[PVRCNC] Single Op / Multi Station in SS

[Roberts, Will]

K4QPL and I had an e-mail exchange about the relative merits of changing
the SS rules. It caused me to think more about this whole idea of SOMS
(Single Op / Multi station) aka "Highly Motivated Operator". Even though
I have operated the SOMS category and find it quite a lot of fun, I have
a problem with using it to artificially boost club scores. It can cause
a conflict in that a club member has to decide between being competitive
in the contest and using SOMS to potentially contribute more points and
enable his club to win. In the case of club competition, it's taking
advantage of an unintended loophole in the rules. When K8MR and others
started doing the multi station thing, it was purely for fun and to
lessen the SS "Sunday misery". Our SS competition with NCCC and SMC has
really turned it into what it is today. 

I am thinking of proposing a rule change to the CAC for next year that
would eliminate this loophole. It would allow a person to submit only
one score for club competition no matter how many stations he operated
from. This would still allow for SOMS operation, but would put the club
competition back to where it needs to be - rewarding the club with the
truly best participation and scores.

I'd like to hear other members' thoughts on this. 

73,

Will AA4NC / W4MR

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My original e-mail:

There have been arguments to allow Qs per band in SS for at least 15
years, maybe more. I think it would be better but I don't think it will
happen, especially since there is the NAQP now. That's where that
contest came from - wouldn't SS be more fun if you could work a guy once
per band?...

There are too many influential people that don't want to see the
rules/records changed. Purists argue that the Sunday doldrums add to the
challenge of the contest.

IMHO it's a shame that the club category has gotten to the point that
you have to use SOMS to win the gavel. I would be in favor of changing
the club competition to only allow a member to submit one score for club
points. I think that would have a good chance of passing. Then we could
get back to winning the club competition by operators really going all
out to win instead of using a completely unintended rule to manufacture
points. It's just wrong when a guy could go all out and win the whole
contest, but because he didn't go SOMS lessens his potential
contribution to his club's effort.   

But with that said, I'll be in there SOMSing my butt off for club
points! :>)

73,

Will