[CQ-Contest] Where Does WRTC Go Next?

[Ward Silver]

This was published on June 23 in the ARRL's Contest Update (http://www.arrl.org/contest-update-issues?issue=2010-06-23).  Please forward it to anyone you think might be interested.

73, Ward N0AX
Secretary - WRTC Sanctioning Committee



As WRTC-2010 approaches the question arises, as it always does, of "Where does WRTC go next?" While our primary focus needs to remain on enjoying and supporting WRTC-2010, it is encouraging to note the interest of the international community in the future of World Radiosport Team Championship. How is the WRTC flame passed from group to group? How is the application made? Who makes the decision? 

Answering the last question first, the WRTC Sanctioning Committee (WRTC-SC) is made up of representatives from the preceding WRTC sponsors and host committees, led by WRTC-2000 committee chair, Tine Brajnik S5ØA. The Sanctioning Committee is responsible for evaluating applications from potential sponsors. The rights to host the event as a WRTC are then awarded to the selected group. The WRTC-SC is only responsible for awarding hosting rights and is not a "steering committee" in charge of rules or procedures - those details are left to the hosts.

The application process begins with a query to the WRTC-SC by an interested person or group who then receives a set of WRTC goals, requirements, and guidelines. The potential sponsors must agree to meet the requirements and pledge a good faith effort to conduct the event so as to further WRTC goals and follow the WRTC guidelines. An introduction to the sponsoring organization and its leadership team should be provided along with a broad description of the proposed event. It is not necessary to submit a detailed proposal for the event at this early date.

There follows a sequence of communications and meetings with the applying group. This refines the event proposal, clarifies requirements to the applicants, and further demonstrates to the WRTC-SC the capabilities of the potential sponsors. At the conclusion of this process, the WRTC-SC is confident that the sponsors are willing and able to take on the job of conducting a WRTC and makes the announcement of the award. Once the award is made, the WRTC-SC is available to assist the sponsoring committee, but promoting and conducting the WRTC is up to the new hosts.

Sponsors for the 1996 and 2000 events in California and Slovenia were announced after the previous event was over. At the conclusion of each WRTC since 2000, the home of the next WRTC - Finland, Brazil, Russia - has been announced to applause and gratitude from the assembled hosts, competitors, judges, and spectators. Will there be a similar announcement in Moscow for WRTC-2014? We shall see! While interest has been expressed in hosting WRTC-2014, the Sanctioning Committee has not yet received a formal application and is therefore anxiously waiting to hear from a group wishing to organize the next great worldwide event. In order that we might discuss it before WRTC-2010, the WRTC-SC should receive the request as soon as possible, this week if possible. Please contact any of the members of the WRTC SC listed below.

Brothers and sisters - enjoy WRTC-2010 and the hospitality of its hosts! Acknowledge the years of work undertaken on behalf of all of us. Consider what they have accomplished, as well as the preceding five WRTC hosts of the past two decades, in establishing a tradition of competition among friends. What better way to support that tradition than by insuring it continues?

For the World Radiosport Sanctioning Committee,

73,

Tine Brajnik, S5ØA - President (WRTC-2000) 
Ward Silver, NØAX - Secretary (WRTC-1990)
Dan Eskenazi, K7SS (WRTC-1990)
Bob Cox, K3EST (WRTC-1996)
Rusty Epps, W6OAT (WRTC-1996)
Martti Laine, OH2BH (WRTC-2002)
Atilano Oms, PY5EG (WRTC-2006)
Sergio Almeida, PP5JR (WRTC-2006)