[UK-CONTEST] Consultation - NFD

[Adrian Rees (MW1LCR)]

I'll probably get shot down in flames, but I couldn't agree more with
the comments that put Field Day (both CW and SSB)contesting back to the
basic simplicity that was prevalent at the inception of these types of
contest, although I can also recognise the need to keep moving forward.
It's a difficult issue to address, with a not insignificant risk if not
addressed.

Sure, have the Open Section for the "Big Boys" who want to get as much
metal work and ironmongery in the air and excite with as much power as
possible. But simplify the rules of; and create other section(s), such
as QRP, Low Power (Restricted) as well as Open.

The smaller Clubs / Groups who could only possibly get one, two or three
people to participate , are likely to enter the QRP or Low Power
(Restricted) sections on the basis that it would be easier for them to
set up the station with limited resorces. That being the case, banning
cluster / spotting networks / assistance or a second RX / VFO would
create a level playing field, with multiplier working a skill of the
operator in knowing when and where to look on the bands.The
re-introduction of the 10 minute rule would help re-inforce the
prevention of band hopping that would be drven by cluster or spotting
stations. I could forsee these limitations within these sections. 

In the Open Section, well anything goes ! 

I would like to think that an entry could be made in both a National
Field Day as well as a European (read German) Field Day, as part of any
restructuring, although I have my concerns that the liberal use of DX
Clusters etc may detract from the skill of the operator. After all there
are plenty of other contests were Clusters etc can be used. 

Perhaps a little lateral thinking, may be required. Perhaps each
National Society within Europe should take it in turn each year to set
the European Field Day Rules. Or perhaps each national society sets a
"Wildcard" or "Joker" as a multiplier. Maybe if the first letter of the
suffix is an A or B or C or whatever, it counts as a multiplier. That
may even out the scoring.

A difficult and contentious issue, methinks!

73