The ARRL Rookie Roundup returns to RTTY Sunday, August 16, 1800 UTC through 2359 UTC. For the purposes of this operating event, a “Rookie” is any radio amateur licensed within the current calendar year or in the previous 2 calendar years, regardless of license class. Rookie Roundup events take place three times a year — SSB in April, RTTY in August, and CW in December.

The goal of Rookie Roundup is to encourage recently licensed operators in North America (including territories and possessions) to operate on the HF bands and experience competitive Amateur Radio operating. Experienced operators are encouraged to participate and help new operators — either on the air or in person. Old Timers may want to consider opening up their stations to rookies and serving as contesting mentors. The more operators on the air, the more fun the Roundup will be for everyone.

During the contest Rookies can work anyone, while veteran operators only work Rookies. Single-Operator Rookie entrants can form teams, but teams must register beforehand. A multioperator category is also available for stations hosting more than one Rookie operator. Rookies call “CQ RR” (CQ Rookie Roundup), while veteran ops call “CQ R” (CQ Rookies). Exchange the call sign of the station you’re working, your call sign, your first name, two-digit number of the year first licensed, and your state, Canadian province, Mexican call area, or DX.

Review the rules before the event, and get familiar with logging and log submission processes too. Rookies exchange information with as many other stations as possible on 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters. Before venturing forth, Rookie entrants are encouraged to read “HF Contesting — Good Practices, Interpretations and Suggestions.”

RTTY Rookie Roundup participants can log the contest using either the paper forms provided on the Rookie Roundup web page or by using the real-time In The Log website. Once the contest is over, and you’ve calculated your score, complete the Rookie Roundup Online Score Submission Form to submit your score; no logs are necessary. Entrants must fill out this form to enter, and all entries are due within 72 hours (3 days) of the end of the contest.

Contact ARRL Contest Branch Manager Matt Wilhelm, W1MSW, for more information.