[CQ-Contest] Is holding QRG's legal?

[David Gilbert]

I'm afraid I can't agree with you on that, at least not for unassisted 
operation.  Having someone hold the frequency for you while you take a 
break or switch to a different band definitely gives you a significant 
advantage not generally available to any other single operator.  If it 
didn't, why would you do it?  Finding a good run frequency from scratch 
is one of the more difficult things to do in a major contest (heck ... 
even just holding one can be a problem).

But if the "ethics" of that doesn't register with you, check out the 
following excerpt from the ARRL HF Contest Rules:

   1. *2.2.Single Operator Assisted:* One person performs all
      transmitting, receiving, and logging functions as well as
      equipment and antenna adjustments. (Note: See rule 2.3.1.1)
         1. 2.2.1.Use of spotting assistance or nets (operating
            arrangements involving other individuals, DX-alerting nets,
            packet, multi-channel decoders such as CW Skimmer, etc) not
            physically located at the station is permitted.
         2. 2.2.2.Single Operator Assisted stations are allowed only one
            transmitted signal at any given time, not including
            transmissions on a spotting net.

Note the reference to "operating arrangements involving other 
individuals" being classified as an assisted activity.


The CQWW rules seems to be even more restricted, since it applies even 
to assisted categories:

"A. Single Operator categories: For all single operator categories, only 
one person (the operator) can contribute to the final score during the 
official contest period."


Again, if having someone else hold your frequency doesn't help 
contribute to your final score I don't know why anyone would bother 
doing it.

Dave   AB7E





KI9A at aol.com wrote:
>  
> I dunno why this is even an issue.  It doesn't violate any rules, or,  uh, 
> "ethics" at all.  If I'm mistaken, plus tell me why.  Seriously, I  really 
> gotta know.   
>  
> Sounds like a load of sour grapes to me.
>  
> 73- Chuck KI9A
>  
>
>