Referees play a vital role in ensuring fair play among the competing teams. Having a referee physically present for the full 24 hours of the contest eliminates any uncertainty or ambiguity around rule enforcement - whether it’s checking adherence to the 100-watt power limit, ensuring no on-air personal identification, or confirming there is no improper use of callsign databases, second receivers, or the DX Cluster. While we do not expect such issues from our elite competitors, the referee’s presence guarantees fairness.

We received 50 referee applications within the first 18 hours, and by the end of the deliberately short application period, we had roughly twice as many applications as available places. Selecting referees is inevitably subjective, but we aimed to be as analytical as possible, reviewing the applications by using a points-based approach. Amongst other criteria, points were awarded for:

Demonstrated desire to support WRTC, or recent experience 'giving back' volunteering in roles such as a contest organiser/committee member
High qualification standings within a Qualification Area
Strong historical CQ WW performances
Multiple language skills
Previous WRTC experience, balanced with those who would be first-time referees

This process produced a shortlist which was carefully reviewed and further refined by the Organising Committee. The result is a balanced group of new and experienced referees, with broad international representation. We are pleased to announce our invited WRTC 2026 referees:

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Although no selection method is perfect, we are pleased with the outcome. To those who were not selected, we are sorry there were not more places available. Their skills, reputation, and enthusiasm would make them excellent referees, and we hope many will still join us next year as spectators or volunteers. Should any nominated referees need to withdraw before July, additional invitations may be extended.

Also, over the last couple of weeks, the HQ details and hotel packages for contestants have been announced. The activities in the week before the event will take place in three hotels in the St Neots town in Cambridgeshire.

Brochure is available here: https://www.wrtc2026.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WRTC-2026-HQ-Brochure-Final.pdf