What's Field Day all about?

Editorial by: Dale Kubichek, N6JSX 07/99

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Being a HAM of over +25 years I marvel at the exuberance and reverence that is given to the words Field Day in any QSO. If you want to stimulate a conversation ask the question, "What is Field Day?"

Is FD a contest? or;

Is FD an EMERGENCY drill? or;

Is FD free publicity for the ARRL? or;

Is FD practice for EMERGENCY preparedness? or;

Is FD a training session for new HAMs or wanna-be HAMs?

The answers will spawn controversy and a stimulating conversation. Some of the FD'ers are very defensive and passionate of their efforts and the ARRL to the point that QSO's can turn nasty. The adamant opinions pro and con of FD puts the question What is Field Day? into the generally accepted listed QSO taboo's of politics, religion, race, sex, ARRL, and the Presidency.

FD the Contest/Training Session:

If FD is a CONTEST the thrill of the hunt for contacts and the hard work to organizing a good class A site has it's own personal rewards. Some HAMs have told me that FD teaches good operating practices - may be? Others state FD was their FIRST exposure to HAM radio spawning a desire and interest into joining our fraternity. For No-Code HAMs FD my be their first/only HF SSB experience giving them the incentive to upgrade.

Some have called FD an ARRL sanctioned jam-athon CONTEST. This is a severe label but the ARRL is partially to blame for FD chaos and bad feelings. As there are NO "disqualification's" rules, no contest areas on HF, or support for the OO program observances on FD. The number one Rule violated during FD is Part 97.301, the station control operator authorized operational frequencies. This is due to MOST FD contest stations use an EXTRA class call sign and non-Extra class control operators use the EXTRA privileges. The runner up Rule violation is Part 97.101.d that is often totally disregarded during FD weekend. That being "NO amateur operator shall willfully or maliciously interfere with or cause interference to any radio communication or signal." True, some FD stations cannot hear one another due to band conditions and proximity but I've heard NON-FD HAMs in QSO on the bands to be rudely interrupted by a Contest'er for a contact point. Then if no point is given the Contest'er states, "this is FD - if your not going to give a point get off the band," then proceeds to CQ-FD over the established QSO!

As a past LA and Wisconsin Section OOC I observed these violations and issued OO Advisory Notices to (self incriminating) interfering FD stations. But the OO Notices were NOT held against the FD call sign by the ARRL FD Committee. I feel that the OO's should be out in force over FD and if more than one OO or an OOC sends an Advisory Notice the FD contest call sign should be DISQUALIFIED from that ARRL contest competition and listed as a ZERO points participant. This will send a clear message! The majority of FD is operated within the detectable Rules but there are many stations that will do anything for a contact point - tarnishing this solemn event!

FD the EMERGEMCY Drill/Preparedness:

If FD is an EMERGENCY preparedness drill it is nearly worthless. Especially, when HAMs are allowed +11 months to prepare the class A site for a spontaneous emergency last weekend of June pre-arrange rented generator. Then to be given ALL the special bonus points opportunity for this effort is ridiculous and hypocritical to promoting EMERGENCY preparedness!

The actual EMERGENCY stations in REAL EMERGENCIES will be the class "C" (mobile/portable) or class "E" (in home emergency power) stations using existing erected antennas. But NO FD bonus points are given for these two classes to encourage FD EMERGENCY preparedness!

I propose a NEW FD class "G", being very similar to a class "E", in simulating individual HAM emergency operations but with more emphasis in total preparedness. The goal of class G is getting HAMs self reliant, self sufficient, and prepared to fulfill Part 97.1.a. charter. To be able to conduct EMERGENCY communications under adverse conditions at any time. Class G will focus on individual EMERGENCY preparedness and public awareness rather than contesting. Class G will have the same +11 months to prepare but this will be an individual effort and financial commitment to FD and EMERGENCY preparedness. Increased multipliers and bonus points are added to attract the FD Contest'ers to class G operations and to offset any point loss when entertaining site visitors.

Class "G" brings FD into a personal HAM EMERGENCY experience and allows self evaluation to your personal commitment and dedication to the ideals of the Amateur Radio. I believe "G" stations will have a very positive effect on our communities as non-HAMs will be able to meet HAMs in action. With "G" sites scattered all over the community the public will see HAM radio at work in their own backyard. The "G" class sites will bring awareness to your neighborhood as to who and where to seek communications HELP when an severe EMERGENCY strikes. With the right approach the local news media could make FD a very popular news event for your community with open access to neighborhood G sites. (Conversely, most class "A" sites are often in obscure semi-public locations with die-hard Contest'ers.)

I'm hoping that the RACES, local EOC/DCS, and ARRL ARES, and EMERGENCY Coordinators will endorse this article as a positive direction the ARRL should take. Amateur Radio will benefit from the goals of class G- for HAM Good.

Class G - Individual HAM EMEGENCY operations rules:

Even though the intended emphasis to class G is for personal emergency preparedness class G does not restrict the number of HAMs that can operate a G site. The class G operation can be a viable alternative to a very small HAM group that cannot pull together a serious class A effort and still be very competitive and become prepared. Then look at the valuable community public relations that HAM radio will gain!

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