RCP Process 2009-2010
Rules Revision Process 2009-2010
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. Ten proposals were received prior to the deadline of June 30, 2009.
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 March 15, 2010. 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, 2010, but they will have no bearing on NARAM-52. 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
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RCP# 2009-901
Submitted By: Ryan G. Coleman NAR: 59361 e-mail: ryan.g.coleman@gmal.com
Type: Regular
Summary: Remove Super Scale.
Logic: Super Scale is hardly ever flown. Model rocketry is about flying models, not launchers. Even the most die-hard scale enthusiasts express little interest in entering the event.
Effect: Event is almost never held, so no real effect on competition. No records are kept for craftsmanship events so no effect there either.
Wording: Remove the entirety of section 52 from the Pink Book, and all references to the Super Scale event in the glossary/appendices/tables.
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RCP# 2009-902
Submitted By: Ryan G. Coleman NAR: 59361 e-mail: ryan.g.coleman@gmal.com
Type: Regular
Summary: Remove Space Systems.
Logic: Space Systems is hardly ever flown, it is similar to Sport Scale but with required guidelines for Mission Points. Simplify the available events by removing this and leaving the popular Sport Scale event.
Effect: Event is almost never held, so no real effect on competition. No records are kept for craftsmanship events so no effect there either.
Wording: Remove the entirety of section 54 from the Pink Book, and all references to the Space Systems event in the glossary/appendices/tables.
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RCP# 2009-903
Submitted By: Josh Tschirhart NAR: 48098 e-mail: drumn4j@yahoo.com
Type: Regular
Summary: The proposed change is intended to clarify that entries eligible for Concept Sport Scale may include models of vehicles that have been seriously proposed but are still unflown (rather than unbuilt) by changing one word in the event rules.
Logic: There have been questions within the competition community regarding the eligibility of various built but yet unflown rocket vehicles for entry in Concept Sport Scale. This is primarily due to rules defining Concept Sport Scale subjects as “unbuilt”, potentially excluding vehicles that have been completed (in regard to construction) but have not yet flown under rocket power. One of the main appeals of the relatively new Concept Sport Scale event is the opportunity to exhibit models of vehicles that are not eligible for traditional Scale or Sport Scale competition in which only flown vehicle configurations are allowed (according to traditional interpretation). Therefore, makes sense to allow models of unflown vehicles in the Concept Sport Scale event and eliminate wording that is contrary to the spirit of the event.
Clarification is simple and requires only the substitution of a single word in the Concept Sport Scale rules (“unflown” replaces “unbuilt”).
Effect: None.
Wording: Section 56.1 wording should be changed to:
56.1 Concept Sport Scale Competition is a variation of Sport Scale. The purpose of this competition is to product a flying replica of either a fictional or a seriously proposed, but unflown rocket vehicle that differs from Sport Scale Competition (Rule 53) only in the nature of the prototype and substantiation data.
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RCP# 2009-904
Submitted By: Josh Tschirhart NAR: 48098 e-mail: drumn4j@yahoo.com
Type: Regular
Summary: The proposed change is intended to clarify that the standard Scale or Sport Scale-related events (Sections 50-54) include only models of vehicles that have flown historically under rocket power (or inert examples of such vehicles).
Logic: Longstanding judging practice in the standard Scale and Sport Scale events has been to exclude scale models of vehicles that have not flown historically, interpreting the phrase “real rocket vehicle” as a vehicle that has flown under rocket power. To solidify that interpretation, I propose the addition of the phrase “that has flown under rocket power” in the relevant section of each event. Additionally, to eliminate potential confusion with other rules due to the new phraseology, I also propose inclusion of a phrase clarifying the eligibility of “non-flying or inert prototypes” as those that reasonably represent a historical vehicle configuration.
This RCP complements another RCP which clarifies inclusion of only \"unflown\" prototypes in the Concept Sport Scale event.
Effect: None.
Wording: Changes to Section 50 Scale Competition (Note: unchanged paragraphs are not shown)
50.1 Scope
Scale Competition comprises a single event open to any model rocket that is a true scale model of an existing or historical guided missile, rocket vehicle, or space vehicle, that has flown under rocket power. The purpose of this competition is to produce an accurate, flying replica of a real rocket vehicle that exhibits maximum craftsmanship in construction, finish, and flight performance. [ Added “,that has flown under rocket power”]
50.3 Non-Flying Prototypes
Entries in Scale Competition may model a non-flying or inert vehicle if its configuration is reasonably representative of a historical vehicle configuration.
Changes to Section 51 Scale Altitude Competition:
51.1 Scope
Scale Altitude Competition comprises nine events open to any model rocket that is a true scale model of an existing or historical guided missile, rocket vehicle, or space vehicle, that has flown under rocket power. The purpose of this competition is to produce an accurate, flying replica of a real rocket vehicle, that exhibits maximum craftsmanship in construction, finish, and flight performance; and to achieve the greatest possible altitude with the model. [added “,that has flown under rocket power”]
Changes to Section 52 Super Scale Competition:
52.2 Purpose
The purpose of this competition is to produce an accurate flying replica of a real rocket vehicle that has flown under rocket power, and an accurate working replica of its actual launching complex; both of which exhibit maximum craftsmanship in construction, finish, and performance. [added “that has flown under rocket power”]
Changes to Section 53 Sport Scale Competition:
53 SPORT SCALE COMPETITION
53.1 Scope
Sport Scale Competition comprises three events open to any model rocket that closely resembles an existing or historical guided missile, rocket vehicle, or space vehicle, that has flown under rocket power. The purpose of this competition is to produce a flying replica of a real rocket vehicle that exhibits maximum craftsmanship in construction, finish, and flight performance. Sport Scale Competition differs from Scale Competition (Rule 50) in that the dimensions of the model are not directly measured.
[added “,that has flown under rocket power”]
53.4 Non-Flying Prototypes
Entries in Sport Scale Competition may model a non-flying or inert vehicle if its configuration is reasonably representative of a historical vehicle configuration.
Changes to Section 54 Space Systems Competition:
54 SPACE SYSTEMS COMPETITION
54.1 Scope (1st paragraph)
Space Systems Competition comprises a single event open to any entry that closely resembles an existing or historical guided missile, rocket vehicle, or space vehicle, that has flown under rocket power, simulates in-flight performance of the prototype vehicle, and optionally includes a launcher. The purpose of this competition is to duplicate in miniature the full-scale operation of a real sounding rocket or space vehicle and its launch complex. [added “,that has flown under rocket power”]
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RCP# 2009-905
Submitted By: Chad Ring
Type: Regular
Summary: Adjust all contest event weighting factors so that no event is worth double or more than double any other event. Adjust weighting factor limit for all meet types to bring meet number and type of events at contests similar to what is currently flown.
Logic: Currently the event weighting factors span such a large range that one could win many events at a contest, and still not beat someone that only flew one event and placed first in that one event. While there are differences in the difficulty of events, I hardly believe any one event is 20 times more difficult that another. This RCP will bring the events closer in respect to each other, while still leaving ten different ‘weighting levels’ for different difficulties in different events.
Effect: None
Wording: Change WF chart in 6.6 to the following:
| Event Type | Total Weighting Factors |
|---|---|
| Section Meet | 35 |
| Local Meet | 35 |
| Open Meet | 50 |
| Regional Meet | 70 |
| National Meet | Set by NAR Contest Board |
| Record Trial | No Limit |
Change Appendix B: Weighting Factor Points and Charts to the following:
B Weighting Factor Points and Charts
| Event | 1/8A | 1/4A | 1/2A | A | B | C | D | E | F | G |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altitude | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Boost Glider Duration | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 |
| Cluster Altitude | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | - | - | - | - |
| Dual Egg Lofting Altitude | - | - | - | - | - | 15 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 16 |
| Dual Egg Lofting Duration | - | - | - | - | - | 15 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 16 |
| Egg Lofting Altitude | - | - | - | - | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 |
| Egg Lofting Duration | - | - | - | - | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 |
| Flex-Wing Glider Duration | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 |
| Helicopter Duration | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Parachute Duration | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | - | - | - | - |
| Payload | - | - | - | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Rocket Glider Duration | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Scale Altitude | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 17 |
| Streamer Duration | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Super-Roc Altitude | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Super-Roc Duration | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| NOTE: Add 1 to Duration Weighting Factors for Multi-Round events. | ||||||||||
| Event | WF |
|---|---|
| Drag Race | 10 |
| Plastic Model Conversion | 16 |
| Predicted Altitude | 11 |
| Predicted Duration | 11 |
| Radio Controlled Glider | 16 |
| Random Altitude | 11 |
| Random Duration | 11 |
| Research and Development | 18 |
| Scale | 17 |
| Science Fiction and Future Scale | 15 |
| Set Altitude | 11 |
| Set Duration | 11 |
| Space Systems | 17 |
| Sport Scale | 15 |
| Spot Landing | 10 |
| Super Scale | 19 |
Also change all WF charts in each rules section to the above.
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RCP# 2009-906
Submitted By: Chris Flanigan NAR # 17540 e-mail: chris.flanigan@quartus.com
Type: Regular
Summary: The purpose of this rule change is to allow altimeters to be used to set altitude records. Provisions are included to review the altimeter data to check that it is reasonable. Altimeter based records will be kept in a separate class, similar to how Radio Control records are currently kept.
Logic: Altimeters are becoming increasing more accurate and affordable. Using recording altimeters will permit the altitude data to be checked for any anomalies. Allowing the use of altimeters to set altitude records may stimulate additional interest in altitude events. Keeping altimeter based records in a separate class will preserve theodolites based records.
Wording: Change rule 14.10.4 to allow the use of altimeters.
Insert rule 17.7 to define a special class for altimeter based altitude records.
Renumber current rule 17.7 to 17.8. No change to text.
Renumber current rule 17.8 to 17.9. No change to text.
14.10.4. Performance Records with Altimeters
The altitude reported for performance records with altimeters is subject to additional requirements and review. An altitude record may be set only using a recording altimeter. Altitude records may not be set using a reporting-only altimeter. After the flight, the altimeter data will be downloaded by the contestant and reviewed by a contest official (RSO, CD, or member of the contest jury). If it is shown that a sudden peak in altitude is attributable to the ejection event or a flight anomaly, that peak will be not be used to determine the recorded altitude. The maximum altitude excluding the anomalous peaks will be reported.
If the maximum altitude occurs more than five seconds after the ejection event (due to thermals or other anomaly), only the altitude at ejection (excluding sudden peaks as described above) will be reported.
If the altimeter data is, in the opinion of the contest official, significantly inconsistent with the observed flight, the altimeter data will be disallowed. The decision by the contest official on the interpretation of the altimeter data is final.
17.7. Altimeters
A separate class of records will be kept for altitude entries where the altitude was measured using an altimeter. The record will use the altitude as defined in Rule 14.10.4.
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RCP# 2009-907
Submitted By: Robert G Kaplow email: bobkaplow@yahoo.com
Type: Urgent
Summary: Clarify the procedure to measure superroc length by eliminating references to model parts, and defining the configuration to be measured.
Logic: The current procedure becomes ambiguous for a clustered model with more than one nose cone and/or nozzle. Ever since the event was created, swept fins were not considered to be part of the length, for no good reason. Yet for some reason, "body" was always interpreted to include the nose cone.
Effect: No effect on existing models or records. Certain models now prohibited would be allowed by this change.
Wording: SEC# 21.1 and 33.1 Scope: ... model rockets whose body length ... replace with ... model rockets whose OVERALL length ...SEC# 21.5 and 33.4 Scoring:... the length in centimeters of the model, as measured from the tip of the nose cone to the aft most end of the motor nozzle, up to the maximum length for that category, shall be awarded as static points. Replace with:... the length in centimeters of the model, as measured from the FARTHEST POINT FORWARD TO THE FARTHEST POINT AFT, IN THE CONFIGURATION THEY WILL BE IN AT FIRST MOTION, up to the maximum length for that category, shall be awarded as static points.
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RCP# 2009-908
Submitted By: Robert Kaplow email: bobkaplow@yahoo.com
Type: Urgent
Summary: Add Random Altitude and Duration to the list of events that may not be proxy flown. Set limits on proxy flying of other precision event proxy flights.
Logic: For Random Altitude and Duration, the required performance is not known until moments before the event is flown. Just like Spot Landing, proxy flying these events would reflect the skill of the proxy flier and not the builder of the model. For either Predicted or Set Altitude and Duration, the rules should be clarified so that the actual builder of the model is both making the prediction, and defining the flight parameters (motor, liftoff weight, etc) so it is clearly the builders skill and not the fliers skill that is being measured. Otherwise ALL precision events need to be removed from the proxy list.
Effect: None. Records are not kept in these events.
Wording: 8.4 Proxy add the following events to the list of events that may not be proxy flown:
Random Altitude Random Duration. Add the following paragraph immediately after the list: For any other precision altitude or duration event, the proxy flier must furnish instructions from the entrant stating the prediction (for predicted altitude/duration), model, motor, liftoff mass, recovery device and size (for duration events), and any other critical parameters that would affect the performance of the model.
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RCP# 2009-909
Submitted By: Robert G Kaplow email: bobkaplow@yahoo.com
Type: Interpretation
Summary: Explicitly prohibit "special rules" at all contests.
Logic: There used to be a provision in the Pink Book to allow special rules for NARAM but not at any other contests. After years of abuse and badly defined rules, this was eliminated. In spite of this, NARAM CDs, and occasionally other CDs regularly try to create new "special rules" for contests that don't exist in the pink book. Make it clear that these are not allowed at any level of competition, so that rules are constant all year.
Effect: None
Wording: Add the sentence: "No contest director or other meet official may add any additional contest rules that are not found in this sporting code."