When using the 64-bit parameter list, the control statements are written in a single area to which the parameter list points. The control statement area can be above or below the bar. The control statement area consists of:

• A 2-byte field containing the length (in binary) of the character string to follow.
• A character string in EBCDIC format using assembler DC instructions and containing valid images of the control statements to be used during run-time.

The rules for preparing the program control statements are:

• The control statements must be separated by one or more blanks. A blank preceding the first statement is optional; however, a trailing blank is required. No labels, comment statements, or remark fields are allowed. Because each control statement image must be defined contiguously by one or more assembler DC instructions, explicit and implicit continuation of statements is not necessary or allowed.
• The MODS statement is required when user exits other than E15, E18, E32, E35, and E39 are to be used or when the E15, E18, E35, or E39 routine addresses are not passed by the parameter list.
• All of the control statements described in Using DFSORT program control statements can be specified. None is required, but SORT, MERGE, or OPTION COPY must be specified in the parameter list, SORTCNTL, or DFSPARM.
• If you use ATTACH to initiate the program, you cannot use the checkpoint/restart facility. Do not specify CKPT on the SORT or OPTION statement.