While I personally think that RSGB's action is slightly over-kill since there are quite a few remote stations that can be operated in  multi-operator style, at least here in this country, it is the safest option and we all know that some hams are crazy.  In any event, the thought is well-placed and timely.  I believe that ARRL is faced with this issue only in June:  June 13-15 VHF contest in which multi-operator, including rover, operations are permitted; then the BIG ONE, Field Day June 27-28; and IARU multi-operator entries for July 11-12.

While perhaps it is to early to make a definitive decision(s), it would be good for someone to work out options and pros/cons.  Especially for Field Day.

I'm guessing that ARRL should wait a bit to have a better idea of what the COVID-19 situation may be in June and July before announcing anything.  But it's never too early to have options and a plan that would only be public and effective at later date closer to the activity of concern.

73 & QWH, Dave


On 3/20/20, 11:55 AM, "arrl-odv on behalf of hopengarten@post.harvard.edu" <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org on behalf of hopengarten@post.harvard.edu> wrote:

    -----Original Message-----
    From: yccc@groups.io [mailto:yccc@groups.io] On Behalf Of KA1R
    Sent: Friday, March 20, 2020 10:55 AM
    To: yccc@groups.io
    Subject: [yccc] RSGB suspends multi-op contesting for COVID-19
   
    This was recently announced (maybe yesterday):
   
      https://www.rsgbcc.org/cv19.shtml
   
    I think the main message is that some contest sponsors are risk-averse
    and might suddenly change rules in an attempt to "help" with COVID-19,
    or comply with their own interpretations of government edicts. So,
    rechecking any contest sponsor's web site on the day before a contest
    might be a good idea now.
   
    I asked the WPX contest director but haven't heard back yet.
   
    A change of "we will no longer accept multi-operator contest entries"
    most likely means that the category is eliminated, and you can't work
    around it by having remote operators at home. (Or, as once happened in
    YCCC history, a multi-op from two separate homes that were inside a
    500-meter circle even though they weren't on the same street.)
   
    And, of course, even if most contests' rules remain the same, choosing
    to do a home multi-op or portable multi-op (or even multi-op mobile in
    a QSO Party) might mean that nobody would be competing against you.
   
    Matt, KA1R
   
   
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