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SARL CONTEST RULES
&
"The "Blue Book"
GENERAL RULES FOR ALL SARL CONTESTS
VHF/UHF Contest
Hamnet 40m Contest
80 metre QSO Party
HF Phone & CW
Contest
SARL Field Day Contest Rules
The "Blue Book"
The official general contest rules for all SARL contests
*******************
This is the third issue of the Blue Book; the SARL contest manual containing the rules of the following contests:
SARL VHF/UHF Contests
SARL Hamnet 40 m Simulated Emergency Contest
SARL 80 m QSO Parties
SARL HF Phone Contest
SARL HF CW Contest
SARL Field Day Contest
The particular contest’s rules have to be read with the General Rules
contained herein and will remain unchanged for the years 2000, 2001 and
2002.
After consultation with all involved we have trimmed down the number
of official SARL contests to six as we were all in agreement that too many
contests water down, and that a few well-timed contests would ensure greater
participation.
I would like to express my grateful appreciation to the willingness
of the contest committees to run the various contests for the next three
years and agreeing to make changes to the rules and some of the dates.
I have solicited help to integrate their inputs into both the separate
contests and the general rules.
By incorporating several common features into the General Rules, we
have greatly simplified the individual contest rules.
The perpetual dates will eliminate gueswork as to when a paticular
contest will take place in the future as they are now all tied down a specific
day or weekend of a month.Only the address as stated in the rules may be
used - do not mail to the SARL! Please circulate the Blue Book amongst
your amateur friends.
Good contesting, Tjerk Lammers ZS6P
SARL Award and Contest Manager.
PO Box 48052 Hercules 0030
Email: tjerk@iafrica.com
SARL General Contest Rules:
These contest rules apply to all SARL contests with effect from 1 January
2000.
Contestants shall also comply with the specific rules of each specific
contest. The contests are open to all licensed amateurs in southern Africa
unless otherwise stated. Complaints or suggestions regarding rules may
be submitted in writing to the Contest Committee concerned, at the time
of the relative contest. Submissions will be collated and considered for
possible future revision. All operations must be conducted in accordance
with the limitations of the entrant’s licence and with the rules and spirit
of the contest. All equipment for stations must be located within a diameter
of 500 m or within the property limits of the station licencee, whichever
is the greater.
Paper entries:
Logsheets and Summary Sheets The official SARL Logsheet, or a reasonable
copy thereof is preferred in all contests. The logsheet shall contain all
the required information. An example of the official logsheet is contained
herein or logsheets are available from SARL head office or local radio
clubs.Logsheets shall contain the following information:
Date, time in UTC, callsign of station contacted, exchange (i.e. RST
and/or serial sent and received), points claimed for each contact and,
in the case of VHF contests, grid locator or physical location of the station
contacted and the distance worked. A separate chronological log must be
submitted for every frequency band worked. For contests requiring serial
numbers, a single consecutive numbering sequence must be used for all contacts.
However, a multi-operator station transmitting on several bands simultaneously
may use separate number sequences for each band.In all contests, the official
SARL Summary Sheet, or a clear copy thereof, is preferred and all information
required on Summary Sheet shall be completed. A copy of the official Summary
Sheet is contained in this Manual or is available from SARL head office
or local radio clubs. Summary Sheets shall contain the following information,
where applicable: contest date, callsign used, category entered, callsigns
of all operators, a breakdown of points claimed and details of the contact
person (name, address, telephone and/or fax numbers and email address)
and a signed declaration as detailed below. Other information such as details
of equipment used (antenna, transceiver & power etc.), SARL membership
status, club if any and longest distance worked for each band can also
be included. The declaration to be included on the summary sheet must state:
I declare that this station was operated in accordance with the Amateur
Radio Regulations and Terms of my Licence and the Rules of the Contest.
I accept the decision of the Contest Committee.
Signed at .............................. this .......... day of ....................
2000 Signature .......................
Electronic Logs and Summary Sheets:
Participants may submit ASCII logs and summary sheets instead of written logs, by disk or email. The summary sheet shall include the declaration specified in paragraph 2 e). A signed paper copy may be requested by the Contest Committee. QSOs shall be separated by a carriage return, and each QSO must include the information as specified for written QSOs in point 3 above. Closing Date and Announcement of preliminary and final Results. Entries shall be postmarked or emailed not later than 14 days after the contest has ended. The Contest Committee shall meet no more than five weeks after the contest and compile a list of claimed scores submitted. This list shall be emailed to all entrants for whom email addresses are available, and submitted to the SARL Webmaster for publication on the Web site.
Written objections and comments:
Must be lodged with the Contest Committee within one week of publication. The Contest Committee shall compile final results and forward them together with a contest analysis to the Awards Manager, the SARL National Bulletin compiler and to the Editor of Radio ZS for publication. It is also recommended that the Committee email the final results to all participants for whom addresses are available.
Locators:
In all contests where stations must transmit their location as part of the exchange, the Maidenhead Grid Locator System shall be used.
Dispute Resolution:
Written objections shall be submitted to the Contest Committee concerned within 7 days of the announcement or publication of the list of claimed scores for the contest concerned. The Contest Committee shall present its decision within seven days of receipt of such objections, and its decision shall be final.
Definitions:
Single operator: A contestant operating alone and without aid
from another person, whether present or via remote communication.
Equipment:
Includes both station equipment and antennas.
Fixed Station:
A station which is operated from, and located at, the registered main
station address of a licensee as shown on a radio station licence, regardless
of the callsign being used for the contest. Except in the case of stations
normally shared by several licencees (e.g. relatives), only one callsign
may be used for the duration of the contest.
Portable Station:
A temporary station, operated from a location other than that of the
registered main station address of a licensed amateur.
Field Station:
A temporary station, operated from a location other than that of the
main station address. Antennas may not be supported by any permanent man-made
structures or buildings. The power for the station must be drawn from a
source other than the normal mains supply, e.g. batteries, portable generator,
solar power, wind power or some alternative source of power. Storage batteries
may be recharged during the contest by any of the above alternative power
sources, including a motor vehicle, but a mains supply may not be use for
this purpose.
Penalties and Disqualification:
Any entrant found to be operating in contravention of the Rules or in any way not operating within the spirit of the contest may be disqualified. The Contest Committee's decision in this regard and in the interpretation of any other rule shall be final. Reports of persistent poor signal quality or poor operating practice shall be deemed to fall into this classification. Unmarked duplicate contacts or contacts containing incorrect or invalid times, callsigns or exchanges will be removed from the entrant’s log. In addition, the Contest Committee may impose a penalty of three valid contacts of equal value for every contact removed from the entrant’s log. A reduction in claimed score of more than 20% may result in disqualification.Any operator disqualified in terms of this rule may appeal to the contest committee in writing within 14 days of notice of disqualification, providing full details of reasons to overturn the decision.
The Committee must announce its final decision no later than seven days after receipt of the appeal. Any contestant or station disqualified in terms of these rules shall not be eligible to enter future contests for a period of 2 years.Entries that do not contain the required information on Log and Summary Sheets, or that are illegible may be disqualified or reclassified as check logs, not eligible for awards.
Contests:
The following are the Official SARL contests:
SARL VHF/UHF Contests
SARL Hamnet 40 m Simulated Emergency Contest
SARL 80 m QSO Parties
SARL HF Phone Contest
SARL HF CW Contest
SARL Field Day Contest
Proposed Events or Contests Proposals for any new contests or other on-the-air activities may be submitted to the SARL Contest Manager by 31 October annually for inclusion in the following year's Official Calendar of Events. A copy to SARL Headquarters is also recommended. Address for Contest EntriesEntries must be submitted to the Contest Committee for the contest concerned, and not to SARL Headquarters. The relevant address for each contest is published in the rules for that contest.
Aim:
To promote activity on the VHF and UHF bands. The Contest is open to
all licensed Radio Amateurs in South Africa and neighbouring states.
Dates and Times:
The third full weekend of March and the third full weekend of September
every year, from 12:00 SAST on Saturday to 12:00 SAST on Sunday.
Categories:
Portable station, multi-mode Fixed station, multi-mode Fixed station,
FM only Entrants in any Category may not change the location of the station
once the Contest has started. Any station must use a single callsign and
locator during the entire contest.
Definitions:
FM only: A station using FM for all contacts made.
Multi-Mode: A station using any mode or combination of modes in addition
to or other than FM.
Portable Station Operations. The site used for a Portable Station operation
may not have been used by any member of the operating team for a period
of at least two weeks prior to the start of the contest. Equipment for
Portable Stations may only be set up in the 24 hours prior to the starting
time of the contest. This restriction applies to antennas, masts, towers
and transmitting equipment but excludes accomodation such as a caravan,
tent etc.Portable stations must comply with the restrictions on power sources
specified in the definition for Field Stations in the General Contest Rules.
Frequencies:
The following frequency bands may be used:
50 to 51,5 MHz144 to 145,8MHz432 to 433,6 MHz1296 to1296,5 MHz
Participants shall adhere to all sub-bands as specified in the SARL
and IARU Region 1 band plans. Only one signal may be transmitted in each
band at any given moment.
Modes:
CW, FM or SSB
Digital Modes or Spread-Spectrum are not permitted
No repeater, satellite, EME or Cross-Band operation is permitted.
Exchange:
Callsigns of both stations Report sent (e.g. 59/599) Geographical grid
location of the station
Note:
No serial numbers are required
Callsigns:
Fixed stations shall use the registered station callsign.
Portable stations callsigns shall be followed by "Portable" on FM and
SSB, or "/P" on CW.
The same callsign must be used for all transmissions from the station,
including all bands. Scoring:
The points for each contact are based on the distance for that contact,
as detailed below. Each station may only be worked once per band, regardless
of mode or callsign changes. The score for each band is the sum of points
accumulated from all contacts, multiplied by the multiplier for that band.
The multiplier 3 for 50 MHz, 2 for 144 MHz, 7 for 432 MHz and 11 for
1296 MHz.
The total score for the station is the sum of all individual band scores.
In the case of portable stations, the entire score must be multiplied
by 1,5.
Distance-based scoring:
1 point for the first 50 km, adding 2 points for every 50 km up to
600 km, to a maximum of 23 points:
0 to 50 km: 1 point
51 to 100 km: 3 points
101 to 150 km: 5 points
151 to 200 km: 7 points.
Distances from 600 km to 1000 km increment at 2 points per 100 km and
score as follows: 601 to 700 km: 25 points
701 to 800 km: 27 points
801 to 900 km: 29 points
901 to 1000 km: 31 points
Distances from 1000 km and 1500 km increment at 2 points per 250 km.
Contacts over a distance of 1500 km or greater score a maximum of 35
points.
Note: Calculation of distances may be either by computer program using the Maidenhead Locator System or, where this is not available, by using a detailed map of the relative area overlaid with appropriately marked concentric circles. For computer scoring a conversion factor of 111.2 km/degree shall be used.
Sponsor: Highway Amateur Radio Club
Address for Contest Entries:
The Contest Committee
PO Box 256
Inchanga3670
E-mail enquiries: johnf@futurenet.co.za
Aim:
The aim of the HF Contests is for participants to contact as many amateurs
in southern Africa as possible on the 20, 40 and 80 m amateur bands.
Dates:
SSB:
First Sunday in August
CW:
Last Sunday in August
Times:
From 15:00 to 18:00 SAST
Frequencies:
SSB: 14,125 to 14,175 MHz; 7040 to 7080 kHz; 3600 to 3650 kHzCW: 14,030
to 14,060 MHz; 7010 to 7035 kHz; 3510 to 3560 kHz
Categories:
Single Operator
Multi Operator
Individual competitors and club stations are encouraged to compete.
Exchange:
RS(T) and consecutive serial numbers starting at 001.
Scoring:
SSB contacts count 1 point.
CW contacts count 2 points.
Count two points for each area (see below) on each band.
Count 2 points for each stations contacted on all three bands.
Area 1: ZS1
Area 2: ZS2
Area 3: ZS3
Area 4: ZS4Area
5: ZS5Area
6: ZS6
Area 7 (eastern group): 3DA, 7P, 7Q, 9J, C9, Z2, ZS8
Area 8 (western group): A2, D2, V5, ZD9, ZS7
Awards:
Certificates are awarded to the first three places and the highest
single band score in each contest. There is also a trophy for the highest
combined score in both contests. A trophy is awarded to the CW contestant
in his or her first year of CW achieving the highest score. Candidates
for this trophy must state the date of the issue of the licence on the
summary sheet.
Sponsor: Pretoria Amateur Radio Club
Address for Contest Entries:
The Contest Committee
PO Box 48052
Hercules 0030
E-mail enquiries: tjerk@iafrica.com
Aim:
The aim of these contests is to create an interest in and activity
on the 80 m band.
Dates and Times:
The first Thursday in April and October, from 19:00 to 22:00 SAST.
Frequencies:
Only frequencies in the segment 3600 to 3650 kHz may be used.
Exchange:
Callsign, RS signal report, serial number commencing with 001, Grid
Locator or QTH (Location).
Categories:
This is an SSB Contest.
Scoring:
10 points for every contact with a South African station.15 points
for every contact with a station outside South Africa.
Sponsor: Durban Amateur Radio Club
Address for Contest Entries:
The Contest Committee
PO Box 21762
Bluff 4036
E-mail enquiries: mally@eastcoast.co.za
This SSB Contest is open to all Radio Amateurs in South Africa, Namibia,
Botswana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Mozambique, Lesotho, Marion Island and South
African Antarctica. Only contacts with these areas will count.
Date and Time:
Second Sunday of April, 14:00 to 16:00 SAST.
Categories:
Single operator stationary mobile
Single operator portable
Multi-operator portable
Single operator base station
Antennas:
Antennas are limited to antennas with less than unity gain relative
to a dipole. Stationary Mobile stations must use antennas that rely solely
on their vehicles for support and must not exceed a height of 5 metres
above ground. Portable station antennas may not be erected and installed
before the day of the contest and no permanent man-made structure may be
used to either house equipment or for antenna supports.
Power:
Stationary Mobile and Portable stations must operate from the same
site for the duration of the contest and all power used must comply with
the requirements for Field Stations in the general rules.
Exchange:
Signal report followed by a three figure number as follows:
Category a: Starting with 201 for the first contact
Category b: Starting with 401 for the first contact
Category c: Starting with 601 for the first contact
Category d: Starting with 801 for the first contact
Non-participants start with 001 for the first contact
Scoring:
Scoring consists of points accumulated from all contacts, multiplied
by a multiplier.
Contact with a station in:
Category a, b and c in own area 3 points
Category a, b and c in another area 4 points
Category d or non-participant in own area 1 point
Category d or non-participant in another area 2 points
Areas are as defined in the following list:
Area 1: ZS1
Area 2: ZS2
Area 3: ZS3
Area 4: ZS4
Area 5: ZS5
Area 6: ZS6
Area 7 (eastern group): 3DA 7P C9 Z2 ZS8
Area 8 (western group): A2 V5 ZS7
The multiplier consists of the number of call areas worked, multiplied
by a power multiplier. The power multiplier is 2 for an output power of
over 50 W, and 3 for an output power of less than 50 W.
Awards:
Certificates will be presented to the highest scoring station in each
category, provided that there are at least three entries in that category.
Sponsor: Hamnet Eastern Cape.
Address for Contest Entries:
Hamnet 40 m Simulated Emergency Contest
PO Box 50115
Colleen Glen 6018
Aim:
The aim of the contest is to involve southern African stations in a
competitive and sociable event held under simulated emergency conditions.
The contest is open to all licensed radio amateurs in southern Africa.
Date and Time:
The contest will take place on the second full weekend of March, between
10:00 UTC Saturday and 10:00 UTC Sunday.
Frequencies and Modes:
The 160, 80, 40 and 20 m bands are the only bands permissible.
Modes permissible are SSB and CW.
Each station may only be worked once per band regardless of mode.Cross-band
or cross-mode operation is not permitted.
Categories:
There shall be two categories:
a) Single Operator b) Multi-Operator.
Callsigns:
Only one call sign per station is permitted. In the case of multi-operator
stations using more than one transmitter, both operators must use the same
callsign. The portable "/P" suffix shall be used by all contestants.
Antennas:
Only wire and home-made vertical antennas are permitted.
No antennas may be erected before 07:00 UTC on the starting date.The
use of man-made supporting structures permanently existing on the site
is prohibited.
Radio Equipment and Power Limits:
There is no limitation to the number of transmitters or receivers that
may be employed, but stations may not radiate more than two signals at
any time and must be on different bands.The maximum output power permissible
shall be 100 W PEP.
Establishment of Stations:
No radio equipment may be located in permanent buildings existing on
the site.
No equipment may be brought to the site before 07:00 UTC on the first
day of the contest. Once a Field Station has been established at a site
it may not move to an alternative site after the contest starts.The use
of a mains supply is not permitted, and all entrants must comply with the
rules for a Field Station in the General Rules.
Exchange:
Exchange report RS(T) plus a serial number beginning at 001 for each
band.
Scoring:
The final score is the sum of the separate scores on each band.
The score for each band is the cumulative sum of contact points, multiplied
by the number of areas worked on that band, multiplied by the band multiplier.
Contact points are determined as follows:
QSO with a non-contestant station in own area: 1 point.
QSO with a non-contestant station in another area: 2 points.
QSO with a Field Day Station in own area: 3 points.
QSO with a Field Day Station in another area: 4 points.
A maximum of eight areas can be contacted:
Area 1: ZS1
Area 2: ZS2
Area 3: ZS3
Area 4: ZS4
Area 5: ZS5
Area 6: ZS6
Area 7: 3DA, 7P8, 7Q, 9J, A2, C9, D2, V5 and Z2
Area 8: Stations in the rest of the world.
The band multiplier is 1 for 20 m, 1 for 40 m, 2 for 80 m and 3 for
160 m.
Awards:
Certificates will be issued for the first 3 places in each of the two
categories.
Sponsor: Cape Town Amateur Radio Centre.
Address for Contest Entries:
SARL HF Field Day Contest Committee
17 Tudor Road
Tokai 7945
Note: Work on this page
will continue for some time.