Participated in my first ARRL Rookie Roundup Contest (SSB) and my last, as a “rookie”.
Contesting is an opportunity to make as many contacts as you can within a specified window of time. Depending on the contest, this could be anywhere from 30 minutes, to 48-hours or more.
The ARRL Rookie Roundup is a great way to get introduced to contesting and also to get beyond the mic shyness that many people experience when they first start out in ham radio.
I had not heard of the Rookie Roundup contest before, but would like to see more clubs get involved in this contest for new hams. To qualify as a “rookie”, you must have been licensed within the year or previous 2-years. There are other scenarios that can qualify you as a “rookie”, please go to the ARRL website and read the rules, if you are interested in what those are.
Since I was first licensed in 2020, this was my last opportunity to activate as a “rookie” and I almost missed it. Luckily, I discovered it in time. Those 6-hours flew by super fast….hint….if you want to increase your chances to get 1st place, consider being the fox, rather than the hound. You will get more QSO’s that way.
Next year, I plan to work it as an OT (old-timer). Although I will not be able to submit my log for points, I hope to encourage the rookies who choose to participate and help them earn points.
73 – WW4DB