1. RULES INTERPRETATION: In the event of a rules violation the Association President and/or Assistant may impose such sanctions as deems appropriate, including, without limitation, disqualification, forfeiture of prizes and prohibition from participation in subsequent tournaments. The Pres shall have the exclusive right to interpret these rules and may, without prior notice, institute rules changes, as deems advisable for the good of the association.
2. ENTRY / PARTICIPATION / REGISTRATION: This Association is based on a team entry format. A team shall consist of those individuals who complete and sign their entry for their first event. The Entry Fee shall be $60 per event. Registration opens two hours prior to the start time the morning of the event and will close one-half hour prior to the designated starting time.
3. STARTING POSITION: All events will start via a shotgun start.
4. MEMBERSHIP FEE: There will be a membership fee of $10 per member, which shall be due and payable with first entry. Membership fees will also apply to Alternates, the use of whom will follow the restrictions contained herein.
5. ALTERNATES: Each team shall be allowed to use no more than two (2) Alternates per season. Once used/named no other substitutions will be allowed. If an Alternate is to be used for an Event, he or she must come to the registration table the day of the event; identify themselves and whom they are fishing for (team and member name) and the present required fee. Regular team members, and an Alternate, shall be allowed to fish single; however, both Alternates cannot fish in place of both regular team members, nor will an Alternate be allowed to fish the last event in place of a regular team member. ALTERNATES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO FISH THE CHAMPIONSHIP.
6. LIABILITY WAVIER: Each team member and alternate will agree to indemnify this Association against any and all liability as agreed of fishing this Association and shall hold as harmless all parties thereto.
7. INSURANCE: each boater agrees to carry a minimum of $100,000 in liability insurance on the boat used at each event in this Association.
8. SCORING / POINTS ACCUMULATION: 100 points, plus the weight of their fish will be awarded to the winning team of each event, 99 to 2nd plus their fish, 98 to 3rd plus their fish, etc. Teams who receive weight credit will receive points. Once all teams who’ve caught fish receive points, then half the points of the last team that weighed fish will be awarded to the remainder of the field.
9. BAG / TIES / LATE CHECK-INS: The limit shall be five (5) fish per team; five (5) if fishing single. Ties will be broken as follow:
1) Number of fish, 2) biggest bass, 3) coin toss.
10. DEAD / SHORT FISH: Each dead fish shall incur an eight (8) ounce penalty. Short fish shall incur a one (1) pound penalty.
11. SPORTMANSHIP: Any infraction of the following fundamental sporting principles shall be cause for disqualification: use of alcohol or drugs, coarse or foul language, any act, which reflects unfavorably upon efforts to promote conservation and clean waters and courtesy to ALL other users of the resource. Arguing or failure to settle differences in a gentlemanly manner shall result in immediate sanctions, as will failure to treat others in a manner in which YOU would expect to be treated.
SAFETY / RULES GENERALLY: Boating safety must be observed at all times during competition. A US Coast Guard approved chest type life preserver (PDF) Type III or higher, should be worn and properly fastened any time the combustible engine is operative and the kill switch must be attached to the driver with a lanyard no longer than (48) inches. Rules will follow published B.A.S.S. National Official Rules except for those exceptions noted herein and/or expanded upon, copies of which are available from ESPN/BASS or in written form from the Association upon request.
12. LAKE RULES and 50 FEET RULE: All MWCD and Ohio Department of Natural Resources rules and regulations must be observed at all times. Including but not limited to: Obeying all buoys and navigation rules, no wake zones and restricted areas. No fishing within 50 feet of another competitor’s boat which has first anchored and secured in a fixed position with the trolling motor up and out of the water.
13. TROLLING: As a method of angling is prohibited. Only one rod and reel may be utilized at any one time with the rod remaining in contact with and gripped by the angler’s hand at all times.
14. PROTEST: Must be made as soon as practical either during the course of the tournament day, or immediately upon exiting the water, preferably in written form, however. Verbal protests will be allowed if they are forthwith in written form. All protests must be lodged by the close of the scale at the weigh-in.
15. TOURNAMENT STANDINGS / RESULTS: It is the intention of this Association to attempt to provide all communications, postings, etc. by the use of the Internet. These will be sent as soon as practical via email to those angler’s who have provided valid email addresses at the time of sign-up. Members without such capabilities should notify the Pres who may make special mail arrangements.
16. PAYBACKS / CHAMPIONSHIP: Will be set at a level of $45/$10/$5 payout / setback (championship) / expenses. The setback fund will be paid 100% at the Championship. 17. CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFICATION: The Club will qualify the top 60% of the field based on the point’s standings as of the last event, as well as One Wild Card Qualifier. All teams must have FISHED A MINIMUM OF HALF (50%) OF THE EVENTS to qualify for the championship. All teams will have a $60 entry fee for the Championship, which will be paid back 100% to the winning teams along with the 100% of the Championship setback fund.