The Kansas 4-H Rocketry program is designed to allow 4-H members to explore aerospace through rockets of various sizes. Kansas 4-H has adopted the National Association of Rocketry’s rules, regulations, and safety guidelines.
General definitions for all categories:
1. As defined by the National Association of Rocketry (NAR), a scale model is “any model rocket that is a true scale model of an existing or historical guided missile, rocket vehicle, or space vehicle.” The intent of scale modeling is, according to the NAR, “to produce an accurate, flying replica of a real rocket vehicle that exhibits maximum craftsmanship in construction, finish, and flight performance.” (NAR “Pink Book” 50.1 4-1)
2. For the purposes of Kansas 4-H a high powered rocket is defined as a rocket that meets any of the following criteria:
- Is 2 inches or greater in diameter (not including fins) and taller than 3 feet (36 inches including fins);
- Weighs more than 1 pounds (16 ounces) without engines at the time of launch;
- Uses an ‘E’ engine or larger to launch (2D’s, 4C’s, 8B’s, etc.);
- The total impulse of all engines used in the rocket is greater than 20.01 Newton-seconds of thrust.
3. For the purposes of Kansas 4-H NO rocket may be launched using engines totaling more than an ‘I’ impulse engine or 640 Newton-seconds of total
thrust.
4. NAR refers to the National Association of Rocketry and its governing board.
5. All NAR documents, with the exception of the “pink book,” referenced herein can be found at http://www.nar.org.
6. NAR rules for launching and construction of all rockets are assumed to be used by all 4-H exhibitors.
7. Adult supervision is defined as being under the direct supervision of someone 18 years of age or older.
8. High power certification is defined as having success fully completed a certification program for high-powered rocketry through the NAR and maintaining that certification. This applies to all membership levels in the
NAR.
9. Relevant documents may be obtained from County Extension Offices or from http://www.Kansas4-H.org/Events/SpaceTech/.
General guidelines for all categories:
1. Review General Rules.
2. 4-Hers must be currently enrolled in the 4-H Rocketry program.
3. Each exhibitor may enter up to two rockets that have been constructed during the current year. If two rockets are entered, one rocket must be a “kit” and the second may be entered into any other applicable class. An exhibitor may not enter two rockets in the same class. To exhibit in this division, the rocket must have been flown. Support rods must not extend past the tip of the highest nosecone on the model. Support rods must remain in the upright position, do not angle. NO model may be submitted on a launch pad.
4. Engines and igniters are not permitted with the exhibit and constitute an immediate disqualification. The only exception to this is the use of a “spent” engine as a permanently affixed structural component of a display base. When a “spent” engine is used in this manner the casing must be completely hollow from one end of the “spent” engine to the other. This hollowing of the “spent” engine includes removal of the nozzle. DO NOT USE engines
that still contain propellant.
5. The report that accompanies the rocket must be limited to the4-H Rocket Exhibit Information Form which is glued to a 10" x 13" envelope. This may be downloaded from http://www.Kansas4-H.org/Events/SpaceTech/
6. Plans (or a photocopy) must be placed inside the envelope. This includes original design rockets. If a rocket kit has been modified structurally, notations need to be given indicating the changes made. One or more photographs of the rocket at the launch site are required. Photographs showing the rocket at the moment of ignition are preferred. Photographs should be mounted on one side of 8 ½” x 11” page (s). There are to be at
least 1 page of photos and no more than 5 pages of photos.
7. For a rocket entered in the original design classes, describe in the summary how the rocket was tested for stability prior to flying.
8. The altitude achieved by the rocket is to be determined using a method other than estimation. Examples of accepted methods include altimeter, computer software, range finders, etc.
General Construction Guidelines for all categories:
1. Angles of fins must fall within a plus or minus 2 degree variation using an approved fin alignment guide (such as DGD 031989)
2. Exhibits must be uniformly painted, smoothly finished, and have decals applied smoothly. Fins should be rounded or streamlined. Fins and body tubes are to be sealed to eliminate the appearance of body grooves and wood grain. Any seams on plastic parts are to be sanded smooth. The rocket is to be properly assembled. Fins and launch lugs are to be filleted to reduce drag and properly secure them to the model. The nose cone is to fit snugly but still
allow for easy removal.
3. Models may not be judged based on their paint scheme, with the exception of rockets that fit the definition of a “scale model.” These “scale models” may be judged based on the paint scheme. All other rockets may deviate from the suggested paint scheme, allowing the 4-Her to display maximum creativity in the finishing of their rocket. Under no circumstances is the weight given to the paint scheme to be sufficient enough, by itself, to move the model
from one ribbon placing to another.
4. Flight damage is to be documented by the participant. The judging of flight damage is to be secondary to all other aspects of the model and only then may it even be considered. However under no circumstance may flight damage be grounds for disqualification.
5. Beginner kits with prefabricated fin assemblies and prefinished rockets requiring no painting are not acceptable, and will be given a participation ribbon. (EXCEPT FOR DIVISION A)
6. Original design rockets cannot be a modification of a preexisting kit and must be of original design.
7. Multi-stage rockets can be flown using just the final stage and be considered fully flown.
Rocketry Guidelines:
1. 4-H members must be currently enrolled in the 4-H Rocketry program to exhibit in this division.
2. Entries must have been selected at the county level for entry at the State Fair. Counties/Districts should select top blue or purple ribbon Rocketry exhibits which meet State Fair guidelines.
3. Each rocket must be able to stand freely by itself or be supported by a solid base, not to exceed 3/4" thick and 8" square.
4. All exhibitors must comply with the NAR Model Rocket Safety Code that is in effect as of October 1st of the current 4-H year. However in the event that there is a modification in this code the SpaceTech Action Team may review and implement the modified code.

Alternative Skins (ages 14 and up):
Alternative skins are an advanced construction technique that allows the builders of model rockets display maximum design and creativity in their models. Alternative Skins are thin coverings over a supporting skeleton that serve as the finish of a rocket as opposed to painting.
Construction and Operating Rules:
Use of alternative skins used for model aircraft is permitted on rockets of original design provided adequate provisions are made to prevent the rocket from catching fire during all phases of flight. When used in construction these alternative skins should not be used as primary structure for the rocket. The rocket should still be of sound design and construction to insure safety for personnel performing launch activities as well as others who are in the nearby vicinity.
Types of covering:
Plastic shrink type coatings used for radio control model aircraft are permitted. These can be obtained from various manufacturers and hobby suppliers. Other types of fabric coverings such as cloth types using coatings for stiffness are permitted as long as all of the rules set forth above are met.
Quality of Finish:
When the above finishes are used the following judging criteria will apply in addition to those for judging other rocketry divisions. Seams and transition areas will be uniform and even when they are needed in the construction. Gaps and holes are not permitted in the covering especially where the fins or other stabilizing devices meet the main body of the rocket. Omission of these skins from the bottom of the rocket is permissible. Paints and other types of coatings currently used for rocketry may be substituted in theses areas. Alternative skins in this section may also be used in conjunction with paints on the rocket. However, care shall be taken to insure that edges of the alternative skins will not be peel off in flight.

Division A - Exhibitors 7 through 9 years old
2100 - Rockets made from a kit, include plans
2101 - Rocket designed by exhibitor; not merely a modification of an existing kit. Include original plans
Division B - Exhibitors 10 through 13
2102 - Rocket made from kit. Include plans.
2103 - Rocket designed by exhibitor; not merely a modification of an existing kit. Include original plans.
2104 - Rocket designed by exhibitor that uses alternative skins; not merely a modification of an existing kit. Include original plans.
Division C - Exhibitors 14 years and older
2105 - Rocket made from kit. Include plans.
2106 - Rocket designed by exhibitor; not merely a modification of an existing kit. Include original plans.
2107 - Rocket designed by exhibitor that uses alternative skins; not merely a modification of an existing kit. Include original plans.
Division D - Exhibitors 10 years and older
This class is designed to encourage teamwork among individuals and clubs to work on a rocket from the initial design to the finished product.
2108 - Rocket designed by 2 or more exhibitors; not merely a modification of an existing kit. Include original plans.

HIGH POWERED RULES

Purpose: To allow for improved safety and judging of rockets that meet the following requirements:
1. All rules above apply.
2. 4-H members must be currently enrolled in the 4-H Space Tech–Rocketry program to exhibit in this division. Exhibitors must be at least 14 years of age by January 1 of the current year.
3. Entries must have been selected at the county level for entry at the State Fair. Counties/Districts should select top blue or purple ribbon High Powered Rocketry exhibits which meet State Fair guidelines.
4. The NAR High Power Rocket Safety Code applies to the construction and launching of all rockets displayed in this division. As such all exhibitors must comply with the NAR High Power Rocket Safety Code that is in effect as of October 1st of the current 4-H year. However in the event that there is a modification in this code the Space Tech Action Team may review and implement the modified code.
5. All rockets in this division are to be launched under adult supervision by the 4-H member who constructed the rocket.
6. If a rocket is launched using an engine (s) that has 160.1 (‘H’ engine or equivalent amount of smaller engines) Newton’sseconds or larger, adult supervision must be provided by an individual having at least a level 1 high power certification. The 4-H member should also hold or be attempting to attain their level 1 high power certification, and should include supporting
documentation of such (a copy of Level 1 card is sufficient).
7. If according to Federal Aviation Regulations Part 101, a waiver is required to fly the rocket, a copy of that waiver is to be attached to the High Power Information Form. In the case where the launch was a public event a substitute to a copy of the waiver is the Range Safety Officers (RSO’s) contact information.
8. High Power Rockets may be displayed without a supporting stand. If a supporting stand is used, it is not to exceed 8" square and 3/4" thick.
9. In addition to the information packet completed for all rockets, a high power information form is to be completed and placed inside of the information packet. This may be downloaded from http://www.Kansas4-H.org/Events/SpaceTech/
10. If a safety violation is noted by the judges, superintendent, or other staff, the exhibitor’s rocket, at the judges’ discretion, will receive a participation ribbon. All information necessary will be given to the NAR and TRIPOLI for investigation and possible revocation of membership.

Division D - Exhibitors 14 years and older
2109 - High power rocket made from kit or original design.

GRAND CHAMPION AND RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION ROCKETRY

Juniors and Seniors Exhibition Launch
2110 - An exhibit must have been entered in one of the previous classes. Any rocket may be used in the event, however, the rocket must meet above class requirements. Engines used in rocket must be type recommended by
rocket manufacturers. No modifications to install engine larger than those recommended by manufacturer will be allowed.