[CQ-Contest] The Trivialization of Contests --- Self Spotting

[Jim Neiger]

A year ago, the ARRL surprised most of us with the rules change that 
self spotting will be allowed in their contests.  Numerous opinions were 
stated on the Contesting Reflector, and I will not regurgitate them 
here.  But I'd like to offer a couple of my own, for whatever they're worth.

1. Some time ago,  The ARRL Contest Advisory Committee posted a 
so-called white paper on the ARRL Home Page, entitled "HF Contesting - 
Good Practices, Interpretations and Suggestions" which stated in 
Paragraph 6) Spotting and Use of Spots,
a) "Self spotting is the practice of announcing your own call and run 
frequency on the spotting network. A few contests have categories that 
allow self-spotting, but most don't.  For example, ARRL contest rules 
specifically prohibit both self-spotting and requesting spotting by 
other stations.  It's a form of CQ-ing that does not take place on the 
amateur bands, JUST A STEP AWAY FROM MAKING PHONE CALLS TO SOLICIT 
CONTACTS".

2.  I think that the League, or its Contest Advisory Committee, or ?? 
should have solicited opinions from active contesters.

3.  It was interesting to read, or hear, statements of denial from ARRL 
CAC and/or Directors who said that they really didn't have a say in this 
radical change of self spotting.  Who is running this show anyway?  It 
certainly ain't we members.

4.   In the recent ARRL DX CW and SSB contests, I found it noteworthy to 
see who decided they needed to self spot to win, or compete.  Kudos to 
Andy AE6Y (at his P49Y operation in the recent ARRL DX SSB)  comment on 
3830 that "he didn't self spot, and he disapproved of it on principle", 
but may be forced to change his ways.

QUESTION:  My interpretation of Paragraph 1., above, how come Self 
Spotting doesn't make one "Assisted" or Unlimited?  Self Spotters have 
"called CQ" on something other than an amateur band.

   The genie's out of the bottle.  If a contest is going to allow Self 
Spotting, simply move those who do to the Unlimited column. Let's see if 
anyone reverts back to our fondly remembered Old School.

Very 73,
Jim Neiger  N6TJ