[VHFcontesting] What is really "wrong" with the ARRL Rover-category rules.

[Ev Tupis]

No...this is *not* Rover bashing.  I *love* them...and have been one (and probably will be one again in the future).  This is about the rules and what they do to everyone involved.

It is a dispassionate explanation of what is actually causing the anger and angst among the greater Amateur radio population.  It all boils down to a single point:

The rules encourage the Rovers to operate in their own, independent CWAC (Contest Within A Contest), and receive host-sponsor recognition.  That's it.  Done.  Finis.

They:
1. Have their own scoring system that is different from that of all others
2. Are encouraged to operate differently than others
3. Are recognized for doing so (while vilified by others for simply following the rules

Even N6NB on his website refers to the thrill of the road rally as opposed to the thrill of communicating with as many other stations as possible (which is the stated objective of ARRL VHF contests).

Until this is addressed...expect the turmoil to continue.

Ev, W2EV