[CQ-Contest] WRTC issues...

[Simon Pearson]

On Mon, Dec 19, 2005 at 11:45 +0100, Hrvoje Horvat wrote:
> Problems would be way easier if the WRTC selection criteria was given
> well in advance...
> 
> Then teams like RU1A, RW2F, UU7J would have a chance to "produce"
> operator for WRTC - RW1AC would have worked that one more single op
> entry, Ken, K6LA would maybe participate more serious in Sprints and
> Dan, N6MJ would maybe travel to VE.

A very good point... 

> Now, we're thrown into criteria after all the contests are gone and
> everyone is trying to force organizers to change something in their
> advantage and we fight over just about anything.
> 
> It would be perfect like in any other big projects - european, world,
> olympics and other championships to know the way to qualify well in
> advance.

Again, more valid points.  Most of what I'm about to say has already
been mentioned, but I thought I'd give me 2 cents worth.

I'm quite amazed at the relatively low number of applicants for the
young teams; first time this has been introduced and I thought more
(paricularly WWYC) youngsters would jump at the chance.  Not the case.

So, why is this the case? In my opinion, the most obvious answer in most
cases is the lack of funding for such a trip.  Getting to Brazil from
Europe (as an example) is expensive, and I dread to think how many limbs
some people might have to sell to even contemplate being able to afford
the trip.

Another reason is probably the multi-op scoring issue.  Many youngsters
don't have very large stations to contest from in the single-op category
and travelling to DX locations (e.g. Caribbean) where putting in a good
score is not possible, again due to lack of funds required.  Spending >
1000 GBP (almost 2k USD) for me to travel to a zone 9 Caribbean QTH in
CQWW just to be sat inside in front of a computer and radio just to be
able to put in a score that could get me "in the spotlight" is not
conceivable.  Unfortunately, I just don't have that cash lying around :)

On the other hand, I'm sure there are very many "WRTC-grade" young
contesters whose input at multi-op stations is very crucial to the
outcome of their score.  They operate at multi-op locations mainly due
to the, as already mentioned, lack of "contest grade" station at the
home location.  Or, they find it difficult to find somewhere to guest op
from. 

I'm fortunate to have found a permanent seat at G6PZ, as, together with
M0DXR, we must have sent emails to about 30 hams in G-land who have
stations where putting in a good score might be possible.  About 90%
didn't even bother to reply.  So much for the future of ham radio and
getting youngsters involved!  

So, yes, I agree; we should know well in advance what the criteria are,
or what they will be and in addition to that, the "young teams" category
should be given a second look and perhaps multi-op scoring in this
category shouldn't be overlooked (the same is true in main WRTC
competition).  I understand this is difficult and of course cannot and
should not compromise those who do have access to stations for single-op
events; but food for thought perhaps. 

Merry Christmas, happy holidays and a happy and healthy 2006 to all. 

-- 
Simon Pearson M0CLW
WWYC #452 | G6PZ CG