[CQ-Contest] Absurd Rule in NAQP

[Pete Smith N4ZR]

NAQP does not allow use of spotting assistance on any mode, and 
single-ops using assistance are reclassified as Multi-two.  Then, 
*because they areMulti-Two, they are required to adhere by the 10-minute 
band change rule*.  When I asked one of the organizers, he first said 
that they had never thought about it, but after a couple of 
back-and-forths, he affirmed that is indeed how it works.

Why should we care?  First of all, because penalizing assisted single-op 
participants in this way is a classic example of unintended 
consequences.  The band change rule was intended to prevent elaborate 
octopus arrangments competing with genuine two transmitter multis, not 
to limit single-op band changes.  It prevents assisted entrants from 
participating in one of the most fun aspects of NAQP, moving stations 
(or being moved)  to maximize the distribution of rare mults.  For 
people who operate assisted in other contests, it prevents them from 
practicing high-rate assisted search-and-pounce skills unless they are 
willing to accept a heavy handicapso far as NAQP competition is concerned.

It's hard for me to understand why NAQP would cling to this antiquated 
situation.  The other three contests reclassifying assisted single-op as 
multi-op were ARRL 10, ARRL 160, andIARU HF.  All three have now adopted 
Single Op Unlimited as a legitimate competitive class. When will NAQP 
get rid of this counter-productive anachronism?

-- 

73, Pete N4ZR
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