For More Information, contact Lion Colleen Oncay at 508-478-3425 or email colleeno@mendongreenhouse.com.
Mendon’s Pumpkin Launch
Saturday October 7, 2017 Rain Date Sunday, Oct 8
Rules subject to final review for safety.
Organization or Lead Team Member: ______________________________________________________________________
Team Name for Publishing: __________________________________________________________
Mailing Address: ___________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: Home: _______________________________ Work: ________________________________
Email: ____________________________________________________________________________
Prizes will be awarded for the greatest distance in each age category, using the best of 3 attempts.
If enough participants, each category will have the following classes:
Junior High / Elementary / Youth Civic Group
(Under age 12 must be accompanied by parent if launching)
High School / Teen Civic Group
Adult Group
RULES AND REGULATIONS:
1. Design of Catapult/Trebuchet:
The catapult/trebuchet or other can be of any design as long as it is constructed of common materials designed for the weights or stresses that will be put on them, and which allows it to operate in a safe manner. Materials should be rated for the job they are asked to perform. The machines will be inspected prior to the competition by a panel of judges who will determine compliance with the guidelines.
Only the team members’ human power is allowed. The use of pedals, cranks, and gears are allowed.
No motors, engines, pneumatic assists, compressed air, steam or any other compressed gas, hydraulics or ignitable substances may be used or attached in any way.
Trebuchets must be equipped with a Safety Release.
Safety Release: The safety release must be in place to hold the arm in case of accidental release of trigger, and also in case of failure of trigger during loading. Safety release does not need a 10 foot distance to be removed.
2. Categories
Trebuchet – (Total arm length of 8 Foot or less)
The Trebuchet uses a short arm, which is weighted down with a heavy object to counterbalance against the long arm, where the projectile (the pumpkin) is placed. When the heavy mass of the short arm falls down, it provides energy to fling the long arm.
Catapult
A machine using stretched springs or rubber bands, which store energy. When the springs or bands are pulled and then released, the stored up energy is transferred to the arm of the device, which hurls the pumpkin. Catapults must be equipped with a Safety Release.
Safety Release: The safety release must be in place to hold the arm in case of accidental release of trigger, and also in case of failure of trigger during loading. Safety release does not need a 10 foot distance to be removed.
Trigger: The trigger is the actual firing release. The trigger must be released from a distance no less than 10 feet from the catapult.
3. Launch:
The mechanics of the launch mechanism must be constructed in such a way as to allow for a safe release of the throwing arm, allowing no “backfiring”, and shall not in any way endanger the well-being of either the contestants or audience. The Safety Release must be used on a catapult.
Hard hats and safety goggles, provided by the event, must be worn at all times by members executing launch. All members of a team under age 18 must be at least 10 feet away from a catapult when fired.
Teams may preload. When required each team may have 5 minutes to pull the arm back, load a pumpkin, and fire.
The Pumpkin:
Pumpkin will be supplied by organizers and will weigh between 2-3 pounds.
All pumpkins fired must remain intact until they impact the ground to obtain an official measurement.
No wadding can be used in the machines to hold the pumpkin in place before the sling.
Size and complexity:
The device must be of no greater size and weight than what allows for the participating team to stay within the “field of play.”
Devices must be delivered to the field on Friday, October 11, and removed after the close of the Fair on Saturday, October 12, or during the day on Sunday, October 13. (Rain date for Fair is Sunday, October 13, dates forwarded 1 day in case of change of Fair date). Placement of each team’s device is at the discretion of the Committee.
Safety:
Teams are responsible for the safety of their own team members as well as the safety of the pit next to them. Do not attempt actions that place your team or the teams around you at risk of injury. Communication with the judges and staff is critical for us to understand changes you intend to make throughout the day. The staff is here to help you play safe, help them help you by communicating with them changes that could impact safe operation of your equipment. Don’t assume they understand your equipment like you understand it. Help them by explaining your issues or changes. If the judges determine that entrants are not competing and launching in a safe manner, or making changes that have not been communicated, they shall be eliminated from competition. No exceptions.
All catapult and trebuchet machines must have a safety release - a strap or mechanism to hold the throwing arm or boom in case of misfire when loading. You are responsible for making sure everyone stays clear of your machine, in case of a misfire. Personnel handling ropes or cable should wear gloves such as a sailing or repelling type to prevent burns.
Any machine found to have structural defects (load, beams, firing pins, any load bearing members, supports, or support subsystems) will be banned from launching until repaired and re-inspected by a member of the safety committee.
Entrants shall indemnify and hold harmless the Mendon Lions Club, the Mendon Country Gift Barn, and their officers, directors, employees and agents, and the owners/operators of the event host property and the Town of Mendon, Massachusetts, its employees and elected representatives, from and against any and all claims, demands, causes of action or liability resulting from injuries to any person or persons, including death, or damage to any property arising out of a negligent act or omission by the entrants with the activities described herein.
All members of the catapult teams must sign waivers and/or release forms on the date of the Fair in order to participate. Team members under age 18 must have the forms signed by parent or guardian.
