[W3GV] 2023 Field Day CW Rule Changes Postponed.

[ucdavid at aol.com]

Many Atlantic Division members contacted me in the last few days withconcerns about the new Field Day (FD) rule regarding points for CWcontacts implemented by the ARRL Programs & Services Committee (PSC).Almost all of the comments I received were against the change equalizingcontact points for any mode.  Many of you writing took the time toexplain your reasons for your concern which was helpful.  Some of therespondents were writing as designated representatives of their ARRLclub. I responded to as many of you as I could personally explaining whyI agreed the change is unwarranted and I shared your concerns. Tonight the ARRL PSC held a special meeting for the purpose ofreconsidering the changes in view of the members’ strong interest.Though I am not appointed to the PSC, I attended as an interesteddirector to provide comment and was allowed to do so.  The rules formode scoring will NOT change this year.  Further, the PSC will beconsidering members input before next year. There may be formalelectronic polling to assess the members comments further before nextyear’s Field Day. Also, the committee voted to conform FD rules with other contest rulesby banning both robotic FT-x operations and the use of automatedmulti-streaming operations. Details are forthcoming. This responsiveness demonstrates that the Committee heard all of themembers expressing their thoughts.  You had an impact. There will betime to debate changes over the next months and I urge you to make yourthoughts known when that time comes.  In the end, our League is a memberorganization and members interests should drive our direction whethermajor policy or simple rule changes for contests.  If you disagree withthis statement, please feel free to let me know.  I will respond.  Afterall, the ARRL is your League.  73 & I will see you on the radio.  Bob Famiglio, K3RFARRL Director - Atlantic Division