The Section Traffic Manager is appointed by the Section Manager to supervise traffic handling organization at the section level--that is, to coordinate all traffic efforts within the section, regardless of mode or National Traffic System affiliation, so that routings within the section and connections with other networks and digital traffic nodes will result in orderly and efficient traffic flow. The STM should be a person at home and familiar with traffic handling on all modes, must have at least a Technician class license, and should possess the willingness and ability to devote equal consideration and time to all section traffic matters. The Section Manager is one of three elected positions within the ARRL structure, and is responsible for all ARRL field organization operations within their section. ... The National Traffic System (NTS) is an organized network of amateur radio operators sponsored by the American Radio Relay League for the purpose of relaying messages throughout the US and Canada. ...

STM Functions

1. Establish, administer, and promote a traffic handling program at the section level, based on, but not restricted to, National Traffic System networks.

2. Develop and implement one or more effective training programs within the section that address the needs of both traditional and digital modes of traffic handling. Ensure that Net Managers place particular emphasis on the needs of amateurs new to formal network traffic handling, as well as those who receive, send, and deliver formal traffic on a "casual" basis, via RTTY, AMTOR, and Packet based message storage and bulletin board systems.

3. Cooperate and coordinate with the Section Emergency Coordinator so that traffic nets and emergency nets in the section present a unified public service front. The Section Emergency Coordinator is the assistant to the Section Manager for emergency preparedness. ...

4. Recommend candidates for Net Managers and Official Relay Station appointments to the SM. Issue appointments/cancellations and appropriate certificates. At the SM's discretion, the STM may directly make or cancel NM and ORS appointments.

5. Ensure that all traffic nets within the section are properly and adequately staffed, with appropriate direction to Net Managers, as required, which results in coverage of all Net Control and liaison functions. Assign liaison coverage adequate to ensure that all digital bulletin boards and message storage systems within the section are polled on a daily basis, to prevent misaddressed, lingering, or duplicated radiogram-formatted message traffic.

6. Maintain familiarity with proper traffic handling and directed net procedures applicable to all normally-used modes within the section.