The SSB version of ARRL Rookie Roundup is back on Sunday, April 17. 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. 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.

Rookie Roundup events take place three times a year: SSB in April, RTTY in August, and CW in December. Experienced operators are encouraged to participate and help new operators — either on the air or in person. Old Timers may want to consider making their stations available to rookies and serving as contesting mentors.

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. Rookies exchange information with as many other stations as possible on 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters.

Rookie Roundup participants can use contest logging software that supports the event, paper forms provided on the Rookie Roundup web page, or by using the real-time In The Log website. Once you’ve calculated your score, complete the Rookie Roundup Online Score Submission Form. 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.

Prospective participants should review the rules before the event, and get familiar with the logging and log submission processes. Rookie entrants are encouraged to read “HF Contesting – Good Practices, Interpretations and Suggestions” before venturing forth.

Contact ARRL Contest Branch Manager Bart Jahnke, W9JJ, for more information.