King of Fling Contest at Maker Faire Austin 2008

Call for Makers: King of Fling Catapult Contest

Announcing the King of Fling Catapult Contest - It takes place on Saturday, October 18th at the Maker Faire Austin. Join us by building a real, working catapult and enter it in our competition.

Catapult building is fun, exciting, and as easy (or as intricate) as you want to make it. In a nutshell, you'll be competing against and cooperating with other Makers to produce a hurling machine. Your goal is to be the Maker who can build the most accurate catapult. Visit building-a-catapult.com for ideas to get started.

You have wide latitude in determining how your machine is to be built but we do want the environment to be as safe as possible, so your machine must be constructed in conformance with the rules listed in the King of Fling manual. All machines entered in the event must pass inspection prior to hurling.

The people in charge of the event, called the Marshals, have jurisdiction over all aspects and have final say on all matters pertaining to it. This includes, but is not limited to, machine eligibility and performance evaluation.

All expenses, transportation, and liabilities are the responsibility of the contestant. All contestants will be asked to read the Maker Manual and sign the Participation Agreement prior to participating.

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to make something historically significant, highly kinetic, and exciting to behold. It's a chance to meet fellow Makers as well as some staff members of Make Magazine.

The first, second, and third place winners will win a prize. But most importantly, the winners will be covered in heaps of glory and revel in well-earned admiration.

Here's your opportunity to make things fly! If you like to build things (and what Maker doesn't?) you can become the Earl of Hurl, the Count of Catapults, or the Baroness of Ballistas.

There's nothing cooler than a catapult. It's fun, exciting, and as easy or as intricate as you want to make it. Be part of the excitement of Maker Faire!

How to Participate

It's easy and free. Complete the contest entry form online and additionally create a Maker entry. Then, show up with your catapult and a copy of your completed contest entry form on Saturday morning and be ready to shoot. Participants are responsible for providing their own materials.

Follow the signs to Maker check-in to receive your credentials and information on where to find the catapult hurling area. You can begin your practice firing on the catapult firing range after check-in and inspection. Hurlers may claim a space on the firing line and "site in" their machines before the actual contest begins at 12:30 pm. This is your opportunity to aim and test your machine. There will be event marshals present to coordinate practice shooting and answer questions.

All practice shooting must end by 11:30 AM when participants must attend a short informational meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to explain rules and procedures.

The Event

The King of Fling Catapult Contest will begin at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 18th.

The English Battle (The Siege of Stirling Castle)

The goal of the contest is to hit targets. The targets battle will be placed at intervals as shown in the Field Set Up Diagram. During the actual contest, each contestant fires 6 projectiles while the judges observe. At the judge's signal, your team's time on the firing line will begin. Then, firing will commence and you may shoot as many as 6 projectiles. All projectiles must be hurled within a total of 4 minutes. Teams experiencing mechanical problems will be allowed reasonable time to correct problems and allowed to shoot again after all other teams have completed their hurls.

More than one contestant may be on the firing clock simultaneously.

What will you shoot? Two types of projectiles are allowed: Water balloons or dead horses. (Note: Dead horses are more historically authentic catapult projectiles, but water balloons are somewhat easier to procure.) Participants must supply their own water balloons and/or horses. Safety glasses are required.

Please note: Balloons (or horses) must weigh 4 ounces plus or minus 2 ounces and the event marshals may weigh the balloons.

Points are awarded to each team based on the number of hits on the targets.

Targets are "Bop-Bags" set on 6' X 6' plastic tarps. Teams whose projectiles hit the Bop-Bags are awarded 3 or 4 points depending on distance. Teams whose projectiles miss the Bop Bag but land on the tarp score 1 point.

The team with the highest point total wins the King of Fling Trophy.

Other trophies may be award based on appearance or other criteria at the judges' discretion.