Table of Contents
About the
Sporting Code............................................................................................... iii
NAR Contest
Board Directory......................................................................................... iv
Model Rocket Safety
Code............................................................................................. v
1 Definitions...................................................................................................................... 1
2 General.......................................................................................................................... 1
3 Model Rocket
Specifications.......................................................................................... 1
4 Model Rocket
Motor Standards....................................................................................... 2
5 Launching
Requirements............................................................................................... 3
6 Sanctioned
Competition................................................................................................ 3
7 Contest Officials............................................................................................................. 5
8 Contestants..................................................................................................................... 5
9 Entries............................................................................................................................ 6
10 Official
Flights................................................................................................................ 7
11 Disqualifications............................................................................................................. 8
12 Protests........................................................................................................................... 9
13 Competition
and Championships.................................................................................... 9
14 Altitude Data................................................................................................................ 12
15 Timing Data................................................................................................................. 14
16 Craftsmanship Judging................................................................................................. 16
17 United States
Model Rocket Performance Records...................................................... 16
18 Provisional
Competition............................................................................................... 17
Altitude Events
20 Altitude......................................................................................................................... 19
21 Superroc
Altitude ........................................................................................................ 19
22 Precision
Altitude......................................................................................................... 20
23 Cluster
Altitude............................................................................................................. 20
24 Payload........................................................................................................................ 21
25 Egg Lofting
Altitude..................................................................................................... 22
26 Dual Egg
Lofting Altitude............................................................................................. 22
Duration Events
30 Parachute
Duration...................................................................................................... 24
31 Streamer
Duration........................................................................................................ 24
32 Helicopter
Duration...................................................................................................... 25
33 Superroc
Duration........................................................................................................ 25
34 Egg Lofting
Duration.................................................................................................... 26
35 Dual Egg
Lofting Duration............................................................................................ 26
36 Boost Glider
Duration................................................................................................... 27
37 Rocket Glider
Duration................................................................................................. 28
38 Flex-Wing
Boost Glider Duration................................................................................... 28
39 Precision
Duration........................................................................................................ 29
Craftsmanship Events
50 Sport Scale.................................................................................................................. 30
51 Scale............................................................................................................................ 32
52 Scale Altitude.............................................................................................................. 34
53 Concept Sport
Scale.................................................................................................... 34
54 Classic Model............................................................................................................... 35
55 Plastic Model
Conversion............................................................................................. 36
Miscellaneous Events
60 Spot Landing................................................................................................................ 38
61 Precision Payload........................................................................................................ 38
Appendices
A Glossary........................................................................................................................ 40
B Abbreviations................................................................................................................ 41
C Return/Scoring Guide................................................................................................... 42
D Notice of Rulemaking Procedures................................................................................ 43
E Altimeters Approved for Contest Use............................................................................. 45
ABOUT THE SPORTING CODE
Model Rocketry
is an activity that emphasizes safety, education, and sportsmanship.
Competition modeling develops patience and skill, and encourages creativity and
innovation. The National Association of Rocketry provides support for competition
modeling as an excellent means of encouraging these aspects of model rocketry,
and thereby ensures the continued advancement of the hobby.
The United
States Model Rocket Sporting Code provides a standard set of rules by which NAR
members may compete with one another on the basis of skill, ability, and
expertise. The NAR Contest and Records Committee (the Contest Board) through
its National Chairman and Regional representatives, administers this Sporting
Code.
This edition of the Sporting Code replaces all
previous versions and is effective as of July 1, 2017.
The Contest
Board may add or revise rules by publishing the changes on nar.org, along with
the date on which they are to be effective. Changes to the rules may be enacted
by the Board of Trustees, the Contest Board, or through the Rule Change Process
administered by the Rules Revisions Subcommittee.
Members who
would like to contribute to the work performed by either the Rules Revisions
Subcommittee or the National Contest Board can contact the National Contest
Board Chairman.
Since the rules of the Sporting Code cannot cover all
possible eventualities of competition, disputes over the rules are inevitable.
Whenever the rules prove insufficient, competitors can often reach a
satisfactory resolution of a problem by exercising common sense, fair play, and
sportsmanship. When necessary, interpretation of the rules and disagreements
shall be resolved by the Contest Board.
All NAR members are invited to join in sanctioned
competition activity. Members who do not belong to a NAR section can obtain the
name of a club in their area (or information on starting a new section) by
writing to the NAR Section Activities Committee, in care of NAR Headquarters.
Copyright © 2017 by the
National Association of Rocketry. All rights reserved.
No part of this
publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the
National Association of Rocketry. Printed in the United States of America.
NAR CONTEST BOARD DIRECTORY
National
Contest Board Chairman NAR
Records Subcommittee
Steve Humphrey Dan
Winings
35 Harmony Road 301
West 8th Street
Warren, NJ 07059 Stratford,
OK 74872
(732) 469-6788 Email:
records@nar.org
Email: narcbchair@nar.org
Northeast
Region CB Chairman Southland
Region CB Chairman
Brian Guzek Tom
Lyon
2120 Lennox Road, Apt 6 4403
Gaines Road
Cleveland Heights, OH 44106 Richmond,
VA 23222
(724) 650-5333 (804)
321-7072
Email: northeastcontestboard@nar.org Email: southlandcontestboard@nar.org
Serving: ME, NH, VT, MA, NJ, NY, Serving: MD, DE, VA, WV, DC, NC, SC,
RI, CT, PA, OH KY,
GA, TN, AL, MS, AR, LA, FL, PR, VI
Midwest Region
CB Chairman Southwest
Region CB Chairman
Dan
Wolf O.
Lee James
2225
South 89th Street 201
North Ave B
West
Allis, WI 53227 Elgin,
TX 78621
(414)
232-6158 (512)
230-6018
Email:
midwestcontestboard@nar.org Email:
southwestcontestboard@nar.org
Serving:
IN, IL, MO, KS, IA, WI, Serving:
TX, OK, AZ, NM
MI,
MN, NE, ND, SD
Mountain Region CB Chairman Pacific Region CB Chairman
Russ
Anthony Dan
Wolf
1240
Lambert Circle 2225
South 89th Street
Lafayette,
CO 80026 West
Allis, WI 53227
(720)
890-5806 (414)
232-6158
Email:
mountaincontestboard@nar.org Email:
pacificcontestboard@nar.org
Serving:
CO, UT, NV, WY, ID, MT Serving:
WA, OR, CA, AK, HI
Rules Revision Committee Provisional Events
Committee
James
Filler Terrill
Willard
105
Forestdale Ave 6725
East Arroyo Road
Glen
Burnie, MD 21061 Cave
Creek, AZ 85331
Email:
rulechanges@nar.org (623)
764-3535
Email:
provisionalevents@nar.org
1. Materials. I will use only
lightweight, non-metal parts for the nose, body, and fins of my rocket.
2. Motors.
I will use only certified, commercially made model rocket motors, and
will not tamper with these motors or use them for any purposes except those
recommended by the manufacturer.
3. Ignition System. I will launch my rockets with an electrical
launch system and electrical motor igniters. My launch system will have a
safety interlock in series with the launch switch, and will use a launch switch
that returns to the “off” position when released.
4. Misfires. If my rocket does not launch when I press the
button of my electrical launch system, I will remove the launcher's safety
interlock or disconnect its battery, and will wait 60 seconds after the last
launch attempt before allowing anyone to approach the rocket.
5. Launch Safety. I will use a countdown before launch, and
will ensure that everyone is paying attention and is a safe distance of at
least 15 feet away when I launch rockets with D motors or smaller, and 30 feet
when I launch larger rockets. If I am uncertain about the safety or stability
of an untested rocket, I will check the stability before flight and will fly it
only after warning spectators and clearing them away to a safe distance. When
conducting a simultaneous launch of more than ten rockets, I will observe a
safe distance of 1.5 times the maximum expected altitude of any launched
rocket.
6. Launcher. I will launch my rocket from a launch rod,
tower, or rail that is pointed to within 30 degrees of the vertical to ensure
that the rocket flies nearly straight up, and I will use a blast deflector to
prevent the motor's exhaust from hitting the ground. To prevent accidental eye
injury, I will place launchers so that the end of the launch rod is above eye
level or will cap the end of the rod when it is not in use.
7. Size.
My model rocket will not weigh more than 1,500 grams (53 ounces) at
liftoff and will not contain more than 125 grams (4.4 ounces) of propellant or
320 N-sec (71.9 pound-seconds) of total impulse.
8. Flight Safety. I will not launch my rocket at targets, into
clouds, or near airplanes, and will not put any flammable or explosive payload
in my rocket.
9. Launch Site. I will launch my rocket outdoors, in an open
area at least as large as shown in the accompanying table, and in safe weather
conditions with wind speeds no greater than 20 miles per hour. I will ensure
that there is no dry grass close to the launch pad, and that the launch site
does not present risk of grass fires.
10. Recovery System. I will use a recovery system such as a
streamer or parachute in my rocket so that it returns safely and undamaged and
can be flown again, and I will use only flame-resistant or fireproof recovery
system wadding in my rocket.
11. Recovery Safety. I will not attempt to recover my rocket from
power lines, tall trees, or other dangerous places.
Installed
Total Impulse (N-sec) |
Equivalent Motor Type |
Minimum Site
Dimensions (ft) |
0.00 – 1.25 |
1/4A, 1/2A |
50 |
1.26 – 2.50 |
A |
100 |
2.51 – 5.00 |
B |
200 |
5.01 – 10.00 |
C |
400 |
10.01 – 20.00 |
D |
500 |
20.01 – 40.00 |
E |
1,000 |
40.01 – 80.00 |
F |
1,000 |
80.01 – 160.00 |
G |
1,000 |
160.01 – 320.00 |
Two Gs |
1,500 |
1 DEFINITIONS
1.1 Model Rocket
Model rocket
means an aero-model that ascends into the air without the use of aerodynamic
lifting forces against gravity; that is propelled by means of a model rocket
motor; that includes a device for returning it safely to the ground in a
condition to fly again; and that contains no parts, particularly metal parts,
that are likely to create a hazard. Model rocket motors and recovery system
protectors or wadding, if present, do not constitute portions of a model
rocket.
1.2 Model Rocket
Motor
Model rocket
motor means a reaction motor produced by a commercial manufacturer using
pre-loaded combustible solid propellant as fuel or a rocket motor designed to
be reloaded with commercially manufactured combustible solid propellant
charges.
1.3 Glossary
of Definitions
A Glossary
containing the official definitions is provided in Appendix A.
1.4 Headings
Section and
subsection headings are for the convenience of the reader. Their inclusion or
omission is not considered a part of these rules.
1.5 Rounding
When scoring must
be rounded the following schedule shall be followed:
·
>= 0.5 is
rounded up
·
< 0.5 is
rounded down
2.1
Scope
This United States Model Rocket Sporting Code shall govern
the design, construction, and operation of all model rockets and model rocket
motors used in conjunction with:
· All competition sanctioned by the National Association of
Rocketry (NAR); and
· All attempts to establish or surpass United States Model
Rocket Performance Records.
2.2 Safety Code
The Model
Rocketry Safety Code of the NAR shall be the general safety criteria to be
followed in the interpretation and administration of this United States Model
Rocket Sporting Code. The Safety Code must not be overridden by Sporting Code
rules. Any changes to the Safety Code apply immediately to the Sporting Code.
2.3 FAI Rules
This
United States Model Rocket Sporting Code shall not be construed to amend or
otherwise serve as a substitute for the Sporting Code of the Federation
Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) for the purposes of establishing or
surpassing world model rocket performance records. Contestants who wish to
attempt such records should obtain a copy of the current FAI Sporting Code.
3.1 Compliance
A
model rocket must comply with all specifications in this section and the Model
Rocketry Safety Code before, during, and after flight.
3.2 Gross Launching
Mass
The
gross launching mass of a model rocket, including model rocket motor or motors,
must in no event exceed 1,500 grams. See also Rule 9.11.
3.3 Propellant
No
more than a total of 125 grams of solid propellant materials may be contained
in its model rocket motor(s) at the moment of launch.
3.4 Stages
There
must be no more than three consecutively fired stages. The staged configuration
of the model is considered to be that of the model at the instant of first
motion on the launcher.
3.5 Reusability
A
model rocket must be so constructed as to be capable of more than a single
flight; and must be provided with a means for retarding its descent to the
ground so that its structure may not be substantially damaged, and so that no
hazard is created to persons and property. If a model descends in more than one
unattached part, each part must conform to the above specification.
3.6 Materials
Construction
of the airframe must be of wood, paper, rubber, plastic, or other similar
materials consistent with the Safety Code.
3.7 Stability
Design
and construction must include suitable means for providing stabilizing and
restoring forces necessary to maintain a substantially true and predictable
flight path. If required by safety officers or judges, the builder of the model
must present data demonstrating that their model meets this requirement.
3.8 On-Board Ignition
Systems
A
model rocket possessing a self-contained powered ignition system (e.g., for
remote ignition of upper stages) must be provided with a safety switch or other
device capable of preventing actuation of the system and resultant ignition
until immediately prior to the launch.
3.9 Dethermalizer
A
model rocket equipped with a dethermalizer or other auxiliary device designed
to operate via ignition or combustion must be designed so that ignition of the
device presents no imminent hazard to the person igniting the device. In
addition, the rocket must be designed so that the device is extinguished as soon
as possible after performing its function (e.g., by the inclusion of a snuffer
tube).
4.1 Definition
Model
Rocket motors must meet the requirements of the NAR Standards and Testing
Committee and NFPA 1122.
4.2 Limits
A
single solid propellant model rocket motor must not contain more than 125 grams
of propellant, and must not produce any more than 160.00 Newton-seconds of
total impulse.
4.3 Contest Approval
All
motors used in a model rocket in NAR sanctioned competition, or for the purpose
of establishing a United States Model Rocket Performance Record, must be listed
in the NAR Certified/Combined Motor List found on NAR.org as holding NAR
Contest Approval.
4.4 Alterations
A
model rocket motor must not be altered in any manner that changes its
dimensions and/or its performance characteristics. No material may be
permanently affixed to the motor.
4.5 Classification
A
model rocket motor is assigned a motor classification based on its mean sea
level total impulse when tested at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. A motor
becomes NAR certified when its test data is accepted by the NAR Standards and
Testing Committee. NAR certified model rocket motor classifications are as
follows:
Motor Class |
Total
Impulse (N-sec) |
1/8A |
0.00 – 0.3125 |
1/4A |
0.3126 – 0.625 |
1/2A |
0.626 – 1.25 |
A |
1.26 – 2.50 |
B |
2.51 – 5.00 |
C |
5.01 – 10.00 |
D |
10.01 – 20.00 |
E |
20.01 – 40.00 |
F |
40.01 – 80.00 |
G |
80.01 – 160.00 |
Note: All motor classes listed above will be recognized for
certification purposes regardless of current commercial availability.
4.6 Published Values
The
total impulse values published in the NAR Certified/Combined Motor List found
on NAR.org will be the values used in all NAR sanctioned competition and for
United States Model Rocket Performance Record attempts.
4.7 Total Impulse
When
multiple motors are used in a single entry (e.g., clustering and staging), the
total impulses of the individual motors must be summed to compute the total
impulse of the configuration and to determine the impulse class of an event for
which the entry qualifies. Only those motors actually intended to ignite and
produce useful thrust are to be included in this total.
4.8 Acceptance
Only
model rocket motors that are currently and readily available commercially, and
meet the requirements of Rule
4.1 through Rule 4.7
shall be accepted for NAR contest approval.
4.9 Contest Use
NAR
sanctioned competition allows the use of all contest approved motors for which
the total impulse of the motor is appropriate for the event and in compliance
with state and local laws. Booster stage, single stage, and upper stage motors
may be used in locations other than their primary intended stage.
5.1 Range Safety
Officer
During
all operations concerned with the launching and flight of model rockets, all
authority for the safety of operations on the flying field shall be vested in a
Range Safety Officer (RSO) who must be a Senior member of the NAR in good
standing. If the RSO leaves the flying field, he must relinquish his/her duties
and responsibilities to a new RSO who must be a Senior member of the NAR.
5.2 Flying Field
The
flying field must have a ground area whose shortest dimension is no less than
one-fourth (1/4) the anticipated maximum altitude of the rockets to be flown.
The flying field should not contain or be adjacent to high voltage lines, major
highways, multi-story buildings, or other obstacles. The launching location
must be no closer than 10 meters to the boundaries of the flying field.
5.3 Safety Check
All
model rockets presented for operation on the flying field may be permitted or
denied flight by the RSO/SCO on the basis of his/her considered judgment with
respect to safety.
5.4 Launching Device
A launching device or mechanism must be used that restricts
the entry in its pitch axis until sufficient flight velocity is attained for
safe, predictable flight. At a minimum, it is recommended the launch device be
a steel launch rod of approximately 36 inches of 1/8 inch diameter
rod for entries using less than 20 Newton-seconds of impulse. For entries using
greater than 20 Newton-seconds of impulse, a steel launch rod of approximately 36 inches of 3/16 inch or 1/4 inch diameter
is recommended. A launching angle of zero to a maximum of thirty degrees from
the vertical may be used.
5.5
Launcher Height
No entry may be launched with its aft most
part more than 3 meters above the ground.
5.6 Momentum
A launcher must not
impart to the entry any velocity or change of momentum except that caused by
the model rocket motor(s) contained in the entry.
5.7 Ignition
Launching or
ignition of an entry must be conducted by remote electrical means from a
distance as required by the safety code, and must be fully under the control of
the person launching the entry. All persons in the vicinity of any launching
must be advised that a launching is imminent before an entry may be ignited or
launched. A minimum five-second audible countdown must be given before ignition
or launching of an entry. Contestants will always be allowed to use their own
launchers, and to launch at the time of their choice, within limits placed by
the RSO.
6.1 NAR Contest Board
The
NAR Contest Board will sanction competition, which will be conducted in
accordance with the rules set forth in this United States Model Rocket Sporting
Code. See Rule 6.6
6.2 Contest Year
6.2.1 The Contest Year
Begins the day after
NARAM concludes and ends on the last day of NARAM of the following year.
6.2.2 SQS Year and Qualification
Flying
Begins the day after
NARAM concludes and ends on June 30 of the following year.
6.3 Sanctioned Competition
6.3.1
Spacemodeling Qualifier Series
6.3.1.1
The Spacemodeling Qualifier Series (SQS) shall be a competition in which
individuals and teams qualify
to compete at the National Association of Rocketry Annual Meet (NARAM) for
Event Specialist Award (ESA) and National and Reserve Champion awards.
6.3.1.2
The SQS shall be six (6) events. All SQS events are flown at NARAM.
6.3.1.3
A “SQS Launch” shall be a NAR member or section hosted competition, which is
sanctioned by the Contest Board for the express purpose of qualifying
individuals to compete at NARAM for a National Championship and/or Event
Specialist Award.
6.3.1.4
A Launch Director (LD) shall be the individual responsible for submitting SQS
launch results.
6.3.2 National Meet
Only
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 determined by
the NAR Contest Board.
6.3.3 Record Trial
A
Record Trial is conducted for the purpose of providing members an opportunity
to establish or surpass official United States model rocket performance
records. 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, an NAR
member duly entered in the meet may have as many opportunities as time and
weather permit to make a record attempt.
6.4 Time
Other
than the National Meet, all SQS launches and Record Trials must be scheduled on
and completed within no more than three consecutive days, except as stated in Rule 6.5
6.5
Suspending Competition
An
SQS Launch Director or NARAM Contest Director may suspend competition for
reasons of safety (i.e., threatening weather/lightning.)
6.6 Sanction
Application
for sanction of an SQS launch or record trial must be made to the NAR Regional
Contest Board at least thirty days in advance of the date of the launch.
Application for a launch sanction shall be made electronically on NAR.org. The Senior Member of the NAR who will serve as the
Launch Director must submit the application. All NAR sanctioned launches should
be posted to the NAR Launch Calendar on NAR.org at least
21 days prior to the launch.
6.7 Results
The
NAR Senior Member who serves as the Launch-Contest Director for a sanctioned launch
must report the results to the NAR Contest Board within seven days following
the completion of the launch. If an unusual question arises, the Launch-Contest
Director may request a ruling on the matter from the NAR Contest Board. In this
case, the Launch-Contest Director should make every effort to include complete
and impartial details on the situation.
6.8 Rejection
The NAR
Contest Board may refuse to accept the results if evidence is presented that
the sanctioned launch was not conducted within the scope or intent of this
United States Model Rocket Sporting Code.
6.9 Deadline
In
all cases, SQS Launch results must be posted on NAR.org
at least fourteen days prior to the opening day of the National Meet.
6.10 Advisory Rulings
In
cases where a contestant is uncertain of the application of a rule contained in
the United States Model Rocket Sporting Code, he/she may ask for a ruling by
the Regional Contest Board Chairman. The Regional Contest Board Chairman may
rule or pass the request to the National Contest Board Chairman. This process
should proceed in a timely manner so as to allow contestants time to react to
the ruling.
7.1 Launch-Contest
Director
A
Launch-Contest Director who is a Senior member of the NAR in good standing
must: apply for contest sanction; receive and may be responsible for all
contest material; ensure that the competition is properly arranged and
functions within the intent and specifications of this United States Model
Rocket Sporting Code; and report the results of the competition. The duties of
the Launch-Contest Director and the Range Safety Officer may be combined. The
Launch-Contest Director appoints the range crew.
7.2 Range Safety
Officer
A
Range Safety Officer (RSO) must preside over the conduct of the competition in
accordance with Rules 3 and 5.
In no case may the Launch-Contest Director or any other official override a
safety ruling of the RSO.
7.3 Safety Check
Officer
The
Launch-Contest Director may appoint a Safety Check Officer(s). The Safety Check
Officer must be qualified to rule in accordance with Rule 5.3. The duties of the Safety Check
Officer and the RSO may be combined.
7.4 NARAM Judges
The
Launch-Contest Director must appoint teams of judges for events requiring
static judging (e.g., Scale, Plastic Model Conversion). At least half of the
judges on each judging team must be members of the NAR, allowing for guest
judges. At least one member of each team of judges must be a Senior or Leader
member of the NAR.
7.5 Trackers and
Timers
The
Launch-Contest Director may appoint any capable person as a tracker or timer.
Any glasses or aids necessary for that person to have normal vision must be
worn. Any person not having correctable vision (e.g., cannot obtain a driver’s
license due to vision) is not eligible to time or track.
7.6 Conduct
A contest official considered by any member of the Contest
Board, Board of Trustees, or other contest official to be impaired by alcohol
or drugs, or demonstrating poor sportsmanship will be removed from his/her
position and may be expelled from the meet.
7.7 Conflict
No
competitor may serve as a contest official where he/she would rule on his/her
own contest entry.
8 CONTESTANTS
8.1 Entering
Competition
All
contestants entering model rockets and competing in NAR sanctioned competition
must be members of the NAR in good standing. They are required to sign an
official entry blank. The countersignature of a parent or guardian is required
on the entry blank for minors, except for persons serving in the Armed Forces
of the United States or students enrolled at the time in a college, university,
or other institution of higher learning. The Launch-Contest Director or his/her
designee may ask contestants for verification of their NAR Sporting License.
Newly joined NAR members who have not yet received their NAR Sporting License
and wish to compete in sanctioned competition shall be recorded as pending.
A
contestant may fly the same SQS event as often as he/she likes during the
contest year per Rule 10.1
(number of flights) of the U.S Model Rocket Sporting Code.
8.2 Conduct
The
Launch-Contest Director may disqualify any contestant from an event or from the
entire meet on the grounds of failure to practice or observe reasonable safety
measures, published or otherwise; for poor sportsmanship; for failure to abide
by the orders of the Range Safety Officer or contest officials; whose ability
to safely fly model rockets is, in the opinion of the Launch-Contest Director
or Range Safety Officer, impaired by alcohol or drugs.
8.3 Competition
Divisions
The
Competition Divisions are as given in the following schedule:
A Division |
Individuals and Teams, age 7 –
15 |
B Division |
Individuals and Teams, age 16 –
22 |
C Division |
Individuals 23 years old and older |
D Division |
Teams ages 23 years old and older |
8.3.1 Two or more NAR members may enter competition as a team.
Teams must compete in the division of the oldest member. Teams must be
registered with the NAR Contest Board. Membership of a team cannot be changed
during the Contest Year. Such a change must be registered as a different team.
One or more members of the team must prepare entries for flight, except if they
are to be proxy-flown under the provisions of Rule 8.4. Entry blanks must contain the name and the
number of the team. Any records established are credited to the team. No NAR
member may enter a sanctioned launch as both an individual and as a team
member, and no NAR member may enter a sanctioned launch as a member of more
than one team. Neither of these restrictions applies at a Record Trial.
8.3.2 The division in which an NAR member will compete during a
Contest Year is determined by the member’s age/status as of the start of the
Contest Year.
8.4 Proxy
A
contestant entered in sanctioned competition may have his/her entry proxy-flown
by another NAR member except in the following:
· Radio Controlled Models
· Spot Landing
· Event Specialist Awards
· National Championship Awards
· United States Performance Records
Contestants
having official duties at the contest may have their entry proxy-flown for
them. An entry must not be proxy-flown by a member whose Competition Division
is older than that of the contestant.
9.1 Total Impulse
Limit
No
entry in sanctioned competition may be powered by a motor or combination of
motors exceeding 125 grams of total propellant. The maximum total impulse, in
accordance with the Model Rocket Safety Code, must not exceed 320.00
Newton-seconds.
9.2 Ejected Motors
If
allowed by the rules of a specific event, an entry in sanctioned competition
that during flight ejects a motor or motors which does not have an attached
streamer or parachute is disqualified.
9.3 Flight
Characteristics
During
the powered phase of flight, spinning of the entry is permitted only around the
roll axis. Entries that spin or loop around the pitch axis or yaw axis under
power must be disqualified.
9.4 NAR Number
Each
entry must carry, legibly displayed upon its exterior surface as the entry
appears in flight readiness, the contestant’s name or NAR license number. In
the case of a team entry, the entry must carry the team name or number.
9.5 Safety Check
Each
entry must pass a safety inspection given by the Safety Check Officer before
each flight to ascertain that it meets the standards of this Sporting Code, and
that it will be reasonably safe in its operation, in accordance with Rule 5.3. This inspection may
include any launching device and auxiliary equipment provided by the contestant
to assist the launch.
9.5.1 Motors
During safety check, the check-in official must record the
make and complete designation of the motor on the contestant’s flight card.
(e.g. AeroTech G40-10W)
9.6 NARAM Minimum
Entries
At
least two official entries in an event must be passed by the Safety Check
Officer and must attempt to make official flights before points can be awarded
in the event. This also applies where an event is flown in competition
divisions; i.e., two entries for each division. If an event must be flown where
competition divisions have been combined because of insufficient entries, competitors
entered in adjacent divisions may have their flight records combined.
9.7 Substitution of
Entries
Substitution
of entries between official flights of an event is allowed, unless disallowed
by the rules for a specific event. When the rules for a specific event disallow
substitution between official flights, only recovery devices and minor lost or
damaged parts necessary to make the entry flight worthy may be changed for
subsequent flights. In these circumstances, a replacement for a minor lost or
damaged part must be identical to the part that it replaces.
9.8 Simultaneous
Events
Two
or more competition events may not be flown simultaneously by the same entry on
the same flight.
9.9
Construction
The contestant must
ensure that he/she has completely constructed the model rocket(s) he/she is
using in competition. Entries not requiring construction must be permitted in
competition. Materials and design may be obtained from any source, including
kits.
9.10 Impound
Contest
officials have the authority to require that any entry having made an official
flight be returned and impounded for a reasonable length of time for inspection
if there is question regarding the adherence of the entry to the Sporting Code.
This must be stated during or immediately after the flight in question. When
the entry or part cannot be returned to the officials within a reasonable time,
the officials may disqualify that flight.
9.11 Gross Launching
Mass
No
entry in model rocket competition may exceed a maximum gross launch mass (GLM)
of 1,500 grams.
9.12 Radio Control
Frequency
control regulations must be obeyed if implemented on the flying site. Radio control
safety is part of the Range Safety Officer’s responsibility. Radio control of
an entry is not considered human intervention with regard to catching or
cushioning of any model required to land naturally. Unless otherwise specified
by the rules of that event, any entry may be radio controlled. The
Launch-Contest Director can prohibit the use of Radio Control in any event or
for the entire meet, by so stating in the sanction, and in all appropriate
launch-competition printed and electronic postings. Entries that are to be
radio controlled must be controlled or guided by the builder or a builder of
the entry.
9.13 FAI Events
Entries
flown in the FAI class of an event, except for rocket glider, 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 entry 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 in diameter.
10.1 Number of Fights
Unless
otherwise specified in the rules for a specific event, time and weather
permitting each contestant shall be given an opportunity to make two official
flights in each event. A limitation shall not apply at Record Trials. Unless
otherwise specified in the rules for a duration event, a contestant’s official
score is the sum of the durations achieved on all official flights.
When deciding on the
number of flights that is to be allowed contestants in an event the
Launch-Contest Director shall carefully consider whether time and/or weather
may cause he/she to impose limitations on the event(s). The Launch-Contest
Director must make every effort to announce how many flights will be allowed in
the event(s) before the start of official flights.
However, if circumstances
arise where it is necessary to enact a limitation after official flights have
been made, all contestants must adhere to the new limits regardless of how many
official flights they may have made.
To score contestant results after
limitations have been placed on one or more events, the Launch-Contest Director
must select for scoring only those qualified flights a contestant made under
the new limitation. The Launch-Contest Director must then choose the
contestant’s best single qualified flight as his/her official flight in that
event.
For
example, if a Parachute Duration event must unexpectedly be limited to one
flight per contestant, and a contestant has already made two flights, in order
for the Launch-Contest Director to score the event, he/she must first select
only the flights that the contestant(s) returned (since in a single-flight
Parachute Duration event, the one flight must be returned.) If one or more
contestant has returned two flights, the Launch-Contest Director must select
the better of the two contestant’s flights as his/her official flight for
scoring purposes.
10.2 Record Attempts
At
the discretion of the Launch-Contest Director, any NAR member or team may be
allowed to attempt to set or surpass a United States Model Rocket Performance
Record in any class of any event allowed in Rule 17.2.
10.3 Official Flight
Requirements
A
flight is official if any part of the entry leaves the launcher under a motor’s
thrust phase; except in the case of a catastrophic failure according to the
provisions of Rule 11.5.
All entries that do not leave the launcher subsequent to motor ignition must
not be considered as having made an official flight unless they are
disqualified by the RSO for safety reasons. If the power pod or motor of a
Boost Glider entry disengages and proceeds into the air under power without the
glider portion, the attempt must be considered a disqualified official flight.
An entry that does not ignite enough motors to be in the proper total impulse
class as per Rule 4.6
must not be considered as having made an official flight unless its flight is
disqualified for other reasons.
10.4 Return of
Inaccessible Models
When
the return of an entry is required, and the contestant cannot return his/her
entry, but can point it out to an official visible in an inaccessible place
where recovery would pose a personal hazard to the contestant. The official may
score the entry as having been returned. The Launch-Contest Director must state
prior to the start of competition what distance limits officials may travel.
This rule may be superseded by the rules of a specific event.
10.5 Recording of
Returns
It
is the responsibility of the contestant to ensure that the officials have noted
that the entry has been returned where it is so required.
11.1 Officials
The
Range Safety Officer may disqualify any entry that in their opinion did not
comply with the competition rules or which in their opinion was not reasonably
safe in operation. Contest officials may disqualify for non-safety reasons or
compliance with this United States Model Rocket Sporting Code.
11.2 Scope
An
entry may by reason of flight characteristics be disqualified for that flight,
but it is not necessarily disqualified for the entire event.
11.3 Scoring
For
the purposes of events in which a total score is computed from the sum of the
performances of two or more flights, a disqualification must result in a score
of zero for that flight. This rule may be superseded by the rules of a specific
event. A disqualified flight may not be considered as a return in any event
where a return is required.
11.3.1 NARAM
If
a contestant has one disqualified flight and another flight not returned in an
event requiring one returned flight, a contestant at NARAM will only receive
flight points.
11.4 Catastrophic
Failure
A
model rocket experiencing a catastrophic failure shall not be disqualified. The
flight may or may not be considered as an official flight, if the Range Safety
Officer rules the entry performed a safe and stable flight, and complied with
the competition rules (e.g., a glider glided). The contestant will in this
situation have the option of having such a flight ruled as either official or
unofficial. If the entry did not meet these requirements, then it must be ruled
an unofficial flight.
The
contestant must inform the applicable contest official of his/her decision to
accept or reject the flight as an official flight prior to any subsequent
flight by the contestant in that event. The contestant must be permitted to
substitute another entry. In the case of
craftsmanship events; the substitute must be of the same prototype and scale as
the original, and it is not required to exhibit the craftsmanship and detail of
the original.
11.5 Recording Data
Performance
data on an entry that has been disqualified during or after its flight must be
recorded, even though the flight may not at that time be considered official,
in case of later reversal of the disqualification ruling.
11.6 Correctable
Conditions
Disqualifications
for static conditions of an entry are not permitted and the contestant shall
correct the condition prior to the official flight. If the contest officials do
not discover a condition until during or after the flight is made, such as
flying with the wrong motor type, the flight will not be considered official.
12.1 SQS Disputes
SQS launches do not provide a contest jury. The
contestant must present his/her disagreement to the Regional Contest Board Chairman
for resolution and the Regional Contest Board Chairman must render a decision
within 3 days.
12.2 NARAM Protests
Protests will be considered only when presented to a
representative of the Contest Board in writing, accompanied by $20.00 in cash,
and no later than one hour after the end of the competition day.
With
the exception of those RSO decisions related to safety in accordance with Rule 7.2, decisions involving
any interpretation of the Sporting Code as applied to settling disputes and
protests shall be rendered by a minimum of three members of the Contest Board.
At least one of the ruling Contest Board members shall be present at NARAM. No
Contest Board member may rule or vote on any decision that could alter the
award of contest points to his/her entry. All decisions of the Contest Board
except for a safety ruling as stated in Rule 11.1 are final as described in Rule 12.2.2. The Contest
Board may not override a safety ruling made by the RSO.
12.2.1
Details
When
filing a protest, the competitor must report in full the action or decision
under protest; the names of the contestants and officials involved, and other
substantiating details. All sides of a protest must have the right to be heard
by members of the NAR Contest Board, see Rule 7.4.
12.2.2
Decision
The
Contest Board must give to the Contest Director, and all parties involved in a
protest, a written statement of their decision within 24 hours of filing of the
protest or by the end of the final contest day. This statement must be included
with the contest results. If the protest is upheld, the protest fee must be returned
to the contestant. If the protest is denied, the protest fee must accompany the
contest results and be forwarded to the NAR Contest Board Chairman. All protest
rulings by the Contest Board are final.
13.1 Spacemodeling Qualifier Series
(SQS) Events
13.1.1 The SQS must be made up of four (4)
events selected from Rule 13.1.3
by the Contest Board and two (2) events selected from 13.1.3 by the NARAM
Contest Director. The SQS will be announced on NAR.org, on or before July 1 (prior
to NARAM) by the National Events Chairman.
13.1.2 If a NARAM CD is not yet selected by
July 1, the Contest Board must select six (6) events from Rule 13.1.3 to set the SQS.
13.1.3 The only events that qualify a
competitor to compete for the title of National Champion or for an Event
Specialist Award are those selected for the SQS.
SQS Events List
·
1/4A-A
Parachute Duration
·
1/4A-A
Streamer Duration
·
1/4A-A
Helicopter Duration
·
1/4A-A
Boost Glider Duration
·
B-C
Egg Lofting Duration
·
1/2A-B
Altitude-Altimeter
·
A-B
Payload-Altimeter
·
B-C
Egg Lofting Altitude-Altimeter
13.1.4 SQS
events must be flown under the specific event provisions of the U.S. Model
Rocket Sporting Code.
13.2 Sanctions
13.2.1 All
SQS flights must be conducted at launches sponsored by an individual member of
the NAR or a chartered section of the NAR and sanctioned by the NAR.
13.2.2 There
shall be no limit to the number of SQS sanctioned launches an individual or
section may sanction in a contest year.
13.2.3 There
shall be no limit to the number of SQS sanctioned launches a competitor may enter
in a contest year.
13.2.4 Sanctions
must be obtained from the Contest Board and listed on the NAR Contest Calendar.
13.3
Results
13.3.1 Results
must be reported to the appropriate Regional Contest Board Chairman by the host
individual or section for verification and must include data for pending
performance records.
13.3.2 The
SQS Launch Director shall post results to a cumulative, member accessible
contest year results database. The
results database shall reflect the highest score attained by a contestant. Posted
results will be considered preliminary until verified by the Regional Contest
Board.
13.3.3 Results
must be posted to the database by the Launch Director within 7 days of the
completion of the SQS sanctioned launch.
13.3.4 At
the close of the contest year (June 30th), the final results of the
SQS events determine the eligibility for a competitor to compete for and win an
Event Specialist Award and National Championship.
13.3.4.1 Event
Specialist Award (ESA) - To
compete for an ESA at NARAM, competitors in each competition division must
finish in the top 10 of a particular SQS event. There is no limit to the number
of ESA’s for which a competitor may qualify.
13.3.4.2 National
Championship - To compete for a National Championship at NARAM, competitors in each
competition division must:
·
Achieve qualified flights in all of the SQS events and;
·
Finish in the top 10 of half or more of the
SQS events, or
·
Using a combined score based on rank, finish
in the top 10 or top
10%, whichever
is greater, of the SQS events.
13.4 NATIONAL MEET (NARAM)
13.4.1 NARAM
must present at a minimum the SQS events.
13.4.2 NARAM
competition is open to all registered flyers.
13.4.3 Competitors
that qualified through the SQS to compete for a National Championship shall
declare their intent when registering for NARAM.
13.4.4 All
competitors begin NARAM with zero points.
Points will be awarded as follows for performance in each event as
determined by place:
1st – 25 points
2nd – 20 points
3rd – 17 points
4th – 14 points
5th – 12 points
6th – 10 points
7th – 8 points
8th – 6 points
9th – 4 points
10th
– 2 points
Flight Points – 1 point
13.5 NARAM Awards
13.5.1 Event
Specialist Award (ESA)
13.5.1.1 Those
who have qualified for an ESA per Rule 13.3.4.1 above must compete at NARAM to receive the Event
Specialist Award in a qualifying SQS event.
13.5.1.2 Each
SQS event may award an ESA in each division.
13.5.1.3 An SQS qualified individual or team that is awarded first place
in an SQS event at NARAM will receive the ESA for that event.
13.5.1.4 There
is no limit to the number of Event Specialist Awards an individual or team competitor
may qualify for, compete in, or be awarded at NARAM.
13.5.1.5 Event
Specialist Award competitors may win both ESA’s and meet awards.
13.5.2 Meet Awards
13.5.2.1 NARAM
competitors who did not take part in an SQS event may compete for meet awards.
13.5.2.2 NARAM
competitors who did take part in SQS events but failed to qualify per Rule 13.3.4 for an Event
Specialist Award or National Champion award may compete for meet awards.
13.5.2.3 For
the purpose of determining the meet awards in each division, points will be
awarded per Rule 13.4.4.
13.5.2.4 Individual
event awards will be presented for 1st through 3rd place
in each competition division.
13.5.2.5 Meet
champion awards shall be given for first and second place in each division.
13.5.3 National
Champion Awards
13.5.3.1 National
Champion awards shall be given for first and second place.
13.5.3.2 To
be recognized as a National Champion in their competition division, competitors
qualify per Rule 13.3.4.2
above and must compete at NARAM.
13.5.3.3 For
purposes of determining the National Champion awards in each competition division,
points will be awarded per Rule
13.4.4.
13.5.3.4 The
qualified competitors accumulating the most points from the events they flew at
NARAM shall receive the National Champion awards in their competition division.
13.5.3.5 Competitors
who compete for National Champion awards may not win Meet Champion awards.
13.5.3.6 National
Champions may win ESA awards if they qualified under Rule 13.3.4.1.
13.5.4 SQS
Awards
13.5.4.1 The
top ten competitors in each division, at the close of the SQS on June 30th,
will be recognized on the NAR.org website, in the E-Rocketeer, and in the
official journal of the NAR for their performance.
13.6 REPORTING OF SCORES AT THE NATIONAL MEET (NARAM)
13.6.1 All points are awarded per Rule 13.4.4.
13.6.2 At NARAM, results shall be posted in each of the following categories:
·
Events
·
Event
Specialist Awards
·
Meet
Champions
·
National
Champions
14.1 Scope
All
entries in a given event, other than non-competition record attempts, are to be
tracked using the same method. The sanction request form submitted by the
Launch / Contest Director must, for each altitude event, designate whether
“Altimeters (Rule 14.2)”
or “Theodolites (Rule 14.3)”
will be used for altitude tracking. In the case of record trials, the Launch /
Contest Director may designate either or both types of tracking. The Launch /
Contest Director must ensure that all announcements and publications for the
sanctioned meet inform prospective entrants of the tracking method for each
altitude event.
14.2
Electronic Altimeters
Electronic
altimeters are the preferred method for altitude tracking. However, theodolites
may also be used (per Rule 14.3).
Only
commercially available altimeters approved by the NAR Contest Board and publicly
announced as approved at least 60 days before any contest where they are used
may be used in competition. These altimeters may not be altered or modified in
any manner, including use of power sources that are outside the voltage range
published by the altimeter manufacturer. To be approved by the Contest Board an
altimeter must meet the following requirements:
·
Uses
barometric measurement techniques to record flight apogee altitude above launch
pad altitude based on the formula for
conversion of pressure to altitude in the International Civil Aviation
Organization or US Standard Atmospheres.
·
Uses a digital integrated pressure sensor with at least 16 bits of
resolution in its digital conversion of pressure measurement.
·
Recalculates launch pad pressure altitude by sampling local pressure at
least once per minute after activation and before launch.
·
Has resolution of 1 meter or better in readout.
·
Has accuracy of 1 percent of
recorded altitude or 2 meters, whichever is greater, across an operating range of no less than 4000 meters in flight
altitude above sea level, 0 to 50 degrees Celsius in launch site temperature,
and 750 to 1050 millibars in launch site ambient pressure.
·
Has a sampling rate of 10
per second or greater.
·
Employs processing functions to reject false short-duration launch or
apogee altitude transients that may be created by wind gusts or the pressure
transients of ejection events.
·
Provides audio or visual
readout of apogee from the most recent
flight directly from the altimeter.
·
Is capable of being placed in a
preflight state of readiness to
record new flight data and report
this new data post-flight. This state must be audibly or visibly
verifiable.
The
altimeter must be fully enclosed within the rocket body through apogee. The part of the rocket containing the altimeter
must be vented to the outside air by multiple
vent holes that are placed at
locations behind the curved
forward surface of the rocket’s nose. Any attempt to deliberately
produce excessively high altitude readings, by use of devices such as venturis is prohibited.
NAR
Contest Board approved altimeters are listed in Appendix E.
14.2.1 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 has been
properly powered. The safety check officer may request the “owner’s manual” for
the altimeter if any questions arise concerning its operation or post flight
readout. 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 readiness to record
new flight data will be verified after boot-up. Alternately, the altimeter may
be installed immediately after power-on and readiness verified after
installation, provided the safety check official is satisfied the altimeter can
be heard or seen for readiness verification per Appendix E. Installation of the altimeter in the
rocket must be observed by the safety check official.
14.2.2 Temperature Compensation
At the time of Safety Check-In, the ambient temperature at the
launch site shall be recorded on the contestant’s flight card in degrees
centigrade rounded (Rule 1.5) to the nearest whole number.
Subsequently, the contestant’s recorded altitude must be
corrected for the effect of ambient air temperature at the time of launch on
the altimeter’s altitude computation by multiplying the uncorrected altimeter
reading by a factor of (273.15 + T)/288.15 where T is the ambient temperature
at the time of the rocket’s launch in degrees Celsius.
14.2.3 Returns Procedure
The
entry and altimeter must be returned for data verification. If necessary (as in
the case of visual readout), the contestant must open the altimeter compartment
in the presence of the returns official to read the altimeter. The returns
official and contestant both will concur on the reported altitude. Any other
specific event rules may also apply.
If
the altimeter cannot be returned, and the entry is not disqualified for any
other safety or event rule violation, then that flight can be considered “No
Data” and Rule 14..3.3
can be applied.
If
the altimeter fails to report an altitude, and the flight has not been disqualified
for any safety or event rule reason, then that flight can be considered “No
Data” and Rule 14.3.3
can be applied.
14.2.4 Performance Records with Altimeters
Altitude
records may only be set using a recording
altimeter. After the flight, if a record is suspected the altimeter data will
be downloaded by the contestant and reviewed by a contest official. If the data
reveals that the peak altitude is attributable to an ejection event or other
flight anomaly, that peak or anomaly will 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 peak altitude prior to ejection (excluding
sudden peaks or anomalies 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.
The
altitude must also be corrected for the effect of ambient air temperature at
the time of launch per Rule
14.2.2.
14.3 Theodolites Tracking
All
entries in any event for which an achieved altitude figure is scored may be
tracked in flight by theodolites of a design approved by the NAR Contest Board.
Any tracking theodolite that:
· Is equipped with both azimuth and elevation axes at right
angles to each other
· Can be leveled or adjusted to an otherwise proper plane
before use
· Has an accuracy of 0.5 degrees in both azimuth and elevation
· Uses a rifle-sight or equivalent optical sight with or
without lenses, or uses a pair of open sight mounted at least twenty
centimeters apart
· Uses crosshairs in the optical or open sight
· Is mounted on a sturdy tripod or other solid base in a
manner that does not permit the tracking head to wobble or otherwise lose its
zero-reference under normal use
· Has a provision for securely holding the sights firmly in any
desired position, so that the operator may accurately record the tracking data
associated with a flight
· Is capable of tracking to an azimuth of ±180 degrees and an elevation from 0 degrees to 90 degrees
must be acceptable for NAR contest use.
The
Contest Board must approve theodolites that do not meet all of the above
requirements before they may be used in a sanctioned activity.
14.3.1 Baseline
Two
or more tracking theodolites must be used on appropriate baselines. The
baseline should be between 50% and 400% of the expected altitudes to be
tracked. Thus a 300-meter baseline would be appropriate for 75-600 meter
flights. While very low power events may require a baseline less than 300
meters, proper care and judgment should be used before this is done. Longer
baselines are strongly encouraged for high-powered or high-performance entries.
Proper baselines must be used to track any record setting flight.
14.3.2 Tracking
Entries
must be tracked to apogee if practical. When apogee tracking is used, one person
must be designated to give a mark to the theodolite operators at precisely the
instant the entry appears to reach apogee, and the theodolites must be locked
at the mark. At the discretion of the Contest Director, entries may be tracked
to ejection instead of apogee. When ejection tracking is used, it is
recommended that the entries to be tracked contain colored tracking powder to
create a visible cloud at ejection, and that the theodolite operators lock
their theodolites at the appearance of the tracking powder cloud. It is further
recommended that all entries that are to be tracked be painted in colors or
patterns that will aid tracking. All entries in an event must be tracked using
the same tracking method (either apogee or ejection).
14.3.3 Untracked Flights
Track
Lost or Track Not Closed, if it is not disqualified for any other reason, is
considered an unofficial flight. In this case the contestant is entitled to an
additional flight, to be made during the period allocated for tracked flights.
At the option of the contestant, Track Lost or Track Not Closed may be
considered an official flight if it is not disqualified for any other reason.
In this case the flight cannot place but must receive flight points; except in
an event where the score is the sum of several factors, in which case the
flight must be scored as having an altitude of zero.
14.3.4 Communication System
A
reliable voice communication system must be used to link both trackers and the
launch control area, for the purpose of calling marks and for the transmission
of tracking data.
14.3.5 Data Reduction
Angular
data obtained from theodolite tracking must be reduced to an achieved altitude
figure by means of a standard system of equations approved by the NAR Contest
Board. Samples are included in Appendix E. All data must be recorded for all
altitude events and flights, including those flights that may be disqualified;
this permits the altitude data to be available in case the disqualification
ruling is later reversed.
14.3.6 Error Check
The
error figure as computed by the approved equations must be less than or equal
to 10% to be considered valid and acceptable for competition and record
flights. Flights whose reduced altitudes do not satisfy this constraint must be
scored as Track Not Closed. Flights, whose data is incomplete, preventing
calculation of their altitude, must be scored as Track Lost. All altitudes must
be rounded off to the nearest meter per Rule 1.5. The rounded altitude must be the official
scored altitude. Any altimeter reading reporting by an entry that was optically
tracked using theodolites will NOT be officially considered and Rule 14.3.3 will NOT apply.
14.3.7 Multiple Stations
When
more than two trackers are used, altitude and closure percentage shall be
calculated for each combination of trackers. The official altitude score is the
average of all closed tracks, rounded per Rule 1.5. It is only necessary for one pair of
trackers to close.
14.4 Novel Methods
The
NAR Contest Board must approve novel altitude determination methods before the
results are accepted for competition.
15 TIMING
DATA
15.1 Timers
In
all events for which a time-of-flight value is scored, one or more timers must
be stationed in the launching area with stopwatches and may not leave the launching
area in order to keep the entry in sight. Meet officials will provide the same
number of timers to all contestants. At their option, the contestant may
provide additional official timers. Timer(s) may not use optical aids other
than sunglasses or eyeglasses to correct to normal vision. In FAI class events the timer(s) may be
equipped with binoculars.
15.2 Separation
Unless
specifically allowed by the rules of that event, no timed entry may separate
into two or more unattached parts, or eject its motor.
15.3 Deployment
The
recovery system of any duration entry need not deploy fully and correctly, as
long as the entry descends in a safe manner and the recovery system action
remains within the requirements of the particular event.
15.4 Conflict of Interest
A
timer must not time his/her own entry.
15.5 Stopwatches
15.5.1 Stopwatches used for timing must have a minimum resolution
of 1/10th second; must have (at a minimum) start, stop, and reset
capabilities. Stopwatches must be capable of being restarted from a stopped
state without being reset.
15.5.2 A stopwatch with split-time or lap accumulate capabilities
(i.e., one which continues to record time internally after being stopped; and
which can display at any time, the total elapsed time) may be used for
competition, provided that if it is used to time one entry, it must be
available for use to time any other entry.
15.6 Timed Interval
All
entries must be timed from the instant of first motion on the launcher until
the part to be scored for time of flight touches the ground, is caught in a
tree, power line, or otherwise stopped, or drifts out of sight of the timer(s).
As specified in Rule 1.1,
motors, recovery system protectors, and wadding are not to be timed as portions
of an entry.
15.7 Recording Data
Data
must be recorded to the accuracy of the stopwatch for all timed flights,
including those flights that may be disqualified. This permits the timing data
to be available in case the disqualification ruling is later reversed.
15.8 Averaging
To
arrive at an entry’s official score:
· Compute the average of all recorded stopwatch timing data
per Rule 15.7. Do not round the data per Rule 1.5 before averaging.
· Round the resulting average data (time) to the nearest whole
number of seconds.
· Fractions of a second less
than 0.5 must be rounded down to the
next lower second
· Fractions of a second equal
to or greater than 0.5 must be rounded up
to the next higher second
15.9 Disappearance
If
the entry disappears behind an obstacle to vision in such a manner as to lead
the timer(s) to believe that it touched the ground very shortly thereafter,
stopwatches should be stopped when the entry disappears; however, they may be
started again if the entry reappears. If the entry drifts out of sight in the
sky, the timer(s) must stop their watches individually when they lose sight of
it.
15.10 Return
15.10.1 SQS
Unless
otherwise specified by the rules of the event or for reason of safety (Rule 9.10), the contestant
need not return an entry to a contest official.
15.10.2 NARAM
Unless
otherwise specified by the rules of the event, the contestant must return an
entry to the officials after at least one of his/her qualified flights, except
as specified by Rule 10.4.
Contestants failing to satisfy this requirement cannot place in an event, but
will receive flight points, except in an event where the score is the sum of
several factors, in which case the flight must be scored as having a duration
of zero.
15.11 Malfunction
When
a malfunction of a stopwatch or a timer occurs such that any elapsed time
measurement is not available, the elapsed time(s) recorded by the remaining
timer(s) must be used as the official time. When all stopwatches or timers
malfunction, the flight will not be considered an official flight unless the flight
is disqualified on other grounds. Alternately, at the option of the contestant,
he/she may choose to consider the flight as an official flight with a time of
zero; in which case the flight cannot place but is eligible for flight points
at NARAM; except in an event where the score is the sum of several factors, in
which case the flight must be scored as having a time of zero.
15.12 Multi-Round Events at NARAM
Any
duration event listing a multi-round maximum may be flown as a multi-round
event.
15.12.1 Number of Flights
Each contestant is initially allowed three official flights
in a multi-round event.
15.12.2 Number of Models
A
contestant may enter no more than two entries in a multi-round event for the
purpose of making the first three rounds of flights, except as stated in Rule 11.5. One (1) additional
entry may be entered and flown in the event if a contestant is tied for first
place at the end of the third round.
15.12.3 Maximum Time
The
official duration of each flight must be calculated as follows: if the duration
achieved exceeds the maximum time limit defined for that flight, the entry must
be awarded the maximum time limit; otherwise the entry must be awarded its
achieved duration in seconds. Timers may stop timing the flight after it has achieved
the maximum time. See Rule
15.8
15.12.4 Scoring
Multi-round
events must be scored as follows: the official durations achieved by the
contestant on the initial three official flights in the event must be summed.
If there is no tie for first place, then the contestant achieving the highest
score is the winner. If there is a tie, competitors for first place must be
given the opportunity to make an additional official flight (fly-off) to
determine the winner. The fly-off round will have no maximum time limit. Second
through tenth places must be distributed first among the other competitors in
the fly-off, and then among any other competitors having made qualified
flights, on the basis of total computed score.
15.12.5 Return
The
entries in multi-round duration events need not be returned to the officials
except as required by Rules
9.10 and 15.12.2.
16.1 Judging
Craftsmanship
events require static judging. The same team of one or more judges must judge
all craftsmanship entries in an event that are in the same competition division.
16.2 Insufficient Data
If
an entry is found to lack sufficient data the contestant will be allowed a
reasonable amount of time to correct for the deficiency.
16.3
Conflict of Interest
A
judge entered in an event shall not judge his/her own entry, or any entry in
competition with it.
16.4 Viewing Period
It
is recommended that the Contest Director set aside a period of time between
judging and launching during which the entries can be viewed by the competitors
and guests. The intent of this practice is to stimulate interest in
craftsmanship events in contestants who may not otherwise enter such events,
and improve the craftsmanship of those contestants who regularly do.
16.5 NAR Number
The
contestant’s name or NAR number is required to be on the model per Rule 9.4
16.6 Judging Condition
Entries
must be judged in flight condition, with the exception that motor(s) and
recovery system need not be present. Any clear plastic fins, launching lugs and
fittings, and other exterior flight items must be attached to the entry during
judging. Pop lugs are considered part of the launcher, not of the model.
Nothing may be added to the entry, nor taken off the exterior of the entry,
between judging and flight, except the motor(s) and recovery system(s). If
unusual launching or recovery devices are to be used it should be so noted in
the data presented.
16.7 Accidental Damage
Any
damage to an entry while it is in the custody of the judges or meet officials
must not be held against the contestant, and the contestant must have the
opportunity to repair the entry without penalty.
16.8 Human Intervention
Craftsmanship
entries are judged for flight damage; therefore no human intervention (e.g.,
catching the entry or cushioning its landing) will be allowed between launch
and touchdown. Alternately contestants may choose to catch their entries. In
this case, entries that are caught must be judged as if they had sustained
maximum damage on landing, but will not be disqualified. If the intervention
was accidental and/or inadvertent, in the opinion of the Range Safety Officer,
the flight may be judged as having sustained maximum damage points or an
unofficial flight at the option of the contestant. The contestant must inform
the applicable contest official of his/her decision to accept or reject the
flight as an official flight prior to any subsequent flight by the contestant
in that event.
16.9 Lost Models
Craftsmanship
entries that cannot be returned to the judges must be judged as if it had
sustained maximum damage on landing, but will not be disqualified, except as
per Rule 9.10. Rule 10.4 will not apply.
17.1 Eligibility
Performance
records may be set in any event and motor class, unless judging is required, or
a limited score is the goal. For example, performance records may be set in
Altitude or Parachute Duration, but not in Scale Altitude, Spot Landing, or
Precision Payload. Entries must be made during a sanctioned launch per Rule 6. Proxy entries are not eligible for performance records per Rule 8.4.
17.2 Categories
Performance
records must be awarded separately for each competition division. Within each
competition division, separate performance records must be awarded for:
17.2.1 Free Flight
All
entries that are not radio-controlled or use altimeter for altitude
measurement.
17.2.2 Radio Control
Entries
using radio control to provide active guidance per Rule 9.12.
17.2.3 Altimeter
Entries
using an altimeter for altitude measurement per Rule 14.2
17.3 Return
The entry must be returned to ensure compliance
with all rules for the event and to record motor manufacturer and designation. Rule 10.4 for inaccessible
models does not apply.
17.4 Surpassing
Attempts
to surpass an existing performance record must exceed the current value by at
least 1%.
17.5 Submission
The
Launch/Contest Director must review all flight results to determine if any new
performance records were set. If so, the flight card and contestant entry form
must be sent to the NAR Records Subcommittee for review. Individual contestants
may also submit copies of their flight card(s) and entry form, provided the
Launch/Contest Director signs the forms.
The
submitted data must include the following items:
• Contestant
name
• Division
• Event
and motor class
• Date
• New
record value
• Altimeter
make & model (if used)
• Motor
manufacturer and designation
17.6 Certification
The
NAR Records Subcommittee may request any additional substantiating data it
deems necessary to certify a new record. The NAR Records Subcommittee has the
right to disallow any record claim, regardless of the data submitted, if the
record attempt is found to have been made unfairly or falsely reported.
18.1 Author
Any
NAR member or section may author a new event concept.
18.2 Standards
New
event concepts submitted for the consideration of the NAR Contest Board must
meet safety standards. In addition, they should be designed so that they can be
flown at any or all sanctioned launches.
18.3 Form
Rules
for new event concepts must be formatted as for any established event.
18.4 Postal Competition
New
event concepts must be tested for merit using a postal competition format.
Postal competition requires the following:
• Event rules are distributed electronically at
NAR.org.
• There must be no
less than a 60-day competition window for flying any new event concept and it
must start no less than 30 days from rule distribution or announcement.
• Upon close of the
competition window, results must be published electronically on NAR.org no more
than 14 days after close of the competition window.
• There will be no less than two competition
windows for a new event concept.
18.5 Improvement
During
postal competition, NAR members and sections are encouraged to suggest rule
changes for the purpose of testing the event for suitability before submission.
Competitors are encouraged to suggest changes that may eliminate loopholes or
make the event more interesting.
18.6 Submission
New
event concepts must be submitted to the NAR Contest Board Chair in electronic
form; including rules and all postal results.
18.7 Adoption
For
a new event concept to be adopted, it must meet the requirements of Rules 18.2 and 18.3. The
Contest Board must vote to accept or reject the submission for inclusion in the
next sporting code revision. Results of the vote must appear in both the
E-Rocketeer and NAR.org no more than 90 days after date of submission.
18.8 National Meet
A
new event concept may not be included in a NARAM until it has qualified under Rule 18.7; or except by a
special resolution of the NAR Contest Board.
20.1 Scope
Altitude
comprises twelve events open to any model rocket. The purpose of this event is
to achieve the highest altitude.
20.2 Classes
This
event is divided into classes based on the permissible total impulse of the
motor(s). The following classes of Altitude are established:
Motor
Class |
1/8A |
1/4A |
1/2A |
A |
FAI A |
B |
FAI B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
21.1 Scope
Superroc
Altitude comprises ten events open to single-stage model rockets whose body
length is no less than the minimum allowed for the classes of the event. The
purpose of this event is to achieve the greatest altitude possible with the
longest rocket possible without compromising the structural integrity of the
rocket.
21.2 Structural Failure
An entry that separates, folds, or has a structural failure
prior to ejection must be disqualified.
21.3 Separation
An
entry is allowed to separate into two or more unattached parts after ejection,
provided that each part satisfies the provisions of Rule 3.5.
21.4 Safety
Entries
must satisfy the provisions of Rule
1.1.
21.5 Scoring
Superroc
Altitude must be scored as follows: the length of an entry to the nearest
centimeter, as measured from the tip of the nose cone to the end of the motor
nozzle, up to the maximum length for that category, must be awarded as static
points. If an entry has more than one motor, the length must be measured to the
motor nozzle closest to the tip of the nose cone. No additional points are
awarded for any length beyond the maximum. The altitude of the model measured in
meters, must be awarded as flight points. The static points and flight points
obtained must be multiplied to determine the score. The contestant achieving
the highest score must be declared the winner. When posting, printing, or
maintaining contest results or performance records, an entries altitude in
meters must be shown with its composite score.
21.6 Classes
This
event is divided into classes based on the permissible total impulse of the
motor(s). The following classes of Superroc Altitude are established:
Motor
Class |
Minimum
Length (centimeters) |
Maximum
Length (centimeters) |
1/8A |
12 |
25 |
1/4A |
25 |
50 |
1/2A |
50 |
100 |
A |
75 |
150 |
B |
100 |
200 |
C |
125 |
250 |
D |
150 |
300 |
E |
175 |
350 |
F |
200 |
400 |
G |
225 |
450 |
22 PRECISION ALTITUDE
22.1 Scope
Precision
Altitude comprises three events open to any model rocket. The purpose of this
event is to accurately predict the altitude that an entry will attain.
22.2 Classes
The
three classes of Precision Altitude are:
22.2.1 Predicted
Altitude
The minimum
altitude prediction allowable is 100 meters. The contestant must predict in
meters the altitude to which their entry will be flown. A contestant at a meet
must record their altitude prediction on the flight card prior to any official
flight.
22.2.2 Set Altitude
The
Launch-Contest Director must set the target altitude when the meet is
sanctioned. This value must appear in the sanction form and all appropriate
contest information. The target altitude must be a multiple of 5 meters between
100 and 300 meters.
22.2.3 Random
Altitude
The
Launch-Contest Director must randomly select the target altitude just prior to
when the event is flown, by random selection. The target altitude must be a
multiple of 5 meters between 100 and 300 meters.
22.3 Practice
Practice
flights are not allowed on the day the event is flown.
22.4 Number of Flights
Entries
must be allowed only one official flight in Precision Altitude. If no altitude
data is available, any flight allowed under Rule 14.3.3 must be made by the same entry, and no
changes in configuration, motor type, or prediction must be allowed.
22.5 Control
The
entry must not be radio controlled or contain any device whose purpose is to
control the altitude of the entry.
22.6 Scoring
Precision
Altitude Competition must be scored as follows: the entry’s achieved altitude
must be divided by its target altitude, and the result multiplied by 100. This
figure must then be rounded (according to what rounding process) to the nearest
0.1%. If the result is greater than or equal to 100, subtract 100 from it;
otherwise, subtract it from 100. The contestant whose score comes closest to
zero must be declared the winner.
23.1 Scope
Cluster
Altitude is comprised of six events open to single-stage model rockets.
23.2 Purpose
The
purpose of the event is to achieve the highest altitude.
23.3 Retained Motors
All
motor cases are to be retained in the entry. Following an official flight, a
contestant must present his/her entry as recovered to a contest official for
verification of motor casing retention or the flight must be disqualified.
23.4 Ignition
Air
starts are prohibited.
23.5 Partial Ignition
Partial
cluster ignition must be deemed an official flight unless disqualified for
other safety reasons by the RSO.
23.6 Classes
The
following five classes of Cluster Altitude are established:
Class
Name |
1/8A x 2
Motor |
1/4A x 2
Motor |
1/2A x 3
Motor |
A x 4
Motor |
B x 5
Motor |
C x 6
Motor |
24.1 Scope
Payload
comprises seven events open to model rockets that carry one or more standard
NAR payloads of given mass and dimensions to as high an altitude as possible
and to recover the payload. The standard NAR payload is intended to represent
an instrument package whose dimensions and mass cannot be modified, but must be
accepted as a design constraint.
24.2 Staging
If
the entry is staged, the payload(s) must be totally enclosed in the uppermost
stage of the entry.
24.3 Payload Specifications
The
standard NAR payload is a sealed non-metallic cylinder containing fine sand,
with a mass of no less than 28.0 grams. This cylinder must be a minimum of 17.0
millimeters in diameter, and a minimum of 60.0 millimeters in length. No holes
may be drilled into it, no changes made in its shape, and no material may be
affixed to it.
24.4 Enclosed Payloads
The
standard NAR payload(s) carried in an entry –
· must be totally enclosed and contained within the entry,
· must not separate from the entry in flight
· and must be removable from the entry
24.5 Return
Following
the flight, the contestant must present his/her entry as recovered and, in the
presence of an official, must remove the payload(s). If the official cannot
examine the payload(s), the entry must be disqualified. Rule 10.4 does not apply. If the contestant
removes the payload(s) in the absence of officials, the entry must be
disqualified. The official may require that the payload(s) be rechecked and
must disqualify the entry if it no longer complies with Rule 25.3.
24.6 Classes
This
event is divided into classes based upon the permissible total impulse of the
motor(s). The following classes of Payload are established:
Motor
Class |
Payloads
Carried |
A |
1 |
B |
1 |
C |
1 |
D |
1 |
E |
2 |
F |
3 |
G |
4 |
25 EGG
LOFTING ALTITUDE
25.1 Scope
Egg
Lofting Altitude comprises six events open to model rockets that carry, as a
totally enclosed payload, one raw large egg intended to simulate carrying an
astronaut to as high of an altitude as possible and to recover the payload
without damage.
25.2 Stages
If
the entry is staged, the egg must be totally enclosed in the uppermost stage of
the entry.
25.3 Eggs
Eggs
must have a mass of not less than 57 grams and not more than 63 grams, and no
more than 45 millimeters in diameter. Prior to flight each egg must be uniquely
marked, and the mark must be recorded on the contestant’s flight card. A
contestant must not be required to use an egg that has been previously lofted
by another contestant. No material
may be affixed to the egg (e.g., glue or tape).
25.4 Return
Following
the flight, the contestant must present his/her entry as recovered and, in the
presence of an official, must remove the egg. If the shell of the egg is broken
or cracked, the entry must be disqualified. If the official cannot examine the
egg, or the contestant removes the egg in the absence of officials, or breaks
the egg in the process of removing it, the entry must be disqualified. Any
entry that is caught or cushioned prior to landing must be disqualified. Rule 10.4 does not apply.
25.5 Classes
This
event is divided into classes based on the permissible total impulse of the
motor(s). The following classes of Egg Lofting Altitude are established:
Motor
Class |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
26.1 Scope
Dual
Egg Lofting Altitude comprises five events open to model rockets that carry, as
a totally enclosed payload, two raw large eggs intended to simulate carrying
two astronauts to as high of an altitude as possible and to recover the payload
without damage.
26.2 Stages
If
the entry is staged, the eggs must be totally enclosed in the uppermost stage
of the entry.
26.2 Eggs
Eggs
must have a mass of not less than 57 grams and not more than 63 grams, and no
more than 45 millimeters in diameter. Prior to flight each egg must be uniquely
marked, and the mark must be recorded on the contestant’s flight card. A
contestant must not be required to use an egg(s) that has been previously
lofted by another contestant. No material may be affixed to the egg(s) (e.g.,
glue or tape).
26.3 Return
Following
the flight, the contestant must present his/her entry as recovered and, in the
presence of an official, must remove the eggs. If the shell of the egg(s) is
broken or cracked, the entry must be disqualified. If the official cannot
examine the eggs, or the contestant removes the eggs in the absence of
officials, or breaks the eggs in the process of removing them, the entry must
be disqualified. Any entry that is caught or cushioned prior to landing must be
disqualified. Rule 10.4 does not apply.
26.4 Classes
This event is divided into classes based on the permissible
total impulse of the motor(s). The following classes of Dual Egg Lofting
Altitude are established:
Motor
Class |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
27-29 Reserved for future events
30.1 Scope
Parachute
Duration comprises seven events open to single-stage entries containing one or
more parachutes for recovery purposes. The purpose of this event is to achieve
the longest flight duration time.
30.2 Qualification
Some
portion of the parachute must protrude out of the entry and into the airflow to
aid in recovery for the flight to be considered qualified.
30.3 Classes
This
event is divided into classes based on the permissible total impulse of the
motor(s). The following classes of Parachute Duration are established:
Motor
Class |
Multi-Round
Maximum |
1/8A |
40 sec |
1/4A |
60 sec |
1/2A |
120 sec |
A |
180 sec |
FAI A |
300 sec |
B |
240 sec |
C |
300 sec |
31.1 Scope
Streamer
Duration comprises eleven events open to single-stage entries that contain a
single streamer as the only recovery device. The purpose of this event is to
achieve the longest flight duration time.
31.2 Streamer Specifications
A streamer is a
continuous plane of identical cloth, plastic film, or paper; has a
length-to-width ration of 5:1 or greater; may be folded and/or creased; it may
not be cut, slit, punched, and or perforated.
The streamer and model must be connected by only a single line or cord,
attached at the narrow end of the streamer. The cord may not be connected to
either the streamer or the model at more than one point (e.g., no yokes are
permitted).
31.2.1 FAI Streamers
For
FAI class streamer duration, the streamer must have a length-to-width ratio of
10:1or greater. The cord attaching the streamer to the model may be attached to
a loop of thread that is attached to each corner of the narrow end of the
streamer.
31.3 Assembly
Several
pieces of material may be joined into a single streamer. All such joints must
be parallel to the narrow axis of the streamer. All pieces of the streamer must
consist of identical material.
31.4 Qualification
Some
portion of the streamer must protrude out of the entry and into the airflow to
aid in recovery for the flight to be considered qualified.
31.5 Classes
This
event is divided into classes based on the permissible total impulse of the
motor(s). The following classes of Streamer Duration are established.
Motor
Class |
Multi-Round
Maximum |
1/8A |
20 sec |
1/4A |
30 sec |
1/2A |
60 sec |
A |
120 sec |
FAI A |
180 sec |
B |
180 sec |
C |
240 sec |
D |
300 sec |
E |
300 sec |
F |
300 sec |
G |
300 sec |
32.1 Scope
Helicopter
Duration comprises eleven events open to any single-stage model rocket that
uses the principle of autorotation as the sole means of recovery. The purpose
of this event is to achieve the longest flight duration using an auto-rotating
recovery system.
32.2 Autorotation
Each
entry must be decelerated during descent by its auto-rotating recovery device.
The resulting autorotation must be around the vertical axis. An entry that
descends nose first, or flips over during descent is permitted.
32.3 Recovery
Recovery
devices employing flexible (e.g., plastic film or cloth) surfaces are
prohibited. Entries using a recovery system that is designed to act (or that
actually acts) in a manner similar to a parachute, a rigid inverted bowl, or
similar techniques are specifically excluded from this competition.
32.4 Qualification
The entry must make
a minimum of one complete rotation around its vertical axis during the recovery
portion of the flight to be considered qualified.
32.5 Classes
This
event is divided into classes based on the permissible total impulse of the
motor(s). The following classes of Helicopter Duration are established:
Motor
Class |
Multi-Round
Maximum |
1/8A |
20 sec |
1/4A |
30 sec |
1/2A |
60 sec |
A |
120 sec |
FAI A |
180 sec |
B |
180 sec |
C |
240 sec |
D |
300 sec |
E |
300 sec |
F |
300 sec |
G |
300 sec |
33.1 Scope
Superroc
Duration comprises ten events open to single-stage model rockets whose body
length is no less than the minimum allowed for the classes of the event. The
purpose of this event is to achieve the greatest duration possible with the
longest entry possible without impairing the structural integrity of the entry.
33.2 Structural Failure
An
entry that separates, folds, or has structural failure prior to ejection must
be disqualified.
33.3 Safety
Entrees
must comply with the provisions of Rule 1.1.
33.4 Scoring
Superroc
Duration must be scored as follows: the length of the entry to the nearest
centimeter as measured from the tip of the nose cone to the end of the motor
nozzle, up to the maximum length for that category, must be awarded as static
points. If the entry has more than one motor, the length must be measured to
the motor nozzle closest to the tip of the nose cone. No additional points are
awarded for any length beyond the maximum. The achieved duration of the entry in
seconds must be awarded as flight points. The static points and flight points thus
obtained must be multiplied to determine the score. The contestant
achieving the highest score must be declared the winner. When posting,
printing, or maintaining contest results or performance records, the model's
time in seconds must be shown with its composite score.
33.5 Classes
This
event is divided into classes based on the permissible total impulse of the
motor(s). The following classes of Superroc Duration are established:
Motor
Class |
Minimum
Length (centimeters) |
Maximum
Length (centimeters) |
1/8A |
12.5 |
25 |
1/4A |
25 |
50 |
1/2A |
50 |
100 |
A |
75 |
150 |
B |
100 |
200 |
C |
125 |
250 |
D |
150 |
300 |
E |
175 |
359 |
F |
200 |
400 |
G |
225 |
450 |
34.1 Scope
Egg
Lofting Duration comprises six events open to single-stage model rockets that
carry, as a totally enclosed payload, one raw large egg intended to simulate
carrying an astronaut and achieving the greatest duration possible.
34.2 Eggs
Eggs
must have a mass of not less than 57 grams and not more than 63 grams; and
measuring no more than 45 millimeters in diameter. Prior to flight each egg
must be uniquely marked and the mark must be recorded on the contestant’s
flight card. A contestant must not be required to use an egg that has been
previously flown lofted by another contestant. No material may be
affixed to the egg (e.g., glue or tape).
34.3 Return
Following the
flight, the contestant must present his/her entry as recovered and, in the
presence of an official, must remove the egg. If the shell
of the egg is broken or cracked, the entry must be disqualified. If an official
cannot examine the egg, or the contestant removes the egg in the absence of
officials, or breaks the egg in the process of removing it, the entry must be
disqualified. If an official cannot examine the egg, the entry will be
disqualified. Any
entry that is caught or cushioned prior to landing must be disqualified. Rule 10.4 does not apply.
34.4 Classes
This
event is divided into classes based on the permissible total impulse of the
motor(s). The following classes of Egg Lofting Duration are established:
Motor
Class |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
34.5 Scoring
Egg
Lofting Duration must be scored as follows: The contestant whose model achieves
the longest duration for a single flight is the winner.
35.1 Scope
Dual
Egg Lofting Duration comprises five events open to single-stage model rockets
that carry as a totally enclosed payload, two raw large eggs intended to
simulate carrying two astronauts and achieving the greatest duration possible.
35.2 Eggs
Eggs
must have a mass of not less than 57 grams and not more than 63 grams; and
measuring no more than 45 millimeters in diameter. Prior to flight each egg
must be uniquely marked and the marks must be recorded on the contestant’s
flight card. A contestant must not be required to use one or more eggs
that have been previously lofted by another contestant. No material may be
affixed to the egg(s) (e.g., glue or tape).
35.3 Return
Following the
flight, the contestant must present his/her entry as recovered and, in the
presence of an official, must remove the eggs. If the shell of
the egg(s) is broken or cracked, the entry must be disqualified. If the
official cannot examine the eggs, or the contestant removes the eggs in the
absence of officials, or breaks the eggs in the process of removing them, the
entry must be disqualified. Any entry that is caught or cushioned prior to
landing must be disqualified. Rule
10.4 does not apply.
35.4 Classes
This
event is divided into five classes based on the permissible total impulse of
the motor(s). The following classes of Dual Egg Lofting Duration are
established.
Motor
Class |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
35.5 Scoring
Dual
Egg Lofting Duration must be scored as follows: The contestant whose model
achieves the longest duration on a single flight is the winner.
36.1 Scope
Boost
Glider Duration comprises ten events open to any model rocket, one portion of
which returns to the ground in stable, gliding flight supported by aerodynamic
lifting surfaces that sustain that portion against gravity. If the entry is
staged, the gliding portion must be part of the uppermost stage. The entry may
separate into multiple pieces; only the gliding portion is timed and needs to
be returned per Rule 15.10. Entries whose gliding surfaces are made of
flexible materials (e.g., plastic film or cloth) are prohibited from this event.
The purpose of this event is to achieve the longest flight duration time.
36.2 Qualification
During the recovery portion of the
flight, the entry’s gliding portion must achieve a minimum of a 1:1 glide ratio
at some point to be considered qualified.
36.3 Disqualification
The
glider must not be deployed during the motor’s thrust phase- otherwise the
entry must be disqualified for pod separation. Non-gliding portions of the
entry may deploy parachutes and/or streamers for recovery purposes. However, any
gliding portion of the entry that descends with parachute and/or streamer
recovery device(s) intentionally attached must be disqualified.
36.4 Classes
This
event is divided into classes based on the permissible total impulse of the
motor(s). The following classes of Boost Glider Duration are established:
Motor
Class |
Multi-Round
Maximum |
1/8A |
30 sec |
1/4A |
45 sec |
1/2A |
90 sec |
A |
120 sec |
B |
240 sec |
C |
270 sec |
D |
270 sec |
E |
300 sec |
F |
300 sec |
G |
300 sec |
37.1 Scope
Rocket
Glider Duration comprises eleven events open to any single-staged model rocket
that returns to the ground in stable, gliding flight supported by aerodynamic
lifting surfaces which sustain it against gravity. Entries whose gliding surfaces are made of
flexible materials (e.g., plastic film or cloth) are prohibited from this
event. The purpose of this event is to achieve the longest flight duration
time.
37.2 Qualification
During the recovery portion of the
flight, the entry must achieve a minimum of a 1:1 glide ratio at some point to
be considered qualified.
37.3 Disqualification
Any
entry that descends with parachute and/or streamer recovery device(s) attached
must be disqualified. Any entry that separates into two or more unattached
parts, or ejects its motor must be disqualified.
37.4 Classes
This
event is divided into classes based on the permissible total impulse of the
motor(s). The following classes of Rocket Glider Duration are established:
Motor
Class |
Multi-Round
Maximum |
1/8A |
30 sec |
1/4A |
45 sec |
1/2A |
90 sec |
A |
120 sec |
FAI A |
180 sec |
B |
180 sec |
C |
240 sec |
D |
270 sec |
E |
300 sec |
F |
300 sec |
G |
300 sec |
38.1 Scope
Flex
Wing Boost Glider Duration comprises ten events open to any model rocket, one
portion of which returns to the ground in stable, gliding flight supported by
flexible aerodynamic lifting surfaces which sustain that portion against
gravity. If the entry is staged, the gliding portion must be part of the
uppermost stage. The entry may separate into multiple pieces; only the gliding
portion is timed and needs to be returned per Rule 15.10. The purpose of this event is to achieve
the longest flight duration time.
38.2 Qualification
During the recovery portion of the
flight, the entry’s gliding portion must achieve a minimum of a 1:1 glide ratio
at some point to be considered qualified.
38.3 Disqualification
Non-gliding
portions of the entry may deploy parachutes and/or streamers for recovery
purposes. However, any gliding portion of the entry that descends with
parachute and/or streamer recovery device(s) intentionally attached must be
disqualified
38.4 Classes
This
event is divided into classes based on the permissible total impulse of the
motor(s). The following classes of Flex Wing Boost Glider Duration are
established:
Motor
Class |
Multi-Round
Maximum |
1/8A |
30 sec |
1/4A |
45 sec |
1/2A |
90 sec |
A |
120 sec |
B |
180 sec |
C |
240 sec |
D |
270 sec |
E |
300 sec |
F |
300 sec |
G |
300 sec |
39.1 Scope
Precision
Duration comprises three events open to any single-staged model rocket. The
purpose of this event is to accurately predict the duration that an entry will
achieve.
39.2 Classes
The
three classes of Precision Duration are:
39.2.1 Predicted Duration
The
contestant must predict the duration in seconds that the entry will achieve.
The contestant’s prediction must be recorded on the flight card and given to
the official(s) prior to any official flight by the contestant at the meet. The
minimum duration prediction is 30 seconds.
39.2.2 Set
Duration
The
Launch-Contest Director must set the target duration when the meet is
sanctioned. This target duration must appear on the sanction form and all
appropriate meet information. The target duration must be no less than 30 and
no more than 120 seconds in increments of 5 seconds.
39.2.3 Random
Duration
The
Launch-Contest Director must select the target duration just prior to when the
event is flown, by random selection. The target duration must be no less than
30 and no more than 120 seconds in increments of 5 seconds.
39.3 Practice
Practice
flights are not allowed on the day the event is flown.
39.4 Number of Flights
Entries
must be allowed only one official flight in Precision Duration. In the case of
a timer malfunction, any flight allowed under Rule 15.11 must be made by the same entry, and no
changes in configuration, motor type, or prediction must be allowed.
39.5 Control
The entry may
not be radio controlled. The entry must not contain a dethermalizer or other
device whose purpose is to cause the entry to land after a predetermined amount
of elapsed time. Any entry that is caught or interfered with
prior to landing must be disqualified. Any
entry that drifts out of sight of the timers while still in flight must earn
only flight points.
39.6 Scoring
Precision
Duration must be scored as follows: the achieved duration of the entry must be
divided by the target duration, and the result multiplied by 100. This figure
must then be rounded to the nearest 0.1%. If the result is greater than or
equal to 100, subtract 100 from it; otherwise, subtract it from 100. The
contestant whose score comes closest to zero must be declared the winner.
39.7 Return
Return
of the entry to the officials is not required except as stated in Rule 9.10.
40 – 49 Reserved for future events
50.1 Scope
Sport
Scale comprises three events open to any entry that closely resembles an
existing or historical guided missile, rocket vehicle, or space vehicle, that
has flown under rocket power. The purpose of this event is to produce an
accurate, flying replica of a real rocket powered vehicle that is judged for
craftsmanship in construction, finish, and flight performance. Sport Scale
differs from Scale in that the dimensions of the entry are not measured per Rule 51.
50.2 Classes
The
following classes of Sport Scale exist:
50.2.1 Sport
Scale
Entries
may be any size.
50.2.2 Giant
Sport Scale
The
entry must be a minimum of 100 centimeters in overall length or a minimum of 10
centimeters in body diameter. Vehicles with significant outer assemblies or
winged vehicles qualify if their length plus wingspan totals at least 100
centimeters or if their girth (as measured around in a plane perpendicular to
the centerline of the model by a length of string around the components not
including the fins or wings) totals at least 31.4 centimeters.
50.2.3 Peanut
Sport Scale
The
entry may be a maximum of 30 centimeters in overall length or a maximum of 2
centimeters in body diameter. When judging this class, the increased difficulty
of building a very small model should be considered.
50.3 Exclusions
Sport
Scale entries of amateur rockets or missiles are specifically excluded from
this event, except when the prototype is of obvious historical significance.
50.4 Non-Flying Prototypes
Entries
in Sport Scale may model a non-flying or inert vehicle if its configuration is
representative of a historical vehicle configuration.
50.5 Plastic Models
Entries
that qualify for Plastic Model Conversion per Rule 55 are specifically excluded from this event.
Parts from commercial plastic kits may be used on scale entries provided this
is pointed out in the data presented with the entry for judging.
50.6 Kits
Commercially
available scale model rocket kits are acceptable for entry.
50.7 Data
The
contestant must supply data to substantiate his/her entry’s adherence to scale
in shape, color, and paint pattern.
50.8 Stages
If
the prototype is a multi-stage vehicle, the entry may be designed so that some
or all of the upper stages are inoperable dummies. However, an entry of one or
more of the upper stages of a multi-stage vehicle may not be entered without
the operable lower stage(s) unless specific data is furnished to prove to the
judges that the upper stage(s) have flown.
50.9 Transparent Fins
Transparent
fins are allowed for the purpose of stabilizing an entry. The transparent fins
and their attachment must be judged for craftsmanship along with the entry.
50.10 Judging
Entries must be judged for static points in the
following manner: Scale-like qualities are to be judged from a distance of at
least one meter from the model. Judges may then closely examine the model to
judge it for craftsmanship.
50.12 Flight
If
the entry does not make a safe, stable flight, it must be disqualified.
50.13 Static Judging
50.13.1
Similarity of Outline: 200 points
The
contestant is required to submit data to substantiate his/her entry’s visual
resemblance to the prototype. Minimum allowable data consists of:
· A line, tone, or color drawing; or
·
One or more clear photographs, halftones, or
photo-reproductions of the prototype, sufficient to show the outline and
general configuration of the prototype modeled.
50.13.2 Finish, Color, and
Markings: 200 points
The
contestant should submit data to substantiate his/her model’s fidelity to the
prototype. Such as:
· One or more clear photographs, halftones, or
photo-reproductions, including at least one in color. The number of these
submitted should be sufficient to substantiate additional views of the model on
which the color pattern and markings differ significantly.
· Other published pictorial representations, such as a color
painting, or a drawing from a magazine.
· A detailed written description and/or drawing (which may be
created by the contestant), from verifiable source, of the color scheme and
markings, accompanied by a drawing of the prototype on which the color scheme
and markings described have been included.
Any
entry not accompanied by data substantiating the finish, color, and markings of
the prototype must be given zero points for Finish, Color and Markings.
50.13.3 Degree of Difficulty: 100
points
Points must be awarded according to the difficulty
experienced by the contestant in building the model and adapting it for flight.
Consideration should be given to whether the entry was built from a kit. Points
should be awarded for parts and details that were individually constructed by
the contestant. To facilitate judging, the contestant should point out
difficult assemblies or construction problems in his/her data.
50.13.4
Craftsmanship: 300 points
Points
will be awarded for neatness, care in construction, craftsmanship of details,
and quality of finish. Consideration should be given to the invisibility of
body seams and wood grain, and the accurate reproduction of curved lines and
edges. The finish should be free of fingerprints, brush strokes, runs, or other
unintentional blemishes, and the paint pattern should be well defined.
50.14 Flight Characteristics: 300 points
50.14.1 Mission:
200 points
Mission
points are awarded for the entry’s appropriate and scale-like operation of the
prototype during flight. Examples of such operations are staging, simulated
cloud seeding, operation of electronic payload, and smoke ejection. Any such
operation that does not comply with the safety standards set forth in this
Sporting Code must be disqualified. The RSO is the only official who may rule
on the safety of the entry’s operation.
50.14.2 General
Flight: 100 points
General
flight points are awarded for proper operation of the entry during flight,
including launch, lack of misfires, stability, recovery, and lack of damage on
landing. No consideration should be given to staging or scale-like flight
characteristics, as they are covered under mission points. However, if the
general flight performance of the entry is adversely affected by the failure of
one or more of these aspects, general flight points may be deducted.
50.15 Damage
Damage
must be judged cumulatively with each flight, assessed from the judged
condition of the entry to the condition presented to the judge post-flight.
Damage caused by catastrophic failure must not be counted against the entry’s
flight points.
50.16 Scoring
Sport
Scale must be scored as follows: the entry’s static points are added to its
flight points. The contestant receiving the highest score is the winner.
51.1 Scope
Scale
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 event is to produce an
accurate, flying replica of a real rocket powered vehicle that is judged for
craftsmanship in construction, finish, and flight performance.
51.2 Exclusions
Prototypes of amateur rockets or missiles are specifically
excluded from this competition, except when the prototype is of obvious
historical significance.
51.3 Non-Flying Prototypes
Entries
in Scale may model a non-flying or inert prototype if its configuration is
representative of a historical vehicle configuration.
51.4 Plastic Models
Entries
that qualify for Plastic Model Conversion per Rule 55 are specifically excluded from this event.
Parts from commercial plastic kits may be used provided this is pointed out in
the data presented with the entry for judging.
51.5 Kits
Commercially
available flying scale model rocket kits are acceptable for entry only
if accompanied by additional substantiating data other than that contained in
the kit. The contestant must be responsible for ascertaining the correct scale
qualities of the kit, and must present satisfactory evidence that the entry is
to the correct scale.
51.6 Serial-Numbered Prototype
The
contestant should model one particular serial-numbered prototype (or round),
except in the case where the prototype is in such extensive mass production
that no single individual vehicle can be singled out for scaling entry.
However, the contestant must make every reasonable attempt to model a specific
prototype, since any generalization may detract from his/her score.
51.7 Data
The
contestant must supply data to substantiate his/her entry’s adherence to scale
in dimension, shape, color, and paint pattern.
51.8 Stages
If
the prototype is a multi-stage vehicle, the entry may be designed so that some
or all of the upper stages are inoperable dummies. However, an entry of one or
more of the upper stages of a multi-stage vehicle may not be entered without
the operable lower stage(s) unless specific data is furnished to prove to the
judges that the upper stage(s) has been flown.
51.9 Transparent Fins
Transparent
fins are allowed for the purpose of stabilizing an entry. The transparent fins
and their attachment must be judged for craftsmanship along with the entry.
51.10 Flight
If
the entry does not make a safe, stable flight, it must be disqualified.
51.11 Static Judging
51.11.1 Scale Data: 50 points
Points
must be awarded for data that exceeds the minimum requirements; however, data
will be judged on quality, not quantity. All data presented should apply to the
particular prototype that is being modeled. Minimum allowable data consists of:
· Scale factor
· Overall length
· Significant body diameter(s)
· Nose cone length
· Fin length and width (if applicable to the prototype)
· Length of transition pieces (if applicable)
· Color pattern (documented either in writing or by
photographs)
· One clear photograph, halftone, or photo-reproduction
· For at least all required dimensions listed above, both the
actual (prototype) dimensions and the scaled (model) dimensions presented in a
table or on a drawing
Dimensional
data must be from an accurate source, such as magazines, books, the prototype
manufacturer’s specifications or data sheets, and so on. Dimensions for which
explicit data cannot be found may be calculated by proportioning drawings or
photos; dimensions obtained in this manner must be so identified in the data.
Drawings prepared by the contestant to facilitate judging must be accompanied
by substantiating data or drawings. Photographs from any source are acceptable.
The photograph requirement may be satisfied by reproductions of pictures from
books and other printed material. In addition, the contestant should make an
effort to include in a table or drawing, any additional dimensions (both
prototype and scaled) that he/she has tried to scale. Points may be deducted if
the scale data is not pertinent to the prototype. An entry must be judged
against the data presented.
51.11.2 Accuracy
of Major Dimensions: 200 points
Major
dimensions include those required per Rule 50.11.1, as well as dimensions of sub-assemblies, location of
details, location of paint pattern, and so on. At least five dimensions must be
checked for accuracy. The judges must measure the model dimensions to a tolerance
of +/-0.5 millimeters. Points must be deducted according to the percentage of
deviation from the scale dimensions. Model features so small that they cannot
be measured should appear scale-like.
51.11.3 Accuracy
of Color and Markings: 100 points
The
color, surface finish, and texture of the entry should conform to the data and
photographs. Lettering and insignia, if applicable, should be scaled and
properly reproduced. Paint patterns should be properly proportioned.
51.11.4
Appearance of Details: 50 points
Details
such as antennas, rivets, cover plates, bolts, prototype imperfections, and so
on that appear in the data should be present and accurately scaled.
51.11.5
Craftsmanship: 300 points
Points
will be awarded for neatness, care in construction, craftsmanship of details,
and quality of finish. Consideration should be given to the invisibility of
body seams and wood grain, and the accurate reproduction of curved lines and
edges. The finish should be free of fingerprints, brush strokes, runs, or other
unintentional blemishes, and the paint pattern should be well defined.
51.11.6 Degree of
Difficulty: 200 points
Points
must be awarded according to the difficulty experienced by the contestant in
building the model and adapting it for flight. Consideration should be given to
whether the entry was built from a kit. Points should be awarded for parts and
details that were individually constructed by the contestant. To facilitate
judging, the contestant should point out difficult assemblies or construction
problems in his/her data.
51.12 Flight Characteristics: 300 points
51.12.1 Mission:
200 points
Mission
points are awarded for the entry’s appropriate and scale-like operation of the
prototype during flight. Examples of such operations are staging, simulated
cloud seeding, operation of electronic payload, and smoke ejection. Any such
operation that does not comply with the safety standards set forth in this
Sporting Code must be disqualified. The RSO is the only official who may rule
on the safety of the entry’s operation.
51.12.2 General
Flight: 100 points
General
flight points are awarded for proper operation of the entry during flight,
including launch, lack of misfires, stability, recovery, and lack of damage on
landing. No consideration should be given to staging or scale-like flight
characteristics, as they are covered under mission points. However, if the
general flight performance of the entry is adversely affected by the failure of
one or more of these aspects, general flight points may be deducted.
51.13 Damage
Damage
must be judged cumulatively with each flight, assessed from the judged
condition of the entry to the condition presented to the judge post-flight.
Damage caused by catastrophic failure must not be counted against the entry’s
flight points.
51.14 Scoring
Scale
must be scored as follows: the entry’s static points added to its flight
points. The contestant receiving the highest score is the winner.
52.1 Scope
Scale
Altitude comprises six 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 event is to
produce an accurate, flying replica of a real rocket powered vehicle that is
judged for craftsmanship in construction, finish, flight performance, and
achieving the greatest possible altitude
52.2 Judging
An
entry must comply with the rules of Scale per Rule 51.
52.3 Scoring
Scale
Altitude must be scored as follows: the entry’s static points must be combined
with its flight points and added to the entry’s altitude in meters. The
contestant achieving the highest score must be declared the winner.
52.4 Classes
This
event is divided into classes based on the maximum permissible total impulse of
the motor(s). The following classes of Scale Altitude are established:
Motor
Class |
1/8A |
1/4A |
1/2A |
A |
B |
C |
53.1 Scope
Concept
Sport Scale comprises a single event that is a variation of Sport Scale. The
purpose of this event is to produce a flying replica of either a fictional or a
proposed, but un-flown rocket vehicle. Entries that qualify for Sport Scale per
Rule 50 are excluded
from this event.
53.2 Exclusions
Subjects
excluded from this event:
· Vehicles from unpublished fiction and amateur films
· Science fiction or futuristic designs published by model
rocketry manufacturers, publications, or organizations specifically for flying
model construction
· Science fiction themed rocket kits that do not appear in
actual works of science fiction or rockets in generic science fiction
illustrations
· Generic illustrations of a class of proposed vehicle rather
than a specific program
· Real prototypes that appeared in science fiction, unless so
modified that they could not be flown in Sport Scale
· Amateur rockets and missiles, except when the prototype is
of obvious historical significance
53.3 Plastic Models
Entries that
qualify for Plastic Model Conversion per Rule 55 are excluded from this event.
53.4 Data
The
contestant must supply data to substantiate the model’s adherence in shape,
color, and paint pattern. Data must derive from the work of science fiction or
from an established aerospace professional, institution or company proposal.
.
For
fictional prototypes, photos and art extracted from the work of science
fiction, or from advertising or publicity for the work are acceptable. Photos
and drawings of props used in filming of works of science fiction are
acceptable. If the original work did not depict the vehicle in color, colors of
contemporary vehicles may be used to suggest a scheme consistent with the
original work.
For
proposed prototypes, photos and drawings of models produced by an established
aerospace professional, institution, or company is acceptable. If color or
marking data is not available, the contestant may use document markings of a
similarly proposed or flown design from the same era. Drawings or photographs
depicting flying model kits are not acceptable.
53.5 Flight
If
the entry does not make a safe, stable flight, it must be disqualified.
53.6 Static Judging
53.6.1 Similarity
of Outline: 200 points
The
contestant is required to submit data to substantiate his/her entry’s visual
resemblance to the prototype.
53.6.2 Finish, Color, and
Markings: 200 points
The
contestant should submit data to substantiate his/her model’s fidelity to the
prototype. Any entry not accompanied by
data substantiating the finish, color, and markings of the prototype must be
given zero points for Finish, Color and Markings.
53.6.3 Degree of Difficulty: 100
points
Points
must be awarded according to the difficulty experienced by the contestant in
building the model and adapting it for flight. Consideration should be given to
whether the entry was built from a kit. Points should be awarded for parts and
details that were individually constructed by the contestant. To facilitate
judging, the contestant should point out difficult assemblies or construction
problems in his/her data
53.6.4
Craftsmanship: 300 points
Points
will be awarded for neatness, care in construction, craftsmanship of details,
and quality of finish. Consideration should be given to the invisibility of
body seams and wood grain, and the accurate reproduction of curved lines and
edges. The finish should be free of fingerprints, brush strokes, runs, or other
unintentional blemishes, and the paint pattern should be well defined.
53.7 Flight Characteristics: 300 points
53.7.1 Mission:
200 points
Mission
points are awarded for the entry’s appropriate and scale-like operation of the
prototype during flight. Any such operation that does not comply with the
safety standards set forth in this Sporting Code must be disqualified. The RSO
is the only official who may rule on the safety of the entry’s operation.
53.7.2 General
Flight: 100 points
General
flight points are awarded for proper operation of the entry during flight,
including launch, lack of misfires, stability, recovery, and lack of damage on
landing. No consideration should be given to staging or scale-like flight
characteristics, as they are covered under mission points. However, if the
general flight performance of the entry is adversely affected by the failure of
one or more of these aspects, general flight points may be deducted.
53.8 Damage
Damage
must be judged cumulatively with each flight, assessed from the judged
condition of the entry to the condition presented to the judge post-flight.
Damage caused by catastrophic failure must not be counted against the entry’s
flight points.
53.9 Scoring
Concept
Sport Scale must be scored as follows: the entry’s static points are added to
its flight points. The contestant receiving the highest score is the winner.
54.1 Scope
Classic
Model comprises a single event that emphasizes craftsmanship while remembering
the historic legacy of model rocketry. The purpose of this event is to produce
a flying replica of a classic model rocket kit. The model must have been
available for sale in kit form prior to 1990 and the builder must provide
documentation to support this. Models that are still in production can be
entered in this event, including models that are reproductions of classic kits.
However, entries must be built and finished to represent a version of the model
available for sale as a kit prior to 1990. The entry may be an up or down sized
version of the original model.
54.2 Exclusions
Models
that are reproductions of scale model rocket kits that would be eligible for
competition in Sport Scale, Scale, Concept Sport Scale, and Plastic Model
Conversion are excluded from this event per Rules 50, 51, 53, and 55.
54.3 Data
The
contestant must supply data to substantiate the model’s adherence to shape,
color, and paint pattern. Data must be derived from a catalog, package insert
and/or the kit’s instruction sheet.
54.4 Judging
Entries
must be judged for static points in the following manner: Reproduction
qualities are to be judged from a distance of at least one meter from the
model. Judges may then closely examine the model to judge it for craftsmanship.
54.5 Flight.
If
the entry does not make a safe, stable flight, the entry must be disqualified.
54.6 Static Judging
54.6.1 Similarity
of Outline: 200 points
The
contestant is required to submit data to substantiate his/her entry’s visual
resemblance to the prototype.
54.6.2 Finish, Color, and
Markings: 200 points
The
contestant should submit data to substantiate his/her model’s fidelity to the
prototype. Any entry not accompanied by
data substantiating the finish, color, and markings of the prototype must be
given zero points for Finish, Color and Markings.
54.6.3 Degree of Difficulty: 100
points
Points
must be awarded according to the difficulty experienced by the contestant in
building the model and adapting it for flight. Consideration should be given to
whether the entry was built from a kit. Points should be awarded for parts and
details that were individually constructed by the contestant. To facilitate
judging, the contestant should point out difficult assemblies or construction
problems in his/her data
54.6.4
Craftsmanship: 300 points
Points
will be awarded for neatness, care in construction, craftsmanship of details,
and quality of finish. Consideration should be given to the invisibility of
body seams and wood grain, and the accurate reproduction of curved lines and
edges. The finish should be free of fingerprints, brush strokes, runs, or other
unintentional blemishes, and the paint pattern should be well defined.
54.7 Flight Characteristics: 300
points
Points
are awarded for proper operation of the model during flight, including launch,
lack of misfires, stability, recovery, and lack of damage on landing.
Consideration should be given to clustering, staging, glide recovery, or flight
characteristics that mimic the operation of the classic rocket kit prototype.
However, if the general flight performance of the model is adversely affected
by the failure of one or more of these aspects, points may be deducted from
Flight Characteristics.
54.8 Damage
Damage
must be judged cumulatively with each flight, assessed from the judged
condition of the entry to the condition presented to the judge post-flight.
Damage caused by catastrophic failure must not be counted against the entry’s
flight points.
54.9 Scoring
Classic
Model must be scored as follows: the entry’s static points are added to its
flight points. The contestant receiving the highest score is the winner
55.1 Scope
Plastic
Model Conversion comprises a single event open to entries that have been
assembled from plastic or resin model kits of guided missiles, rocket vehicles,
space vehicles, or jets whose engines are in or spaced apart to the rear of the
fuselage. The entry must be one that the manufacturer did not produce as a
model to be flown; and it must be modified for flight by the contestant. The
purpose of this event is to produce a flying model from a kit originally
intended as a static model and that shows craftsmanship in construction,
finish, and flight performance. The entry must be representative of the kit
chosen, as designed by the manufacturer.
55.2 Construction
Modifications
necessary to convert the model for flight are allowed. However, the basic
structure and configuration of the entry must be as designed by the manufacturer
of the kit. Details may be obtained from other plastic kits, or constructed by
the contestant. Components necessary to convert the model for flight may be
made of any safe material and obtained from any source.
55.3 Transparent Fins
Transparent
fins are allowed for the purpose of stabilizing an entry. The transparent fins
and their attachment must be judged for craftsmanship along with the entry.
55.4 Flight
If
the entry does not make a safe, stable flight, it must be disqualified.
55.5 Static Judging
55.5.1 Craftsmanship: 500 points
Points
are awarded in the following categories:
· Neatness and care in construction: 150 points
· Craftsmanship of details: 100 points
· Degree and quality of finish: 100 points
· General appearance: 150 points
55.5.2
Degree of Difficulty: 300 points
Points
are awarded according to the difficulty experienced by the contestant in
building the model, according to the following schedule:
· Asymmetries inherent in the model: 40 points
· Intricacy of paint pattern: 80 points
· Degree of detailing required: 80 points. This category
includes such items as the number of external or visible internal components
and details that had to be added or reconstructed individually by the
contestant.
· Difficulty of stabilizing model: 50 points
· Difficulty of adapting the model for flight: 50 points
The
judges should consider that entries exhibiting an equal degree of craftsmanship
might have required unequal amounts of time and effort because of the
uniqueness of the kit. To facilitate judging, the contestant should point out
difficult assemblies or construction problems in a note to the judges.
55.6 Flight Characteristics: 300 points
55.6.1
Mission: 200 points
Mission
points are awarded for the entry’s appropriate and scale-like operation of the prototype
during flight. Examples of such operations are staging, simulated cloud
seeding, operation of electronic payload, and smoke ejection. Any such
operation that does not comply with the safety standards set forth in this
Sporting Code must be disqualified. The RSO is the only official who may rule
on the safety of the entry’s operation.
55.6.2 General
Flight: 100 points
General
flight points are awarded for proper operation of the entry during flight,
including launch, lack of misfires, stability, recovery, and lack of damage on
landing. No consideration should be given to staging or scale-like flight
characteristics, as they are covered under mission points. However, if the
general flight performance of the entry is adversely affected by the failure of
one or more of these aspects, general flight points may be deducted.
55.7 Damage
Damage
must be judged cumulatively with each flight, assessed from the judged
condition of the entry to the condition presented to the judge post-flight.
Damage caused by catastrophic failure must not be counted against the entry’s
flight points.
55.8 Scoring
Plastic
Model Conversion must be scored as follows: the entry’s static points are added
to its flight points. The contestant receiving the highest score is the winner.
56 – 59 Reserved for future
events
60.1 Scope
Spot
Landing comprises three events open to single-staged entries. The purpose of
this event is to land the entry so that the tip of its nose cone is closest to
a predetermined spot on the ground.
60.2 Control
The
entry may not be remotely controlled or remotely guided.
60.3 Recovery
Each
entry must fully comply with Rule
3.5.
60.4 Separation
An
entry must not separate into two or more unattached pieces.
60.5 Number of Flights
Each
entry must be allowed only one official flight.
60.6 Practice
Practice
flights are not allowed on the day the event is flown.
60.7 Scoring
Spot
Landing must be scored as follows: the distance between the tip of the entry’s nose
cone (or motor nozzle if there is no nose cone) and the target spot must be
measured by the officials in meters to the nearest centimeter.
If
the tip of the nose cone lands more than 50 meters from the spot, the entry
must not place, but may receive flight points, otherwise, the entry must be
given a score equal to its distance in meters, measured to the nearest
centimeter. The contestant achieving the smallest score must be the winner.
60.8 Classes
The three classes of
Spot Landing are:
60.8.1 Open Spot
Landing
Any
type of recovery allowed.
60.8.2 Parachute Spot Landing
Each
entry must fully and completely deploy a parachute, with dimensions no less
than 15 centimeters square or 15 centimeters in diameter for recovery purposes.
60.8.3 Streamer Spot
Landing
Each
entry must fully and completely deploy a streamer with dimensions not less than
25 millimeters by 300 millimeters.
60.9 Flight Points
Any
entry that lands such that it cannot be measured or found may only be awarded
flight points.
61.1 Scope
Precision Payload
comprises three events open to single-stage model rockets that totally enclose
the specified payload(s) for each class. The purpose of this event is to
accurately predict both the altitude and duration that a model will attain
while carrying a payload of given mass and dimensions and recovering the
payload without damage.
61.2 Payload Types
Precision Payload
specifies two payload types:
• Standard
NAR Payload, a non-metallic cylinder as described in Rule 24.3
• Fragile
Payload, a raw large egg as described in Rule 25.3
61.3 Entry Requirements
The entry must not separate into multiple parts
per Rule 15.2. No
controlling device may be used to regulate flight altitude or duration. A
contestant may submit only one entry.
In case of catastrophic failure the contestant may enter a replacement entry per Rule 11.4.
61.4 Classes
61.4.1 Precision Standard
Payload
The entry must carry
one totally enclosed standard NAR Payload to a target altitude of 150 meters
and target duration of 40 seconds.
61.4.2 Precision
Fragile Payload
The entry must carry
one totally enclosed raw large egg to a target altitude of 300 meters and
target duration of 60 seconds.
61.4.3 Precision Dual
Fragile Payload
The entry must carry
two totally enclosed raw large eggs to a target altitude of 500 meters and
target duration of 90 seconds.
61.5 Scoring
Unless otherwise
noted, altitude data per Rule
14 and timing data provisions of Rule 15 apply. The score for each qualified flight
must be 1,000 points minus the altitude and duration errors. The altitude error
is the absolute difference between the recorded altitude and the target
altitude in meters. The duration error is three times the absolute difference
between the recorded duration and the target duration in seconds. The formula
for computing a flight score is:
S = 1000 –
ABS(TA – A) – 3 * ABS(TD – D)
Where:
S is the score for
the flight
A is the flight
altitude in meters
TA is the target
altitude in meters
D is the flight
duration in seconds
TD is the target
duration in seconds
ABS(…) is the
absolute-value function
The score for the
event must be the sum of the scores for up to two official flights. The highest
event score is the winner.
61.6 Return
The entry must be returned after each final
flight to verify that the payload(s) were retained within the entry.
61.7 Disqualification
A contest official
must inspect the payload(s) after each flight. If the official cannot examine
the payload(s), the flight is disqualified. If the contestant removes the
payload(s) in the absence of an official, the flight is disqualified. The
official may require that the standard NAR payload(s) be rechecked and must
disqualify the flight if it no longer complies with Rule 24.3.
If the fragile payload(s) are broken or cracked, the flight is
disqualified. Any entry that is caught or cushioned prior to landing must be
disqualified.
62 – 70 Reserved for future
events
Catastrophic Failure:
A failure that, in the opinion of the judges, is not due to
or caused by improper design, construction, or preflight preparations of the
model. This can include a malfunction of the model rocket motor, a model being
run over by a car or stolen, an irreversible error by a meet official such as a
lost flight card, or a similar occurrence beyond the control of a contestant.
This does not include improper assembly of a reloadable motor. A flight
experiencing a catastrophic failure may or may not be declared an official
flight. See Rule 11.4.
Contestant: A NAR
member or a team composed of NAR members entered in a sanctioned competition.
Entry: A model rocket entered in sanctioned
competition. A scale entry must also include its scale data.
First Motion: The instant
at which a model begins to move upward under the thrust provided by a model
rocket motor.
Gross Launching Mass:
The mass of a model rocket in flight condition, including
fully loaded motor(s), but not including launching devices or auxiliary
equipment which does not become airborne with the model.
Misfire: Failure of
a model to make an official flight when its launch is attempted. Failure to
launch caused by a malfunction in of a meet-provided launch system must
not be considered a misfire.
NAR Contest Board:
Refers to the National Contest Board of the National
Association of Rocketry.
Pitch Axis: An
imaginary reference line through a model about which the model might rotate. On
a typical model rocket, this axis runs side-ways through the body at the center
of gravity. Since a model rocket is usually symmetrical around the roll axis,
the pitch and yaw axes are usually indistinguishable. On a typical glider, the
pitch axis runs side-ways through the fuselage or boom in such a manner that if
the model, during gliding flight, were to rotate about the pitch axis, its nose
would move up or down.
Pop/Fly-away Lug:
A launch lug or other fitting that guides the rocket during
launch, but remains connected to the launcher, or falls from the model
immediately after leaving the launcher.
Roll Axis: An
imaginary reference line through a model about which the model may rotate
without changing its direction of travel. On a typical model rocket this axis
runs down the length of the model, from the center of the nose cone through the
center of the motor nozzle. On a typical glider, it runs down the fuselage or
boom, from the nose to the tail, in such a manner that if the model, during
gliding flight, were to rotate about its roll axis, one wing tip would rise
while the other fell, and the model would bank to one side.
Safety Ruling:
A ruling by a contest official denying an entry the
opportunity to fly due to considered judgment that the model would be unsafe in
flight. It is also a ruling that disqualifies a model which flies in an unsafe
manner.
Stage: Any portion or portions of the model
airframe containing one or more model rocket motors. An unpowered portion of
the model is not considered a stage. Clustered motors that ignite at the same
time, but may be contained in multiple airframe portions such as strap-on
boosters that separate in flight (i.e., Delta, Soyuz), are considered to be one
stage. Upper stages must involve ignition and separation from the airframe in
order to count as an additional stage. Air-starting of one or more additional motors,
which do not involve separation from the model, is not considered to be an
additional stage.
Yaw Axis: An
imaginary reference line through a model about which the model might rotate. On
a typical model rocket, this axis runs sideways through the body at the center
of gravity (see pitch axis). On a typical glider, the yaw axis runs vertically
through the fuselage or boom in such a manner that if the model, during gliding
flight, were to rotate about the yaw axis, its nose would move left or right.
CD Contest
Director
FAI Federation Aeronautique International
LCO Launch Control Officer
LD Launch
Director
SCO Safety Check Officer
NAR National Association of Rocketry
NARAM National Association of Rocketry Annual Meet
NFPA National Fire Protection Agency
RSO Range Safety Officer
ALT Altitude PRA Predicted Altitude
BG Boost
Glider Duration PRD Predicted Duration
CA Cluster
Altitude PSL Parachute Spot Landing
CM Classic
Model RDA Random Altitude
CSC Concept Sport Scale RDD Random Duration
DEA Dual Egg Lofting Altitude RG Rocket Glider Duration
DED Dual Egg Lofting Duration SC Scale
DFP Dual Fragile Precision Payload SCA Scale
Altitude
ELA Egg Lofting Altitude SD Streamer Duration
ELD Egg Lofting Duration SPP Standard Precision Payload
FPP Fragile Precision Payload SPSC Sport Scale
FW Flex
Wing Boost Glider Duration SRA Superroc Altitude
HD Helicopter
Duration SRD Superroc Duration
OSL Open Spot Landing SSL Streamer Spot Landing
PAY Payload STA Set Altitude
PD Parachute
Duration STD Set
Duration
PMC Plastic Model Conversion
CAT Catastrophic Failure (CATO)
DNF Did
Not Fly
DQ Disqualified
EGG Egg Broken
EJ Ejected Motor
FP Flight Points
IMP Impound
LUB* Loop Under Boost
LST Lost by Timers
MAX Maximum Time
NR No Return
ND No
Data (when altimeter data is not available)
NC Track Not Closed
NG No Glide
NDP No
Deployment
NVB* Non-Vertical Boost
PS* Pod Separation (from glider while
under power)
ROT No Rotation
SEP Separation
SHR* Shred
SF Structural Failure
TL Track Lost
UNS* Unsafe
UST* Unstable
* Indicates that this is considered a disqualification for
safety reasons
APPENDIX C: RETURN/SCORING GUIDE
Event |
Applicable Section # |
Return Required SQS* |
Return Required NARAM* |
Rule 10.4 Applies? |
Scoring Method |
Altitude |
20 |
No |
No |
N/A |
Best single qualified flight |
Boost Glider
Duration |
36 |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Sum of qualified flights** |
Classic Model |
54 |
N/A |
No |
N/A |
See 54.9 |
Cluster Altitude |
23 |
N/A |
Yes |
No |
Best single qualified flight |
Concept Sport Scale |
53 |
N/A |
No |
N/A |
See 53.9 |
Dual Egg Lofting
Altitude |
26 |
N/A |
Yes |
No |
Best single qualified flight |
Dual Egg Lofting
Duration |
35 |
N/A |
Yes |
No |
Best single qualified flight |
Dual Fragile
Precision Payload |
61 |
N/A |
Yes |
No |
See 61.5 |
Egg Lofting Altitude |
25 |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Best single qualified flight |
Egg Lofting Duration |
34 |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Best single qualified flight |
Flex Wing Glider
Duration |
38 |
N/A |
Yes |
Yes |
Sum of qualified flights** |
Fragile Precision
Payload |
61 |
N/A |
Yes |
No |
See 61.5 |
Helicopter Duration |
32 |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Sum of qualified flights** |
Parachute Duration |
30 |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Sum of qualified flights** |
Payload |
25 |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Best single qualified flight |
Plastic Model
Conversion |
55 |
N/A |
No |
N/A |
See 55.8 |
Precision Altitude |
22 |
N/A |
No |
N/A |
Only one official flight permitted |
Precision Duration |
39 |
N/A |
No |
N/A |
Only one official flight permitted |
Random Altitude |
22 |
N/A |
No |
N/A |
Only one official flight permitted |
Random Duration |
39 |
N/A |
No |
N/A |
Only one official flight permitted |
Scale |
51 |
N/A |
No |
N/A |
See 51.15 |
Scale Altitude |
52 |
N/A |
No |
N/A |
See 52.3 |
Sport Scale |
50 |
N/A |
No |
N/A |
See 50.16 |
Spot Landing |
60 |
N/A |
No |
N/A |
Only one official flight permitted |
Standard Precision
Payload |
61 |
N/A |
Yes |
No |
See 61.5 |
Streamer Duration |
31 |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Sum of qualified flights** |
Superroc Altitude |
21 |
No |
No |
N/A |
Best single qualified flight |
Superroc Duration |
33 |
N/A |
Yes |
Yes |
Sum of qualified flights** |
Multi-Round Duration |
All MR Events |
N/A |
No |
N/A |
Sum of 3 (or more) flights |
* Any entry may require return if a safety
or rule adherence question exists Refer to Rule 9.10
** Refer to Rule 10.1
N/A Not Applicable
It should be noted section “D” of the 2017 sporting code can only be
changed by the BOT.
Model rocketry
contests in the United States are governed by the U.S. Model Rocket Sporting
Code, a booklet known as The Pink Book. The rules in the Pink Book are revised
every year. The procedures published here explain how the rules are rewritten,
and how you can have a voice in the process. The NAR Contest Board oversees the
project. If you have questions about the Pink Book revision process, contact
the NAR Rules Revision Chairman.
The purpose of the Rules Proposal (RP) Procedures is to assist the NAR
Contest Board in monitoring and accomplishing rules revisions through an open
process that encourages member participation and feedback. The responsibility
of the Contest Board is to provide the U.S. Model Rocket Sporting Code
standards and policy that will promote the healthy development of the
competitive hobby of model rocketry.
Proposals submitted in the RP process should be reviewed by all
interested members for ambiguities in scoring, judging, and interpretation.
Contest Board members should openly discuss rule change proposals with as many
members as possible to obtain input on the merits or faults in the proposed new
rules. Care should be taken by members proposing and reviewing rule change
proposals to avoid generating rules that overlap or conflict with general rules
covering all contest events.
The following are example criteria the Contest Board may use in
analyzing each new rules proposal:
·
Manufacturing
- Will current models or equipment tend to become obsolete or no longer useful?
·
Protests -
Will the change tend to eliminate a source of protests or are protests more
likely?
·
Model
Processing Time - Will the change tend to increase or decrease time required to
process models at a meet?
·
Designs - Will
the builder be given more or less freedom in design?
·
Contests -
Will the time and effort required to conduct a contest be increased or
decreased?
·
Present models
- Will a contestant be able to effectively compete with current models, or will
the contestant have to build new ones?
·
Effect on
Competition -Will the net effect of the proposed change be to encourage or
discourage contest participation?
·
Effect on
Skill Level -Will the contestant be encouraged to develop new skills and
construction techniques?
These procedures provide for a one-year schedule, which begins on
September 1 of each year, for the review and adoption of Rules Proposals.
The National Contest Board Chairman may appoint advisory committee(s)
and a chair to assist the Contest Board in the development of a RP. These
committees will operate in accordance with the Contest Board Procedures.
The Contest Board Chair will strive to achieve maximum utilization of
existing special interest groups or individuals when selecting advisory
committee members. The Contest Board Chair will determine the tenure of
advisory committees. The National Contest Board Chair will appoint a Rules
Revision Chair to oversee the RP process.
Any NAR member may submit an RP by filing a completed Rules Change
Proposal Form with the Rules Revision Chairman (RRC). Upon receipt of the
proposal it will be reviewed by the RRC to assure that it has been properly
submitted (clearly stated proposal; name, address, and signature of proposer).
If the proposal, as submitted, does not pass the review, then it will be
returned to the author along with a checklist explaining deficiencies and
proper filing procedures. The RRC will process the submittal in a timely manner
and will send the author an acknowledgment of receipt within 30 days.
There are two basic types of proposals:
·
REGULAR RULES
REVISION PROPOSAL - May be filed by any NAR member. If adopted, the new rules
go into effect with the next edition of the Pink Book.
·
SAFETY,
EMERGENCY, URGENT OR INTERPRETATION PROPOSALS - May be filed by any NAR member,
but because of the relatively longer time required to get a rule change through
the normal process, there are alternate paths for revision, which may be
enacted quickly if the situation dictates.
The RRC will determine which of these two
categories a proposal should fall into, based on the content of the proposal
and the perceived dangers of delaying action on the proposal. Proposals
addressing problems that might result in the loss of life, injury, or property
damage will be given SAFETY status. The intent of SAFETY proposals is to
quickly modify a rule to create a safer flying environment.
Proposals addressing problems that might affect the integrity of the
national competition structure will be given EMERGENCY status. The intent of an
EMERGENCY proposal is to quickly modify an existing or proposed rule to prevent
a significant disruption to the Contest Year, National Championships, or to
otherwise ensure all competitors can compete in a fair manner. EMERGENCY
proposals may only be used when the time-sensitive nature of the issue does not
allow the proposal to be processed under URGENT or REGULAR rules change
proposals.
An URGENT proposal is one that is neither an interpretation nor is it
necessarily related to safety. It will constitute an actual change in the rules
and therefore the justification behind this type of proposal must be
scrutinized, as always, to prevent abuse.
An
INTERPRETATION proposal will not alter an existing rule but would provide
information designed to clarify it. It deals with interpretations of the rules,
or ways in which the rules are applied in the field. URGENT and INTERPRETATION
proposals will be dealt with as described in F.8.B below.
A. SAFETY or EMERGENCY
PROPOSALS
Proposals may
be put in force immediately if the National Contest Board Chairman, Rules
Revision Chairman and the President concur that the action is necessary. Notice
of the action and its rationale behind will be communicated to NAR members. Any
SAFETY or EMERGENCY proposal enacted as set forth above will remain in effect
under temporary status until acted upon by the Board of Trustees.
B. URGENT or INTERPRETATION PROPOSALS
Proposals may
be put in force immediately if the National Contest Board Chairman, Regional
Contest Board Chairman, and the Rules Revision Chairman concur that the action
is necessary. Notice of the action and its rationale behind will be
communicated to NAR members.
Situations judged by the RRC as cases where rules do not seem to cover
areas they should, may be applied to more than would be intended, or seem to
lack the logic and/or intent, and do not qualify under part (A), and require
immediate action may be enacted immediately based upon a 2/3 vote in favor of
the Contest Board listed above. When an RP illustrates an issue that requires
immediate action and is not sufficient as written (e.g., it does not cover the
areas it should, may be applied to more than one section of the Pink Book, or
lack complete logic to fully implement as written), the RRC can submit it to
the Contest Board for review, changes and ratification by a 2/3 vote of the
group consisting of the Contest Board Chair, the RRC, and the NAR President.
If the proposal does not receive a majority approval for immediate
action, it will be retained and is eligible for consideration as a Regular
Rules revision in the normal one-year cycle. All requests for SAFETY,
EMERGENCY, INTERPRETATION or URGENT rules must be submitted on the standard
proposal form or a facsimile that contains all of the required information. All
SAFETY, EMERGENCY, INTERPRETATION or URGENT rules adopted by the National
Contest Board will be included in the next printing of the Pink Book.
Upon receipt
of a completed Rules Change Proposal Form, the RRC must review the proposal for
acceptability. The RRC will ensure that the intent is clearly stated and that
the language and format is suitable for inclusion in the Pink Book. The
proposed rule revision must not result in a rules revision that violates the
Safety Code or general safety guidelines. If the new proposal affects more than
one rule or event, then the author must clearly address each of the changes
necessary to implement the proposal. If the proposal is deficient in any of
these areas, then the RRC may return it to the author with comments or
suggestions for presenting it properly. The RRC will process the submittal in a
timely manner and will send the author an acknowledgment of receipt within 30
days.
The reviewed proposals will be communicated to NAR members and will be
placed in the normal cycle for Regular Rules revisions. The Final Vote will be
conducted by the RRC through an electronic survey (E-Survey) ballot sent to the
membership. The E-Survey will contain a listing of the proposals having passed
the Initial Vote. It must contain web links to the full original RCP submission
and to any public comments about the RCP. It must state the deadline for
voting. The deadline must be set so that it is no less than 30 days after the
E-Survey has been sent to the membership.
The communication of a regular rules revision for comment will occur no
less than three (3) months prior to the Final E-Survey so that there is ample
time for the membership to discuss the merits of each proposal.
Every NAR member is entitled to one vote. Only votes cast on the official
E-Survey will be tabulated. Each survey vote may be submitted only by voting
members and the member will have to enter his/her NAR license number. E-Survey
votes can not be submitted after the deadline. The RRC will review the votes
cast for and against each individual proposal. Each proposal that receives
two-thirds (66.7%) or greater “Yes” votes will be deemed to have been approved
and will be included in the upcoming Pink Book revision.
To encourage member participation and discussion, the RRC or designee
must present the proposals received prior to the June 30th deadline
in a Contest Forum Meeting at NARAM following the close of that proposal cycle.
Rule change proposals will be communicated to NAR members prior to NARAM. Members
will be encouraged to participate in the NARAM Contest Forum Meeting or, if
unable to attend, to submit comments to the RRC. The purpose of all of the
member participation efforts is to allow for maximum input and suggestions for
changes that increase the quality of the proposed revision.
The RRC may, at any time prior to a vote, edit proposal wording for
purposes of clarity or to minimize misunderstandings and ambiguities, where the
RRC deems it necessary. Whenever possible, editing should be done early in the
rulemaking process. The RRC must not edit the proposal in such a manner that
its intent is altered. The RRC will inform the author in writing of the revised
wording in a timely manner so that any potential conflicts will be resolved
prior to publication deadlines. Should the member who submitted the proposed
rule change deem that the intent has of the proposed rule has changed, and
editing revisions cannot be resolved with the RRC, then the proposed rule
change as written by the submitting member will be offered to the members for a
vote.
The author of a proposal may request for withdrawal of the proposal
with the RRC.
Revisions to the Rules Proposal procedures must require approval by the
NAR Board of Trustees.
The suggested text of
any proposed revision(s) must be submitted to the RRC for communication to NAR
members at least two (2) months prior to a NAR Board Meeting so that the Board
might consider relevant input from the NAR membership.
TBD