The North American QSO Parties are favorites of beginners and seasoned operators alike. With their low-power only, multipliers-per-band format, these contests allow stations from all parts of North America to be in the running for the top spots. And their 10/12 hour format allows participants to do some great contesting and still have time for other activities during the weekend! Participants can enter in the single op or multi-op categories and have the opportunity to combine up to five separate single op scores into a team score.

The North American Sprints (usually just called "Sprints") are short, intense competitions that challenge the best operators, while allowing others to sharpen their skills. Lasting only four hours and using only the 80, 40 and 20-meter bands, these contests demand that participants be on their toes at all times. The Sprints' unique QSY requirements eliminate the usual approach in many contests of dominant stations sitting on one frequency and running others. These are contests of constant motion. Although there is only one entry category (single op), similar to the NAQPs, participants can combine up to ten separate single op scores into a team score.

Whether you win a plaque or certificate for a top score, or just beat your personal record, everyone feels like a winner at the end of these NCJ-sponsored contests. Use the links to the left to find out more.