Creative Competition in Radiosport and Toastmasters Part-8: Decision of the Judges is FINAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Toastmasters, timing is everything.  if we don't meet the minimum time requirement(s) or if we exceed the maximum time limit, all of our efforts get disqualified.  In radiosport, contacts made before the starting time or after the ending time are simply ignored by the log checking software (colloquially known as LCR's - Log Checking Robots).

In radiosport, a single-OP log may be reclassified as a multi-OP operation if certain criteria are not met or are exceeded; or, it can become a checklog.  The only way a log entry becomes completely disqualified is if BLATANT-Cheating is somehow discovered in relation to this log entry.

Changes occurring globally (Ex: COVID & Ukraine) have impacted the way Toastmasters speech contests are conducted around the world.  In speech contests, events are currently being conducted virtually; with its inherent advantages and disadvantages.  In radiosport, we are already in-a-way quarantined naturally in the ham shack, or running remotely (or, BOTH).  

In response to the calamity in Ukraine, radiosport operators in Russia are allowed to participate, however their logs automatically become checklogs, ineligible for operating awards.  Despite the unrest on the other side of the world, I have heard and worked many Russian stations, altho admittedly, more of them have been UA9 / UA0 stations from the Eastern end of the Russian Federation.

When we fill out a contest application in Toastmasters or submit a contest log in radiosport,
we check a box ([X]) in which we agree that any decisions of the contest judges are final. 
While both competitions have grievance committees, it is very rare when a legitimate grievance
can change the outcome of an event.

It is for this reason that reading the rules of engagement you may find that you don't necessarily agree with one or more of the recently adopted rule changes; however rules are rules - you have
two choices: agree to participate by the published updated rules, or, don't participate at all.

Several years ago in a Toastmasters division speech contest, it was clear that the speaker adjudicated to be the winner CLEARLY went over time, altho somehow it went unnoticed. 
NoT knowing she was actually overtime, she delivered the EXACT same speech in EXACTLY
the same manner in the district contest and was disqualified for running overtime.

Truth is, the division contest 2nd-place winner was cheated out of moving onto the district level. 
Then again, remember: decisions of the judges (in this case the chief judge) was final.  It could
be argued that both timers erred (doubtful), altho it certainly was not evident to any of the attendees. 
If a timer makes a mistake, the speaker should not be penalized for that.

In BOTH Toastmasters and radiosport, all members of the adjudication staff are of course volunteers.  It's difficult to legitimately criticize individuals who are willing to donate their time, doing the best they can, with what they have.

Over the years I've had issues with specific radiosport outcomes.  In those events, the final outcome is rendered several months after the event itself has concluded.  By that time, plans are already being made for the next installment of the event next year.

Overall, I am thoroughly thankful for being able to participate at all, when you consider what we
are up against around the globe.  Therefore, I simply take my own advice and do the BEST I can
with what I have to work with.  

While I did not place 1st, 2nd or 3rd in this year's District-57 contest, the fact that I was one of the
9 participants at all is to me a miracle.  I have no doubt that I delivered the BEST speech on bullying that my practice could produce.

Do YOU participate in radiosport and/or Toastmasters competitions?

What are YOU thankful for?