2009 Tournament Rules

At least one member from each team is asked to attend the Pre-Tournament Safety Meeting. The following rules of this tournament will remain unchanged. The decision of the Tournament Director and/or Tournament Committee shall be final in all matters.

1. Participation & Eligibility: Participation is open to anyone sixteen years of age or over (must have proper identification) Any person entering tournament under 16 years of age must have signature of parent or legal guardian in space provided on entry form, and also, must have someone 16 years of age or older as his or her partner.

2. Safety: Safe boating conduct must be observed at all times by all tournament competitors. each competitor is required to have a Coast Guard approved chest life preserver and required safety equipment (running lights). Life jackets must be worn when boat is on plane.

3. Sportsmanship: 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.

4. Tackle & Equipment: Only artificial lures may be used. No live bait or prepared bait will be permitted, with exception to pork rinds, strips, etc. Only one casting, spin casting, or spinning rod and reel may be used at any time. No trolling is permitted.

5. Permitted Fishing locations: Fishing in tournament waters are permitted anywhere except within 50 yards of another competitor's boat, which was first anchored. No such anchored boat shall permit selected competitors to fish within a 50 yard circle claimed by him or her. To the exclusion of any other competitor. (All competitor boats will be marked.) All angling must be done from the boat. Trailering of boats during tournament hours is prohibited. Fishing must be done on Lake Eufaula above dam.

6. Official Checkpoint: There shall be only one official checkpoint for check-out in the morning and check-in in the afternoon and this point shall be designated by Tournament Director. No boat will leave the official checkpoint before designated time of departure and all boats must check in at the official checkpoint by their designated time.

7. Late Penalty: Competitors who are not at the official check in area at their appointed time will be disqualified.

8. Scoring: Scoring will be determined by the pounds and ounces of the competitors catch during the tournament. Only largemouth and spotted bass will be accepted with a limit of 5 fish per boat. Minimum length is 14 inches measured on a standard Golden Rule. For each fish shorter than 14 inches presented to the weigh master, the short fish and the largest fish will be culled. DEAD FISH - For each dead fish presented to the weigh master there will be a .20 lb. penalty. This is to be taken away from the total weight. Any competitors presenting over the 5 fish limit to the weigh master will be disqualified. All fish become property of THE TOURNAMENT. No over-the-side live baskets or stringers will be used. All boats must be equipped with aerated live wells. Once competitors have entered the weigh-in-line, they must weight the fish in their possession at that time. Anyone who exits the line forfeits the right to weigh-in. ALL FISH must be weighed in.

9. Ties: In the event of a tie for any place, combining award money and dividing them equally among the contestants shall resolve wining funds. A coin toss will determine trophy position.

10. Partners: All fishermen are responsible for making sure their partners are on time at the landing. Failure could be reason for disqualification and forfeiture of entry fee.

11. Alcoholic Beverages: No alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs can be consumed or taken during the tournament hours including the weigh-in.

12. Protest: Any protest must be registered in writing and signed by the competitor protesting. Also required is a $50 deposit. This must be done within 15 minutes of the weigh-in ($50 deposit will be refunded if protest is upheld).

13. Disqualification: If at any time a competitor is caught disregarding the rules of the tournament, the competitor and his/her partner will be disqualified.

14. Spare Gas Tanks: Spare gas tanks are allowed, but must have quick hook-ups (No pouring or siphoning is allowed). Spare tanks must be B.I.A. certified or Coast Guard approved.

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