Punkin Chunkin

Saturday, September 23

Competition Rules

Machine Design Rules — SAFETY FIRST

1. All machines must be built to fire repeatedly and reliably without losing any part of the machine.
2. Any machines which fail during competition will be disqualified.
3. Team captain must certify the machine has been fired at least 10 times without failure.
4. Teams will inform judges during registration of the max design distance for their machine.
5. The safety judge may disqualify any machine which is not considered safe at any point in the competition. 
6. Trebuchets may not use more than 450 lbs and height of the counterweight may not exceed 6′ (feet).  Counterweight height will be measured from the bottom of the counterweight box to the base of the machine (excluding wheels, or materials used to level machine on unloved surface).
7. Machines must incorporate a “safety” mechanism to prevent a mis-fire.  This safety mechanism must be in addition to the trigger mechanism.
8. Everyone must be a minimum of 10′ (feet) from the machine when fired, including trigger operator.

THE CONTEST

1. Each team will be allowed 3 people in the “pit” area during firing.
2. A target will be mounted on a wagon for each team to shoot at.  The field judge will place the target within the design limit identified by the teams during the safety inspection.  Teams will have 5 minutes to tune the machine to hit the target.
3. The scoring will be:  Bull’s Eye – 25 Points, Target (anywhere) – 20 Points, Within 15′ of Target – 10 Points, Within 25′ of Target – 5 Points, A rope will be attached to the center of the target to determine distance.
4. Each team will receive 3 shots at the target.  Highest score wins.
5. In the event of a tie, the target will be moved forward either 25, 35, or 50 feet.  Teams will be given 5 minutes to reconfigure their machine to hit the target at the new distance.
6. Pumpkins will weigh between 2 and 3 pounds.  Ammunition pumpkins will be available to the teams.  You may bring your own pumpkins but they must be weighed in during registration.
7. Teams will wait for direction from the safety judge prior to “cocking” and/or “loading” the machine for any shot.  Any shot made without authorization from the field judge will be disqualified.
8. The field judge has authority to make final determination on any subject.
9. NO MORE THAN 2 TEAMS PER MACHINE.

COMPETITION DAY

1. All teams must sign in no later than 12:00 NOON.  
2. Each team will be given a pit number during registration.  Machines will be assembled behind the firing line and as close to the centerline as practical.
3. Once machine is assembled, team captain will notify Safety judge their machine is ready for inspection and test.  Safety judge will give a pass/fail grade.
4. All machines must be ready for inspection by 12:00 NOON.  All machines must pass safety inspection prior to the start of the event.
5. Practice shots will begin at 12:00 NOON.  All machines must get permission from the field judge prior to any launch.