Fwd: This short SSB Contest on November 22

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Charles Bresnahan

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Nov 13, 2025, 8:30:06 AMNov 13
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You might enjoy trying this 4 hour SSB contest?  It is the North American SSB Sprint Contest.

It is Saturday evening November 22nd starting at 7 PM EST,  which technically is November 23, 2025  0000 - 0359 UTC


Charlie/K1CB, Secretary, Falmouth Amateur Radio Association

 

HENRY BROWN JR

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Nov 13, 2025, 2:29:49 PMNov 13
to Charles Bresnahan, Charles Bresnahan' via FARAEmailList
AI provided this definition of a Sprint Contest. Go for it!
 
Henry  K1WCC
 
A "
sprint" radio contest is a short, intense amateur radio competition (radiosport) with a unique "QSY" rule that requires operators to change frequency after every other contact. This forces constant movement and prevents powerful stations from dominating a single frequency, creating a more dynamic and challenging event for all participants. 
 
 
Key Features
 
  • Duration: Sprints are typically short, lasting only a few hours (commonly four hours), making them accessible to operators who cannot devote an entire weekend to a standard contest.
  • Constant Motion (QSY Rule): This is the defining characteristic. After making one contact, the operator calling "CQ" (seeking contacts) must move at least 5 kHz before calling "CQ" again, or at least 1 kHz before initiating another contact. The station responding to the CQ inherits the initial frequency for their next contact. This unique rule requires constant tuning and rapid operating skills.
  • Exchange: Participants exchange specific information, which generally includes both call signs, a consecutive serial number, and a location identifier like name and state/province, or a Maidenhead grid square.
  • Scoring: Points are awarded for each completed contact, and multipliers are often earned for contacting different geographic locations (states, provinces, grid squares, etc.). The final score is calculated based on a formula specific to each contest, and logs are cross-checked for accuracy after the event.
  • Categories: Sprints typically have single-operator categories, sometimes subdivided by power output levels (e.g., QRP for low power), but often allow combining individual scores into team entries.
  • Log Submission: Most operators use specialized logging software to record their contacts. After the contest, participants submit their logs (often in a standard Cabrillo format) to the contest sponsor for scoring and verification. 
  •  
 
How to Participate
 
  1. Choose an event: Check the schedules and rules published by sponsoring organizations like the ARRL or the National Contest Journal.
  2. Understand the rules: Pay close attention to the unique QSY requirements, operating times, modes (CW, SSB, etc.), and exchange information for that specific sprint.
  3. Operate: Use an amateur radio station to make as many contacts as possible within the specified time, following the rules and logging all contacts accurately.
  4. Submit your log: Send your log file to the contest sponsor before the deadline to be included in the results and potentially win awards. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  • North American CW Sprint is Great Practice for Fall Contesting - ARRL
    Sep 8, 2020 — For the Sprint and for other NCJ-sponsored events, teams are self-organized — and often humorously named — groups of op...
    ARRL
     
  •  
     
  • Official Website of the North American SSB Sprint ham radio contest
    Submit a Log = Chance to Win a Prize! That's right. Submit a log of just 1500 points or more (that's only 50 QSOs and 30 multiplie...
    SSB Sprint
     
  •  
     
  • Rules | NA SSB Sprint Contest
    Log Submission: Entries must be received no later than 7 days after the Sprint. Methods of log submission in order of preference a...
    SSB Sprint
     
  •  
S
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Charles Bresnahan

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Nov 14, 2025, 8:54:10 AMNov 14
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Henry K1WCC has provided additional information about the contest.

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