activities of any kind
• Harassment, bullying, or discriminatory behavior
• Unauthorized commercial solicitation
• Sharing of inappropriate, offensive, or copyrighted content
• Interference with club operations or website functionality

Discipline and Termination

• Club officers may suspend privileges for violations
• Serious violations may result in membership termination
• Appeals may be made to the club board of directors
• Refunds are at the discretion of the club board

Limitation of Liability

W5OBM provides services and information "as is" without warranties. The club is not liable for:

• Technical problems or website downtime
• Personal injury or property damage at events
• Loss of data or communications
• Actions of individual members

Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of Mississippi and the United States, including FCC regulations. Disputes will be resolved through the club's internal procedures or Mississippi state courts.

Changes to Terms

W5OBM reserves the right to modify these Terms of Use at any time. Changes will be posted on this page and become effective immediately. Continued use constitutes acceptance of modified terms.

Contact Information