[CQ-Contest] Comments on Proposed Changes to ARRL DX

[Bud Trench]

Dear Dick,

I hope this finds you well.  The purpose of this email is to comment on
proposed changes to the ARRL DX contest.  It is my understanding the Contest
Advisory Committee has recommended changes to the scoring algorithm.

I believe these changes are stimulated by a desire to increase participation
in ARRL DX.  While more participation is always welcomed, I wonder if
changing the rules would accomplish this objective.  I suspect that the
perception is that the current rules discourage participation from parts of
the US; however, I have never seen any data that supports this perception.
I also wonder if a rule change might alienate some of the legacy
participants?  Will there likely be a signficant net gain in participation?

I also believe that the ARRL must engage the contest community in this
process in order to optimize the outcome.  There are significant
stakeholders that have made major investments in time and resources that are
entitled to have a voice in this process.  I urge you to reach out to the
major contest clubs and solicit their inputs before any changes are
finalized.

Enjoy the summer and hope to see work you in IARU.

73 Bud AA3B