Rules Revision Process 2007-2008
The RCP process for changing rules in the NAR Sporting Code a.k.a. “The Pink Book” is defined in the sporting code under section “f” of the appendix. The process can be reviewed online at http://www.nar.org/pinkbook. If you do not have a hard copy of the pink book. The cycle for proposed changes now runs on a one year cycle. The following timeline will complete the current cycle. Four proposals were received prior to the deadline of June 30, 2007. A special note regarding this cycle. The first proposal #2007-701 submitted by Bob Kaplow was originally submitted as a safety proposal prior to NARAM-49 and failed to pass per the procedure listed in section “f” of the appendix, therefore it must now be included with the proposals within the normal cycle.
Take the time to read the proposals carefully. I also recommend that you discuss the proposals with fellow contest flyers for the pros and cons of the proposals. Some clubs even have discussion at business meetings to allow for opinions to be shared amongst members.
Every member of the NAR has the opportunity to make an official comment on the proposals up for consideration. My preference is for you to forward your comments to me via e-mail, at zog139@yahoo.com or you can forward them hard copy to my home address at:
Jim Filler
NAR Rules Revision Chair
6715 B Overton Circle # 13
Frederick, Md. 21703
You must include your name and NAR# with your comments. I must receive your comments by Feb. 15, 2008. Try to be concise and brief with your comments. Once I have received all comments, they will be published here online for all to see. Details for an upcoming ballot for you to vote will be communicated at some point later. When the proposals are voted on, they will require a 66% vote for the proposal to be passed and become a part of the pink book effective for the new contest year July1, 2008, but they will have no bearing on NARAM-50. I would like to remind everyone that the opportunity for you to submit a RCP is as simple as writing up your idea or submitting it online at the link you can find at: http://www.nar.org/competition/pinkbookrcpform.html
RCP # 2007-701 Delete the D through G category of Super-Roc Altitude and Duration
( Was submitted as a safety proposal prior to NARAM-49 and failed )
Submitted by: Robert G Kaplow NAR#: 18L
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSED CHANGE:
Delete the D through G category of Super-Roc Altitude and Duration
STATE LOGIC AND INTENT OF CHANGE:
With current composite motors, this event is an ever tightening balancing act between having a model that will work, but requires prohibited hard unsafe materials to do so, and having a model that meets the events frangible requirements that will fail in flight. While it is possible to build a NON COMPETITIVE model that meets the rules and will work, competition forces people to the extremes. Pushing the limits will result in either models that fail, or models that are unsafe. And no matter what the rules are, and how diligent the RSO’s may be, someone will push the limits outside the envelope, with disastrous results.
EFFECT, IF ANY, ON CURRENT COMPETITION AND NAR RECORDS:
Contestants will not be pushed by competition to fly unsafe models.
Records for D-G SRA and SRD will be retired.
EXACT WORDING FOR RULE REVISION AS IT SHOULD APPEAR: SEC#
21.6. [Delete motor class D, E, F, and G]
33.5. [Delete motor class D, E, F, and G]
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RCP # 2007-702
PINK BOOK RULES CHANGE PROPOSAL FOR FAI-STYLE EVENTS
Submitted by: Trip Barber, NAR #4322
Summary of Rules Change Proposal: Add appropriate Pink Book paragraphs and event classes to permit those events which are currently being flown at the World Spacemodeling Championships under international (FAI) rules to be flown as contest events in the U.S.
Logic and Intent of Change: The FAI “Space Models” rules that govern model rocket competition in every other country in the world have significant differences from current U.S. (NAR) model rocket competition rules, largely by requiring minimum rocket body sizes, and by having longer “maximum” times in multi-round duration events. Because US fliers do not regularly compete under FAI rules, US teams have an experience disadvantage when they go to compete in the biennial World Spacemodeling Championships (WSMC). This proposal adds to the US Model Rocket Sporting Code the most popular of those 8 FAI events that are officially designated as the events that must be flown at a WSMC, with a weighting factor equal to the equivalent current US event. This will give US modelers wishing to develop the skills to compete internationally the ability to practice these events in NAR contests.
Effect on Current Competition and NAR Records: None, adds new classes to existing events without changing the rules of any existing class or event.
Exact wording of proposed additional new rules, submitted as a single package proposal:
9.13 FAI Events. Models flown in the “FAI” class of an event must comply with the following construction requirements of the FAI Sporting Code, Section 4, Volume SM “Space Models” for that event. First, the minimum length of the enclosed airframe of the model must be 500 millimeters and at least 50 percent of this airframe length must have a minimum diameter of 40 millimeters in the launch configuration. Second, in events where multi-staging is allowed the booster stage must deploy a recovery device, the upper stage must be at least 18 millimeters diameter over at least 75 percent of the upper stage length, and any boat tails on that stage must be at least 18 millimeters base diameter.
31.2.1 For FAI class streamer duration, the streamer must have a length-to-width ratio of ten to one (10:1) or greater. The cord attaching the streamer to the model may be attached to a loop of thread which is attached to each edge of the narrow end of the streamer.
20.2 Altitude: Add classes “FAI A” with weighing factor 10 and “FAI B” with weighing
factor 11.
30.2 Parachute Duration: Add class “FAI A” with weighing factor 7 and multi-round maximum of 300 seconds.
31.4 Streamer Duration: Add class “FAI A” with weighing factor 8 and multi-round maximum of 180 seconds.
32.4 Helicopter Duration: Add class “FAI A” with weighing factor 20 and multi-round maximum of 180 seconds.
36.3 Boost Glider Duration: Add class “FAI A” with weighing factor 18 and multi-round maximum of 180 seconds.
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RCP # 2007-703 Allowance of Electronic Altimeters in Altitude Events
Submitted by: Tom Lyon, NAR-16558
BRIEF SUMMARY:
Allow the use of "NAR contest approved" electronic altimeters for altitude events to those contest directors/sections that do not have or can't use theodolites needed for optical tracking. Theodolites will still remain the preferred method under Rule 14.1, but altimeters can be used as an alternative method for reporting altitude. Both methods can NOT be used at the same time. Specific check-in & return procedures described herein will aid in creating a level field and to prevent abuse of event rules and intentions.
LOGIC:
Altitude events in NAR contests have dwindled due to the lack of the availability of theodolites or personnel that can use them. This will provide the alternative needed to increase interest in flying altitude contest events. Tracking scopes will still be the main and preferred method for altitude reduction; the use of electronic altimeters can provide a back-up choice. The two cannot be used at the same time at a contest; it’s one or the other. All tracking at a meet will be done the same way. Also past R&D has shown the inaccuracies due to weather and regional meteorology as well as electronic capabilities. I had tried to have this proposal go thru twice before; this time will remove the chances of applying for a performance record due to lack of accuracy. Without the performance records being used then there’s no reason to limit the use of altimeters in only certain events that way keep them open for all altitude events that are physically capable of flying an NAR Contest Approved altimeter. Another problem experienced is people not fully reading the proposal, just going on the hear-say from others and joining the band wagon. So a lot of the complaints and assumptions about lack of info already have the answers included here, just read them.
EFFECTS:
Events flown under Rule 14.1 - none
Events under proposed Rule 14.10 - Depending on event, either new models will have to be designed and constructed, or existing designs modified. Range processing time should remain the same, time and effort also should remain the same. This should encourage competition and skill. Because of inaccuracies of climate changes and commercial model rocket altimeter manufacturing, no performance records will be kept by entries that use electronic altimeters.
EXACT WORDING: add the end of Rule 14.6 Error Check
Any altimeter reading reported by an entry that was optically tracked using theodolites will NOT be officially considered and Rule 14.9 will NOT apply.
EXACT WORDING: add the following to Section 14
14.10 Electronic Altimeters
The use of theodolites will remain the preferred method for altitude tracking, (as described in Rule 14.1) . Approved electronic altimeters may also be used. All entries at a sanctioned meet are to be tracked using the same method, meaning, all entries will be tracked using theodolites, or all done with altimeters, not both. The sanction request form submitted by the contest director must state under "Special Provisions" whether all contestants will fly using "Theodolites (14.1)" or "Altimeters (14.10)". The contest director will also assure that all announcements and publications for the sanctioned meet will tell all prospective entrants the same.
Only altimeters approved by the NAR Contest Board may be used. These are not to be altered, modified (including power source changes) and must remained stock as manufactured. The approval process includes but not limited to: commercially manufactured, availability, size, ease of use (mainly for check-in & returns), barometric sensing, ability to produce an immediate after-flight repeatable reading using audio or visual output, ADC resolution of 12 bit or higher, and other factors as deemed necessary. At this writing the approved altimeters are:
• Adept A1
• Perfectflite Alt15K/WD
• ( Others may be added to the list if this proposal passes )
14.10.1 Safety Check-In Procedure
The flight ready entry with the altimeter removed must be presented to the safety check official for inspection to verify the altimeter is unaltered and completely stock. The altimeter's power source (battery) should be removed; the model's breathing port for the altimeter is located per manufacturer's suggestions. The safety check officer may request the "owner’s manual" for the altimeter if any questions arise. The make and model of the altimeter will be noted on the contestant's flight card under the "remarks" section
The altimeter's power source will be turned on in the presence of the safety check official, and verified after boot-up, the altimeter is in "stand by" mode. The battery is allowed to be taped in.
The altimeter will now be placed in the model and secured in the presence of the safety check official. The entry is now ready for pad assignment.
14.10.2 Launch
The RSO or contestant will verify immediately prior to countdown the altimeter is "standby" mode.
14.10.3 Returns Procedure
The model and altimeter must be returned as recovered, unopened. The returns official and contestant both will concur on the reported altitude. Any other specific event rules may also apply.
If the altimeter can NOT be returned, and is not DQ'd for any other safety or event rule violations, then that flight can be considered “Track Lost” and Rule 14.9 can be applied. If the altimeter fails to report an altitude, or reports a grossly inaccurate altitude, and has not been DQ'd for any safety or event rule reason, then that flight can be considered "Track Lost" and Rule 14.9 can be applied.
14.10.4 Performance Records with Altimeters
NAR performance records for entrants using electronic altimeters will NOT be kept in any event classes and age divisions per Section 17.
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RCP # 2007-704 Change Contest Point System
Submitted by: Tom Lyon NAR-16558
BRIEF SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGE
Remove the meet classifications for Regional, Open, and Section/Local Meets and just have one that will be called "Meets". Retain the classification for "National" and "Record Trial" meets.
The newly classified "Meets" will have a contest factor (CF) of two, and the events weighting factor (WF) will be capped at 60. For NAR Sections (Clubs), the total number of competitors will decide on what percentage a club can claim for that meet's section points from their club members. Provide individual competitors/teams the chance to gain bonus points for traveling to a meet. Provide NAR Sections (Clubs) the chance to gain bonus points as well when competing with other NAR Sections at a Meet.
STATE LOGIC AND INTENT OF CHANGE
There has been increasing complaints about some clubs holding scripted but legitimate regionals with a small group but no real competition involved thusly accumulate large point totals for both the competitor and the section. The multiplier for a regional meet thus awards extra points despite that lack of real competition.
Changing the Section/Local, Open and Regional meets to just plain "Meets" will level the flying field to everyone flying NAR competition anywhere during a Contest Year Keeping the maximum available to fly at 12 CF means that in order for anyone to fly a complete season will have to enter in 6 meets. Maybe a burden to some, but also should encourage the "big time competitor" to plan to travel if necessary. Limiting a host club to 4 meets also should encourage better planning for travel. This doesn't mean a section will travel, just that an individual can host a meet in place of a section.
The awarding of bonus points for travel is an attempt to promote activity in the contest arena so people will travel to a meet that may be outside their area. This also rewards those people that already make plans to travel on a regular basis. The awarding of bonus points for sections competing with other sections would encourage inter-section activity and competition for club points.
Granted this is not totally perfect for everyone, but it does place everyone on a level plane. It also goes back to the way the early rules of NAR competition
EFFECT, IF ANY, ON CURRENT COMPETITION AND NAR RECORDS
This will change current strategy for obtaining contest flight points.
No effect on the design, construction, or flying models.
No effect on Records
EXACT WORDING FOR RULE REVISION AS IT SHOULD APPEAR: SEC# 6
6.3 Sanctions
Competition sanctioned by the NAR shall be classified as follows:
6.3.1 Meets
This is a competition among members of the NAR as well as Sections of the NAR. A Meet may be sponsored by an individual member of the NAR, or a chartered section of the NAR. Meets will have a maximum events weighting factor of 60. Meets have a contest factor of two (2). For
flight points being accredited to a chartered NAR section, the following schedule applies:
A minimum of two contestants at a meet but no more than six total contestants, all of those contestants may enter as members of the same chartered section of the NAR. If there are seven total contestants but no more than twelve total contestants, no more than 3/4 of the contestants may enter as members of the same chartered section of the NAR If there are thirteen or more total contestants, no more than 2/3 of the contestants may enter as members of the same chartered section of the NAR. The total number of contestants includes proxy-flown contestants
(Rule 8.4)
Bonus Points
a) Travel Bonus Points will be awarded to those individuals who need to travel extraordinary mileage to be physically present and competing at a meet. Proxy flown contestants are not eligible for Travel
Bonus Points
The one-way mileage distance to be measured to get to the meet will be from the contestant's home street address to the street address for the meet site. For teams, this mileage to be used will be from the team member's home street address that lives closest to the site of the Meet. The contestant must provide documented proof of mileage using: a computerized mapping/direction finder or a detailed road atlas/map using the "shortest distance" option. The documentation for travel mileage will be turned in to the Regional Contest Board to be verified. Falsification, any abuse or padding the travel mileage in order to get Travel Bonus Points will result in automatic denial of that competitor's entire meet flight points and will be listed with a meet score of zero.
The Travel Bonus Points are for one way to a meet and not for side trips, return trips or getting lost:
0 to 74.9 miles = 0 (zero) bonus points
75.0 to 124.9 miles = 10 (ten) bonus points
125.0 and over = 25 bonus points
A NAR Section will receive 10 Bonus Points for every other NAR section represented at the same meet they are at. Applicants shall not be denied the right to compete on any other basis, with the exception of previous misconduct as specified in Rule 11.4. Meets have a Contest Factor of 2.
6.3.2 National Meet (NARAM)
One National Meet (NARAM) shall be held each year. The National Meet will be held at
such time and place and with such entry requirements as shall be determined by the NAR Contest Board. The National Meet shall have a contest factor of 8.
6.3.3 Record Trials
This type of meet is conducted for the purpose of providing an opportunity and facilities for attempts to establish or surpass official United States and FAI model rocket performance records. No NAR contest points shall be awarded. Events to be flown must be indicated on the application for sanction. Any number or combination of events may be flown. In a Record trial, any NAR member duly entered in the meet may have as many opportunities as time and weather permit to make a record flight. Record Trials have no contest factor.
6.6 (the wording stays the same but the schedule will change)
EVENT TYPE TOTAL WEIGHTING FACTORS
Meet 60
National Meet Set by the NAR Contest Board
Record Trials No Limit
6.7 (the second to the last sentence changes to:) In addition, a chartered NAR section may not sponsor more than 4 meets during a Contest Year.
13.4 Contest Factor
Each competition classification as listed in Rule 6.3 has a Contest factor as reiterated below:
Event Type Contest Factor
Meet 2
National Meet 8
Record Trial None
13.5 (references to "Open Meet" will need to be changed to "Meet")