There’s a phrase many in the ham radio world kick around, “world class” operator. Many well-known hams are considered to be such even though there isn’t an official definition for it that I’m aware of. Contesters who regularly finish at or near the top of big competitions are usually mentioned. And there’s a short list of operators who show up on one rare DXpedition after another and many would consider these to be the elites of our hobby. We must admit the operating skills and prowess of these do make them the cream of our crop.

If contesting and DXpeditions were the only criteria for being a world class radio amateur then we would know who they are.

Becoming a world class operator has been a recurring theme in my head as I’ve tried to find new worthwhile goals to pursue over whatever time I have left to pursue them. I’ve finally concluded that, for me at least, it’s not about more wallpaper or having photos of my shack appear on the cover of QST magazine, etc. Whatever definition I dream up, there simply isn’t a list that details if you do these ten things, or win X number of contests, or climb to the top of the DXCC Honor Roll, you enter the realm of “world class” operators.

Despite that, I still believe it a worthy goal - something to be achieved. Or at least something to strive toward. Next year will be my 50th year as a licensed radio amateur, and over all these many years I could only hazard a guess about how much hobby money I’ve spent, at least a hundred grand, maybe more. I consider the exchange of my time and treasure to have been well worth it as amateur radio has guided my career, brought me joy, adventure, lifelong learning, and most importantly, incredibly rich friendships along the way.

The very least I can do is be the best I can be in this lifelong avocation.

During the quest to find that magic list of things needed in order to achieve this goal, I re-discovered the old radio amateur’s code. You know the one, originally written in 1928 and updated a few times along the way. Reading it again I’m struck by the notion that it provides a fairly solid basis for anyone wishing to be considered a world class radio operator.

The Radio Amateur is:

CONSIDERATE…The radio amateur never knowingly operates in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of others.

LOYAL…The radio amateur offers loyalty, encouragement and support to other amateurs, local clubs, the IARU Radio Society in their country, through which Amateur Radio in their country is represented nationally and internationally.

PROGRESSIVE…The radio amateur keeps their station up to date. It is well-built and efficient. Their operating practice is above reproach.

FRIENDLY…The radio amateur operates slowly and patiently when requested; offers friendly advice and counsel to beginners; kind assistance, cooperation and consideration for the interests of others. These are the marks of the amateur spirit.

BALANCED…Radio is a hobby, never interfering with duties owed to family, job, school or community.

PATRIOTIC…The radio amateur’s station and skills are always ready for service to country and community.

  • adapted from the original Amateur’s Code, written by Paul M. Segal, W9EEA, in 1928

Stop rolling your eyes! It may seem a bit trite, and is certainly something of an anachronism in this modern era, but I’ve come to understand that basic principles transcend the ages. For instance, being kind and considerate to one another never goes out of style. I thought about this even more while listening to the pile-ups for Bouvet Island where there was no shortage of rude, inconsiderate, and unfriendly radio operators from all corners of the globe. Some of that can be blamed on hams who are not PROGRESSIVE and haven’t educated themselves on the basic principles of split operation during a DXpedition.

Relax, this is my mental exercise and I can think whatever I want. Your DXCC certificate or Honor Roll standing, or how many DXpeditions you’ve been on don’t impress me if you don’t also live up to the radio amateur’s code. Winning contests and running 60wpm CW while logging with your left hand might make you an elite operator, but fail any part of the the radio amateur’s code and it’s meaningless.

You don’t make the world class list.

Something to think about. Something worth striving to achieve.