Start a New NAR Club
CHARTERING YOUR SECTION
You must follow a few simple steps to charter your rocket club as an official NAR Section. These steps are outlined in this section.
Why Charter?
There are several reasons why it is attractive to become a chartered Section of the National Association of Rocketry:
- Insurance coverage. Through the NAR, you obtain free
liability coverage for your club, and you can obtain low-cost coverage
for your site owners and other parties. These policies provide
coverage for rocket-related accidents, and their associated personal
and property damages. While there has never been a serious accident
claim filed, insurance coverage makes it easier to get launch sites,
run launches, and conduct demonstrations. This insurance isn't just
"more affordable" through the NAR -- it's practically unobtainable
anywhere else.
- Experienced Support. NAR Sections have many NAR volunteers
supporting them. Our Section
Consultants can help both new and established Sections. They have
experience in getting launches and demonstrations organized. They are
in continual contact with other committees within the NAR that provide
services to members. Finally, they have a lifetime of experience to
answer questions you might have.
- National Competition. NAR Sections can compete in our
national contest structure for the title of National Champion
Section. Someday, your members may end up on the top of the
competition heap. The drama and fun of competition rocketry can fully
involve you and your NAR Section as you go onward to the NAR's own
Super Bowl: NARAM, the National Championship Contest!
- National Recognition. Active Sections with healthy, dynamic service programs within and outside their own membership qualify for the NAR's annual "Section of the Year" award. Each year's recipient is named in August, and the award holder earns a permanent place in that year's issues of Sport Rocketry magazine.
Don't miss out on the fun and excitement of being an NAR-chartered Section!
Chartering Requirements
You must have at least five (5) NAR members to charter an NAR Section.
At least one must be a Senior (adult) member, who is historically
referred to as the "Senior Advisor." This advisor is invaluable in
assisting a club through the maze of legalities and local government
contacts during its operation, as well as dealing with merchants and
officials. In clubs with adult officers, the club president can serve
as the official "Senior Advisor."
Although your club may choose to accept "associate" members who are not NAR members, these members cannot officially belong to your Section, and they gain no insurance benefits through your club.
Chartering Procedure
Fill out the charter application form carefully. The form lets us know to whom to send your Section's mail and information. The contact names you supply for your Section will not only be used by Headquarters, but will be published to other clubs and to people in your area looking for a Section to join. Make sure these people can be reached and are responsive.
Your Section will also be added to the Section Address Listing on our web site, which is updated regularly. Help us put NAR members in touch with you by providing correct address and e-mail information.
You can send the form to us online using a credit card, or you can fill it out -- in duplicate, please -- and mail it with payment to NAR Headquarters.
If you send the form to HQ on paper, make sure your Senior Advisor signs the completed application. Unsigned applications cannot be accepted. Also, be sure to include the correct fees, as listed at the bottom of the application. Checks should be made payable to the "National Association of Rocketry."
Your application will be processed as soon as we receive it. A Section number will assigned to you, and your charter will be in the mail within a couple of weeks. Once you receive your charter, you will be officially established as an NAR Section!
Please note that due to the mechanics of our insurance policy, all Section charters expire on April 4 of each year, and are renewable at that time. Renewal forms are sent to all chartered Sections well in advance of that date. If for some reason you do not receive one, you can always use the online charter application form to renew in a timely manner.