[CQ-Contest] The Skimmer Rule Challenge

[VR2BrettGraham]

I had written this a while time back, when we heard skimming
for single-ops was okay for 2008 WPX CW.  K5ZD has since
requested suggestions for rule changes, but seeing how what
we do is based on rules, let's have a look at what the current
ones say.

"We have heard here from those behind the scenes that for
WW skimming is considered part of the spotting function of
operating so single ops shouldn't use it, but for WPX the
current rules apparently allow it.

So what do the rules say?

WPX rules:

"1. Single Operator (Single Band and All Band) (SINGLE-OP
ALL HIGH or SINGLE-OP [BAND] HIGH)

(a) One person performs all of the operating, logging, and,
for the Assisted category only, spotting functions. Only one
transmitted signal is allowed at any time. Maximum power
allowed is 1500 watts total output.

<snip b & c, SO low & SO QRP different from SO HIGH
by power>

(d) Assisted/with Packet (SINGLE-OP-ASSISTED ALL HIGH
or SINGLE-OP-ASSISTED ALL LOW): Same as 1(a) except
the passive use (no self-spotting) of DX spotting nets or other
forms of DX alerting is permitted. Stations in this category will
compete only with other Assisted stations."

WW rules:

"A. Single Operator Categories: Single or all band; only one
signal allowed at any one time; the operator may change
bands at any time.

1. Single Operator High: Those stations at which one person
performs all of the operating, logging, and spotting functions.
The use of DX alerting assistance of any kind places the
station in the Single Operator Assisted category.

<snip 2 & 3, SO low & SO QRP different from SO HIGH
by power>

B. Single Operator with DX Spotting Net: Same as III A 1
except the passive (self-spotting not allowed) use of DX
spotting nets is allowed."

WPX rule summary: SOs can operate & log, but not find
stations to work.  The spotting function of operating is only
defined for the Single Operator Assisted category.  Single
Operator Assisted allows for the passive use of spotting nets
or "other forms of DX alerting".

WW summary: Single Operators can operate, log & find
stations to work.  The use of "DX alerting assistance of any
kind" makes SO into Single Operator Assisted.  For SOA,
use of DX alerting assistance is to be passive.

WPX conclusion: WPX SO can't do the operating function of
spotting, which means all SOs should only run & only SOAs
can S&P.  "Other forms of DX alerting" describes the function
of skimming & applies only to SOA.  SOA can't provide
"alerting assistance" to others.

WW conclusion: WW SO can do all the functions of operating.
The use of "DX alerting assistance of any kind" makes SO into
SOA.  SOA can't provide "alerting assistance" to others.

That SOs can skim under current WPX rules does not make
sense.  Skimming replicates the spotting function of operating
(locating & identifying stations to work) & the rules clearly say
that "other forms of DX alerting" are permitted for SOA."

Given all those SOs who S&Ped & SOAs who spotted others
have not been DQed over the years & now if "other forms of DX
alerting" are okay for SO as well as SOA, then I guess WPX
has become a free-for-all.  The only change needed to do to the
rules might be to get rid of them - even though they are not the
best written rules, how they are being applied we might as well
not have any.

73, VR2/KBrett7Graham/p.