[UK-CONTEST] U.K. contesting in 2012

[Chris Tran GM3WOJ]

Hello UK-contesters

Contesting in the U.K. seems to me to be in a poor state.

If we take the recent CQ 160 CW contest as an example, so far there are only 
25 U.K. entries, of which 18 are from G. Contrast this with 132 entries from 
Germany. The population of Germany is approximatedly 25% higher than that of 
the U.K. (82M vs 62M)

You will correctly point out that 160m is a difficult band to have an 
effective antenna, conditions were mediocre for this event, there are many 
U.K. amateurs who suffer planning regulations, TVI, BCI, QRN etc - all these 
are factors but there is an underlying problem.

It seems to me that the current RSGB contests (CCs, AFS) are reasonably well 
supported, but the current HF Championship and AFS Super League rules do 
nothing to encourage AFS/CC entrants to participate in major international 
events (except for the IOTA contest)

Unfortunately, it also appears (I may be wrong) as if the RSGB Contest 
Committee are making decisions in isolation, without full discussion about 
the implications of rule changes.

Lastly, there does seem to be a negative attitude to 'contest clubs' here in 
the U.K. - in marked contrast to Germany where they are actively encouraged.

73
Chris
GM3WOJ