[CQ-Contest] WRTC, qualifying, new categories

[Yuri Blanarovich]

Howdy Radio Lovers!
 
Seeing the controversy about WRTC qualifying, selection criteria and old 
inequality problem here is my suggestion/solution again:
 
Just like other sports and competition, why not have 
regional/continental WRTCs (CRSC). Where so many top scorers will 
qualify for  the WRSC (World Radio Sport Championship). Do it under the 
same rules as WRSC, no need to argue about complicated criteria, 
scoring and bias.
Wanna compete in WRSC? So many top scorers in CRSC will advance to WRSC. 
Same rules and qualifiers as the real thing. Great way to test and fine 
tune for the Big One.
If the sponsors of CRSC and WRSC like the complexity of providing tents, 
towers, antennas, generators, they can continue to do so, trying to 
preserve the classic, existing format.
 
Solution to simplify the sponsorship and emphasize participants skills 
and ingenuity why not have the new SUITCASE category where:
 
Sponsor will provide tent, table, chairs, generator (2kW ?)
 
Contestants will bring their own equipment subject to airline carry on 
luggage size and weight limitations of 40 lbs (? or check in 50 lbs?) 
that would include all the equipment, radio, PS, amplifier, computer, 
antennas, cables - ANYTHING and no power limit as long as it fits in the 
(carry on size and weight) luggage limitations. (Weight of operator 
excluded.) (The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 9 inches x 14 
inches x 22 inches (22 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm), including handles and 
wheels.  - United)
This would emulate the portable emergency/expedition package that would 
evolve and be useful for other purposes. This would also challenge 
equipment design and optimization, while contributing to the success of 
operation. You can use anything as long as it fits in the "luggage" and 
stays under the limit.
The real HAMs will have to demonstrate station, antenna design ability 
and operating skills.
I smell Elecraft already exploring the "suitcase station" design. 
Antennas would be most likely be wire arrays, vertical or "tree 
hanging".
 
Logistics of organizing WRSC - really World Radio Sport Championship 
would be simple, any large club can put it on by renting, providing 
tent, table and generator, it can be run every year under the same 
rules, no need to argue about "selection criteria". You place in top so 
many - you qualify, period!
 
This could be done as single op, or as two ops, or even M/M setup. Just 
draw the locations and go for it.
Don't even need referees, just weight control and occasional inspector 
or camera. Final rules, contest selection and scoring can be fine tuned 
to be more fair. 
 
If one does not win WRSC, one can go on "carry on DXpedition" and/or 
operate contests in the "suitcase category".
 
Was du sagst?
 
Makes too much sense?
Thought so, while sailboat competitions stick to sail and do not 
"progress" with technology by adding outboard motors, "clever" hams know 
better and "progress" by keeping discriminatory contest rules and 
attaching internet and remoted outboards to their sails.
 
Just me dos kopeyki.
 
Yuri Blanarovich, VE3BMV, VE1BY, K3BU.us etc.
www.MVmanor.com <http://www.MVmanor.com>   site of potential NA RC