[CQ-Contest] Enforceable rules (Was Random acts of viole... er, kindness)

[Kelly Taylor]

I find it interesting that an argument often proferred against the inclusion 
of a particular rule centres ('ers' for my non-QE-speaking friends) around 
enforceability.

The true test of character is how you behave even when you know you can't be 
caught.

There are myriad rules that cannot be enforced: how do I know that you, Mr. 
Single Operator, didn't have someone in the shack with you tweaking the 
amplifier tuning? Or running rate while you take a bio break? (Admittedly a 
CW reference.) How do I know you're not running 3kw? How do I know, Mr. 
Unassisted, that you haven't loaded up your bandmap with spots and aren't 
picking them off randomly on the second radio so that it doesn't look 
suspicious? Or that you, Mr. SSer, aren't listening during off times gauging 
when to jump back in?

The thing is, I don't. It's on the honour system. What other system could 
there be, other than WRTC-style refs at every station?

None of this negates the value of a set of rules laying out an ethical code 
for the contest. Cheaters cheat. Doesn't matter what the rules say. Scum 
always find its way to the surface.

What's the alternative? Anarchy? It would make a great punk rock song 
('Anarchy in the AA!' (Apologies to The Sex Pistols (and to the All Asian))) 
but wouldn't make for good contests.

73, kelly
ve4xt