RSGB HF and VHF contest rules changes
From RSGB HFCC and VHFCC . Update (27/06/2020) to the recent Rule Changes: As we're all aware the changes to COVID-19 restrictions have been coming thick and fast recently, but they have also remained inconsistent across the different parts of the UK. Single Operator Portable operation now appears viable in England, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands / Isle of Man, but both Wales and Scotland currently retain 5 mile movement restrictions which make portable operation impractical for most entrants. However, we expect these restrictions in Scotland and Wales to both have been lifted by 6th July, and so we are preparing to allow Single Operator Portable entries to our contests again from Tuesday 7th July – in time for 2m UKAC and FMAC contests.All activities must be properly socially distanced with all station activity, including station assembly being carried out by the operator, or only with support from people who are living at the same house. We are not opening up 'normal' multi-operator contesting as in section 'O' entries at this time. Also any local COVID-19 restrictions, such as any limitation on access to particular public locations must be strictly observed.
Single operator entries from shared stations will also not be accepted unless the station is being shared by family members living at the same postal address
We are making this announcement on the basis of expected changes in Wales and Scotland. Should these not happen, or if there were to be any significant re-introduction of movement restrictions by one or more of the UK Governments, we may need to maintain / re-introduce entry restrictions. Please keep a close eye on the Contest Committee web site https://www.rsgbcc.org/vhf and on the e-mail reflector / Facebook group for any urgent announcements, but we sincerely hope not to have to make any!
The Governments' changes have not been made in time for 'VHF NFD weekend', and so 'Lockdown VHF NFD' will go ahead as a fixed station contest, and the 3rd Backpackers will also not run that weekend. We are currently discussing how to approach the remainder of the portable contest season, including the Backpackers and are thinking about running one or two extra Backpackers during the summer though we recognise that getting a sufficient volume of activity is the challenge. One possible date is the afternoon of Saturday 18th July to align with the French Bol d'Or Low Power contest (we have the 4m Trophy on the Sunday). We'd be interested in hearing whether you would be interested in a couple of extra Backpackers events.
73 and Stay Safe
Andy, G4PIQ
Chair RSGB VHF Contest Committe