[VHFcontesting] Call for input on the UHF and above Contest Proposal

[Kermit Carlson]

Hello ALL;
   My first attempt to post the call for input has been held becausethe size of the proposal was too large.  Please look at the set ofproposed rules at the link in our call for comments.  Please sendemail of your comments to vhf-input at arrl.org         73,  Kermit Carlson W9XA               ARRL VCR Committee Chairman               
>>>>>>Good Evening,

    The following is the invitation to submit comments to the ARRL 
VCR Committee.  I look forward to seeing your comments submittedto vhf-input @arrl.org.  I would like to emphasize that all of the detailsincluding the name of the Contest are open for discussion and comment

                 73, Kermit W9XA
                        Chair,  ARRL VCR Committee>>>>>>>>>>>>>

               "After receiving and reviewing considerableinput from the 
Amateur community, the ARRL VHF Contest Revitalization Committee 
has drafted rules for a proposed new UHF & Up Contest and nowseeks yourinput on this draft. In proposing the new rules, the 
Committeesought to respond to some of the most frequently 
received comments and toprovide a “test bed” for changes thatmight be considered for other non-HFcontests in the future.  
Among the most common themes in the commentswere: -      Use distance-based scoring rather than a geographic multiplier system-      The August timing is too close to other VHF + contests / too hot forroving-      More incentive is needed to invest time and effort in making higher-bandcontacts-      Existing rover rules are too complicated and too restrictive-      Current VHF + contests have too many entry categories-       Scoringpotential varies widely from one geographic region to another This proposal uses distance scoring with pointmultipliers for contacts 
made on higher bands.  To encourage roving, itsimplifies rover rules to include those who do not travel great distances andmobile stations.  
It includes just three entry categories and featuresregional rather than 
national competition.  It adds team competition forsmall groups of 
operators who may not be part of a contest club.  Thetiming would 
be in the spring, between the January and June VHF contests. Nothing is final yet, including the nameof the contest.  The Committee 
would like your input on the draft rules,which can be found at http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Contest%20-%20General/UHF_and_Above_Contest_Proposed_Version_4_4b.pdf  
before the VCRCommittee moves ahead with any additional changes.  
You may submit yourcomments by e-mail to vhf-input at arrl.orgbetween 
now and June 15th. 

 In addition, the Committee encouragesmore local outreach – articles, 
announcements, seminars and mentoring - to drawnew participantsinto this and all radio sporting activities.  Expandingthe pool of potential 
contacts will make these contests more enjoyable foreveryone.  Please 
share your outreach ideas with us as well.