[CQ-Contest] KP2MM Disqualified in ARRL CW 2012

[Randy Thompson K5ZD]

I realize I am behind the curve on this, but it is a subject of particular interest for contest administrators.

The ARRL addresses the question of callsign use by others on their web site.
http://www.arrl.org/regulatory-faqs

They use Field Day as an example and it seems pretty clear that operating outside your privileges using another call is permitted -- as long as there is a control operator.

The FCC does not fully define what level of presence/control the control operator must have. Only that the control operator shares equal (more?) responsibility for operation of the station with the operator.

The ARRL FAQ makes reference to the issue of the callsign holder not being present, but is silent on what constitutes control.  This lack of definition regarding control is important as it would be unlikely that the control operator would be present and vigilant for the full contest period by a single operator station.

The contest rules definition of single operator is usually based on one person doing all operating and logging functions.  It could be argued that the control operator is not participating in the operating or logging, but only "observing" that the on air operator is not violating any rules.  

If the ARRL rules only required following the FCC rules, then there would have been no reason for disqualification.  However, the ARRL rules include the clause, "All operators must observe the limitations of their operator licenses and station licenses at all times." This gives ARRL the latitude to conclude that a single operator entry must operate within the restriction of the operator's license. To do otherwise, the ARRL is claiming that the control operator does count as a participant of the operation and therefore the operation should be submitted as a multi-op.  

Most other DX contest rules do not have this clause.  Assuming this precedent is carried forward, anyone operating an ARRL contest should take note of their entry category when operating outside their license privileges.


Randy, K5ZD



> -----Original Message-----
> From: cq-contest-bounces at contesting.com [mailto:cq-contest-
> bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of yuriy rakushchynets
> Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2012 9:04 PM
> To: cq-contest at contesting.com
> Subject: [CQ-Contest] KP2MM Disqualified in ARRL CW 2012
> 
> Hello to all
> I was operate in ARRL CW using KP2MM (club call)  trustee KV4FZ.  I have
> General class licence.
> And Kutzko KX9X told me:
> 
> Yuri-
> 
> You were disqualified from the 2012 ARRL DX CW Contest for operating out
> of band.
> 
> 
> ARRL Contest Rules state:
> 
> 2.1.Entrants agree to be bound by the provisions and intent of ARRL
> contest rules.
> 2.2.Entrants agree to be bound by the regulations of their national
> licensing authority.
> 3.1.All operators must observe the limitations of their operator licenses
> and station licenses at all times.
> 
> You hold a General class license. Your log shows significant time on 15
> meters below 21.025, on 40 meters below 7025 KHz and on 80 meters below
> 3525 KHz, which is outside the General class band
> 
> And i second email:
> KV4FZ’s presence is irrelevant. You entered as a Single Operator, and you
> are a General Class licensee.
> 
> You are the Control Operator in a Single Op log.
> 
> As a Single-Op, you must operate under the limits of your license.
> 
> If KV4FZ was your Control Operator, you are no longer a Single Op.
> 
> You entered as Single-Op and did not meet the rules requirements.
> Therefore, you are disqualified.
> 
> 73,
> 
> Sean Kutzko, KX9X
> Contest Branch Manager
> 
> My question why i was disqualified if i operate under Extra class
> privileges and control operator was there all of the time. And WHY i
> should be in MO entry if control operator did not help me. ( Some times
> wife brings you coffee and you go to MO entry?) I don't feel like i broke
> FCC or ARRL rules.
> I was operate in many contest and never got this before, but now when i
> clam high score Unassisted is happening. Of course, the easiest way to
> pass the Extra class exam, but I wonder if I violated any rule or, or not?
> Need your opinion
> 
> Yuri N2TTA
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