2012 Elite Series Official Rules

Rules of Participation

Participation Agreement

P1.  HAVING ACQUAINTED MYSELF WITH THE RULES AND REQUIREMENTS IN THIS BOOKLET, I HAVE COMPLETED THE APPLICATION FORM AND AM ENCLOSING THE APPLICATION FORM, MY DEPOSIT OR ENTRY FEE PAYABLE TO B.A.S.S., LLC, ALONG WITH THIS PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT CONFIRMATION IN THE REPLYENVELOPE.

In signing this agreement, I hereby agree to be bound by and comply with all tournament rules, PAYMENT SCHEDULES, LATE FINES, and regulations. I expressly assume all risks associated with the tournament series and I hereby release B.A.S.S., LLC. its parent, affiliated and subsidiary companies, the host, sponsors and tournament series officials from all claims of death, injury and/or property damage incurred by me in connection with my participation in this tournament series. If I am using my own boat in the tournament series, I certify that I now have or will obtain prior to the tournament series, boat owners liability insurance (including coverage for third party property damage and bodily injury) with no Tournament exclusion, having a minimum limit of $300,000 per occurrence.  The insurance must be issued by a reputable insurer rated A or better by A.M. Best and Company.  Policy must include international waters or separate policy for international waters must be obtained if I choose to fish international waters during applicable Elite Series Events.  At B.A.S.S.’ request, I will provide satisfactory evidence of that insurance.

I hereby agree to waive my rights of privacy or publicity with the regard to the programs of the tournament in which I appear and consent to B.A.S.S., LLC (and its parent, affiliated and subsidiary companies, its owners, directors, employees and agents and those acting under their permission or upon their authority), copyrighting, distributing, televising, publishing and using in any way the audio and visual portions of any television videotape, film and photographs or pictures of me or of interviews, scenes or other sequences in which I may be included, and any reproduction thereof, anywhere at any time through any medium or media for advertising, promotion, trade, television programming or other lawful purpose whatsoever; and I shall not be entitled to receive any royalties or other compensation in connection with such use.

I further understand and agree that the Tournament Director reserves the right to reject my application for any reason and, upon such rejection, to refund the deposit or entry fee. I am currently a member in good standing with B.A.S.S.

In addition to adhering to the Rules, Code of Conduct, and Wrapped Boat and Uniform requirements presented in this booklet. I agree to participate in other important programs to promote the growth of the sport, and awareness of my individual angler brand and identity. In addition, to ensure effective and timely communication between B.A.S.S. and the anglers, I understand that I am required to provide B.A.S.S. with a current e-mail address. If I do not have my own e-mail address, I must furnish an e-mail address for a primary contact person. I agree that delivery of an e-mail to my designated contact will constitute delivery to me.

Signature __________________________________________________________________________________

Print Name ______________________________________________________ Date______________________

P2. 2012 ANGLER CODE OF CONDUCT:

Anglers participating in any B.A.S.S. sanctioned event shall observe this code of conduct and the applicable rules for the specific event in which they are participating. Anglers shall, at all times, conduct themselves in a manner becoming professional anglers that will not reflect unfavorably on B.A.S.S., its members, officers or representatives, tournaments or sponsors.

To this end, anglers shall use their best efforts to demonstrate professionalism and integrity in support of the sport of professional fishing. Any angler who violates any of the provisions of the Angler Code of Conduct may be subject to fines, reduction of Angler of Year points, forfeiture of tournament winnings, suspension from competing in individual B.A.S.S. sanctioned events, permanent ban from competition, or any combination thereof deemed appropriate by B.A.S.S.

MEDIA COMMENTS, PUBLIC ATTACKS

The favorable public reputation of B.A.S.S. as a sanctioning organization in the sport of fishing, the integrity of its officials, and the reputation of its media properties are valuable assets and tangible benefits for B.A.S.S.  Accordingly, it is an obligation of competitors to refrain from comments to the news media that unreasonably attack or disparage the integrity of tournaments, tournament officials, sponsors, fellow members, fellow anglers or the B.A.S.S. organization. Competitors are encouraged to express themselves and have the right to question the rules officials. Responsible expressions of legitimate disagreement with B.A.S.S. policies are encouraged as opposed to attacks upon the integrity of the rules or officials. However, public comments that an angler knows, or should reasonably know, will harm the reputation of B.A.S.S., B.A.S.S. officials, or sponsors shall be considered conduct unbecoming a professional and may result in disciplinary action.

All anglers who elect to participate in B.A.S.S. sanctioned tournaments will be required to execute a Participation Agreement containing the rules and regulations, code of conduct and tournament series specific content such as wrapped boat and uniform guidelines.

P3.  CONTINGENCY PROGRAMS:

Contingency programs are sponsor based programs developed to reward competitors based on a predefined set of criteria i.e. the Angler of the Year program rewards overall season performance.  Participation in Contingency programs is at the anglers’ discretion.  Should an angler elect not to participate in a B.A.S.S.’ contingency program. B.A.S.S. will provide a B.A.S.S. brand identity decal and patch for B.A.S.S. areas defined on the boat wrap and uniform, and the angler will be excluded from any benefits such as prize purse or qualification for supplemental tournament competitions associated with the respective contingency program.

P4. UNIFORMS, WRAPPED BOATS, ETC.:

Elite Series anglers will be supplied with special rules relating to wrapped boats, Tech Inspection, Fan Experience, B.A.S.S. patch placement, contingency program patch placements, uniforms and any other special rules relating to those events.

Anglers are encouraged to wear their own clothing which may bear patches, logos and other signage promoting the angler's sponsors. B.A.S.S. may, however, restrict the use of patches, logos, signage etc. that promote or advertise products which are, in B.A.S.S.' sole judgment, in poor taste. B.A.S.S. will provide as much advance notice as possible to the competitors in such instances.  No tournament trail logos other than B.A.S.S. properties or identity will be allowed on uniforms, rain suits, pfd’s, etc. and or complete boat packages.  Pros are required to wear uniforms during all competition hours and official functions as determined by B.A.S.S.  Pros are required to start the season with one wrapped boat for all 2012 Elite series competition.  Any changes during the season must be to a comparable boat as approved by tournament officials.

Official Rules of Competition

C1. The following rules shall apply to all Bassmaster Elite and Bassmaster Classic events except that (i) rules for special tournaments may differ from those contained herein and (ii) these rules may be changed by B.A.S.S. immediately upon notice by B.A.S.S. to its members which notice may be published on the B.A.S.S. Internet site at www.bassmaster.com. Interpretation and enforcement of these rules shall be left exclusively to the Tournament Director or his/her designee at a tournament. In the event of a rule violation, the Tournament Director or rules committee may impose such sanctions, as deemed appropriate by them, including, without limitation, disqualification, and forfeiture of prizes, entry fee and prohibition from participation in subsequent tournaments. Subject to the appeal process set forth in paragraph 22, below, the decision of the Tournament Director, his/her designee, or the rules committee shall be final in all matters.

Elite Series Pros are required to police themselves each competition day and must sign a Rules Adherence Form.  If a pro has a concern regarding his catch he/she should not sign off on rules adherence, weigh their fish, and consult with rules officials immediately after weigh in.  Anglers who sign off to full adherence and later found guilty of a rules violation MAY BE DISQUALIFIED from the tournament.  Anglers not signing official score card will not start next official competition day unless directed by tournament officials.

 Penalties for rules violations may include the following:

• (a) reduction of competition hours as determined by the Tournament Director
• (b) loss of one or more fish in question.  All such fish must be marked and verified by either your marshal/camera operator.  If not verified the entire catch may be disqualified.
• (c)  loss of catch for the day of the violation
• (d)  disqualification from the tournament in question
• (e) disqualification from future B.A.S.S. events which  may be from a specific number of events or for a specific period of time or may be a lifetime disqualification
• (f) any different or additional penalties determined by the Tournament Director including but not limited to monetary fines and/or reduction of Angler of Year Points.

C2. PARTICIPANTS AND ELIGIBILITY:

(i) This tournament is open only to current members of B.A.S.S. who are 16 years of age or older. However, employees, officers and directors of B.A.S.S. or its parent, subsidiary and affiliated companies and members of their immediate families (spouse, parents, children and siblings, regardless of where they live) are ineligible.  Proof of age to the satisfaction of tournament officials is the responsibility of the potential competitor. Any candidate for competition who, in the judgment of the Tournament Director, is disabled in such a manner as to unfairly hinder his/her partner or endanger the safety and well-being of their partner or themselves may not be eligible.  To be eligible for the 2013 Bassmaster Classic, Elite Pro anglers must participate in all 2012 Elite Series events in which they are eligible unless approved by the Tournament Director. 

(ii) DURING THE OFFICIAL PRACTICE AND COMPETITION DAYS OF ANY B.A.S.S. TOURNAMENT, NO COMPETITOR MAY OPERATE A BOAT UNLESS THAT CONTESTANT HAS DOCUMENTED PROOF OF A MINIMUM OF $300,000 PER OCCURRENCE BOAT OWNERS LIABILITY INSURANCE (SEE PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT FOR FULL DETAILS) COVERING THE BOAT BEING USED IN THE TOURNAMENT.  PROOF OF INSURANCE MUST BE WITH THE BOAT BEING USED AND MUST COVER ALL PASSENGERS IN THAT BOAT.  RANDOM CHECKS WILL BE CONDUCTED AND ANY COMPETITOR WHO DOES NOT HAVE PROOF OF IN-FORCE INSURANCE WITH $300,000 COVERAGE MAY BE DISQUALIFIED.  

(iii) ELITE Pros will be provided a payment schedule.  Bassmaster Elite Series Marshals must provide a properly completed and signed official entry form and the deposit must be received by the B.A.S.S. Tournament Department on or before the deposit deadline date.  All competitors must complete a W-9 and when required a Form 590, or W-8 BEN provided by B.A.S.S. (one time).  Marshal BALANCE DUE DATE WILL BE 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE FIRST OFFICIAL COMPETITION DAY.  Any balances or new entries received after the balance due date may be subject to a $50 late fee.   The Tournament Director reserves the right to discontinue acceptance of applications prior to deadline and also the right to extend the acceptance date. DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-TRANSFERABLE REGARDLESS OF DATE OF CANCELLATION. While a sponsor may pay the entry fees, competitors agree to use any and all official equipment provided by B.A.S.S. in Elite Series and the Bassmaster Classic®. Competitors may miss an event in cases of dire emergency only on approval from the Tournament Director. Elite Pro Angler entry fees for the Elite Series are paid for the entire series, not on an event-by-event basis. While a competitor may miss an Elite Series event in case of a dire emergency, fees for the Elite Series have to be paid on schedule in full and there will be no refund for a missed event.  Elite Pro anglers will be furnished a payment schedule with penalties for late payments.

(iv) The required method for Marshal Registration is online at www.bassmaster.com.

C3. PRACTICE AND COMPETITION:

(i)  Tournament waters shall be off-limits to all Pro contestants 27 to 30 days prior to the first practice day in all Elite Series events unless otherwise notified by B.A.S.S..  Off limits for Elite Series tournament waters will start at 12:01 am local time the Monday falling in the 27 – 30 days prior to first practice day. Special off limits and practice period for the Bassmaster Classic will be announced by B.A.S.S.  During the off limits periods, other than using publicly-available information (e.g. newspaper and Internet reports) Pro competitors cannot solicit, receive, or gather any information via phone, electronic devices, or any other means about locating or catching fish on tournament waters. THERE SHALL BE NO EXCEPTIONS.  All information must be opened or accessed prior to official off limits periods, no exceptions. For a first offense, the competitor will be disqualified from the tournament. For a second offense, the competitor will lose his eligibility for the following year’s Elite Series events. During practice and competition Pro anglers cannot solicit, receive, or gather any information from anyone other than another competitor in the tournament. NO EXCEPTIONS.  Any contestant accused  in writing of violating the off limits rule to tournament officials or via media outlets must pass a truth verification test relevant to the charges.  Accusers may be required to take a truth verification test.  Failure to pass the truth verification test may result in disqualification from the tournament.

ELITE SERIES PROS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE ANYONE IN THEIR BOAT DURING OFFICIAL PRACTICE UNLESS ASSIGNED A MEDIA OBSERVER BY B.A.S.S.  Each media observer must make their request through B.A.S.S. Communications and must sign a media release form.  B.A.S.S. RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ASSIGN PRACTICE RIDERS.

(ii)  There will be an official practice period immediately prior to the first competition day of the tournament. Bassmaster ELITE SERIES Official three day practice will be announced by B.A.S.S. No competitors will be allowed on Tournament waters after registration until the first day of competition, except under rule 3(iii).  Unless otherwise specified, all official times are specific to local host community.  The competitor must know and observe these dates. During both the official practice and the tournament, a competitor may not have the assistance or advice of anyone for the purposes of locating or catching bass, nor enter the tournament waters with anyone who has been on the tournament waters during the off-limits period including, but not limited to, a professional guide, state or federal wildlife agency employee, or any other person deemed an “expert“ on these tournament waters by the Tournament Director, unless they are a competitor in the tournament. Marshals are not allowed to share information with Pro contestants. NO EXCEPTIONS.   Flying over tournament waters, other than a ticketed commercial airline, is prohibited during off limits, official practice, and competition unless approved by the tournament director.(iii) Anglers renting boat slips may launch boats and proceed immediately to slip location. Testing of engines during off-limits period is not permitted on tournament waters. Testing of engines after the weigh-in is only allowed with permission from the Tournament Director. No Exceptions. During the official practice and during the tournament, a competitor may not “SKIN DIVE” OR “SCUBA DIVE” in the tournament waters.

(iv) No competitor may buy or barter a fishing location from any other competitor for use during any competition day.

(v)  During the official competition days of the tournament a competitor may not make cell calls for the purpose of locating or catching fish on tournament waters. Cell phones may be used for emergency situations. Under the direction of B.A.S.S. officials competitors may use smart phones for BASSTrakk purposes to include obtaining unofficial scores during the tournament day.  Competitors are allowed to call lockmasters for locking purposes only.  Competitors are allowed to use smart phones for global maps, weather, notes, etc., however, using smart phones during competition to log into daily tournament blogs is not permitted.

(vi) A designated tournament official must be granted access to the competitor's boat at any time during the official practice or competition days. Failure to grant such access may result in immediate disqualification.

(vii) Each competitor agrees to report to the Tournament Director immediately any violation or infraction of any Tournament Rules. Failure to report violations, or suggestions to another competitor that they violate these Rules, or false verification of weigh-in forms may be cause for disqualification.  OFFICIAL PROTESTS MUST BE FILED IN WRITING AND ALL PARTIES OF INTEREST WILL BE PROVIDED A COPY.

By signature on the Elite Series participation agreement or the official entry form, each competitor agrees to submit to a truth verification test and abide by its conclusion should he/she be accused of any rule violation. The B.A.S.S. Tournament Director or rules committee or such person designated by the Tournament Director shall have the discretion to determine the need for a truth verification test. The B.A.S.S. Tournament Director or his/her designee shall be responsible for selecting an independent expert to administer and interpret the results and establishing, in consultation with the expert administrator, the scope of the questions which may be asked during the test. The B.A.S.S. Tournament Director or his/her designee shall have sole responsibility selecting the location, date, and time of the test nearest B.A.S.S. headquarters with respect to all concerned parties schedule and travel cost.  The competitor shall make himself/herself available at the location selected by the Tournament Director and shall cooperate in all respects with such test.  Anglers taking a truth verification test may be responsible for any and all costs incurred.

Random truth verifications tests may be administered on site during the course of an Elite Series Event.

C4. REGISTRATION:

Each competitor must register in person with official B.A.S.S. staff at the time and place designated in the schedule of events. Failure to register in person during the prescribed hours may result in a $50 fine. Any competitor or marshal who has not contacted the B.A.S.S. Tournament Staff 15 minutes after the closing of the posted on site registration, may be disqualified from participating in the tournament. IT SHALL BE EACH COMPETITOR’S RESPONSIBILITY TO EITHER CHECK THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR REGISTRATION TIME AND LOCATION OR OBTAIN TIMES FROM THE B.A.S.S. TOURNAMENT DEPARTMENT.

C5. SAFETY

(i)  Safe boat conduct must be observed at all times by competitors. During the official practice and competition, each boat passenger must wear a Coast Guard-approved chest-type life preserver anytime the combustion engine is in gear. This preserver must be strapped, snapped or zippered securely and maintained in that condition until the combustion engine is out of gear or shut off.  Inflatable life vest indicators should be checked daily.  Violation of this rule may be reason for disqualification.  Pros must carry two Coast Guard approved chest type life preservers per boat.

(ii)  When boating in low visibility situations i.e. fog, heavy rain, during both practice and competition, competitors must operate their boats at a safe speed and in a safe manner as determined by tournament officials.

(iii) Radar units permanently mounted in the boat, subject to approval by B.A.S.S., may be approved for competition.

It is suggested the Pro competitor have a safety check with the Marshall each day prior to the launch to familiarize the location of all safety equipment.

(iv) Tournament officials have the right to delay, shorten or cancel the start of an official tournament day because of bad weather or other factors that would endanger the safety of the competitors. Tournament waters may also be restricted at any time because of bad weather. Weather delays on full field days resulting in half of the tournament day being lost (first flight take-off and check in) may result in cancellation. Full fields may be carried over to cut days.

(v)  B.A.S.S. reserves the right to impose boat speed limits during any or all tournaments. Whether or not to impose a speed limit, the area covered by the speed limit and/or the actual speed limit imposed shall be left exclusively to the discretion of the Tournament Director.  All boats used in Elite Series events must have a GPS unit on the console capable of displaying current miles per hour while on plane.

(vi)  IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, COMPETITORS SHOULD CALL 911 FIRST AND ONCE SAFE, NOTIFY TOURNAMENT OFFICIALS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

(vii)  COMPETITORS ARE ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE BOAT AND SEEK SAFE SHELTER IN BAD WEATHER WHERE DANGER MAY BE IMMINENT.

C6. SPORTSMANSHIP:

Competitors in B.A.S.S. tournaments are expected to follow high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy, safety and conservation. Any infraction of these fundamental sporting principles may be deemed cause for disqualification.

(i)  Use of alcohol or drugs (other than those purchased over-the-counter or prescribed by a licensed physician) by any competitor during the official practice or during the tournament will not be tolerated and shall be cause for automatic disqualification from this and all future B.A.S.S. tournaments. No alcoholic beverages, other non prescription stimulants or depressants, shall be allowed in the boats during the official practice or competition days, or when in the weigh-in area.

(ii)  Maximum courtesy must be practiced at all times, especially with regard to boating and angling in the vicinity of non-competitors who may be on tournament waters. Any act of a competitor which reflects unfavorably upon efforts to promote fisheries conservation, clean waters and courtesy, may be reason for disqualification. (iii)  All competitors are bound by the prevailing statutes and regulations of the various states within which they fish.  Competitors are responsible for research of fishing and boating regulations.

(iv)  Chemical substance addiction or abuse, conviction of a felony or crimes involving moral turpitude, or other conduct reflecting unfavorably upon efforts to promote safety, sportsmanship, fair competition and compliance with tournament rules shall be grounds for rejecting any application for participation and/or for disqualification after circumstances are reviewed by the Tournament Director. Any disqualification, suspension from, or other disciplinary action regarding any tournament or fishing organization shall be grounds for rejecting any application for participation in a B.A.S.S. tournament and/or disqualification from a B.A.S.S. tournament after circumstances are reviewed by the Tournament Director.

C7. TACKLE AND EQUIPMENT:

Use of dip nets and grippers for landing bass is prohibited during tournament competition.  During practice and competition no more than one artificial or biodegradable artificial lure may be attached to a line at one time.  One lure is defined as a single manmade device designed to attract and/or catch one fish at a time.  Adding trailer hooks, plastic trailers, blades, etc, to a single lure is acceptable.  If multiple fish are caught on a single manmade lure, on a single cast, all fish are considered legal and may be added to the daily catch subject to scoring rules (C16). No “live bait,” “dead bait,” or “prepared bait” will be permitted during official practice and competition, with the exception of pork strips or rinds. Any umbrella type rigging, harness, or other device designed to hold more than one lure at a time – with or without hooks – is not allowed.  Such rigging, harness, or device cannot be added to a single lure as described above.  B.A.S.S. officials have the sole authority to determine whether a lure is considered a single lure as defined above.

Only ONE casting, spin casting or spinning rod (8 foot maximum length from butt of handle to rod tip) and reel may be used at any one time.  A hung lure that is not in or on the water is not considered in use and may be set aside while another is in use. Other rigs as specified above may be in boat ready for use; however, only ONE is permitted in use at any given time. All bass must be caught live and in a conventional sporting manner. If a competitor breaks his line while setting the hook or retrieving a fish, he is allowed to make an attempt with the rod being used or by hand to secure the line and land the fish to be counted as legal. He may NOT hook the line with another lure, rod and reel, or other device.  If a competitor loses his rod and reel while landing a bass he MAY use another rod and reel to retrieve the lost outfit.  If that rod and reel is verified to be the lost outfit that bass may be landed and counted as a legal fish. Anyone guilty of snatching or snagging visible fish will have their catch disqualified. When visually fishing a bed or for bedding bass, to be counted as a legal fish, all bass must be hooked inside the mouth and must be verified by your partner before being unhooked.  With the mouth closed naturally, you must not be able to see where the hook point enters the fish to be considered hooked inside the mouth.  Pro Competitors are allowed to share baits and tackle at all times including Pro Competitors who have been cut from competition.

C8. HORSEPOWER REGULATIONS:

MAXIMUM HORSEPOWER FOR ALL OUTBOARD MOTORBOATS USED IN OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT PRACTICE AND IN TOURNAMENT COMPETITION WILL BE 250 HP. Horsepower cannot exceed the limitations set by the U.S. Coast Guard.  When required, each boat must have a U.S. Coast Guard horsepower rating plate attached to the boat by the manufacturer. The horsepower of the outboard engine must NOT exceed the rating specified on this plate nor the horsepower maximum set by B.A.S.S. Each competitor agrees to submit, by his signature on the official entry form, the boat and outboard motor used in the tournament, to an inspection by factory-trained personnel if there is any reason to suspect the horsepower is in excess of the rating. Normal maintenance of engines is allowed. Changing or altering standard factory parts of a competitor’s engine to increase the horsepower over the factory horsepower rating is forbidden, and will result in disqualification. Falsifying information on entry forms or altering the horsepower-rating numbers on the engine is also cause for immediate disqualification from B.A.S.S. tournaments. Posted speed limits and those imposed by B.A.S.S. must be observed and all boats must be operated in a safe manner. Violations of speed limits shall result in loss of competition hours and not limited to disqualification.

C9. BOAT AND MOTOR (during official practice and competition):

For the safety of all competitors during official practice and competition, ALL BOATS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH AN APPROVED TYPE OF OPERABLE IGNITION KILL SWITCH AND LANYARD. Only one manufacturer’s lanyard may be used and must be attached to the driver’s body any time the combustion engine is operating and in gear. Any time the combustion engine is operating and in gear there must be a driver in the driver's seat in full control of the boat. Fishing boats that are 16 feet or more in length may be used. Any raised platforms or decks cannot be higher than the gunnels of the boat. Standing on the outboard engine or seats while fishing is not allowed. An electric trolling motor may be used for slow maneuvering. However, trolling as a method of fishing is prohibited. All BLADDER tanks and any other type of AUXILIARY gas tanks that are not installed by the boat manufacturer are prohibited. Additional gas tanks that are factory options and installed by a manufacturer’s authorized dealer are permitted. Boats that do not have factory-installed gas tanks are restricted to a maximum of 18 gallons of gasoline in tanks that meet U.S. Coast Guard regulations. Gas tanks must be properly secured or strapped in a boat. No portable gas tanks or containers capable of holding gasoline can be placed anywhere on the tournament waters or shoreline for use by any tournament competitor. No “barges” or similar craft will be permitted. NO BOAT EQUIPPED WITH “STICK STEERING” SHALL BE PERMITTED. “Stick steering” shall be as defined by the Tournament Director.

C10. BASIC BOAT EQUIPMENT:

During official practice and competition, every boat must have all required Coast Guard safety equipment as well as a functional bilge pump.  During official competition every boat must have LIVEWELL SPACE, PROPERLY AERATED, TO ADEQUATELY MAINTAIN ALIVE A LIMIT CATCH OF bass.   B.A.S.S. recommends live wells be maintained at full level and aerators/re-circulators on manual. Tournament officials shall have the sole responsibility for determining whether aeration and capacity is proper and adequate. Pros must make a back seat available for marshals each competition day.

PROS ARE REQUIRED TO MAKE ONE DRY STORAGE COMPARTMENT AVAILABLE TO MARSHALS.  PROS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE MARSHALS AMPLE SPACE TO ICE FOOD AND DRINK.

C11. BOAT IDENTIFICATION:

Prior to each day’s start, each boat MUST be given an inspection check by a tournament official. Each day, each boat may be given a number, which MUST remain with the boat. This number must be displayed upon the request of tournament officials and at each check-in.

C12. BOAT OPERATION AND EXPENSE:

During competition Pros are allowed to fish from anywhere inside the boat.  Marshals should make every reasonable effort to not get in way of Pros when fishing.  MARSHALS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO HELP PRO IN ANY WAY.  MARSHALS ARE ALLOWED TO DRIVE BOATS ONLY IN CASES OF EMERGENCY OR WITH PERMISSION FROM TOURNAMENT OFFICIALS with exception of loading and unloading boats from trailers. All cost of boat operation is responsibility of Pro contestants.  When idling in shallow areas, Pro’s are allowed to ask marshals to move their sitting position as long as the marshal can place his feet in the bottom of the boat.

MARSHAL OBLIGATIONS – Marshals are required to have knowledge of BASSTrakk operation. BASSTrakk operation to be explained in tournament briefing by tournament officials.  Pros and marshals are to be honest and timely with catch and weight reports.  Any pro who, in the judgment of tournament officials, advises marshals to neglect or false report catches or weights may be penalized.  Marshals are not allowed to carry GPS systems or use cell phones during competition unless directed by tournament officials.  Marshals are allowed to carry still cameras.  Marshals should bring a personal PFD to each event. 

C13. PERMITTED FISHING LOCATIONS:

Tournament waters shall be established by the Tournament Director for each tournament. Each competitor must obtain this information from the B.A.S.S. Tournament Department. Any water within these boundaries posted “Off-Limits” or “No Fishing” by state or federal agencies as well as the live-bass-release area established by the Tournament Director will be OFF-LIMITS and will be announced at the Tournament Briefing. Only that water open to ALL public fishing will be considered tournament waters. All angling must be done from the boat. Competitors wishing to change fish habitat by placing any object in the tournament waters may do so if such action does not violate state or federal regulations.  Prior to the tournament registration, any questionable areas must be brought to the attention of tournament officials to be considered tournament waters and may be announced in the briefing for all to hear unless determined otherwise by tournament officials.  Tournament officials reserve the right to restrict or enhance tournament waters based on conversations with local authorities.  

C14. COMPETITORS MUST REMAIN IN BOAT:

During the competition days, competitors must not depart the boat to land fish or to make the boat more accessible to fishing waters. Boats must remain in tournament waters during tournament days. Competitors must leave from and return to official checkpoints by boat. Pros must remain in the boat at all times except in case of dire emergency or with permission from the Tournament Director.  Exceptions spelled out in rules C5, C14, and C17. In such an emergency, or with permission from the Tournament Director, competitors may be removed from their boat to either A BOAT OPERATED BY OTHER COMPETITORS OR A RESCUE BOAT DESIGNATED BY THE TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR. Pros and Marshals must remain together at all times, in sight of the pro’s catch, under the conditions cited above, in order for the pro’s catch of that day to be scored in the tournament with the following exception.  In breakdown situations and with marshal’s permission, Pro’s may transfer their fish to another Pro’s boat and ride to check in and leave their marshal with the disabled boat.  In such a case Pro’s must stay with their catch at all times.  If time allows, two Pro’s riding together may fish until check in.  In the event of a needed restroom break or refueling situation at a marina gas pump partners are allowed to leave the boat upon which all fishing must cease until partners are back together in the boat. If a competitor violates any of the above conditions (to contact a tournament official by phone or other means or to report an emergency or breakdown), competitors must cease fishing at this point, and their catch must be verified by a tournament official in order to be counted in the tournament. If after the emergency situation is resolved by tournament officials and enough time is left for the competitor to resume fishing, a RESTART will be allowed and the competitor will continue and their catch will be counted. This applies only to dire emergency situations as determined by the Tournament Director or his designee. Towing boats on trailers during tournament hours is prohibited, except by the direction of tournament officials.

Competitors are allowed to leave the boat to retrieve a lure.  All fishing by that competitor must cease until back in the boat before making another cast.

C15. OFFICIAL CHECKPOINT:

There shall be only one official check point for check-out in the morning, and one official check-in point in the afternoon, which points shall be designated at the tournament briefing.  Failure to go through boat check and check-out in the morning or failure to check-in at the check-in point in the afternoon may result in disqualification. At the time of check-out, all competitors and their boats shall be in full conformity with all rules set forth by the Tournament Director. At check-in, all boats shall identify themselves by means of the numbers described in Rule C11 and proceed immediately to the designated weigh-in area. Pros and Marshals must stay together to the weigh-in process. Once bass are bagged for weigh-in marshals are not required to accompany their Pro through the weigh-in process.

C16. SCORING:

Tournament standings, contingency awards and final winners shall be determined by the pound-and-ounce weight of each competitor’s catch during the competition days of the tournament. Only Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted, Redeye or Shoal bass will be weighed. The limit shall be 5 of the above species and varieties per day, unless otherwise specified by tournament officials (example – hot weather/fish care concerns). At no time shall a competitor have in his or her possession more than the tournament limit.  If a competitor determines he has over the limit he must immediately reduce his catch to the tournament limit with a live bass of his choice from his catch.  Each returned bass will result in a 2 pound penalty to be deducted from his daily score.  In this case competitors must attempt to notify tournament officials and if unsuccessful must notify officials at check in.  Once a competitor checks in he must present all legal bass to tournament officials at the verification table.  If competitors at the verification table have more than the tournament limit, the competitor will reduce with live bass to the tournament limit and each returned bass will result in a 2 pound penalty to be deducted from his daily score.  The official length for bass shall be determined by the Tournament Director and announced at the Tournament Briefing. In most cases it will be the longest state limit covering the tournament waters. Only bass as described above which measure the official length or more on the longest straight line, shall be weighed. Bass presented for weigh-in, which fail to measure the official length, shall result in a penalty of 1 pound for each such bass, which penalty shall be deducted from the total score of the competitor. Any bass that appears to have been mangled, mashed, mauled or otherwise altered will be weighed and credited only at the discretion of tournament officials. After competitors check in at the official checkpoint they MUST present all LEGAL fish in their possession to a tournament official to be counted, measured and weighed. Once a competitor’s catch is measured, counted and verified by a tournament official, that competitor may not return to the boat until their catch has been weighed and recorded. Bass must not be stringered at any time during the tournament. Culling tags or clips are allowed. Specially designed bags which increase survival rate will be furnished by the Tournament Director and must be used for the weigh-in.

C17. CATCH AND RELEASE:

CULLING OF DEAD BASS IS PROHIBITED.  For each legal dead bass presented to weigh-in officials, the competitor shall be penalized 4 oz. to be deducted from their daily score. The Tournament Director or his/her designees shall have sole authority for assessing penalty points.  It is suggested in warm weather tournaments anglers keep extra ice for fish care.  Contestants are allowed to purchase ice on the water from a retail store. However they are not allowed to receive ice from non contestants.  For fish care concerns, the verification table will open one hour before first flight check in time.   SMALL DIP NETS FOR CULLING PURPOSES ARE ENCOURAGED.  DIP NETS CANNOT BE USED FOR LANDING BASS.

C18. LATE PENALTY:

Competitors who are not at the official check in point, as described in Rule C15 at the appointed time shall be penalized at the rate of one pound per minute late to be deducted from the total weight of his/her catch that day, including any weight to be counted toward a “big bass award.” Any competitor more than 15 minutes late shall lose all credit for that day’s catch to include points credit under rule C19. There shall be no excuse for tardiness, and in no case shall a competitor be allowed to make up “lost time.” After proper recognition at the check-in point, competitors will be allowed ample time to proceed to the weigh-in site; however, all fishing must cease upon check-in. After the tournament begins, fishing the tournament waters is prohibited except during tournament hours. Exact starting and check-in times will be announced at the Tournament Briefing. It is the angler’s responsibility to confirm check-in times each day on the daily pairings.

C19. ONE POINT SYSTEM PER PLACE FOR ALL B.A.S.S. SERIES:

Points for each event will be determined by the number of boats in the field at the conclusion of the tournament briefing pairings.

Winner shall receive one point for each official boat in the tournament. 

Example;

100 boats winner receives 100 points

90 boats winner receives 90 points

Last place if weighing a legal bass shall receive 1 point

Competitors must weigh a legal bass during competition to receive points.  In the case where one or more competitors do not weigh a legal bass, points will end at the place of competitors weighing legal bass.

Year end points/AOY tiebreakers will be broken by total weight from full field days.C20. TIES:

In case of a tie for first place weight in the Pro division at the end of the tournament, there will be a fish-off between the tied competitors under the direction and special rules established by tournament officials. Ties for standard cuts and places below first at the end of the tournament  will be resolved in the following order: (1) largest number of legal fished weighed during competition; (2) if the tie is not broken, the next tiebreaker will be the largest number of legal live fish weighed during competition; (3) if the tie is not broken, the next tiebreaker will be the individual with the heaviest single day catch during competition; (4) if the tie is not broken, the next tiebreaker will be the individual with the second heaviest single day catch during competition. If the tie is not broken by applying the foregoing procedures, the tie will remain a tie.  When ties for cut position are not broken by the foregoing procedures, competitors still tied will compete for the next cut. Additional places will not be awarded.   Monetary prizes for each competitor will be awarded in equal amounts.  Angler of the Year points will be awarded for the place of the tied position and each competitor will be awarded equal points.   In B.A.S.S. ELITE Events where weights are zeroed, ties for cuts going into the final round shall be broken by Angler of the Year standings following most recent concluded Elite Series Event.

C21. PAIRINGS

Pros and Marshals may be assigned to each boat. Announcement of your first-day partner shall be made at the Tournament Briefing, which MUST BE ATTENDED by pros and marshals. It shall be the responsibility of each partner to appear at a mutually agreed upon location with sufficient time remaining to check out at the official checkpoint and start on time. Tournament officials shall have no responsibility for finding missing partners. The Tournament Director, at his/her sole discretion, may reassign partners prior to the morning take-off. It is suggested that a minimum of 30 minutes is required for preparation to depart to the check-out point. When partners check out at the beginning of the day, they must stay together and within sight of each other and the pro’s catch throughout the day until the pros fish are bagged for weigh-in except in case of dire emergency (see Rules C14, C15 & C17 for exceptions). A competitor must not allow any bass caught by him/her to be counted on the score of another competitor.  In such a case, both competitors shall be disqualified from this tournament and from all future tournaments conducted by B.A.S.S.

C22. RULES VIOLATIONS AND APPEALS COMMITTEE:

An appeals committee will be established by B.A.S.S., which shall be comprised of one B.A.S.S. employee not affiliated with the Tournament Department, and two anglers who are not competitors in the event in question. Appeals for penalties assessed under Rule C1 (b), (c), (d), (e) & (f) must be presented in writing 48 hours from the time and date of ruling to the Tournament Director.  Appeals hearings shall take place within seven (7) business days from the date of receipt of the written appeal and all parties must make themselves available at prescribed time of hearing. If competitors admit to a rules violation, they may not file an appeal of either the finding that they have violated the rules or the penalty imposed for the violation. Decisions of the appeals committee shall be final.

Competitors are allowed to compete under appeal for penalties assessed under Rule C1 (e) & (f) until final ruling by Appeals Committee.

Appeals of non competition rulings must be presented in writing to the Tournament Director within 48 hours from the time and date of ruling for review

C23. B.A.S.S. SPONSOR BOATS:

When using B.A.S.S. sponsor boats, anglers are responsible for physical care of the boat. Damage to the boat which is determined by the Tournament Director to be excessive or wanton shall result in the angler being responsible for all costs of repair.

C24. TAXES:

Where and when state laws require income taxes be paid on cash awards to non-residents, the taxes will be automatically deducted prior to the awards being presented to the winners.  Participants are responsible for all applicable taxes, execution of all tax forms, and rules on both cash and merchandise awards.  Various states require withholding tax on merchandise be paid upon the awarding of certificates and anglers awarded merchandise certificates in these various states are responsible for remitting this tax to B.A.S.S..  Failure to meet those obligations may result in reduction of Angler of Year Points, fines, and/or disqualification from all future B.A.S.S. Events.

C25. WAIVER AND RELEASE:

As a condition of participation in each tournament, each competitor and Marshal must execute a waiver and release of liability and a name and likeness release.

©2012 B.A.S.S., LLC.

All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of any material in these rules prohibited except by written permission of B.A.S.S.