[CQ-Contest] Exisiting Penalty System is Working Very Well

[Richard J. Norton]

The following message used data from the 1998 CQWW CW Contest. The
opinions expressed represent those of the undersigned only. Note that
official CQWW communication comes only from K3EST.
--------------

On CW, six of the top ten SOAB-HP entrants, including the top two,
lost 1% or less of their QSOs in the log-checking. This shows
that the top competitors are playing the same game, by the same
rules, and playing it well.

This is a significant improvement from past years when certain
"winners" had 25% or more, of the callsigns in their logs copied
incorrectly!

These 1998 entrants made approximately 5000 to 7000 QSOs each. With
skill and diligence, accuracy can go together with big QSO
production.

The median QSO and score reductions for the top 10 in each of 3
SOAB classes are:

SOAB-HP      -1.5%       -6.1%
SOAB-LP      -1.5%       -6.3%
SOAB-QRP     -1.4%       -6.0%

The winners in this contest have developed their operating
skills, including accuracy, to a level significantly higher than
that of the average participant.

The median QSO reduction for all participants was 3.4%, and the
median score reduction was 14.8%.

The CQWW is not a starter contest, geared to the novice. It is a
top-tier competition, geared to test the most seasoned operators.
All levels of operator can participate, and develop their skills,
but their performance is graded to the same high standards.

The scoring penalty has the PRIMARY PURPOSE of PROMOTING ACCURATE
LOGGING.

1)  Accurate logging insures that both parties receive credit for
contacts.
2)  Accurate logging makes the contest log-checking tractable.
3)  Accurate logging makes the contest better for all serious
entrants.
4)  Accurate logging should continue to be promoted.

The penalty is designed to hurt. It is supposed to hurt so much
that you can't stand it any more, and actually ask for a repeat
of the station's callsign, enough times so that you actually get it
right before you log it.

73,

Dick, N6AA



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