K2ACX
02-12-2002, 12:47 AM
The annual School Club Roundup is in full swing on the bands, and I was glad to see so many schools of all types active on the air this afternoon. #The SCR is, of course, an excellent opportunity to expose youth to the hobby and all it has to offer, and all the participants I've worked so far seemed to be having a great time. #
I wanted to take the opportunity to point out that the SCR is open to all, regardless of whether or not you are operating a club station, and suggest that fellow hams who hear school clubs jump at the chance to give them another contact, even if you only do it once. #More important than the extra point your contact will provide are the encouraging words and spirit of friendship you can offer to a young amateur or prospective licensee.
Most individual stations I heard today were doing an excellent job of making the students feel welcome on the air and contributing positively to this important activity, but I have to mention some notable exceptions. #One angry op began shouting at a SCR station that a net was about to begin 2 khz below them and that they had better move. #On several occasions, I actually witnessed (and experienced) some ops intentionally QRM'ing school club stations on the band because of alleged interference with a net, a sked, etc. #While QRM is never pleasant for everyone, intentionally jamming a frequency and acting in such an obviously rude and unprofessional manner toward a group of potential hams strikes me as rather foolish. #
Considering all the complaints we see on this website about lack of interest among the younger in radio and the perceived impossibility of recruiting them to our ranks, this is nothing short of outrageous. #I don't think I really need to remind those involved that their actions reflect poorly on the character of us as a whole, and serve as a quick and easy turnoff to an otherwise very interested prospective ham. #Rather than running them off the bands, might I suggest working them? #If you have a sked on or near their frequency, would it really hurt to politely break in, work these kids, and ask your buddy to QSY instead of trying to bully them into submission? #Am I wrong in calling this a win-win situation? #
The SCR lasts until Friday, with most activity on the 'suggested frequencies' list; how much will it hurt to be just a little more courteous and understanding toward our guests on the bands this week? #Thanks, and I look forward to the opportunity of working all of you in the 'contest.'
I wanted to take the opportunity to point out that the SCR is open to all, regardless of whether or not you are operating a club station, and suggest that fellow hams who hear school clubs jump at the chance to give them another contact, even if you only do it once. #More important than the extra point your contact will provide are the encouraging words and spirit of friendship you can offer to a young amateur or prospective licensee.
Most individual stations I heard today were doing an excellent job of making the students feel welcome on the air and contributing positively to this important activity, but I have to mention some notable exceptions. #One angry op began shouting at a SCR station that a net was about to begin 2 khz below them and that they had better move. #On several occasions, I actually witnessed (and experienced) some ops intentionally QRM'ing school club stations on the band because of alleged interference with a net, a sked, etc. #While QRM is never pleasant for everyone, intentionally jamming a frequency and acting in such an obviously rude and unprofessional manner toward a group of potential hams strikes me as rather foolish. #
Considering all the complaints we see on this website about lack of interest among the younger in radio and the perceived impossibility of recruiting them to our ranks, this is nothing short of outrageous. #I don't think I really need to remind those involved that their actions reflect poorly on the character of us as a whole, and serve as a quick and easy turnoff to an otherwise very interested prospective ham. #Rather than running them off the bands, might I suggest working them? #If you have a sked on or near their frequency, would it really hurt to politely break in, work these kids, and ask your buddy to QSY instead of trying to bully them into submission? #Am I wrong in calling this a win-win situation? #
The SCR lasts until Friday, with most activity on the 'suggested frequencies' list; how much will it hurt to be just a little more courteous and understanding toward our guests on the bands this week? #Thanks, and I look forward to the opportunity of working all of you in the 'contest.'