[CQ-Contest] An Open Letter to Contest Adjudicators

[Ev Tupis]

History provides us with valuable lessons.  After years of the FCC "looking the other way", Riley Hollingsworth stepped in to bring structure and consistancy to the general operations of the hobby.  The pride that we lost through poor (yet allowed) on-air behavior was quickly regained.  The lesson learned: (1) if the rules say it, adjudicate kindly (but expect adjudication).  (2) if the rules are ambiguous, apply "good amateur practice" (but apply).

Contest Adjudicators: if the rules to your event say that something must be exchanged, then the participants assume (correctly) that accurate copy/transcription is part of your competition.  Failing to do so ("looking the other way") engenders anything from sloppy copy (at best) to outright fraud (at worst).

This is necessary only if you wish your Contest to be taken as a serious event.  If it is obvious that the event is not a contest, then loose adjudication is likewise expected by the participants.

My opinion and $0.99 gets you a "big gulp" at the corner mini-market.

With sincere best wishes for the new year,
Ev, W2EV

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