The ARRL November Sweepstakes has been a major ham radio event since 1930. The following history was compiled from QST magazines back to 1970. Rules changes: 1930: First Sweepstakes, announced in Jan, results in May. 1930: One entry class. 68 sections. 1930: Message had to be at least 10 words long. 1964: Shortened from 40 hours to 24 hours 1969: Low Power Multiple dropped (First year of Low Power records) 1971: Exchange changed to drop the QSO time and birthday from end of exchange. 1972: Low Power changed from 150 watts to 200 watts or less, DC input. 1972: New disqualification criteria. 1974: Contest weekends changed: CW 1st (was 3rd), Phone 3rd (was 2nd). 1974: One-point QSOs no longer count. QSO must be acknowledged by both. 1974: Certificates awarded to top high AND LOW power section winners. 1976: Bicentennial awards for 200 QSOs 1980: 160 through 10 meters specified 1980: Off times now must be 30 minutes (was 15 minutes) 1980: Increased penalties for dupes (three additional QSOs removed) 1983: Low Power changed to 150 watts output. 1983: Golden Anniversary awards for 200 QSOs+, whisk broom for sweep 1987: Added QRP category (class Q) 1990: Pins available for making 100 QSOs. 1990: Suggested Frequencies for slow speed CW added. 1991: Mugs for Clean Sweeps. 1992: Plaques for Division Winners. 1999: Added U, M, and S entry categories. Club Rules changes: 1974: Club rules clarified (66% multiop, 4 meetings) 1978: Expanded Club Competition Awards Section changes: 1973: Florida Sections changed January 1, 1973 (from WFL, EFL to NFL, SFL) 1975: Hawaii section is renamed to Pacific (effective mid-1975, not sure when SS changed) 1979: Canal Zone no longer a section. Total now 74. 1987: West Texas added (effective January 1, 1987). Total now 75 1988: West Indies is split between Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. Total now 76. 1989: Western Washington. Total now 77. 1996: Northern New York. Total now 78. 1997: Newfoundland/Labrador. Total now 79. 2000: West Central Florida. Total now 80.