SKCC Straight Key Sprint
The SKCC Straight Key Sprint (SKS) was created as an opportunity for all amateurs, inexperienced and experienced, to participate in a casual contest to develop contesting and operating skills, and most of all, to have fun! It is also an opportunity to foster SKCC activity at a specified time, and is a great chance to collect SKCC numbers for awards.
This monthly, weekday, two-hour event allows those that cannot spend the time at the radio for longer events to be competitive. It is intended that the rules for this event remain fairly constant, although this event, as well as the SKCC, is still relatively new, so some evolutionary changes may occur with time. The SKCC also has a monthly 24 hour Weekend Sprintathon (WES) in which it is intended to operate with a different theme each month.
Straight Key Sprints take place on the fourth Wednesday Zulu from 0000Z-0200Z during Daylight Saving Time (summer), and 0100Z-0300 during standard time (winter). Note that this is Tuesday night in the Americas. Also note that the Tuesday preceding the fourth Wednesday is not always the fourth Tuesday.
The goal of this sprint, like most radio contests, is to work as many other participating stations as possible during the sprint period using a mechanical key approved by the rules of the Straight Key Century Club, such as straight keys, sideswipers (Cooties) and bugs. Those for whom physical disabilities prohibit the use of such keys are welcome to participate by whatever means necessary. Multipliers are awarded for working different U.S. states, Canadian provinces or DX countries, as well as bonuses for working SKCC Centurions and Tribunes.
Although it is a contest, the SKS is rather informal, and it is not uncommon for an exchange with a friend to turn into a ragchew! CW beginners are very encouraged to participate. SKCC members are a friendly and encouraging group who will gladly slow down to your speed. Encouraging beginners is a big part of the SKCC and the SKS. With a limited and predictable exchange, and participants who will gladly slow down for you and be patient with repeat requests, there is no better time to get on the air.
Please follow the links above for the complete rules and results. Note that for any contest, it is prudent to review the rules before every event so you are not surprised by changes.
We wish to thank Kevin K4VD for initially developing this sprint and successfully managing it through its first year and to John AI4RE for nearly another year.