[WSWSS] Initial comments on the proposed Contest Rules from a rover.

[Dave Glenn]

After studying the proposed contest rules I feel like they will do more harm
that good for the Rover category. As a rover myself I can't tell you how
many times I am thanked for being out there with 11 bands providing points
for fixed stations in grids where there are no stations. That fact that we
move from grid to grid for the entire contest gives everyone a chance to
keep working someone when otherwise the activity dies out after you have
worked the fixed stations. 

My biggest concern is in section 2 the point changes. Seems like this is
becoming more of a DX contest than an increase activity contest. I feel the
fixed station would not work as hard to work rover stations if they only
counted a 1 point compared to the 2 points they get by working another a
fixed station or 3 if the fixed station is more than one grid away. This
more that one Grid away rule would really hurt areas like Southern
California where mountain ranges surround most of the metropolitan areas.
Also as a Rover why would I try to work other Rovers if they only count as 1
point regardless of band. 

This brings me to my other issue with the points. Having higher frequencies
count as more points has worked in building activity on the upper bands.
Over the last few years I have added 902, 2GHz, 3GHz, 10GHz and recently
5GHz. I know since I have these bands available many stations now get on the
air with these bands that otherwise would not have anyone to work. The
higher points for higher frequencies works. 

My last comment is on the captive rover and grid circling issue. I do
believe captive roving isvcontrary to the sprit of the rules. The proposed
rules refer to captive rovers working with a fixed station but don't mention
captive rovers working each other. The suggestion to let the Contest Mangers
deal with the issue leaves us where we are now with a suggested or
encouraged practice that will be hard to enforce. 

Personally I have grid circled to some extend when we head out to remote
locations and meet up with other rovers. If it where not for the other
rovers who I can then work in those rare grids I would not spend driving the
6 plus hours of  precious contest time to go there and would focus more time
working in the more populated grids where I can get points. By the way, all
of us work as many other stations as we can often stopping working each
other so we can work the other stations.  

Much of the other changes I can deal with as it just helps level the playing
field or encourages newcomers. But, Please lets keep the rules rover
friendly as it is to all our benefit. 
Dave
N6TEB/R