[CQ-Contest] Random acts of kindness, Unassisted Categories, Rules, etc.

[Paul J. Piercey]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: cq-contest-bounces at contesting.com 
> [mailto:cq-contest-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of 
> George Fremin III
> Sent: December 5, 2006 04:44
> To: cq-contest at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Random acts of kindness, Unassisted 
> Categories,Rules, etc.
> 
> On Mon, Dec 04, 2006 at 05:53:29PM -0800, Tree Tyree N6TR wrote:
> 
> > So Ken - maybe I have been shouting too much and I missed what you 
> > have been saying?
> > 
> > Do we agree that:
> > 
> > 1. If you are asking where to find the VY1.
> > 2. Someone comes along and tells you were to find it.
> > 3. You go off and work the VY1.
> > 
> > That this is assistance?
> > 
> 
> Let me give a more explicit example.
> 
> -----------------------------
> Consider this:
> 
> I (K5TR) am in the SS.
> 
> I still need West Texas and KP4 for a sweep.
> 
> I am call CQ and running guys.
> 
> Someone calls in and we exchange information.
> 
> I ask him, "Do you know where West Texas and/or KP4 are?".
> 
> He either does not or does not answer.
> 
> I keep running guys.
> 
> A few contacts later I work someone else.
> 
> I ask him, "Do you know where West Texas and/or KP4 are?".
> 
> Still no information.
> 
> I keep running guys.
> 
> Someone comes by and tells me that NP4A is on 21.354.
> 
> I dial my second radio to 21.354 and work NP4A. 
> 
> --------------------------------
> 
> 
> Can I still enter as a single op unassisted station?
> 
> Yes or No
> 
> I would like to see a show of hands on this question.

Technically, you are requesting assistance therefore it *should be*
considered grounds for entry in the "Assisted" category. However, it is not
the direct use of a spotting network, unless you want to consider every
station on the air a network, and therefore not covered under the existing
rules of engagement.

That makes it a NO from me according to the rules.

The best gauge of its "legality" is to determine if anyone has ever been
disqualified in a contest for this practice. According to many on this
reflector this is not a new thing so historical records would indicate if it
has been used as grounds for disqualification.

You would be better off to stop the pileup and say "CQ West Texas or KP4
only" instead of asking someone directly to point you to them. That way you
are not asking anyone in particular, you're merely being selective in who
you wish to contact.

73 -- Paul VO1HE