ARRL Rookie Round-up – Will you play?
The ARRL Rookie Round-up (SSB version) is fast approaching and should really come as no surprise. It’s been featured in QST and many fellow amateurs have blogged about it. If you were licensed in 2008, 2009 or 2010…I challenge you to participate in this contest.
Never operated in a contest before? No worries, this is what the ARRL Rookie Round-up is all about. The concept and purpose is really to introduce the new hams to the world of on air contests or radio sport. If you’ve never thought of amateur radio as being a sport….well think again.
Amateur radio contests provide both a mental and physical challenge and only the best prepared can expect to earn a top podium position when the checkered flag is waved. Of course, participating in a contest (even casually) will only improve your overall operating skills. As we all know, amateur radio is more about listening than it is speaking. The ARRL Rookie Round-up will help the new amateur polish these very important skills. I believe all amateurs could benefit from reading HF Contesting – Good Practices, Interpretations and Suggestions. This helpful guide is available on the ARRL website either in plain text, MS Word or PDF format.
Planning to participate in the 2010 ARRL Field Day? If you’re new to the hobby, Field Day is a weekend in June you do not want to miss. The ARRL Rookie Round-up will help give you an edge over your fellow new hams during this fun filled weekend.
The ARRL Rookie Round-up consists of three different versions held at different times throughout 2010. The SSB Rookie Roundup is this coming April with a RTTY version in August and CW in December. The SSB Rookie Roundup is Sunday, April 18th. Complete contest details including time, categories, rules, exchanges, frequencies and more can all be found by visiting the ARRL Rookie Round-up webpage.
While I’m no longer classified in the rookie category (earned my license in 2007), I will be participating to help our newer hams. Regardless of whether you are new to the hobby or have been licensed for many, many years. I hope you’ll join me in April to share in the fun that is sure to be the 2010 ARRL Rookie Round-up SSB Contest.
Until next time….
73,
Jerry
KD0BIK