ARRL Prohibits "Dueling CQs" in its Contests

The ARRL has made it clear that so-called "dueling CQs" on the same band by a single station are not permitted in its contests. Technically known as "in-band interleaved CQs," the practice involves calling CQ sequentially on two or more frequencies in the same band. There is never more than one signal from a given station on the band at the same time, but the practice effectively occupies multiple frequencies and violates the spirit if not the letter of the "one signal per band" rule. The ARRL Letter reports that the League decided to "clarify" its rules to specifically prohibit the practice, which is already against the rules in all CQ-sponsored contests.