[UK-CONTEST] Contesting + support

[Andy Cunningham]

Dominic
> Firstly, that the current licensing system (which I generally see as positive) probably requires us to be mentors as much as instructors. I know that in the courses I have been involved in running, we have in the past been content to get the candidates their licences and then leave them to it. I have recently become more concerned that we need to be following the tuition up and developing a system more akin to the US 'elmers'.  Through this, we can start looking at encouraging newly-licensed M6s and 2Es into contesting.
>   
Something that's always been a fundamental approach to my hobbies is the 
mentality of "teach what you know, learn what you don't".   One thing 
that consistently puts people off the hobby (it kept me out for at least 
5 years) is the negative attitudes from some of the "old timers", though 
fortunately that seems to be a (vocal) minority - and overcoming that is 
as important as encouraging people per se.
> Linked to this, we need to be able to provide the opportunities for new licensees in general, and youngsters in particular, to start contesting. 
>   
It can be pretty intimidating, for sure.  Having done (cough) CB and 
marine VHF I'm not the least bit mike-shy,  The first couple of contest 
QSOs were probably the most intimidating speaking I've done apart from 
the time I ended up on the local radio station to point out a police 
press release was based on fiddling the numbers!
> In summary, I am sure that the enthusiasm is there. Yes, a  thorough 'how-to' article in RadCom could certainly help (My first ever contest was the 1999 REF Union contest, which I was inspired to do following an article in the now-defunct DIY Radio magazine, the RSGB's magazine specifically designed for the Novice licence. I needed that encouragement because when I started the hobby, I too was influenced by local anti-contest opinions which others have mentioned.) 
Well, I'm sure there enough expertise on this list to write the 
article.  Actually, there's probably too much expertise here for a 
beginner's article - I think some relative newcomers might be the best 
people to put something together  with some review and input from the 
more experienced parties. 
> Beyond that, however, we need  contest stations to actively encourage new blood and regularly 
> advertise for new operators. In the last month alone, two young amateurs have asked me if I knew of a place where they could contest from, and I was sorry not to be able to give them appropriate pointers.   
>   
I think what you really need is to encourage the semi-serious contestors 
to do more of this - the people who are in the contest for the fun.  
They've got enough experience to offer advice, and aren't so concerned 
about the score to be a hinderance.   Since I count myself in the 
semi-serious category, that's an invitation to anyone near IO91oi to get 
in touch if they want to come and play if I'm participating - I'm no 
expert, but I can get you started!

Andy
2E0XAC