[UK-CONTEST] Contest Calendar or Not

[G3SJJ]

Having had time to read through the 2003 rules for RSGB HF Contests, I have
to say I am appalled at the lack of substantial change, in fact any change,
given the amount of discussion, which whilst negative at times, is
nevertheless far more informative than at any time prior to the advantages
of the Internet.

Many experienced and inexperienced contesters have contributed over the last
two years and yet there has been no take-up of any of the potential changes
submitted. Contesting has a strong marketing aspect that can reap benefits
for the RSGB, for the Amateur Radio population in general, for the UK in
particular and for those interested in the competitive aspect of the hobby.
The minimum any change will do is to enable some form of marketing of that
specific event or the wider portfolio.

Instead what do we get, a tightening up of the log entry procedure with all
most compulsary use of SD. (Sorry Paul EI5DI, whilst I recognise the
contribution you have and still do make, I don't think we should be held to
ransom to use a program that doesn't support Windows, Cluster or Networking,
when many of the events have a mult-operator content).

I agree with many of the comments made by John G3LZQ, Brian G4ODV and Ivan
G3IZD. Initially I went along with the idea of scrapping the LF Cumulatives,
possibly because having won the Trophy twice, I did not want to be seen to
be supporting something for my own ends. Having listened to Ivan's (and
others) strong defence, I would certainly support its re-introduction. John
LZQ makes a very valid point about band usage. I was really surprised that
it wasn't re-introduced.

I don't support re-introduction of 7MHz Contest because of the
World-works-UK syndrome which is well past its sell by date, although 21/28
MHz could just survive with inter-UK working and a combined multi-mode
event. Likewise BERU.

I have put forward some strong indicators as to why some kind of action
needs to taken with the two Field Days.

Both Clive GM3POI and myself have suggested starting the two 160 events an
hour earlier, whilst I have suggested starting Club Calls an hour earlier.

Several people have suggested making CW AFS 3 teams instead of 5.

Some of these would have been easy changes to introduce yet could have
produced some strong marketing actions.

Someone made the comment about contests only rating if big and fast, (I
guess BERU (yawn) is an anomaly here), I think there is some truth in this.
Club Calls is far more important to the hobby than the current declining CW
Field Day, yet HFCC refuse to give it any recognition. There is another more
sinister aspect which has worried me for a long time and that is a number of
the changes proposed would result in some leading stations having to change
their strategy based on past records and analysis. In other words, they have
a vested interest in not changing. This is no reason for resisting change
and is detrimental to the hobby.

HFCC have lost the plot and bottled out. Chris G3SJJ (past HFCC member and
chair)