K5ZD Announcements, Rules

Rule changes for 2025

The world’s largest and most popular contesting operating event — the CQ WW — is coming up in less than two weeks! Some traveling operators have already arrived at their stations or will be leaving this week. Based on the 30-day solar cycle, it appears we will have good conditions, which will make for an incredible operating experience for everyone to enjoy!

As a reminder, we made a few changes to the rules for 2025 as follows:

* The Explorer category has been eliminated and replaced with the Multi-op Distributed category, with the same rules as the CQ WPX contest.

* Audio recordings are now required for both Top-5 non-assisted *and* assisted Singe-op entries. There is no change to the audio recording requirement itself.

* Entrants, on request of the contest committee, will be required to supply descriptions of their station layout including equipment, antennas, amplifiers, switching, interlocks, etc.

Please visit https://cqww.com/rules.htm for the complete rules and other great information!  Clear your calendars — this is going to be one of the best WW contests ever!

73, John, K1AR
CQ WW Contest Director

K1AR Rules

2021 CQ WW Rules Updates

We are announcing some exciting updates to the CQ WW contest effective beginning in 2021. In summary, here is what’s new:

1) We have created a new YOUTH overlay that will be available to all competitors who are 25 years old or under, effective on the dates of the contest. The Cabrillo overlay format will be CATEGORY-OVERLAY: YOUTH. In support of this change, Youth overlay entries will be highlighted in the results (as is currently done for Classic and Rookies). In addition, plaques will be available for the winners.

2) A new EXPLORER category has been established to allow amateurs to participate in the CQ WW Contest while experimenting creatively with Internet-linked stations and other new technologies. The goal of this category is to encourage innovation in operating strategies, station design, and technology adaptation. Please review the detailed rules at cqww.com/explorer for more information.

3) As a reminder, audio recordings may be requested for your entry as part of the log checking process. Any single operator entrant competing for a top-five finish at the (a) World, (b) Continent, or (c) USA levels, including Classic Overlay, must record the transmitted and received audio as heard by the operator for the duration of the contest operation. Failure to respond to this request may result in your log being reclassified or disqualified.

The combination of embracing new technology as well as recognizing the youth community amongst us is going to make the CQ WW an even more popular event.

Note: This new Explorer category is only for the 2021 SSB and CW events. It does not apply to CQ WW DIGI or RTTY.