Code of Conduct
Southern Arizona Rocketry Association (SARA) is a community-based organization dedicated to promoting the safe enjoyment of model and high power rocketry, encouraging youth interest in science and engineering, increasing awareness of the hobby among the general public, and and helping our community enjoy the sheer fun of model rocketry. To achieve this mission, SARA members are expected to abide by the following Code of Conduct in order to represent SARA and its mission in the best possible light within our community. Participation in the organization’s programs is subject to the observance of these guidelines, and adherence to SARA's rules and procedures.
Two-deep Leadership
The principle of Two-deep Leadership states that adult SARA members should never be alone with youth (under 18 years of age) who are not immediate family members. This policy protects youth from inappropriate adult contact, and it protects adults from accusations of inappropriate behavior. Ideally, youth participating in SARA's activities participate with their parents, but all SARA members should be aware of the expectation that they should partner with another adult any time they may be alone with minors. In practice, there are few times that this should be an issue, as most SARA activities are outdoors and in small to large groups. But these are some examples of situations where Two-deep Leadership applies:
- Mentoring or recovering a rocket out of sight of other SARA members
- Driving to the restroom at the TIMPA launch site
- Work projects in the TIMPA barn
- Camping or RV use at a launch
- Overnight travel to other launch sites
- At SARA events in buildings or other facilities with obstructed line of sight
Personal Conduct
The activities outlined below are strictly prohibited. Any SARA member or participant who violates this Code is subject to discipline, up to and including removal from the event or organization.
- Presence on the flight line (either flying rockets or administering the launch) under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Bringing to SARA events dangerous or unauthorized materials such as explosives (other than those normally used in model and high power rocketry), firearms, weapons or other similar items. If in doubt, ask a board member first.
- Abusive language towards another participant.
- Discourtesy or rudeness towards a fellow participant.
- Derogatory or demeaning statements about another participant.
- Ad hominem attacks against individuals or groups--that is, directed against a person rather than the position they are maintaining.
- Verbal, physical, electronic, or visual harassment of another participant.
- Actual or threatened violence toward any individual or group.
- Conduct endangering the life, safety, health or well-being of others.
- Failure to follow any policy or procedure of SARA, the National Association of Rocketry (NAR), or Tripoli Rocketry Association (TRA).
- Bullying or taking unfair advantage of any participant.
- Failing to cooperate with any range official at a launch.
If any SARA member, or SARA event participant, experiences or witnesses any activity they believe violates SARA's Code of Conduct, they are to notify any SARA board member. Reports may be verbal, either in person or via telephone, or in email at board@sararocketry.org.