(Follow this link if you would rather see the Rokkaku Battle rules)

Registration for the hand-made kite competition takes place from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on the day of the festival. Look for the Judging and Registration tent.

1. Definition: A kite is a tethered heavier-than-air craft that depends only on the wind for lift.

2. By order of the Federal Aviation Administration, a kite whose weight exceeds 5 pounds cannot be flown more than 500 feet above the surface of the earth without prior FAA authoBy order of the Federal Aviation Administration, the weight of a kite must not exceed 5 pounds and altitude of flight must not exceed 500 feet. The Washington Monument is 555 feet high.

3. When informed that a Presidential helicopter is approaching, all kites must be pulled down immediately, and not re-flown until the all-clear announcement.

4. An individual may participate in the competition with only one kite. Only kites made and flown by the kite-maker will be eligible for competition.

5. No kite that has won an award at a previous Smithsonian Kite Festival will be eligible for competition. A kite flyer may enter a kite that is similar to a kite for which he or she won an award at a previous Smithsonian Kite Festival only if it is of all new construction. Further, the artistic or mechanical design must differ from or improve upon the award-winning aspects of the previous entry.

6. There are two levels of competition: Kite Maker and Master Kite Maker. The Kite Maker competition is open to all contestants who have not previously won two adult awards at the Smithsonian Kite Festival or who are not professionally involved in designing or manufacturing kites. Adults or seniors who have previously won two adult awards at the Smithsonian Kite Festival, or who are professional kite designers or manufacturers, must compete as Master Kite Makers. However, any adult contestant may elect to compete as a Master Kite Maker.

7. Only kites that fly will be eligible for awards. The criteria for normal wind conditions are for a kite to be able to fly steadily at a minimum of 100 feet for one minute. The judges will make the determination as to whether or not the kite has been flight-qualified. Judges will take into account special circumstances (such as very small kites or wind conditions). Your kite should be tested and adjusted prior to entering the flying area for judging so it is ready for flight.

8. If the weather is poor or winds are very low or erratic, the Chief Judge may implement the "Low Wind Procedures." Under these conditions, participants will be asked to use a long line launch or to tow their kites so they can be judged.

9. If a kite is damaged during the demonstration, and if the judges permit, the kite flier may undertake its repair. A Kite Hospital is provided where you can work. If the kite is repaired before the judging time closes, it may be resubmitted for judging of flight performance.

10. Friends may assist in the launching and repair of kites, but the kite must be flown by the kite maker.

11. When judging has been completed, contestants will be asked to leave the judging area. All kites must be kept clear of the competition area when not flying for judging. Competitors are urged to continue to fly their kites in the demonstration area.

12. The Field Commander manages the escorts and is in charge of the flight competition area. He or she will make all decisions about conduct on the field to ensure safety and a fair opportunity for all. Safety is very important! The Field Commander has the authority to disqualify any contestant behaving in an unsafe or discourteous manner.

13. The officials of the Smithsonian Kite Festival, the Smithsonian Institution, the National Park Service, and Recreation Department of the District of Columbia reserve the right to exclude any activity or person whose behavior is considered inappropriate, objectionable, or unsafe.

14. Each participant is responsible for cleaning up any debris resulting from his or her participation in this kite festival. We are grateful to the National Capital Parks Service for our use of this area, and we will cooperate in keeping it clean.

15.Any questions concerning interpretation of the above rules and regulations, the judging process, or appeals regarding scores will be submitted to the Chief Judge who will rule as he or she considers best. Any questions concerning registration, entry procedures, awards, or use of the speaker’s stand will be brought to the attention of the Chief Judge.

For more information call 202-633-3030.