[CQ-Contest] Operating category

[Jeff Clarke]

The problem with the ARRL is they have the contest rules in multiple 
documents which make them too complicated to follow.

For example General Rules -> 
http://www.arrl.org/general-rules-for-arrl-contests-below-30-mhz

ARRL DX Rules -> 
http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Contest%20Rules%20PDFs/2020/ARRL%20DX%20Contest%20Rules.pdf 


If you didn't read the General Rules you might miss the statement -> 
"2.1.Single Operator: One person performs all transmitting, receiving, 
and logging functions as well as equipment and antenna adjustments." 
They don't repeat this statement in the actual ARRL DX Rules.

It's also odd they make this same statement for Single-Op Assisted ->  
"2.2. Single Operator Unlimited: One person performs all transmitting, 
receiving, and logging functions as well as equipment and antenna 
adjustments. (Note: See rule 2.3.1.1)"

*2.3.1.1.*In those contests that do not have Single Operator Unlimited 
class, this category includes those single operators that use any form 
of spotting assistance such as from nets, packet or multi-channel decoders..

It also seems strange that they will allow a certain type of assistance 
for Single-Op Unlimited but have other limitations on other assistance. 
(2.2.1. Use of spotting assistance or nets (operating arrangements 
involving other individuals, DX-alerting nets, packet, multi-channel 
decoders such as CW Skimmer, etc) not physically located at the station 
is permitted.) You're either assisted or you aren't.

At least the new CEO is a contester and maybe he will sort this all out.

Jeff

On 10/5/2020 03:09 PM, Steve London wrote:
> This is being reposted from a 2017 posting.
>
> I know of a case from a few years ago where a single-op, operating
> remotely, had an amplifier failure during the contest. The station host
> swapped out the amplifier. This led to the operator having to reclassify
> himself as multi-multi. Multi-single and Multi-2 could not be claimed,
> because he violated their band change rules.
>
> This might be a good one for the new ARRL CEO to tackle.
>
> 73,
> Steve, N2IC
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Hi Barry,
>
> While each contest sponsor has their own rule definitions, ARRL has used
> this
> published definition for Single-Operator for nearly 20 years:
>
>          2.1.Single Operator: One person performs all transmitting,
> receiving,
> and logging functions as well as equipment and antenna adjustments.
>
> In ARRL contests, if a station host or other helpful person makes any
> equipment
> or antenna adjustments, whether locally or remotely, they cause the
> operating
> category to become Multioperator.   Meals, refreshments, etc don't enter the
> ARRL's definition of assistance.  Assistance is when as the operator you are
> unable to perform equipment, rotor or antennas adjustments/maintenance and
> you
> must call upon someone else's help (that help if embraced changes your
> operating category to a Multiop profile in the ARRL contests).
>
> Thanks for participating!
>
>
> 73,
>
> Bart Jahnke, W9JJ
> Contest Branch Manager
> ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio™
> 225 Main St
> Newington CT 06111
> 860-594-0232w9jj at arrl.org
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