NAR chartered Sections are locally-organized rocket clubs. As of NARAM-62, there are now three (3) Section types on a trial basis:

1. Public Sections: Open to anyone. Requires at least two (2) NAR members to charter and then five (5) members to renew. Public sections are eligible for all Section benefits, including Section Grants and Landowner Site Insurance as long as they meet the minimum membership requirements.
   
   
2. Organizational Sections (formerly Private Sections): Formed by schools and/or other organizations (e.g. TARC, Scouts, school groups) that limit participation to their students and faculty and/or members of their organization. Requires at least two (2) NAR members to charter AND renew (this is a change from the previous five member requirement). NAR membership is encouraged but not required for all other members. The existing NAR members would be responsible for all activities conducted by the Section. These Sections are not eligible for Section Grants but are entitled to Landowner Site Insurance as long as they meet the minimum membership requirements.
   
   
3. Private Sections (restructured): Formed as a local group (e.g. friends, families, etc.), they require a minimum of five (5) NAR members to charter AND renew each year. Private Sections are not eligible for Section Grants but do qualify for Landowner Site Insurance as long as they meet the minimum membership requirements.
   

Note: All Sections must include at least one (1) NAR Senior member among their membership.

Sections hold and participate in sport launches, competitions, conventions, and other local, regional, and national rocketry activities. In addition, Sections can apply to host the NAR National Competition Meet (NARAM), or National Sport Launch (NSL) at their local site.

What Are The Benefits of Becoming a Section?

NAR Sections are covered by a five million dollar liability insurance policy to safeguard its assets and equipment. In addition, Sections can apply for insurance that covers the owners of launch fields, meeting halls, and other activity locations. Unlike the NAR liability insurance offered to individual members which insures only themselves, this optional insurance is available only to Sections and insures the property owner directly.

The NAR provides Section officers with guidance on how to organize and run a Section as well as assist with filing for FAA waivers and other regulatory hurdles.

The NAR currently offers grants of up to $250 each year to its Public Sections to help with safety equipment, launch gear, and publicity. You may apply for the Section Grant here.

Public Sections can also compete for the coveted Rockwell Trophy awarded annually for the most outstanding Section newsletter. Public Sections with their own websites are also automatically eligible for the annual Website Excellence Award.

Any NAR member is welcome to join an existing Public Section. You can find and get information about the nearest Section to you using the Section List. Membership in Organizational and Private Sections is limited to the organizations and groups that formed them.

What If There’s No Section Near Me?

If there is no Section in your area, Starting a New Section is easy and rewarding. We provide all the information you need to recruit modelers and charter your own NAR sanctioned club. To experience the fun and excitement of organized rocketry in your own area, Submit/Change A Club

Not located in the United States? Here is a list of National Organizations outside the U.S.