[CQ-Contest] The Skimmer Rule Challenge

[Robert Naumann]

Just some factual input:
The ARRL rules already make the situation for single ops very clear.

>From the ARRL General rules:
2.1.Single Operator: One person performs all transmitting, receiving, and
logging functions as well as equipment and antenna adjustments. 
2.1.1.Use of spotting assistance or nets (operating arrangements involving
other individuals, DX-alerting nets, packet, Internet, etc) is not
permitted. 

Note: the rule says spotting assistance *OR* nets involving others etc. It
does not say spotting assistance that only is provided by other people.

So, the CQWW and ARRL rules for single op both agree as written that
spotting assistance of any kind is forbidden for single operators regardless
of the source. Neither of these rules needs to be revised.

I think the WPX rules as written need to be revised to align not only with
CQWW and ARRL but to make sense as pointed out by VR2BG recently. I cannot
understand what the WPX Single Op rule is trying to say related to spotting:

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.

Perhaps this was simply a typo that no one caught. In the past (2004) the
WPX rule was:

1. Single Operator (Single band and All band) 
(a). Single operator stations are those at which one person performs all of
the operating, logging and spotting functions. Only one transmitted signal
is allowed at any time. Maximum power allowed is 1500 watts total output
power. 

The way that assistance was addressed at that time also matches up with the
CQWW and ARRL rules:

(d) Assisted: 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 with other Assisted stations only. 

If the WPX rules were put back the way they were (and should be), all 3 of
the "biggies" would clearly agree that the use of *any* type of spotting
assistance would not be permitted for single operators.

Since it is clear that Skimmer does in fact provide spotting assistance, the
rules do not need to be changed to address it.

73,

Bob W5OV