The ARRL Rookie Roundup returns to SSB on Sunday, April 20. The event gets underway at 1800 UTC and continues through 2359 UTC. In the Rookie Roundup, a “Rookie” is any radio amateur licensed within the current calendar year or in the previous two calendar years, regardless of license class. Operators exchange the call sign of the station they’re working plus their own call sign, first name, two-digit number of the year first licensed, and state, Canadian province, Mexican call area, or “DX.”

The goal of Rookie Roundup is to encourage newly 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.

This is a terrific opportunity for new operators to get on the air and learn contesting skills. Old Timers may want to consider opening up their stations to rookies and serving as a contesting mentor. The more operators on the air, the more fun the Roundup will be for everyone.

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 the 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters. Rookie entrants are encouraged to read “HF Contesting – Good Practices, Interpretations and Suggestions.” The next Rookie Roundup is the RTTY event on the third Sunday of August.