[Mldxcc] California QSO Party Rule Changes Affecting MLDXCC

[Dennis Moore]

Hopefully we're all aware by now that the rules have changed regarding 
club competition for CQP.  If not, please refer to the rules page here: 
http://www.cqp.org/Clubcomp.html

Highlights of the rules changes which affect MLDXCC:
Three separate club categories. Instead of just Top Club for both 
California and Non-California clubs, there are now small, medium, and 
large club categories for both California and Non-California clubs. When 
submitting your log, you indicate on the submission website which 
category your club is entering.
For Small clubs, the 10 highest scores are used to calculate the club score.
For Medium, the 35 highest scores are used to calculate the club score.
For Large, all scores are combined to calculate the club score. <-- 
MLDXCC IS GOING TO OWN THIS!!

After MLDXCC walked away with the California Top Club award for 16+ 
years, the change was made to encourage more club participation. We 
should welcome these changes for a couple of reasons. I think we all 
want to see more CQP participation from not only the many clubs in and 
out of California, but also increased participation in all contests. 
Clubs and individuals who stopped participating because they knew they 
couldn't compete with the big boys will hopefully get back into it with 
a more concerted effort, and in doing so will attract more members to 
their clubs. Getting their feet wet in CQP leads to more participation 
in other contests. Increased participation and competition will force us 
to step up our game in both our skills and our stations.

Unlike Sweepstakes, where we have to closely monitor how many logs are 
submitted to stay within our Medium category, all members can submit 
their scores without worrying about sending us into the next higher 
category. I'm sure the log-floggers will appreciate that. I also see a 
drawback to that method. How many would-be participants won't put forth 
a full effort because they feel that their scores won't be counted in 
that top 10 or 35 logs for their club? We won't be facing that, because 
by entering in the Large Club category we are guaranteeing you that your 
score will count!

 From the littlest pistol to the biggest gun, your participation 
matters. Yes, we know that we will likely be losing some of our regular 
contributors. Members who always gave their points to MLDXCC because 
their club couldn't compete will now be giving their points to their 
local club in the Small or Medium Category. That's understandable, good 
luck, and we'll see you back here for Sweepstakes. But for those of us 
who want to be a part of the winning effort in the CQP Large Club 
category, we will show that nobody in California does it better!

See you on the airwaves!
73, Dennis NJ6G
President, Mother Lode DX/Contest Club