[VHFcontesting] FM Contesting -- Growing it in your area

[Radiosporting Fan]

Wow.  I must have received a dozen e-mails on this
subject.  Yes, I swear to you that -- properly
promoted -- your FMers CAN score 10k points and MORE. 
In fact, I think that the highest score ever submitted
as an FM Only participant in the Rochester area was
19,000 points or so (multi-band, obviously).

A moderately equipped, centrally located station on FM
(gain, omni verticals) can work 9 (and possibly more)
grids on a single band.  On 6, 2, 222 and 450 that
equates to 36!  Someone located near population
centers can rack up some impressive QSO totals *if*
other local clubs become involved, too.

Here's one game plan that worked for the Rochester VHF
Group.  Modify it to fit your locality...

1. Start your efforts a year ahead of when you want to
see things *begin* to change.

2. Find a small group of like-minded VHF contesters
(this is a more-than-one-person job, if you're going
to be effective).

3. Create a presentation about contesting and how much
fun it is.  Don't talk *too* much strategy because
that is what individuals will form over time...talk
FUN.  Use video if you can.  I will be happy to send
you a rover video that will get your blood pumping. :)

4. Seek out two venues for your presentation: (1)
Licence classes -and- (2) Club meetings.

5. Seek sponsors for a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place plaque
for your favorite contest (they are around $20 at the
local trophy shop).  Honor *both* the winner and the
sponsor on the plaque.

6. Write a series of two or three newsletter articles
about the FUN aspect of VHF contesting and send them
to the newsletter editors in your region over the two
months just before the intended contest.  Include info
about "where the action is" and how to submit a score
(be sure to designate one person as a score collector
to be able to control the awards process a bit).

7. Have a "contest meeting" just before the contest to
pump up the troops *AND* a "contest banquet" after
scores are "in-and-official" -- May or June.  This is
a good excuse to celebrate victory as a group.  Even a
picnic can work!  Hand our the plaques
there...publicly...with the sponsor handing the award
to the recipient and someone taking pictures that can
be used to submit articles to regional newsletters as
another way to pump up support.

8. As you can imagine...there is nothing wrong with
expanding the awards program even further, if you can
get sponsors HOWEVER try to avoid the slippery slope
of having too many awards.  Choose those categories
that you wish to grow activity within.

8a.Remember that I mentioned that other local clubs
can become involved too?  Consider creating an award
that goes to the other area club who is responsible
for reporting the most FM QSO's.  A plaque that shows
the year, the club name, the total QSO's reported by
it's members with a mention of the #2 and #3 club and
their totals too.  Make it a multi-year plaque that
the winning club gets to keep for a year to display,
but return the next year.  Over time you may get
several area clubs supporting your cause.  We called
it "The Rochester Cup".  Be creative! :)

There's plenty more information to share, but this is
a good start.  Adjust the above to fit your region's
personality (for instance...if everyone hangs out on
146.55 simplex, then say that, but if you have too
many people for that be sure to tell people about the
simplex frequencies in the 147 MHz range, too).

Best wishes on your efforts,
Ev Tupis, W2EV


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