Rules and Entry Details

• **Submission Guidelines for Shack Roast Contest**

• WE HAVE NOW DECIDED TO INCLUDE OUR GMRS Family as well. If you have a GMRS setup you’d like to enter, GO FOR IT!

• All submissions must be made through our entry form (see below). Entries submitted in any other way will not be accepted.

• To complete your submission, please provide your contact details, callsign (HAM/GMRS), and a brief description of your shack. You will also have the option to upload photos and a video link if you prefer.

• All entries must be received by November 30th at 11:59 PM EST. Entries submitted after this deadline will not be considered for the Roast; therefore, please submit your entries as soon as possible to increase your chances of voting. You may enter as many categories as you wish to improve your voting opportunities.

• We are looking for the most creative and unique stories, as well as compelling photos and videos, as these can significantly enhance your chances of securing one of the top spots. So, placing “easter eggs” or providing funny commentary or images will increase your odds.

• Voting for the top 3 shacks in each category will be conducted by our Patreon members. To participate in the voting, you must be a paid member for both November and December.

• Votes will be cast during the first week of December (from the 1st through the 7th). The top 3 shacks in each category will then be "roasted" by a panel of selected members, led by the LFH Hosts, who will analyze and critique the entries during a live stream. The evaluation will follow specific voting criteria determined by the Grouch.

• The stations that accrue the most points in each category will be crowned the winners and will receive a prize or trophy (to be determined), along with the title of 2026 Shack Roast Champion.

**Contest Rules:**

• These rules may be updated or changed during the entry window to ensure fairness, fun, and maximum participation.

• You may only enter once by callsign. However, if you have a partner or spouse who uses the same shack and is licensed, they may also enter.

• Any suspicious activities or cheating will result in disqualification, and the offender will be publicly shamed with the “Bell of Shame” for 2026. The LFH Hosts will decide if the individual can be allowed back into the "circle of trust."

• You must be a licensed ham operator. If you have passed your exam but are still waiting for the FCC to issue your callsign, please enter 'NO CALL' in your submission, and we will validate your Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE).

• There are no cash prizes this year; instead, we will offer a limited number of giveaway items, trophies, and bragging rights for the 2026 title.

The Categories

We have established the following categories, each with a description. You are encouraged to enter up to three categories for which you qualify.

1. **Licensed Less than ONE Year** - If you recently obtained your license and have been in the hobby for less than one year, you can enter your station in this category. This also includes newly licensed hams who are still awaiting the FCC's issuance of their call sign. (Please provide a valid CSCE to confirm that you passed the exam.)

2. **Licensed Less than THREE Years** - If you have been licensed for less than three years (calculated from the date your license was issued), you can enter this category.

3, ** Licensed more than 3 years - This category can hurt but also help, based on what you enter into the contest. As we understand, it takes a long time to amass the stockpile for when you become the ham “that dies with the most radios”.

4. **License Class: GMRS | TECHNICIAN | GENERAL | EXTRA CLASS** - You can enter one of the four license classes. Please note that you can only select one category based on your current FCC-licensed class as listed on your QRZ profile. GMRS users use your callsign in the callsign field.

5. **Permanent Station on Commercial Power** - We understand that not all hams will be able to submit to this class, so choose wisely. Our Patreon Membership may scrutinize your entry more closely in this category, so please be aware.

6. **Portable Ham Shack** - This category is designed for those in HOA and portable situations. If you enjoy portable operations, this category is for you. This can include individuals with “go boxes,” mobile ham shack installations, and those involved in SOTA (Summits on the Air) or QRP (low-power) activities.