ARRL DX Century Club (DXCC) Rules — 1955 Edition

ARRL DX Century Club (DXCC) Rules — 1955 Edition

(Effective May 1, 1955; augmenting the 1954 rules)

May 1955, p. 68 — New Country Criteria (Full Quote)

Country Considerations. What makes a country in the ARRL Countries List? Not many DXers think much about this since the standard list for reference is reprinted up-to-date in each January QST, and put out in folder form. You can mark your countries as you work them, while collecting your 100 cards to submit for DXCC. Watch DXCC Notes headings in QST for any possible list changes; such are usually additions. "How's DX?" may give you additional facts about the presence or absence of signals or countries, also "where to find" the DX reported, documenting your kind assistance. The ARRL Countries List is a yardstick for DX, the standard for use in connection with the ARRL DX Competition and the DX Century Club. But we started to tell you what's behind the list in terms of country policy.

The League Communications Department is assigned the honor and responsibility for making operator certifications and awards. A standard published list assures uniformity, and one goal for all concerned to work toward, either contestwise or for countries credits. A group of experienced staff-member licensed amateurs assist the Communications Manager in arriving at decisions through discussion and analysis of operating problems requiring administrative review. On countries the "approach to the problem" may, we think, interest you.

There are three criteria on which facts are determined in approaching any countries problem: (1) Does the area have political independence? (2) Does it have adequate geographical separation from a parent nation? (3) Does it have foreign lands in between? Of course, whatever the list permits, it is the same for all working to the goal. But the reason respect for our list is general is, we think, because it is progressively kept up to date as governments change; also that any modifications only follow League inquiry and precedents and consultation with authorities such as our U.S. Department of State, Webster's Geographical Dictionary, and Rand McNally.

The ARRL Countries List is the guide in determining what to send us in order to qualify for the ARRL DX Century Club award. It is available to members of the League on request; ask for Operating Aid No. 7.

QST, May 1955, p. 68