[VHFcontesting] Rule Clarity (was: Rule precedence...)

["John (JK) Kalenowsky, K9JK" <k9jk73@msn.com>]

John (and reflector 'listeners'),

In my opinion, the rules are unclear in this area and not
necessarily JUST regarding rovers.

I hear/read that there are numerous interpretations of this and
other fine points of the rules from ARRL HQ/Contest Department
(Hi Dan!).

I am NOT suggesting that the interpretations are inconsistent in
any way...more suggesting that, as a process, any such
interpretations be circulated or made available to a wider
audience, especially in cases such as this where the 'written'
rules can be interpretted in different ways. Ultimately, such a
process should lead to changes in the written rules to reduce
(eliminate?) such ambiguities.

To illiustrate:

NOTE that Rule 1.3 in the Rules for VHF Contests, specifically mentions
Rule 3.5 of the General Rules (Family Station provision) AND that VHF 1.3
preceeds the definitions for a Rover Station, VHF 2.3 and 2.3.1-6.

Even though the VHF Rules take precedence over the General Rules,
since VHF 1.3 (which references "General" rule 3.5) preceeds VHF 2.3.x,
it seems reasonable that "accommodat[ing] family members who must share
a rig" would apply to ALL stations (i.e. does NOT exclude Rover stations).

NOTE ALSO that Family Members who operate the SAME fixed station are
permitted to submit SEPARATE Single-Op entries and are NOT forced to
participate/submit their entries as Multi-Operator (though there are some
areas open to interpretation here as well...if W1BRO and K1SIS, brother
and sister, are both operating their home station and pass the microphone
back and forth, alternating contacts with other stations...might it be 
argued
that the 'tuning in' of the station that is worked is either a 'spotting' or 
an
'equipment adjustment' that is done BY one person FOR a second person
and in conflict with Rule 2.1, to wit "One person performs all transmitting,
receiving, spotting, and logging functions as well as equipment and antenna
adjustments").

IMHO, it is a GOOD thing for the Rules to "accommodate family members
who must share a rig."

Further, IF it means that ANOTHER station (or two, as the reported rule
interpretations for "Family Rovers" reportedly permit) will be on for other
competing stations to contact during the contest, MY vote would be for
the additional activity.

My two cents... (ok, maybe only one cents worth).

73, JK

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