[CQ-Contest] Definitions for SO and SO-Assisted (long)

[Paul O'Kane]

I know fatigue is setting in on this topic.  However,
it may be possible to reconcile some of the viewpoints
expressed recently.  Here’s my attempt to summarise 
and simplify the issues, and to suggest updated 
definitions for SO and SO-Assisted.

SO is usually defined as an entry where a single
operator does all the operating and logging, and
receives no assistance during the contest period.

Perhaps we can agree on what’s not SO – even if it
appears to be stating the obvious.  I think we
would accept that the presence of any additional
operator(s) would automatically mean the entry was
not SO.

Now that’s out of the way, we should examine the
word “assistance” – if only because it means
different things to different people.  I believe
it can be readily divided into two classes,
internal and external.

Here are examples of each – they're intended to
be representative, and not exhaustive.

Internal Assistance.
  1.  The operator’s knowledge, experience and
      abilities regarding -
         Operating procedures and tactics
         Propagation
         Country/Continent callsign prefixes
         CW
         Fast talking (in multiple languages)
         Typing

  2.  The operator’s ability to understand and
      control hardware at his/her disposal.
         Radios
         Amplifiers
         Filters
         Antennas
         Rotators
         Computers

  3.  The operator’s ability to understand and
      control software features at his/her disposal.
         Logging software
         CW keyers
         Voice keyers
         Callsign databases (Check Partial and
                             Super Check Partial)
         Personal databases (Name, Location)

I accept there’s probably some overlap between
hardware and software above.

External Assistance.
    Where the operator seeks or receives additional
    information at any time during the contest period,
    with the potential to assist with his/her entry,
    whether directly or indirectly from other person(s),
    whether in person or via any medium – including,
    but not limited to,
        Spotting Nets
        PacketCluster
        Internet
        Radio (other than in contest QSOs on modes and
               frequencies permitted in the contest)
        Telephone
        Email
        Fax

Suggested Definitions:

SO - an entry where a single operator does all the operating
and logging, and receives no external assistance during the
contest period.

SO-Assisted – an entry where a single operator does all the
operating and logging, and receives external assistance during
the contest period.

Note:  The implication, with this definition of SO-Assisted,
is that no distinction is drawn between the mediums (media?)
used for external assistance.  That's intended – I don't see
it as a technology issue.  

Basically, I'm hoping we can get some consensus on the concept
of internal assistance and external assistance in contesting.

73,
Paul EI5DI


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