IRTS Contests
Why Contest?
Many national and local radio societies and clubs organise contests, most of which are open to all radio amateurs.
Radio amateurs participate in contests for many reasons, such as to;
- compete against each other
- test and improve their operating skills
- try out new antennas or other equipment
- learn more about propagation
- have fun!
| IRTS General Contest Rules |
| CW and SSB Field Days |
| VHF/UHF Field Day |
| 70cm Counties |
| 2 metres Counties |
| 80m Counties |
Enquiries about contests to the Contest Manager
Calendar for 2026
| Contest | Date | Start | Duration | Mode(s) | Rules | Deadline for logs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80m Counties | Thu 1st January | 17:00 UTC | 1 hour | SSB CW | Link | 15th January |
| 80m Counties | Wed 18th March | 20:00 UTC | 1 hour | SSB CW | Link | 1st April |
| 70cm Counties | Mon 6th April | 2.00 pm local | 30 mins | FM SSB | Link | 20th April |
| 2m Counties | Mon 6th April | 2.30 pm local | 90 mins | FM SSB | Link | 20th April |
| CW Field Day | Sat/Sun 6th/7th June | 15:00 UTC | 24 hours | CW | Link | 21st June |
| VHF/UHF Field Day | Sat/Sun 4th/5th July | 14:00 UTC | 24 hours | CW SSB FM | Link | 19th July |
| SSB Field Day | Sat/Sun 5th/6th September | 13:00 UTC | 24 hours | SSB | Link | 20th September |
| 70cm Counties | Sun 13th September | 2.00 pm local | 30 mins | FM SSB | Link | 27th September |
| 2m Counties | Sun 13th September | 2.30 pm local | 90 mins | FM SSB | Link | 27th September |
| 80m Counties | Wed 21st October | 20:00 UTC | 1 hour | SSB CW | Link | 4th November |
Posted: 13 November 2025
