[CQ-Contest] WRTC Selection Criteria

[Hal Offutt]

I think Jeff is absolutely right that the WRTC should be open to anyone who
wants to participate.  Something like a marathon, to use a sports analogy.*
There have to be a lot of great ops out there who simply do not have the
time or the access to competitive stations to operate enough contests to
earn a place in the WRTC under the current rules.  If anyone were allowed to 
compete it would at a single stroke wipe out the inequalities in the current 
system.

However, the logistics of doing this would be a huge, huge challenge and 
there would still be good and bad locations, local QRM, and many other 
problems to overcome.  But it sure would be cool if there were a way to do 
it.

Jeff remarked "the bottom line is that contesting is not fair."  Maybe Jeff 
is too pessimistic.  I think the pursuit of the level playing field is a 
worthwhile endeavor and that we should keep trying.  Right now, I'd say the 
closest we have come is the mobile category in a state QSO party where most 
stations are using very similar stations and the winners are the stations 
who get the most out of those stations.  Interesting that Jeff is himself an 
accomplished practitioner of this growing segment of contesting.

73,

Hal W1NN

*Yes, I know that some marathons have to limit the number of participants;
no analogy is perfect.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <ku8e at bellsouth.net>
To: <cq-contest at contesting.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 7:21 AM
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] WRTC Selection Criteria


>
>  Why even have a selection criteria ??  Let everyone who wants to operate
> the WRTC operate...
>
>   Why should the sponsor provide a station/tower/antennas. Let each entry
> bring their own
>  and setup DXpedition style -  a rig, amp and wire only antennas. The
> sponsor could help in finding
>  station locations where you could setup something.  I'm sure there would
> be plenty of possiblities
>  within 100km of a popular tourist destination, where  most of the WRTC's
> have been held.
>
>     I agree there are many operators that are as good our better then the
> "well known" operators that
>  operate at multi-op stations. Give these guys a chance. The selection
> criteria of the last two WRTC's
>  has eliminated the odds of some "underdog" coming along and winning...
>
>
>  The bottom line is contesting is not fair.  Those who have all the toys
> and the right combination
>  of operating skills and propagation always win.
>
> Happy Hoildays... Jeff KU8E
>
>
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