The SSB version of ARRL Rookie Roundup is back on Sunday, April 19. The event gets under way at 1800 UTC and continues 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 two 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.

Rookies call “CQ Rookie Roundup,” while veteran ops call “CQ Rookies.” Exchange the call sign of the station you’re working, your call sign, your first name, the two-digit number of the year first licensed, and your state, Canadian province, Mexican call area, or DX.

Rookie Roundup participants can log the contest using contest logging software the supports the event, 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.

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.”

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