[CQ-Contest] Field Day Rules Change(s)

[Hank Greeb]

To me, part of any operating event is an opportunity to learn, to test one's skill, to figure out how to do better than the last time.

I consider folks who go out for a social event in a total different class than folks who go out to learn.

I get tired of setting up multiple stations, having 25 or more licensed people show up, yet having only half dozen sign the logs and do any sort of operating.

For many years down in SW Ohio, I operated with such a bunch.  I personally often made more points than the rest of the crew did, especially when I broke off,went down the drive a bit, and operated Class 1B-1Op Battery (QRP).  And, one year when we had 3 "semi-serious" CW operators we made more contacts and well over twice the number of points, as the combined score of the other 2 or 3 stations.  (I don't recall which category we were in at the time).

Yes, Field day is a "relaxed" operation, but why go out, set up stations, and then let them sit idle for hours at a time?

Consider me an olde grouche on this subject.  But, it has been a sore point since the late 60's or early 70's, so perhaps in those daze I was considered a "younger grouche"?

As for the "rule" change, if Field Day is just a social event, why do we need any rules whatsoever?

72/73 de n8xx Hg
QRP >99.44% of the time