[UK-CONTEST] rules apply even when they can't always beenforced?

[Bob Henderson]

This is not a "technology" issue per se.  I am not aware anybody is
suggesting the internet should go away, any more than they are suggesting
Bell's telephony ought to.  Nor are they suggesting that because the
technology to communicate without using the ham bands exists, we should opt
for this instead.  That things can be done, does not imply it appropriate or
desirable to do them.

This is about the technology resources which may legitimately be used to
furnish contacts in a HAM RADIO contest.  Such resources may vary from
contest to contest and category to category.  Quite reasonably so as nobody
wants all contests to be the same.

A PRINCIPLE is at stake here.

This principle concerns whether spectrum other than that defined within
event rules may be used to actively solicit contacts during a contest
period.  It has long been upheld that such solicitation fall outside the
rules and spirit of contests and where found to have been employed, become
grounds for disqualification.  Contests in the near-light spectrum have been
treated exceptionally.

I sincerely hope contest organisers continue to appreciate the wisdom of
this principle and dedicate themselves to its continued application.  Its
abandonment will place contesting in great peril.

Bob, 5B4AGN

2009/5/20 Paul pasquet <g4rra at hotmail.com>

>
> I agree with Stewart on this one.All we seem to be reading is accusations
> that contest information is being exchanged on KST.
>
> As a long time user of the system Ive never seen contest information being
> exchanged by UK stations,but I do notice that many of the contributors to
> this thread are not even registered on the KST system so are clearly talking
> about something they have not experienced.Furthermore not one piece of
> evidence has been produced backing up the assertation that this is going on.
>
> Personally I cant see any problem with using KST to increase contacts as
> long as contest information is not exchanged on the system,as another
> contributor said earlier its not exactly hard to police that aspect.
>
> At the moment we have the nonsense that it can be used in this contest but
> not in that contest,or can be used for contacts on one set of frequencies
> but not on another.
>
> Any group that has internet access on a contest site can check locators and
> callsigns of contest stations worked/heard/likely to be QRV.These items make
> up part of the contest exchange they dont need KST to do it,so should we ban
> use of the internet on contest sites? Should we ban mobile phones just in
> case groups ring each other to get points?
>
> KST and similar systems are here.
>
> The technology has arrived to take us out of the 70s and 80s contesting
> world, so get over it, and move on because its not going to go away.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Paul G4RRA
>
>
>
>
>
>  http:/mysite.freeserve.com/4rra
>
>
>
> > From: stewart at gm4aff.net
> > To: uk-contest at contesting.com
> > Date: Tue, 19 May 2009 09:09:25 +0100
> > Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] rules apply even when they can't always
> beenforced?
> >
> > I can't take much more of this...
> >
> > G3LVP said -
> > confirming an exchange via any means other
> > than over the air is just too easy when the use of chat rooms is allowed
> > and many stations email addresses are readily available via QRZ.com.
> >
> > Come on then, name names.
> >
> > Stewart
> > GM4AFF
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com
> > [mailto:uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of Ken Eastty
> > Sent: 18 May 2009 20:01
> > To: uk-contest at contesting.com
> > Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] rules apply even when they can't always
> > beenforced?
> >
> >
> >
> > >
> > > > I'm sure we could all provide a long and unenforceable list.
> > >
> > >  In all competitive activities, rules apply even when they can't
> > >  always be enforced.  Here's a short list -
> > >
> > >  Athletics - no drugs. Formula One - no traction control. Swimming -
> > >  no flippers. Cycling - no motors. High Jumping - no springs.
> > >
> > I don't understand the above, the rules in all of the above events are
> > overseen by the various governing bodies and the penalties handed down
> > for breaking the rules can be quite severe, not so in amateur radio
> > contests. When was the last time that anyone taking part in a contest
> > was disqualified? Anyone who thinks that cheating in contests doesn't
> take
> > place must be very naive, confirming an exchange via any means other
> > than over the air is just too easy when the use of chat rooms is allowed
> > and many stations email addresses are readily available via QRZ.com.
> > I was disappointed (but not in the least surprised) that none of the
> > 'big guns'
> > were prepared to take up the challenge of having their stations inspected
> or
> > run with a reduced power handicap. It seems that for a few winning is
> > everything
> > whilst for the rest it's more about taking part.
> >
> > 73 (?)
> >
> > Ken
> >
> > G3LVP
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
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> > UK-Contest at contesting.com
> > http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/uk-contest
> >
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