[CQ-Contest] Club/Group competition

[Ken Widelitz]

Randy has hit the nail on the head when he states "what should be the
definition of a club for the purposes of contest club competition" if not
distance in light of the fact that the internet has changed thinking of a
club as a group who get together for regular meetings and in light of the
fairness of the distance rule as has been beaten to death over the past few
days.

If we assume distance and meetings do not define a club, then the only
remaining factor is membership. Many hams are members of more than one club.
Given the suggestions below, a score could count for more than one club, as
long as they are in different categories. As long as the club(s) are listed
in the score submission, scores can be easily tabulated by the contest's
sponsor.

I see the key being club size and geographical limitations, so that
competition can be fair. Club size is easily defined by either the number of
members or entrants, depending on the sponsor's rules, for purposes of
example - small (under 10,) medium (11 - 25,) large (26 - 50) and unlimited.
The geographical limitation can be local club, state/province club, country
club (without golf or tennis facilities) or international club. The category
can either determined by the club in advance of the competition, or by the
actual number and location of club entrants. Requiring a pre-contest
selection or a post contest determination can be made by the sponsor's
rules.

This does create many more club categories, but it also fosters the goal of
maximizing activity and fair comparisons among clubs. 

73, Ken, K6LA / VY2TT