A good net requires rules and guidelines in order for traffic to flow smoothly from one area to another. Below, we have identified some important ideas to remember as we operate in groups to solve problems.

1. Speak slowly, distinctly and clearly. Do not let your voice trail off at the end of words or sentences.
2. Hold the transmit button down for at least two seconds before beginning your message. This will ensure that the first part of your message is not cut off by a slow squelch system. This is especially important for relay stations reporting into the Backbone Net if the repeaters are linked.
3. Listen before transmitting to prevent doubling with someone else.
4. Watch certain words. They sound almost like the opposite meaning. For example, -can't- almost sounds like -can- and with a poor signal, who knows? Use affirmative instead of yes. Use negative instead of no. Should you require a repeat, say "say again" not "repeat". "Roger" is a good word.
5. Tactical callsigns aid in rapid recognition of your function in the net, and they will be utilized. Station identification requirements are met if you end your communication by giving your tactical callsign, followed by your FCC issued station callsign. For example, end your communication with "55 relay, KB9FCC". In this manner, your station callsign serves the same purpose as the prowords "out" or "clear" in advising Sullivan Weather that you have finished your communication. Similarly, sign out when you leave the net. Sullivan Weather and other stations whose transmissions occur over an extended period must give the combined tactical/station callsign at least every ten (10) minutes. Sullivan Weather's Amateur Radio callsign is WX9MKX.
6. Always identify with your tactical callsign "55 relay" at the beginning of a communication. Everyone on the net needs to know who is calling, because voice identification may be difficult.
7. Always immediately acknowledge calls, reports, and instructions unless otherwise indicated. You can acknowledge by just giving your combined tactical/station callsign as discussed in #5. Nothing is more disruptive to the smooth flow of communications than dead silence in response to a message. If you can not copy, or respond to the call immediately, tell the caller to repeat or stand-by.
8. Make sure you understand the call or report perfectly. If you do not understand, ask for a repeat by saying "say again?". Make sure you have the information right before your acknowledgment.
9. When you have understood the message, acknowledge the receipt with the words "copy, received or acknowledged". DO NOT use the Q signal QSL since it may be misunderstood or even missed.
10. When transmitting numbers (house, street, phone numbers) always transmit the number sequences as a series of individual numbers. Never say numbers in combination.
    • For example: "12345 SW 148 Avenue" is given as a series of "one, two, three, four five southwest, one, four, eight Avenue."
    • Do not say: "Twelve three forty-five southwest A-hundred forty eighth Avenue". There is much confusion when sending combination of numbers.
    • There is no such thing as common spelling. If there is a proper name to be transmitted, always spell it out using the International Phonetic Alphabet. Do not improvise a phonetic alphabet; if you don't know the International Phonetic Alphabet, now is a good time to learn it and use it in your operations.