ARRL Field Day
A quick guide for operators — what to expect, what to say, and how it's scored.
This guide is a draft and hasn't been checked yet. Contest rules change from year to year — the sponsor's official rules are the final word.
What it is
Less a contest than an on-air emergency-preparedness exercise and open house: stations set up in parks and fields on emergency power and make as many contacts as they can in 24 hours. The friendliest operating event of the year and a perfect first contest.
The exchange
Number of transmitters, entry class and ARRL/RAC section. For example "3A BC" (3 transmitters, class A — club portable — in British Columbia).
A typical contact
Scoring
Phone contacts are worth 1 point, CW and digital contacts 2. Bonus points for things like emergency power, public visitors, a message to the section manager and youth operators.
Bands
Every HF band except 60, 30, 17 and 12 m, plus 6 m and up.
Tips for first-timers
Field Day is relaxed: take your time, ask questions, and enjoy the visitors. Operators who are new to the hobby (or not yet licensed) can operate the GOTA ("Get On The Air") station under supervision.
Official rules
The club in this contest
Last updated 2026-10-29 by draft (Claude).