VEC-02 — Lesson 1 of 5

The Team Leader Role

Qualifications, accountability, DTL requirements, and response deadlines.

Lesson Objectives

State the license class required for Team Leaders and Deputy Team Leaders
Explain how Team Leaders are appointed and the authority the appointing party retains over that appointment
Explain how Deputy Team Leaders are appointed and how that differs from TL appointment
Describe what the TL is accountable for and who they report to
Explain what a DTL may and may not do independently
Apply the correct response deadlines for RC queries and change notifications

Part A — Qualifications & Accountability

Who can be a Team Leader?

Team Leaders are required to hold an Amateur Extra class license. They are the principal interface between the VE team, the Regional Coordinator, and the VEC Chairman. App. 4 §1.1.

Team Leaders are appointed by the sponsoring organization or elected by the team members. Deputy Team Leaders are appointed by the Team Leader. P&P §12.5.1.

⚠	TLs are accountable for their team’s compliance The Team Leader is personally responsible for ensuring every session is conducted in compliance with FCC rules and LARC VEC policies. This accountability cannot be delegated — only the authority to perform specific tasks can. App. 4 §2 opening.

Deputy Team Leaders

DTLs must hold an Amateur Extra class license. App. 4 §2.15.1.
DTLs must be designated on the team’s page in the VE Portal. App. 4 §2.15.2.
DTLs must be trained to perform all TL duties during a TL absence. App. 4 §2.15.3.
Only a TL or a designated DTL may conduct an exam session as Session Leader. App. 4 §2.18.2.
Only TLs and DTLs may create exams and answer keys using ExamMaker, Exam Generator, or ExamTools. App. 4 §2.16.
TLs and DTLs cannot change each other’s personal information in the VE Portal. App. 4 §2.15.5.

Part B — Response Obligations

Deadlines every TL must meet

Obligation	Deadline	Reference
Respond to RC or VEC Chairman queries	Within 72 hours	App. 4 §2.14
Notify RC of TL or DTL personnel change	Within 3 calendar days	App. 4 §2.9
Notify RC of contact information change	Within 3 days of change	App. 4 §2.7.1
Notify RC of cancelled exam session	Within 2 days of cancellation decision	P&P §9.1.4
Notify RC of cheating incidents	As soon as possible	App. 4 §2.23
Post next year’s exam schedule to VE Portal	Not later than 1 November each year	P&P §9.1.1

Part C — Team Composition

Building your team

Teams should have not fewer than four VEs if possible. Three qualified VEs are the minimum to administer, grade, and certify results — four provides a buffer for absence. App. 4 §2.2.1.2.

Teams must conduct a minimum of three exam sessions per year. A waiver can be requested from the RC. P&P §10.1–10.2.

ℹ	Non-VE support personnel Teams may use appropriately trained support personnel — whether licensed or not — to prepare Form 605 and CSCE for signing. They do not administer or grade exams. App. 8 §9.1.6.

Knowledge Check

You are a DTL and chair of the amateur radio club that sponsors your team. The club board wants to offer monthly sessions but the TL refuses. What is the correct course of action?

A. As DTL and club chair you have authority to add sessions independently since the club sponsors the team B. Contact the RC immediately to have the TL removed and replaced without involving the club board C. There is nothing that can be done — the TL’s decisions on session frequency are final regardless of the sponsoring club’s wishes D. Since the TL was appointed by the club, the club board has the authority to contact the RC to designate a replacement TL and have the current TL removed

Knowledge Check

A VE on your team repeatedly watches his cell phone during exam sessions despite multiple warnings. You want to remove him from your team. What must you do?

A. File a formal complaint with the VEC Chairman documenting each incident before removal can proceed B. Notify the RC first — VE removal requires RC approval to take effect in the VE Portal C. Removing a VE from your team is your prerogative as Team Leader; inform the VE and update the team roster in the VE Portal D. Issue one final formal written warning through the VE Portal before initiating removal

Knowledge Check

As TL you are leaving for a 6-week expedition during which you will have no communication. What must you do before you leave?

A. Nothing — the DTL automatically assumes TL responsibilities during any TL absence B. Submit a written request to the VEC Chairman to suspend the team’s sessions for the duration C. Ensure a designated DTL is ready to perform all TL duties and notify the RC of your extended absence and the period during which you will be incommunicado D. Notify only your team members; RC contact is only required when permanently stepping down as TL

Knowledge Check

The TL and both DTLs will all be unavailable for the next scheduled exam session. What must the TL do?

A. Cancel the session without notifying the RC — session cancellation is an internal team decision B. Notify the RC of the personal absences that will prevent the team from conducting the scheduled session C. Designate any Amateur Extra VE on the team to serve as Session Leader for that one session D. Request a waiver from the VEC Chairman allowing a qualified VE to conduct the session

Reference: Full P&P Document →

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