A downloadable PDF version of the ARRL Field Day Rules is available here.
1. Eligibility: Field Day is open to all amateu rs in the areas covered by the ARRL/RAC Field Organizations and countries within IARU Region 2 . DX stations residing in other regio ns may be contacted for credit and may submit entries as check-logs.
2. Object: To work as many stations as possible on the 160-, 80-, 40-, 20-, 15- and 10-meter HF bands, as well as a ll bands 50 MHz and above, and i n doing so to learn to operate in abnormal situations in less than optimal co nditions. A premium is placed on developing skills to meet the challenges o f emergency preparedness as well as to acquai nt the general public with the capabilities of amateur radio.
3. Date and Time Period: ARRL Field Day 2024 is June 22-23 . Field Day is ALWAYS the fourth full weekend , beginning at 1800 UTC Saturday and ending at 2059 UTC Sunday.
3.1. Class A and B (see below) stations that do not begin se tting up until 1800 UTC on Saturday may operate the entire 27-hour Field Day period.
3.2. Stations who begin setting up before 1800 UTC Saturday ma y work only 24 consecutive hours, commencing when on-the-air operations begin.
3.3. No class A or B station ma y begin its set-up earlier than 0000 UTC on the Friday (Thursday afternoon or evening local time) preceding the Field Day period. Cumulati ve set-up time shall not ex ceed a total of 24 hours.
4. Entry Categories: Field Day entries are classified according to the maximum numbe r of simultaneously transmitted signals, followed by a designator indicating the na ture of their individual or group participation. The minimum number of transmitters that must be claimed is one (1). Twenty (20) transmitters maximum are eligible for the purpose of calculating bonus points (2,000 points maximum). However, additional transmitters which may legitimately be used simultaneously will determine your entry c ategory classification, but will not earn additional bonus points (i.e. 22 transmitters = 22A). The use of switchin g systems that allow for lo ck-outs in order to use multiple transmitters (i.e., an “octopus”) in an attempt to ent er a lower-number-of-transm itters class are prohibited (i.e. using 2 transmitters that can transmit simultaneously, wi th two operators, and a lock-out system and entering class 1A). The use of simulcasting devices which allow a single operator to key and transmit on more than one transmitter at a time, is prohibited. Bonus stations, such as the GOTA station and satellite station do not count towards determining the number of transmitters for the class an d do not qualify for transmitter bonus points.
4.1. (Class A) Club / non-club portable: Club or a non-club group of three or more persons set up specifically for Field Day. Such stations must be located in p laces that are not regular st ation locations and must not use facilities installed for perm anent station use, or use any structure installed permanently for Field Day. A single licensee or trustee for the entry is responsible for the group entry. All equipment (including antennas) must lie within a circle whose diameter does not exceed 3 00 meters (1000 feet). To be listed as Class A, all contacts must be made with transmitter(s) and recei ver(s) operating independent of commercial power mains. Entrants whom for any reason operate a transmitter or receiver from a commercial main for one or more contacts will be listed separately as Class A-Commercial.
4.1.1. Get-On-The-Air (GOTA) Station . Any Class A (or F) en try whose transmitter classification is two or more t ransmitters may also operate one additional station without changing its base entry category, known as the GET-ON-THE-AIR (GOTA) sta tion. This GOTA station may operate on any Field Day band, HF or VHF, but is limited to one GOTA station transmitted signal at any time.
4.1.1.1. This station must use a different callsign from the primary Field Day station. The GOTA station must use the s ame callsign for the duration of the event regardless if operators change. The GOTA station uses the same exchange as its parent.
4.1.1.2. The GOTA station may be operated by any person licensed since the previous year’s Field Day, regar dless of license class. It may also be operated by a generally inactive licen see. Non-licensed p ersons may participa te under the direct supervision of an appropriate control operator. A list of operators and participants must be included on the required summary sheet to ARRL HQ.
4.1.1.3. As per FCC rules, this station must have a valid control operator present at the control point if operating b eyond the license privileges of the participant using the station.
4.1.1.4. The maximum transmitter output power for the GOTA stat ion shall be 100 watts . If the primary Field Day group is claiming the QRP multiplier l evel of five (5), the maximum transmitter output power of the GOTA station may not exceed 5 w atts.
4.1.1.5. There is no limit to the number of contacts made by the GOTA station. QSOs made by this station may be claimed for credit by its primary field day operation. In addition, bonus points may be earned by this station under rule 7.3.13 .
4.1.1.6. The GOTA station may operate on any Field Day band. Only one transmitted signal is allowed fr om the GOTA station at any time.
4.1.1.7. The GOTA station does not affect the additional VHF/UH F station provided for under Field Day Rule 4.1 .2. for Class A stations.
4.1.1.8. Participants are reminded that non-licensed participan ts working under the direction of a valid control operator may only communicate with other W/VE stations or with stations in countries with w hich the US has entered a thir d-party agreement.
4.1.1.9. The GOTA station does not qualify as an additional tra nsmitter when determining the number of transmitters eligible for the 100-poi nt emergency power bonus under Rule 7.3.1.
4.1.2. Free VHF Station: All Class A entries may also operate o ne additional transmitter if it operates exclusively on any band or combination of bands above 50 MHz (VHF/UHF) without changing its basic entry classification. This station does not qualify for a 100-point bonus as an additional transmitter. This station may be operat ed for the clubs Field Day period and all contacts count for QSO credit. It is operated u sing the primary callsign and exchange of the main Field Day group and is separate and distinct from the GOTA station.
4.2. (Class A - Battery) Club / non-club portable : Club or non-club group of three or more persons set up specifically for Field Day. All contacts must be made using an output power of 5 watts or less and the power source must be something other than commercial power mains or motor-dr iven generator (e.g.: batte ries, solar cells, water- driven generator). Other provisions are the same for regular C lass A. Class AB is eligible for a GOTA station if GOTA requirements are met; howeve r if a GOTA station is used in this class it must meet t he 5 watts or less power requirement of this category. Class A - Battery entries will be listed separately.
4.3. (Class B) One or two person portable: A Field Day station set up and operated by no more than two persons. Other provisions are th e same for Class A except it is not eligible for a GOTA or free VHF station. One and two person Class B entrie s will be listed separately .
4.4. (Class B - Battery) One or two person portable: A Field Day station set up and operated by no more than two persons. All contacts mu st be made using an output pow er of 5 watts or less and the power source must be something other than commercial mains or motor-driven generator . Other provisions are the same for Class A except it is not eligible for a GOTA or free VHF station. One and two person Class B - Battery entries will be listed separately.
4.5. (Class C) Mobile: Stations in vehicles capable of operating while in motion and normally operated in this manner. This includes maritime and aeronautical mobile. I f the Class C station is b eing powered from a car battery or alternator, it qualifies for emergency power but doe s not qualify for the multiplier of 5, as the alternator/battery system constitutes a motor-driven generating system.
4.6. (Class D) Home stations : Stations operating from permanent or licensed station locatio ns using commercial power. Class D stations can count contacts with any other station for QSO credit.
4.7. (Class E) Home stations - Emergency power : Same as Class D, but using emergency power for transmitters and receivers. Cla ss E may work all Field Day sta tions.
4.8. (Class F) Emergency O perations Centers (EOC) : An amateur radio station at an established EOC activated by a club or non-club group. Class F operation must t ake place at an established EOC site. Stations may utilize equipment and antennas temporarily or permanently insta lled at the EOC for the event. Entries will be reported according to number of transmitters in simultaneous op eration. Class F stations are eligible for a free VHF station. At Class 2F they are al so eligible for a GOTA station .
4.8.1. For Field Day purposes, an Emergency Operations Center ( EOC) is defined as a facility established by:
a) a Federal, State, County, City or other Civil Government, ag ency or administrative entity; or,
b) a Chapter of a national or international served agency (such as American Red Cross or Salvation Army) with which your local group has an established operating arrangement;
4.8.1.1. A private company EOC does not qualify for Class F sta tus unless approved by the ARRL Field Day Manager.
4.8.2. Planning of a Class F op eration must take place in conju nction and cooperation with the staff of the EOC being activated.
4.8.3. Other provisions not covered are the same as Class A.
4.8.4. A Class F station may claim the emergency power bonus if emergency power is available at the EOC site.
4.8.4.1. The emergency power source must be tested during the Field Day period but you are not required to run the Class F operation under emergency power.
5. Exchange:
Stations in ARRL / RAC sections will exchange their Field Day o perating Class and ARRL / RAC section. Example: a three transm itter Class A station in Conne cticut which also has a GO TA station an d the extra VHF station would send "3A CT" on CW or Digital, or "3 Alpha Co nnecticut" on Phone .
DX stations send operating class and th e term DX (i.e. 2A DX).
6. Miscellaneous Rules:
6.1. A person may not contact for QSO credit any station from which they also participate.
6.2. A transmitter/receiver/tran sceiver used to contact one or more Field Day stations may not subsequently be used under any other callsign to participate in Field Day. Family stations are exempt provided the subsequent callsign used is issued to and used by a different f amily member.
6.3. Field Day contacts are allowed using Phone, CW and Digital (non-CW) modes. Stations can be worked once per band per mode under this rule.
6.4. Each contact must include contemporaneous direct initiation by both operators making a contact. Initiation of a contact may be by either local or remote control. Fully automated contacts are prohibited.
6.5. For any of the three event modes (CW, Phone, or Digital), only one transmitted signal (or data stream) per band is permitted at any time. Multi Streaming (eg. using Fox and Hound Mode; Dxpedition Mode, or MSHV) is prohibited.
6.6. All voice contacts are equivalent.
6.7. All non-CW digital contacts are equivalent.
6.8. Cross-band contacts are not permitted (Satellite QSOs cro ss-band contacts are exempted).
6.9. The use of more than one transmitter at the same time on a single band-mode is prohibited. Exception: a dedicated GOTA station may opera te as prescribed in Rule 4.1.
6.10. No repeater contacts are allowed.
6.11. Batteries may be charged wh ile in use. Excep t for Class D stations, the batteries must be charged from a power source other than commercial power mains. To claim the power multiplier of five, the batteries must be charged from something other than a motor driven generator or c ommercial mains.
6.12. All stations for a singl e entry must be operated under o ne callsign, except wh en a dedicated GOTA station is operated as provided under Field Day Rule 4.1.1. it uses a single, separate callsign.
7. Scoring: Scores are based on the total number of QSO points times the power multiplier corresponding to the highest power level under which any contact was made during the Field Day period plus the bonus points.
An aggregate club score will also be published, which will be the sum of all individual entries indicating a specific club (similar to the aggregate score totals used in ARRL affiliated club competitions). Participants from any Class can optionally include a single club name with their submitted results following Field Day. For example, if Podunk Hollow Radio Club members Becky, W1BXY, and Hiram, W1AW, both participate in 2024 Field Day -- Hiram from his Class D home station, and Becky from her Class C mobile station -- both can include the radio club’s name when reporting their individual results. The published results listing will include individual scores for Hiram and Becky, plus a combined score for all entries identified as Podunk Hollow Radio Club.
7.1. QSO Points:
7.1.1. Phone contacts count one point each.
7.1.2. CW contacts count two points each.
7.1.3. Digital contact s count two points each.
7.2. Power multipliers : The power multiplier that applies is determined by the highes t power output of any of the transmitters used during the Field Day operation. Power output for classes A, B and C cannot exceed 500 watts Peak Envelope Power (PEP) transmitter output. Power output for classes D, E and F cannot exceed 100 watts Peak Envelope Power (PEP) transmitter output.
7.2.1. If all contacts are made u sing a power of 5 watts or les s and if a power source other than commercial mains or motor-driven generator is used (batteries, solar cells, water-driven generator), the power multiplier is five (5).
7.2.2. If all contacts are made u sing a power of 5 watts or les s, but the power source is from a commercial main or from a motor-driven generator, the power mul tiplier is two (2). If batteries are charged during the Field Day period using commercial mains or a motor-driven generator the power multiplier is two (2).
7.2.3. If any or all contacts are made using an output power up to 100 watts or less, the power multiplier is two (2).
7.2.4. If any or all contacts are made using an output power greater than 100 watts, the power multiplier is one (1).
7.2.5. The power multiplier for an entry is determined by the m aximum output power used by any transmitter used to complete any contact during the event. (Exa mple: a group has one QRP station running 3 watts and a second station running 500 watts, the pow er multiplier of one (1) applies to all contacts made by the entire operation).
7.3. Bonus Points: All stations are eligible for certain bonus points, depending o n their entry class. The following bonus points will be added to the score, after th e multiplier is applied, to determine the final Field Day score. Bon us points will be applied only when the cl aim is made on the summary sheet and any proof required accompanies the en try or is received via email o r normal mail delivery.
7.3.1. 100% Emergency Power : 100 points per transmitter cla ssification if all contacts are made only using an emergency power source up to a total of 20 transm itters (maximum 2,000 points). GOTA station and free VHF Station for Class A and F entries do not qualify for bonus point credit and should not be included in the club’s transmitter tot al. All transmitting equipment at the site must operate from a p ower source completely indepen dent of the commercial power mains to qualify. (Example: a cl ub operating 3 transmitters plu s a GOTA station and using 100% emergency power receive s 300 bonus points.) Available to Classes A, B, C, E, and F.
7.3.2. Media Publicity : 100 bonus points may be earned for obtaining publi city from the local media . A copy of the actual media publicity received (newspaper article, social media post, etc.) must be submitted to claim the points . Any combination of bona fide media hits would qualify for the bonus points. For example, posting the details of your upcoming or ongoing Field Day activity, or your Field Day results, as posted on a news media site (which could include the media site’s Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram) would meet the bonus criteria. Available to all Classes.
7.3.3. Public Location : 100 bonus points for physically locating the Field Day operat ion in a public place (i.e. shopping center, park, school campus, etc) and actively welcoming the public. Person(s) shall be available to greet the public and be identified by some sort of name badge. The intent is for amateur radio to not only be on display to the public, but also to engage any visitors showing up at your location. Available to Class es A, B and F.
7.3.4. Public Information Table: 100 bonus points for a Public I nformation Table at the Field Day site. The purpose is to make appropriate handouts and info rmation available to the visiting public at the site. Available to Classes A, B and F.
7.3.5. Message Origination to Section Manager : 100 bonus points for origination of a formal message to the ARRL Section Manager or Section Emergency Coordi nator by your group from its site. You should include the cl ub name, number of participants , Field Day location, and number of ARES operators involved with your station. The message must be transmitted during the Field Day period and a copy of it must be included in your submission in either standard NTS or ICS-213 format (or have the equivalent content) or no credit will be given. The message must leave or enter the Field Day operation via amateur radio RF.
The Section Manager message is se parate from the messages handl ed in Rule 7.3.6. and may not be claimed for bonus points under that rule. Available to all Classes.
7.3.6. Message Handling : 10 points for each formal message originated, relayed or recei ved and delivered during the Field Da y period, up to a maximum of 1 00 points (ten messages). Copies of each message must be i ncluded with the Field Day repo rt. The message to the ARRL SM or SEC under Rule 7.3.5. does not count towards the tot al of 10 for this bonus. Messages claimed under this bonus must be in either standard NTS or ICS-213 format (or have the equivalent content). All messages claimed for bonus points must leave or enter the Field Day operation via amateur radio RF . Available to all Classes.
7.3.7. Satellite QSO : 100 bonus points for successfully comple ting at least one QSO via an amateur radio satellite during th e Field Day period. "General Rules for All ARRL Contests" (Rule 3.7.2.), (the no-repeater QSO stipulation) is waived for satell ite QSOs. Groups are allowed one dedicated satellite transmitter station without increasing thei r entry category. Satellite QSOs also count for regular QSO credit. S how them listed separately on t he summary sheet as a separate "band." You do not receive an a dditional bonus f or contacting d ifferent satellites, though the additional QSOs may be counted for QSO credit unless prohibited under Rule 7.3.7.1. The QSO must be between two Earth stations through a satellite. Available to Classes A, B, and F.
7.3.7.1 Stations are limited to one (1) completed QSO on any si ngle channel FM satellite.
7.3.8. Alternate Power : 100 bonus points for Field Day groups making a minimum of fiv e QSOs without using power from commercia l mains or petroleum driven g enerator. This means an "alternate" energy source of power, such as solar, wind, methan e or water. This includes batteries charged by natural mean s (not dry cells). The natural power tr ansmitter counts as an additional transmitter. If you do not wish to increase your operating cat egory, you should take one of your other transmitters off the air while the natural power transmit ter is in operation. A separate list of natural power QSOs should be submitted with your entry. Available to Classes A, B, E, and F.
7.3.9. W1AW Bulletin : 100 bonus points for copying the special Field Day bulletin t ransmitted by W1AW (or K6KPH) during its operating schedule during the Fie ld Day weekend (listed in this rules announcement). An accurate copy of the message is requir ed to be included in your Field Day submission. (Note: The Field Day bulletin must be copied v ia amateur radio. It will not be included in Internet bulletins sent out from Headquarters and w ill not be posted to Internet BBS sites.) Available to all Classes.
7.3.10. Educational activity bonus : One (1) 100-point bonus may be claimed if your Field Day operation includes a specific educational-related activity. Th e activity can be diverse and must be related to amateur radio. It must be some type of formal activi ty. It can be repeated during the Field Day period but only one bonus is earned. For more information consult the FAQ in the complete Field Day packet. Available to Classes A & F entries and available clubs or grou ps operating from a club station in class D and E with 3 or more participant s.
7.3.11. Site Visitation by an elected governmental official : One (1) 100-point bonus may be claimed if your Field Day site i s visited by an elected governm ent official as the result of an invitation issued by your group. Available to all Classes.
7.3.12. Site Visitation by a representative of an agency : One (1) 100-point bonus may be claimed if your Field Day site is visited by a representative o f an agency served by ARES in your local community (American Red C ross, Salvation Army, local Emer gency Management, law enforcement, etc.) as the result of an invitation issued by you r group. ARRL officials (SM, SEC, DEC, EC, etc) do not qualify for this bonus. Available to all Classes.
7.3.13. GOTA Bonus (updated for 2024): Class A and F stations opera ting a GOTA sta tion may earn the following bonus points:
7.3.13.1. Any successfully completed contacts made by an operator at the GOTA station are worth five (5) bonus points, regardless of mode used. The GOTA bonus points are not multiplied by the power multiplier (this is a clarification of the rules published in 2023.)There is no limit to the number of contacts a single GOTA operator can make.
7.3.13.2. If a GOTA station is supervised full-time by a GO TA Coach, a single 100-point bonus wil be earned.
7.3.13.2.1. The GOTA Coach supervises the operator of the s tation, doing such things as answering questions and talking them th rough contacts, but may not make QSOs or perfor m logging functions.
7.3.13.2.2. To qualify for this bonus, there must be a desi gnated GOTA Coach present and supervising for at least 10 contacts .
7.3.14. Web submission: A 50-point bonus may be claimed by a group submitting their F ield Day entry via the https://field-day.a rrl.org/fdentry.php web app . Available to all Classes.
7.3.15. Field Day Youth Participation:
7.3.15.1. A 20-point bonus (maximum of 100) may be earned by an y Class A, C, D, E, or F group for each participant ag e 18 or younger at your Field Da y operation that completes at least one QSO.
7.3.15.2. For a 1-person Class B station, a 20-point bonus is earned if the operator is age 18 or younger. For a 2-person Class B station, a 20-point bonu s is earned for each operator age 18 or younger (maximum of 40 points.) Keep in mind that Class B i s only a 1 or 2 person operation. This bonus does not allow the to tal number of participants in C lass B to exceed 1 or 2.
7.3.16 Social Media: 100 points for promoting your Field Day activation to the general public via an active, recognized and utilized social media plat form (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc). This bonus is available to bona fide amateur r adio clubs and Field Day groups that welcome visitors to their operation. Individual par ticipants do not qualify for this bonus. Club websites do not qualify for this bonus. Availa ble to all classes.
7.3.17 Safety O fficer Bonus: A 100-point bonus may be earned by having a person serving as a Safety Officer for those groups setting up Class A stations. This person must verify that all safety concerns on the Safety Check List (f ound in the ARRL Fie ld Day Packet) have been adequately met. This is an active bonus – simply designating so meone as Safety Officer does not automatically earn this bonus . A statement v erifying the c ompletion of the Safety Check List must be included in the supp orting documentation sent to A RRL HQ in order to claim this bonus. Available to Class A entries only.
7.3.18. Field Day Responsibilities Bonus (new for 2024): A 50-point bonus may be earned by having a person ensure that the Field Day site is free of hazards, and that safety precautions have been taken throughout the entire event, as well as providing a point of contact to the visiting public or served agency officials. A signed copy of the Field Day Responsibilities Check List must be included in the supporting documentation sent to ARRL HQ in order to claim this bonus. Available to Class B, C, D, E, or F entries.
8. Reporting:
8.1. Entries may be submitted to the ARRL via:
8.1.2. USPS or other delivery service to (tracking highly recom mended): Field Day Entries, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111.
8.2. Entries must be postmarked or submitted by Tuesday July 23, 2024. Late en tries cannot be accepted.
8.3. A complete Field Day Web App Submission site entry cons ists of:
8.3.1. An official ARRL summary sheet which is completed via we b app at https://field- day.arrl.org/fdentry.php ;
8.3.2. Supporting information uploaded via web app. Supporting information must include:
8.3.2.1. An attached list of stations worked by band/mode durin g the Field Day period (dupe sheet or an alpha/numeric list sorted by band and mode – a Cabrillo log can be submitted in lieu of a Dupe Shee t /Calls list by band/mode); and
8.3.2.2. Proof of all bonus points claimed (copies of visitor l ogs, press releases, NTS messages handled, photographs, etc).
8.3.2.3 The web app will display a confirmation number and emai l a confirmation of your Field Day entry to the email addr ess entered via the app. Pleas e be sure to record this confirmation number and/or sa ve the confirmation email.
8.4 While the preferred method of submitting entries is via the web app, entries and/or supporting documentation may alternately be submitted via email to fieldday@arrl.org . A complete non-web-app email submission consists of:
8.4.1. An electronic copy of an ARRL summary sheet completely and accurately filled out;
8.4.2. An attached list of stations worked by band/mode during the Field Day period ( dupe sheet or an alpha/numeric list sort ed by band and mode); and
8.4.3. Proofs of bonus points claimed (copies of visitor logs, press releases, NTS messages handled, photographs, etc).
8.5. A complete land/postal-ma il or delivery non-electronic su bmission consists of:
8.5.1. A complete and acc urate ARRL summary sheet;
8.5.2. An accompanying list of stations worked by band/mode dur ing the Field Day period (dupe sheet or an alpha/numeric list sorted by band and mode); and
8.5.3. Proofs of bonus points claimed ( press releases, NTS messages handled, photographs, etc).
8.6. Complete station logs are NOT required for submission , and ARRL does not use the logs. The club should maintain log files for one year in case they are requested by ARRL HQ. However, a list of stations worked sorted by band and mode (dupe sheet) is require d.
8.7. Cabrillo format log files are NOT required for Field Day entries, but they will be accepted in lieu of the dupe sheets (but do not constitute an entry unless the w eb app or a corresponding summary sheet with complete mailed entry) is also submitted.
8.8. Digital images of proof of bonus points are acceptable.
8.9. Electronic submissions are considered signed when submitt ed.
9. Miscellaneous:
9.1. The schedule of bulletin tim es for W1AW is included in th is announcement. While W1AW does not have regular bulletins on weeke nds, the Field Day message will be sent according to the s chedule included with this announcement. The W1AW bulletins will be transmitted on the reg ular W1AW frequencies listed in QST . The PSK31 bulletin will be transmitted on the W1AW teleprinter freq uencies. The special Field Day bulletin will be transmitted from station K6KPH on the West Coast as included in the bulletin schedule.
9.2. Decisions of the ARRL Awards Committee are final in adjudicating Field Day probl ems.
9.3. The complete Field Day information package may be obtained by:
9.3.1. Sending a SASE with 5 units of postage to: Field Day Inf ormation Package, ARRL, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111; or
9.3.2. By downloading from the Field Day home page at: www.arrl.org/field-day
9.4. For more Field Day information/questions contact: fdinfo@arrl.org or phone (860) 594-0232.