Generic Club Rule Suggestions

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Jim

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I get allot of question about rules for Jon Tournaments. Maybe we can start compiling a "generic" set of rules/guidelines that a new formed club can go by and then Tailor it to there needs?

For instance Time limits, Fish limits, penalties for dead fish, and stuff like that? I will start looking around to see what other clubs are doing and add them here, hopefully helping some people out.

All ears here, please offer suggestions. :D
 
Here is one I see alot...

Rules
1. Boats must have aerated livewell system
2. All fish caught must be released after weigh in
3. Only largemouth bass with a minimum length of 15"
4. 6 Bass per boat, 2 people per boat
5. No Trolling or Fly Fishing
6. No live or prepared bait can be used. Artificial lures only with the exception of pork rind type trailers
7. No culling of dead fish- 4oz penalty per dead fish
8. No fishing within 25 yards of any anchored boat with front trolling motor out of water
9. Only 1 rod per person may be used at any time
10. There will be a 4 oz penalty for every minute late to weigh in. 5 minutes will result in disqualification. You must check in with the official at the dock
11. All NJ Fish and Game laws and Coast Guard rules must be followed
12. You must be 18 years of age or accompanied by an adult
13. All protests will be decided at tournament site by a club official. All decisions are final
14. All fishing and landing of fish must be done from inside of participants boat
15. Winners will be determined on teams total weight. Ties will split money of 2 places. Lunker ties will split Lunker money
16. All fish must be brought to the scale in weigh in bag filled with water
17. Any short fish brought to the scale will result in a 1lb penalty each and loss of that fish.
 
another big one is NO STRINGERS... livewells only, or coolers or rubbermaid bins with proper aeration.

I'm actually putting together a jon boat club (Jim, we'll talk later about setting up the forum), so when I finish the rules, I'll post them up.

One other thing that is a good idea to have is a waiver signed by all participants holding you without liability should the bad unexpected occur.. I'll post that too

Here's what I've got so far..

*Lathem charges $5 per boat and this is not part of the entry fee, gates open at 8am. (Electric only, gas nor motors allowed on boat)
*All State and local regulations apply
*Fish 8am-3pm - Gates open at 8, close at 5 , fishing starts once everyone is in the water. *Payment will be due at check-in (cash only). If you're not there by the time the last person is in the water - sorry... we have fish to catch! Everyone should also be back at the ramp by 3pm - if you're at the ramp, all lines should be out of the water at 3pm. Late boaters will have .4oz deductions from total weight for each minute past 3pm.
*5 fish limit, minimum 12" length
*No live bait
*Livewells only, coolers or rubbermaids are acceptable with proper aeration (all will be checked - aerators and fish)- no stringers
*Captain only, or Captain + co-angler
*-5 oz reduction for each dead fish
*1 rod per angler in water at time
*No Trolling
*Any angler breaking any of the rules will be disqualified, and entry money will not be returned.
*Littering will not be tolerated and will also result in disqualification with no money returned. Be sure to pick up after yourself while you're there - we want to be able to fish here again.
*I'm not making this official, but be courteous to guys who are out there fishing - don't run up on them and start fishing at their boat.

*And no bitchin' if you lose - all livewells will be checked prior to getting in the water and by the looks of it so far, the winner will have a pretty good pot to take home.
 
rules should be straight forward and easy to understand






Interpretation of these rules shall be left exclusively to the tournament director. protests for any rule infraction must be made in writing within 30 minutes of the official announcement, “the scales are now closed”.

a. Each contestant agrees to report any tournament rule infraction to the tournament director.
b. Failure to report to the tournament director any tournament rules infractions or false reporting of tournament rules infractions will be cause for being disqualified.
c. Rules infractions will result in penalties that may include

(1) Loss of weight for the day of the rules infraction.
(2) Disqualification from the event.
(3) Disqualification from future American Bass Anglers, Inc. events for a period of time up to a lifetime disqualification.

2. COMPETITOR'S CONDUCT CODE

All competitors will in their best efforts provide a high degree of professionalism, integrity and conservation in the sport of professional angling. Any Competitor who violates any of the Competitor's Conduct Code may be penalized which may include: fines, disqualification from events, forfeiture of winnings, and suspension or non-acceptance of entries

3. PARTICIPANTS AND ELIGIBILITY:

a. Competitors must have a valid fishing license for the body of water that the event is being held on.

b. Anglers must sign the Release of Liability form at the event and if not pre-registered with headquarters must present their entry fee to the tournament director prior to the tournament. Tournament officials reserve the right to refund any membership and/or entry fee, if they shall choose for any reason not to accept the application for entrance.
c. Any person entering a tournament that is under 18 years of age must have the signature of his/her parent or legal guardian on the entry form.

. PRE-TOURNAMENT PRACTICE/OFF-LIMITS: There will be no official practice period
REGISTRATION:
ENTRY FEE:
LATE FEE:
SAFETY:

a. Contestants understand that participating in fishing tournaments in an open boat is inherently dangerous. Safe boating conduct will be observed at all times.

b. In addition, extreme caution must be exercised and boat operator must be aware that there could be large cruisers and/or barges operating on tournament waters that displace extremely large volumes of water, which create unusually large wakes and turbulence.
c.. Weather and water turbulence can be extremely hazardous and extreme caution should be exercised at all times.
SPORTSMANSHIP:

a. All contestants are expected to follow high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy, safety and conservation.
b. All contestants must adhere to all State, Federal and local laws governing water activities. Any infraction of these fundamental sporting principles may be deemed cause for disqualification.
c. No alcoholic beverages or other stimulants or depressants, shall be allowed in the boats during the official practice or competition days, or when in the weigh-in area.
d. Each contestant must keep the waters clean and bring trash back to the dock for disposal.
e. Chemical substance addiction or abuse, conviction of a felony or other crimes involving immoral turpitude, or other conduct reflecting unfavorable upon efforts to promote safety, sportsmanship, fair competition, and compliance with tournament rules shall be grounds for rejecting applications for membership, participation and for disqualification.
f. Any disqualification or suspension from, or other disciplinary action regarding any tournament or fishing organization, shall be grounds for rejecting any application for membership, participation and for disqualification.

TACKLE AND EQUIPMENT: Only artificial lures may be used. No "live bait" or "prepared bait" will be permitted during official practice and competition, with the exception of pork strips, rinds, etc. Only one rod and reel combination may be used at one time. No fly rods or rods over 8 ft. are allowed. Trolling as a method of fishing is prohibited. All bass must be caught live and in a conventional sporting manner. All angling must be done from the boat and anglers must stay on tournament waters during tournament hours. Anglers are not permitted to leave the boat to land a fish or leave the boat to gain access to secluded waters. Boats must remain in tournament waters during tournament day/days. Competitors must leave and return to official checkpoint by boat.

. BOAT AND MOTOR: ELECTRIC MOTORS ONLY gas motors must have prop removed or Bagged during tournament
.

PERMITTED FISHING LOCATIONS: Tournament Director for each tournament shall establish Tournament waters at the tournament briefing and define any known OFF-LIMITS areas including locking from established tournament waters. Fishing on tournament waters is not permitted: within 50 yards of a marina gas pump or within 50 yards of another competitor's boat anchored or not. Competitors invoking the 50-yard rule must hold their boats steady. Any competitor that allows any other competitor to fish within 50 yards of their boat has suspended the 50-yard rule and opens the water to all competitors. Any water within tournament boundaries posted Off-Limits or No Fishing by state or federal agencies will be OFF-LIMITS.

OFFICIAL CHECKPOINT: There will be only one official point for check-out in the morning and check-in in the afternoon, as designated by the tournament director. Competitors not at the checkpoint at the designated time will be penalized at the rate of 1 pound per minute, deducted from their total weight for the day. Any competitor more than 15 minutes late for send-off or check-in will be disqualified for the day. Official start and weigh-in times will be announced at the pre-tournament meeting. Our best effort will be given to allow at least 8 hours fishing time. In the case of adverse weather conditions, the tournament director will open weigh-in at 12 noon for safety.

SCORING: The total weight of each competitors catch will determine tournament standings and placement. Only largemouth, spotted, red eye or smallmouth bass will be weighed. The creel limit shall be five (5) unless the prevailing state/lake limit is less. (The tournament directors may impose a creel limit of less than five fish if they deem weather and/or local conditions warrants the reduction.) At no time shall a competitor have in his/her possession more than the tournament limit. Culling must be done immediately upon catching a sixth fish. Minimum length will be 12 inches (measured on a flat board) unless the prevailing state/lake rule is larger. A penalty of 1 pound will be deducted from the total weight for each short fish and a penalty of 4 ounces (.25 pounds) will be deducted from the total weight for each dead fish. In the event the anglers' big fish is dead a penalty of 4 ounces (.25 pounds) will be deducted from the big fish total weight. A contestant that presents more fish than the tournament limit will be disqualified immediately. Mangled, mashed, mauled or otherwise altered fish will be weighed only at the discretion of the tournament director. No regurgitated baitfish will be weighed. Fish will not be put on a stringer at any time.
TIE: In case of a tie, combining awards and dividing them equally among the tied contestants shall resolve positions. A form of lottery shall determine trophy positions. The tournament director may decide to break first place ties with a fish-off.
 
redbug - that is awesome!

Do you mind if I steal some of that from you when I write up our rules and regs?
 
russ010 said:
redbug - that is awesome!

Do you mind if I steal some of that from you when I write up our rules and regs?
that's why they are posted add or remove what you like...
Wayne
 
It's not exactly what your talking about but, I participate in a poor boys tournament every year. The way it works is; the max hp is 25, and you get a 4oz penalty for every 5hp you are over 25hp (-4oz for 30hp,-8oz for 35,-12oz for 40hp and etc.) . If you paddle (pirogue, kayak, or canoe) you get a extra pound added to your total weight.

Just a different take on tournaments.
 
This is my starting point if I ever start a club.
OKLAHOMA
MINI BOAT
ASSOCIATION
.

MEMBERSHIP RULES AS FOLLOWS

OMBA is a non-profit organization

Membership fee is $50.00.

Membership will be free for current member who signs three new members (excluding Tackle & Backwoods show).

Participation is open to anyone who is 18 years of age or older. Any person entering a tournament under the age of 18 must provide a written letter releasing club of liability. The letter must be signed by the children’s parent, or legal guardian, and received by a club officer prior to fishing any tournament.

Children age 15 and under are honorary members of OMBA, and may fish any or all tournaments. Honorary members are not required to pay the $50.00 membership fee. Children 16 or older are required to pay the tournament fee to be allowed in the boat. Children 15 and under are allowed to fish or ride in the boat of a current member, and the tournament fee is optional.

All participants are required to sign a release of liability waiver form prior to fishing any tournament. This waiver form is contractual and binding as long as you are a member in good standing of OMBA.


All members are required to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all functions and club meetings. Any problems that may arise will be handled by club officers, and could result in the dismissal, or disqualification of anymore not complying with club rules.


All tournament fees are to be paid prior to the start of every tournament. If an emergency arises and you are unable to make check-in, you are required to find a club officer prior to start fishing. You will be permitted to locate an officer by cell phone if one is available.

It is the member’s sole responsibility to know all rules and regulations of OMBA

There will be no changing of the rules during the year. All emergency’s and protests will be handles by club officers.

Only club members will be allowed to vote on any issues up for vote.

Mini-Boats must meet the following requirements:

No boat longer than 14ft in length

No gas motor will be allowed to exceed the maximum horsepower coast guard rating.

All club funds will be kept in the club account throughout the calendar year. All club funds will be distributed at the end of the calendar year. The only exception will be the $300.00 start up money for the upcoming year.


TOURNAMENT RULES

1. Club officers will choose the tournament dates for the upcoming year in the December meeting.

2. They will present their recommendations for the dates to the club members at the January membership meeting.

3. Rules of sportsmanship, courtesy, safety, and conservation are required of every participant. Participants are required to observe the rights of others. A distance of (50) fifty feet is required unless permission to fish inside those limitations is obtained.

4. All participants must comply with regulations to: Lights, Registration, Life preservers, Fire Extinguishers, and Sound devices.

5. Participants are to observe all local, state, federal, and club rules at all times.



6. Participants must fish with artificial lures or baits only. Pork trailers are allowed. No live baits. Fish must be caught on rod and reel only. Bass caught by participants must be taken alive and in a conventional sporting manner. No trolling. Only largemouth, spotted and small mouth bass will be counted

7 Fish must be kept in an aerated system when transporting from one spot to another.

8 . Participants may fish any area of the Tournament Lake except in restricted areas.

9. All “Point Tournaments” are off limits to pre-fishing Monday through Thursday preceding the tournament, with Friday being a legal pre-fish day.

10 A maximum of (5) five bass can be weighed in at each weigh-in, (4) at Okemah. Fish must be at least (10) ten inches in length unless Lake or State regulations are different. No carryover fish will be allowed on (2) two day tournaments.

11. Tournament director will designate check in, start fish, stop fish, and weigh-in times. No one will be checked in prior to check in times. No one is eligible to leave check-in site until you have paid your fees, and had your live well checked. Check in will be the same for day (2) two of a (2) two day tournament.

12. All boats should slow to a courteous speed when approaching, and passing someone fishing. There will be a no wake in sheltered areas.

13. The tournament director will be in charge of all tournaments and the official bump board. If the tournament director deems a fish to be questionable for any reason, then a club officer not directly involved will make the final ruling on weather the fish in question is legal. This decision will be final.

14. A legal fish must touch the mark of the bump board, either by laying flat or by fanning the tail. If a fish is found short, then that fish will be thrown out and a (1) one pound penalty will be assessed. You may use the official bump board to measure questionable fish prior to weigh-in starting; this is called a courtesy bump. Once weigh-in has started there will be no courtesy bumps. No exceptions to this rule.

15. A penalty of 2/10 pound and loss of fish will be assessed to participants weighing in a dead fish. The tournament director will determine if any and all fish are dead or alive.



16. Tournament participants up to (15) fifteen minutes late for weigh-in will be penalized (1) one pound per minute. If more than (15) fifteen minutes late it will result in a disqualification. The tournament director will appoint a member to watch for late participants.

17. Fish must be at least (10) ten inches in length unless the lake limit is larger, then that lake limit will be used. If a “Slot Lake” is used the (10) ten inch minimum will still be in effect.

18. If a “Slot Lake” is selected. Example: If the lake has a 13-16 slot, a fish touching the (13) thirteen inch mark of the bump board it is an “illegal” fish. If the fish is touching the (16) sixteen inch mark it is a legal fish. This is in effect even if fanning the tail

19. A verbal protest of club rules may be protested to a club officer within (15) fifteen minutes of last call for fish to be weighed in. If a verbal protest is made, then all awards will be withheld until the outcome of the protest is settled. The participant protesting has (48) forty-eight hours to put his protest in writing. This should include the date of the infraction, the name of the individual the protest is against, an outline of the reason for the protest, a list of any possible witnesses, and the signature of the individual filing the protest. The club officer’s decision on any and all protests will be final.

20. There are no spotters, and no outside assistance from non-members allowed while fishing any club tournaments.

21. Any person in violation of club rules during a tournament will forfeit their catch for that day on which the rule was broken.

22. This club reserves the right to administer a polygraph test to any member at anytime.

23. There will be 9 regular tournaments, and a “winner take all” Fall Classic tournament. Only the top 10 in the points standings will qualify for the Fall Classic.
 
stew6371, they look good I did notice that rule 10 and 17 both cover the size of the fish
and how will your point system work?

Wayne
 
I didnt notice rule 10 and 17. Thanks for pointing that out. I used rules from 3 other clubs and changed some of it around. I think it is a pretty good starting point though.

Pay Out & Points



1. Tournament fees will be $25.00 for one-day tournaments, and $30.00 for two-day tournaments.

2. Fees will be distributed in the following manner. $3.00 will be held out for the daily big bass per entrant per day. 80% will be paid out in the tournament pot, 20% will be deposited into club account for club operating expenses, and end of year awards.

3. Tournament pots (minus Big Bass) will be paid out in the following way. With up to 30 participants: 1st 50%, 2nd 30%, and 3rd 20%. 31 participants or more: 1st 40%, 2nd 30%, 3rd 20%, and 4th 10%. Angler weighing in biggest bass, will receive 100% of big bass pot. When available, Tackle packs will also be handed out

4. As well as prize money, points will be given in the following manner based on tournament weight for every angler weighing in fish. (Minus any Penalties) 1st-100 points, 2nd-99 points, 3rd 98points, continuing down in points to the last contestant weighing in fish. Anglers not weighing in fish will receive 10 points less then the last angler weighing in fish. Angler weighing in biggest bass, will receive 3 bonus points.
 
I know this is an older topic, but I thought of a few that I didn't see listed here.

Launch times will be determined by tournament officials. If conditions are not safe to launch at the scheduled time, tournament officials have the right to delay the launch as long as they deem necessary.

Tournament officials also have a right to cancel the tournament based on unsafe weather conditions. In the event that this happens, tournament fees will either be refunded, or applied to the next tournament- whatever each competitor chooses to do.

If a competitor chooses to leave early for whatever reason, he/she needs to get in touch with one of the tournament officials. If a tournament official cannot be reached, an attempt must be made to get in touch with another competitor. If no one can be reached due to poor cell reception or not having a cell phone on the water, a note needs to be left on the vehicle of a tournament official or another competitor. This is for your own safety, to ensure that no one is left broken down or otherwise in danger out on the water.

Cell phones cannot be used during the tournament for the purpose of gaining information from anyone, whether a competitor in the tournament or not.
 
Hydrilla said:
I know this is an older topic, but I thought of a few that I didn't see listed here.

Launch times will be determined by tournament officials. If conditions are not safe to launch at the scheduled time, tournament officials have the right to delay the launch as long as they deem necessary.

Tournament officials also have a right to cancel the tournament based on unsafe weather conditions. In the event that this happens, tournament fees will either be refunded, or applied to the next tournament- whatever each competitor chooses to do.

If a competitor chooses to leave early for whatever reason, he/she needs to get in touch with one of the tournament officials. If a tournament official cannot be reached, an attempt must be made to get in touch with another competitor. If no one can be reached due to poor cell reception or not having a cell phone on the water, a note needs to be left on the vehicle of a tournament official or another competitor. This is for your own safety, to ensure that no one is left broken down or otherwise in danger out on the water.

Cell phones cannot be used during the tournament for the purpose of gaining information from anyone, whether a competitor in the tournament or not.

they are great additions ... my trail has a rule that i can't launch the boats if there is a sall craft advisory or fog..
 

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