[UK-CONTEST] 2009 2m UKAC Results

[Ray James]

An open thank you to Ian G0FCT for producing this years results with a report that accurately reflects 2m UKAC participation much better than ever written previously.

Past generalised commentary of increased participation only took account of the total number throughout the year. A station only entering one month out of twelve distorted the overall picture of the contests in review.

Ian has undertaken a task I usually do and identified how many stations entered for one or two events, all the way up to the maximum 12.
This provides a far better idea of the contests popularity and health than simply stating total entries were 318, up by 61 over 2008 and is more honest to the membership and council.

Being aware of negatives is as important as identifying positives.
I won't dwell on the negative except to highlight that almost a 3rd of that 318 (91) only entered for one session in twelve and 130, well over a 3rd only entered for two sessions. Missing and equally important is a report on the geographical spread. A UK contest with minimal support from most of the UK would be a cause for concern for most people. I've suggested ditching the square multiplier (not the PPKm) for working EUs and include the RSGB's own Postal Code Multiplier system to encourage greater UK interest to participate but CC never listen. Maybe under Ed they will? I asked Don earlier this year to explain why such a suggestion was never taken up and either himself or Pete to answer. No reply!

73 Ray GM4CXM