RCP# 2019-05

Name: Mark B. Bundick

NAR #: 19250 LIFE

Email Address: mbundick@comcast.net

Brief Summary of the Proposed Change: I am proposing a change to Rule 13.1 National Rocketry Competition (NRC), Section 13.1.2 Event Selection to permit different event selection for different competition divisions.

 State the Logic of the Change:  The NRC’s creation was designed to attract new participants into the NAR’s competition community.  The NRC has succeeded in doing this primarily by making contest easier to organize and report, and by providing nearly instant feedback on standings at the NAR website.  The 2018-2019 Contest Year showed that these gains could be hampered, particularly for younger competitors, when very difficult events are selected for the NRC.  1/4A Helicopter Duration vexed many flyers, even experienced competitors.  In the past, NARAM Contest Directors have also recognized that younger competitors may have difficulties in events that older flyers wish to fly.  They accommodated the needs of both groups by selecting different events for different groups:

NARAM-54:     D Egg Lofting Altitude (A & B Division) G Egg Lofting Altitude (C & T Division)

NARAM-59:     D Helicopter Duration (A & B Division) G Helicopter Duration (C & T Division).

This proposed change seeks to provide an option for the Contest Board to consider a similar approach for NRC events.  By allowing the Contest Board the option to select different events for different divisions, younger flyers will continue to improve their skills and not become frustrated by repeatedly poor performance in a more difficult event aimed primarily at older, more experienced competitors.

Effect if any on Current Competition and NAR Records:  There will be no significant impacts to manufacturers, contest management, records or range operations from this proposed change.

Exact Wording for the Rule Revision as it should appear:

Add the following sentence to 13.1.2 – Event Selection: At the discretion of the Contest Board, different NRC events may be selected for different competition divisions.