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National Association of Rocketry

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Competition Guide

  • NAR Rocketry Competition
  • Altitude Events
  • Craftsmanship Events
  • Duration Events
  • Miscellaneous Events
  • Techniques and Tips

  • Since 1959, sanctioned NAR model rocket competition has evolved into a proven method for challenging the individual to improve craftsmanship and flying skills, and to pursue a “personal best” in performance with each flight. It is an activity that emphasizes craftsmanship, flying skill, and sportsmanship. Any NAR member can participate in NAR sanctioned competition, and any NAR section can host one. The NAR is the only rocket organization in the US that has a structured program of rocketry competition, that recognizes National Champions each year, and that sponsors a US Team in World Championships competition.

    The U.S. Model Rocket Sporting Code is the official rulebook for conducting and participating in NAR sanctioned competition. NAR members can design and build model rockets for 27 different competition events, most of which are flown in multiple power classes. Official US Records can be set in many of these events. In 2009 the NAR expanded its competition program by introducing a new dimension of competition for for high-power rockets. This new program is described in the High Power Rocket Sporting Code

    NAR Sections across the country host dozens of NAR Meets (a.k.a. contests, competition launches) that provide the focal point for NAR competition rocketry. Meets range in size from a few fliers from a local club to large, regional-scale meets drawing fliers from several states. The NAR holds a National Association of Rocketry Annual Meet (NARAM) to bring together all NAR members and sections for a week-long competition event to decide that year’s national model rocket competition champions. In addition, the NAR sponsors the US Team that flies in international (FAI) competition. The rules and designs for this type of competition are quite different from the NAR rules for US competition, so there is a separate section on the NAR website covering them.

    Launch Windows Online lists most of the competition events currently scheduled. Not all meets are always listed, so it is best to contact an NAR Section near you to find out if there is contest activity in your area. If there is not, try your hand at organizing your own contest — go to that page to read more.

    Want to try your first competition but aren’t sure how to begin? Go the pages on getting started in competition, on flying your first meet, and on the basics of the rules. Then go to the page on this site that tells you all about how to do each of the most popular specific events flown in NAR competition.

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    • High Power Rocket Certification

      Design and Fly High Power Rocket Vehicles Learn More

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      Connect with Proven Rocketry Experts Find A Club Today

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      Engage in meaningful conversations about rocketry topics that matter. Get Connected!

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      Six 48 Page Issues a year with NAR Membership!


    • Contact Nar

      National Association of Rocketry
      P.O. Box 407
      Marion, IA 52302

      Call: 319-373-8910

    • Join NAR

      The best way to get more out of the exciting hobby of rocketry is to connect with other flyers. The National Association of Rocketry can get you connected to the cutting edge of the hobby so you can learn how to fly higher, faster, and better. As an NAR member you will get:

      • Access to launch sites through local NAR clubs
      • The bimonthly color magazine "Sport Rocketry"
      • Insurance coverage for your flights
      • Certification for high power rocket flying

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      • Home
      • Join NAR
      • Site Map
      • Contact Us
      • My Membership
      • About NAR
      • The American Rocketry Challenge
      • Model Rocket Info
        ▼
        • The Sport Rocketry Hobby
        • Model Rocket Safety Code
        • Understanding FAA Regulations
      • High Power Rocketry
        ▼
        • High Power Rocketry Certifications
        • High Power Rocket Safety Code
        • Understanding FAA Regulations
        • Filing for FAA Launch Authorization
        • High Power Resources
          ▼
          • High Power Technical Reports
          • NAR HPR Certified Member Search
        • The NAR Rocket Science Achievement Award
      • Educational Resources
        ▼
        • Online Mentoring Resources
        • NARTREK Skills Program
        • The NARTREK Cadet Program
        • 4-H
        • Air Force JROTC
        • Civil Air Patrol
        • Rocket Teacher Certification Program
        • Grants, Scholarships, and Recipients
        • Educator’s Newsletter Archive
      • Find a Launch
        ▼
        • General Launch Information
        • Launch Calendar
        • Find a Contest
        • Register an NAR Launch
      • Local Clubs
        ▼
        • NAR Club Locator
        • Find an NAR Club Launch
        • Submit a Local Club / Submit Changes
        • Section FAQ’s
        • Section Guidebook
      • Insurance Questions/Claims
      • Safety
        ▼
        • Safety Codes
        • Model Rocket Safety Code
        • High Power Rocket Safety Code
        • Radio Control Rocket Glider Safety Code
      • Rocket Motor Information
        ▼
        • Certified Motors
          ▼
          • Motor Related Lists
        • NAR Motor Testing
          ▼
          • NAR Motor Testing Notices
        • Manufacturer Notifications
        • Report a Malfunctioning Motor
      • Contest Flying – NAR Competition
        ▼
        • National Scoreboard
        • US Team Selection Scoreboard
        • Find a Contest
        • Register an NAR Launch
        • Competition Results Entry
        • Team Registration
        • Teams List
        • Contest Events
        • Competition Meets
        • US National Model Rocket Performance Records – 8/2/19
        • International Competition
        • Competition Guide
        • U.S. Model Rocket Sporting Code
        • Rules Revision Process
      • Sport Rocketry Magazine
        ▼
        • Magazine Submissions
        • Write It and Get Paid
        • Advertise in Sport Rocketry
        • Sample Issue
        • Contact Sport Rocketry
      • Member Resources
        ▼
        • Members Only Forum
        • Magazine Archives
          ▼
          • Sport Rocketry Magazine
          • eRocketeer Digital Editions
          • Member Guidebook Archive
          • American Spacemodeling Magazine
          • The Model Rocketeer Magazine
          • Model Rocketry Magazine
        • NARTREK Skills Program
        • R&D Reports
        • Technical Bibliography
        • NAR Insurance
          ▼
          • Insurance Questions
          • Proof of Insurance
          • NAR Insurance Claim Form
        • NAR Association Documents
        • Promotional Materials
      • NAR Products
      • Website Fixes
      • Donate
      • What’s My NAR Number?
      • Log out