[CQ-Contest] ARRL to allow self-spotting in contests

[Randy Thompson]

>From the ARRL Contest Update today:

"New Rules in effect for all ARRL HF Contests in June
Starting with the ARRL International Digital Contest, in all categories that allow assistance (Unlimited), the use of online and other non-amateur radio platforms including but not limited to social media, live video streaming, and internet chat rooms will be allowed. In all Unlimited and Multioperator categories, the prohibition of self-spotting, and asking another station to spot you, will also be removed."

Wow.  It was one thing for the VHF contests to allow use of chat rooms and telephone calls, now this is extended to all HF contests. It should be interesting to see what unintended consequences result from allowing multi-ops and assisted competitors to spot themselves. You could spot yourself with every CQ if you wanted to. Or you can call people on the phone and ask them to get on the air. Or send out email reminders to work you during the contest.

It is likely to have the most impact on SSB to produce spotting equal to what the RBN does for CW and RTTY.

For an organization that has always been so timid and conservative on rule changes, the ARRL seems to have sprung this one without much consultation with the contest community.  I assume it is in reaction to the W2RE incident several years ago in ARRL DX where he used live streaming on Facebook during the contest.


Randy K5ZD