[CQ-Contest] band plans - the final word?

[Ev Tupis]

----- Original Message ----
From: Kelly Taylor ve4xt at mts.net


>From the ARRL web site, General Practices, Interpretations and Suggestions: http://www.arrl.org/contests/hf-faq.html#during

c) Band plans 

---------------------------

I am reminded of my mistake of believing that the "CQ-Contest" e-mail list was actually associated with CQ's Contests.  It is not.  It is a list whose purpose was spelled out in the original subscription notice we receive when first subscribing.

Within that context...

It is important to realize that the link (nice find, btw, Kelly!) is the opinion of ARRL-centric comentators.  As such, we must realize that:

- it is an opinion of the ajudicators of ARRL specific events or events that rely on ARRL rules/interpretations as a framework
- it refers to band plans that are established external to the ARRL's control (e.g. - IARU, Governmental Authority, Gentlemen's Agreement, etc.)

On the other hand...
... a different contest sponsor may have a differing opinion on the topic
... if a sponsor is certainly within their rights to establish contesting sub-bands and determine/enforce ajudication.

It is, after all, there is no "universal set of rules and interpretations".  Each sponsor is unique, and so are their events. :)

The "final word" is probably this: If in doubt, ask the sponsor themselves (a simple answer with a very complicated set of hidden complexities).

Regards,
Ev, W2EV