FGARC YOTA CONTEST
Background
The Youngsters on the Air (YOTA) programme is originally an IARU Region 1 initiative aimed at engaging youngsters in amateur radio, as well as supporting amateurs under the age of 26.
The programme organises a number of projects, including YOTA Month, the IARU Youth Contesting Programme, and the YOTA camps which are held in a different IARU Region 1 country each year.
For more information about YOTA, visit www.ham-yota.com.
YOTA Month
Every year, the entire month of December is YOTA Month. The aim of YOTA Month is to get young people onto the amateur bands. Different amateur radio clubs and individuals take turns to host special YOTA call signs throughout December.
The idea of this is to encourage youngsters to be active on the ham radio bands.
IARU Region 1 YOTA Contest
“Team YOTA” of Youngsters on the Air in IARU Region 1 sponsors a YOTA Contest.
This contest is open to all amateur radio operators. It takes place three times per year and runs just 12 hours.
VK YOTA Contest
The Fisher’s Ghost Amateur Radio Club Inc. (FGARC) recognises the importance of getting youngsters involved in the hobby, both for the development of the youngster and for the hobby to continue. Without our youngsters joining and engaging in our hobby, the hobby will eventually perish.
As FGARC recognises the importance of youngsters to our hobby, and the benefits our hobby has for youngsters, a VK YOTA Contest has been established.
The Contest commences at 00:00 UTC on 1 December and concludes at 23:59 UTC on 31 December.
It is a contest to encourage youngsters to participate in the hobby, whether they are already licensed, or just curious about what amateur radio is.
The contest also encourages licensed amateurs to support youngsters by taking part in the contest and help them get into HAM radio operations and contesting!
The VK YOTA Contest encourages everyone to make QSOs with as many youngsters as possible.
QSOs with operators under the age of 26 are worth more points. The age of the operator is part of the exchange. There are categories for YOTA and Non-YOTA stations.
The VK YOTA Contest runs for the entire month of December, so everyone can make more contacts and take their time with the contacts.
It is best to avoid the usual “5 by 9” quick contest exchanges. You are encouraged to have a “ragchew” during the QSO with the youngster, and help them feel part of this hobby! There is a list of suggested questions to ask on the VK YOTA Contest Help & FAQ page when having a QSO.
Please feel free to make contact with the youngsters. They are happy to get some attention and exchange information.
Be aware that licensed and unlicensed youngsters will be taking part in the VK YOTA Contest. You could be their very first radio contact, and this may be your chance to give them a wonderful experience in what might be a new hobby for them!