[VHFcontesting] "Handing Out" radio rules/ethics

[Ward Silver]

Les Rayburn wrote:
Would it have been legal and/or ethical to simply "hand" them the radio and
invite them to participate in the contest by working me on the spot?

Per the many comments, no, you can't do that.  I'm sure you can imagine how that situation could be abused...

What I suggest you do is say, "Yes, this is a lot of fun!  As soon as you get home, fire up your radios on an FM simplex channel (except for 146.52 MHz) and see if you can hear me.  I'll be listening on (frequencies) and so will a lot of other stations."  Get 'em fired up to go home and give it a try - even with simple antennas, I'll bet they could make a few QSOs and dip a toe in the water.  Tell them to check the contest Web site for instructions about how to send in a list of their QSOs - or offer to do it for them if they email you the list.

That will pay big benefits for the long term.

73, Ward N0AX