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Wisconsin Bass Home |
Revised – October, 2007 KNOW
ALL MEN AND WOMEN BY THESE PRESENT, that the undersigned adult
residents of the State of Wisconsin do hereby make, sign and agree
to the following; ARTICLES
OF INCORPORATION Article
1. The
undersigned associate themselves together for the purpose of forming
a corporation under Chapter 181 of the Wisconsin Statutes and the
acts amendatory thereof mid supplementary thereto, the business and
purpose of which corporation shall be; A.
To educate our youth and the general public on the joys of fishing.
to teach boating and fishing safety ethics and good sportsmanship;
to protect the environment from harmful change; to document and
report to the proper authorities violations of local, state and
federal anti-pollution laws, statutes, regulations, ordinances and
other regulatory devices; to take action where necessary to improve
the environment and to take a leadership role in repairing the harm
that has already been done to the waters and the habitat in that
water in the State of Wisconsin; to educate and aid the development
of youth for the respect of our national environment and
appreciation of basic rules of honesty, integrity, and fair play. B.
To do all other business incident to or necessary for the carrying
on and conducting of the business and purpose above mentioned, and
in general to carry on any other lawful business whatsoever in
connection with the foregoing, or which is calculated directly or
indirectly to promote the interests of the corporation, and to -have
and exercise all the rights, powers and privileges which are now, or
hereafter may be conferred by the laws of Wisconsin upon which apply
to corporations formed and organized under Chapter 181 of the
Wisconsin Statutes and the Acts amendatory thereof and supplemental
thereto. Article
II. The
name of the corporation shall be the Wisconsin Bass State Federation
Inc. (R- 10-06) and the principal office of the said corporation
shall be in the city of residence of the existing treasurer, and the
initial registered agent shall be Larry Allegar, Route 2, New
Richmond, WI 54017. Article
III.
There shall be no capitol stock of said corporation. Article
IV. No
dividend or pecuniary profits shall be declared or paid to the
members of said corporation. Article
V.
There shall be one class of memberships with such qualifications and
rights as set out in the by-laws. Article
VI. The
officers of the said corporation shall be a president, vice
president, secretary, and treasurer. The board of directors shall
number 13 and shall consist of the 4 officers of said corporation,
and an additional 9 board members (R- 04-03), who shall be elected
in the manner as provided in the by-laws of the corporation. The
term of the president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer
shall be for a period of two years and until their successors are
elected and qualified. Article
VII.
The principal duties of the president shall be, as executive of the
corporation; and subject to the control of the board of directors,
shall have general supervision, direction and control of the affairs
of the corporation. The president shall preside at all meetings of
members; he/she shall make a report of the general business of the
corporation during the previous year. The president shall nominate
all standing committees in accordance with the by-laws of the
corporation, subject to the approval of the board of directors.
He/She shall sign all contracts, deeds, and other instruments
approved by the board of directors and the members in the manner as
provided in the by-laws of the corporation. The
principal duties of the vice president shall be to discharge the
duties of the president, and when so acting shall have all the
powers of, and the restrictions of the president. The
principal duties of the secretary shall be to countersign all deeds,
leases, contracts and conveyances executed by the corporation, when
approved by the board of directors; and to safely keep all books,
papers records and documents pertaining to the corporation or
business thereof; and conduct the official correspondence of the
corporation; and perform such duties as may be designated by the
board of directors. The
principal duties of the treasurer shall be to keep an account of all
moneys, credits and property of any kind and nature of the
corporation which shall come into his/her hands; to render such
accounts, and maintain statements as shall be prescribed by the
board of directors. Further he/she shall render to the president or
board of directors on request, statements of financial condition of
the corporation, provided that statements shall be rendered at least
quarterly. He/She shall also maintain a membership book for the
corporation showing the name and address of each club and its
individual members. Article
VIII.
These articles may be amended by resolution setting forth such
amendment or amendments adopted at any meeting duly called for that
purpose or at any annual meeting, provided that a statement of the
nature of the proposed amendment is included in the notice of the
meeting. An amendment shall be adopted upon receiving at least two
thirds of the votes entitled to be cast my members present or
represented by proxy at such meeting. The corporation hereby created
shall continue forever. Article
IX. The
names and addresses of the persons constituting the initial board of
directors are: John Falter, STATE
FEDERATION BY-LAWS AND RULES The
Wisconsin Bass State Federation (hereinafter referred to as the
Federation) composed of affiliated, does hereby adopt the following
By-laws and Standing Rules: (R- 10-06) ARTICLE
1. OFFICERS, ELECTIONS, TERMS OF OFFICE, PROCEDURES AND REMOVAL Section
1: Board of Directors The
Federation shall be governed by a Board of Directors (hereinafter
referred to as the Board), one of whom will be elected as president
of the Federation and chairman of the Board in secret balloting by
the general membership and the Board members of the Federation. The
Federation shall conduct its business within the framework of six
zones. The Board shall consist of the president, vice president,
secretary, treasurer, conservation director, youth director, and one
zone director from each zone. All members of the Board must be
current members of the Federation in good standing. Each member of
the Board shall be entitled to one vote on all matters before the
Board. The Board shall be responsible for the orderly conduct of all
business of the Federation, including but not limited to the
appointment of standing committees, established procedures for the
affiliation with the Federation; procedures for severance of
chapters from the Federation; and adherence to such goals as may be
established by the Federation. (R- 10-06) Qualification
for Board Office - any candidate for office to the Board must be an
active member of the Board, or the Representative for a local
chapter, and must have served at least one year in that capacity.
(R- 10-06) Section
2: Elections and terms of office (A)
The President, secretary, and conservation director shall be elected
in the even numbered years. Their term of office shall be for two
(2) years. (B) The vice president, treasurer, and youth director
shall be elected in the odd numbered years. Their term of office
shall be for two (2) years. (C) The zone directors shall be elected
according to their zone numbers. Zones 3 and 5 will be elected in
the odd numbered years. Zones 2 and 4 will be elected in the even
numbered years. Their term of office shall be two (2) years. Section
3: Procedures (A) The Wisconsin Bass State Federation will conduct
elections in the following manner for the offices of president, vice
president, secretary, treasurer, conservation director and youth
director: All nominations for these offices will be made at the
October representatives meeting. Ballots will be printed and sent by
the Secretary through the mail two weeks from the October meeting.
All ballots will be kept SECRET and put into a furnished
self-addressed stamped envelope, to be returned by January 1st of
each year. Ballots will be opened by the Board on the Friday night
at the State Convention. The Board shall determine in advance a
commonly accepted method of breaking ties, and shall have the sole
responsibility for doing so. Results of the election will be made
public via the minutes of the (State Convention) Representatives
meeting. New officers will be introduced to the public at the State
Convention Banquet. Term of office shall begin at 12:01 A.M. Sunday
following the Federation Banquet, and ending at 12:01 A.M. Sunday
following the banquet of the second year. (R-4/96) (B) The
Federation will conduct elections in the following manner for the
offices of Zone Directors. Zone Directors will be elected by the
club representatives from each individual zone. Zone Directors will
be elected at the zone meetings in October. In case of two or more
reps running for the same zone, ballots will be printed and sent by
the State Secretary through the mail. All ballots will be kept
secret and put into a furnished self-addressed stamped envelope to
be returned by January 1st of each year. The Board shall determine,
in advance, a commonly accepted method of breaking ties, and shall
have the sole responsibility for doing so. Results of the elections
will be made public via the minutes of the (State Convention)
Representatives meeting. Term of office shall begin at 12:01 A.M.
Sunday following the Federation banquet and ending at 12:01 A.M.
Sunday following the banquet of the second year. (R-4/96) Section 4:
Removal The Board has explicit authority to remove and relieve of
duty any officer or director of the Board where, in the opinion of
the Board, such action is deemed necessary for the good of the
Federation. A minimum of 2/3 of the entire Board must vote for such
removal. Should a vacancy occur within the Board, due to removal or
resignation, the remaining Board members shall appoint a replacement
to fill the unexpired term of office. ARTICLE
2. DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS Section
1: Duties of the President The
president shall be executive of the corporation and subject to the
control of the Board, he/she shall have general supervision,
direction and control of the affairs of the corporation; be the
official representative of the Federation; delegate such duties as
may be appropriate to better serve the Federation; and maintain
liaison with the National Federation. The president shall preside
over all meetings of the Board and all quarterly meetings of the
Federation. He/ She shall make a report of the general business of
the corporation during the year. The president shall nominate all
standing committees in accordance with the by-laws of the
corporation, subject to the approval of the Board. He/She shall sign
all contracts, deeds, leases and other instruments approved by the
Board; and may call special meetings of the Board and the members in
the manner as provided in the by-laws of the corporation when
considered necessary. Section
2: Duties of the Vice President The
vice president shall assist the president upon request, preside in
the absence of the president, and should it become vacated, assume
the responsibilities of the office of president, serving until the
Board appoints a replacement to fill the unexpired term. The vice
president shall also act as Federation Tournament Director. The
tournament director, who shall serve as chairman of the Tournament
Committee, shall keep the Board informed of all tournament
activities of the Federation. The tournament director shall be
responsible for planning, organizing and operating state-level
tournaments. It will be his/her responsibility to rule, with final
authority, on the proper conduct, procedures and other matters
relating to the orderly conduct of ALL Federation tournaments. While
given this authority, the tournament director is, nonetheless,
accountable to the Board for his/her decisions. Section
3: Duties of the Secretary The
secretary shall record all minutes of all meetings of the Federation
and the Board. The secretary shall countersign all deeds, leases,
contracts and conveyances executed by the corporation, when approved
by the Board; and to safely keep all books, papers, records and
documents pertaining to the corporation or the business thereof; and
conduct the official correspondence of the corporation and perform
such duties as may be designated by the Board. Section
4: Duties of the Treasurer The
treasurer shall keep account of all moneys, credits and property of
any kind and nature of the corporation; maintain accurate financial
records as prescribed by the Board; and submit a report to the Board
and the membership at each quarterly meeting. Further he/she shall
present to the president or Board, statements of the financial
condition of the corporation on request. He/She shall also maintain
a membership book for the corporation showing the name and address
of each club and its individual members. The treasurer shall be
bonded. Section
5: Duties of the Conservation Director The
conservation/ natural resources director shall maintain liaison with
the National Conservation director; coordinate all state-level
conservation activities; and keep all chapters apprised of pertinent
conservation issues. (R- 10-06) Section
6: Duties of the Youth Director The
youth director shall coordinate all state-level youth activities; be
responsible for verifying that chapters satisfy youth activity
requirements; and keep all chapters apprised of pertinent youth
programs Section
7: Duties of the Zone Directors The
zone directors shall act as the official representatives of their
zone at Board meetings. They shall be responsible for Federation
activities at the zone level. They are responsible for organizing
and operating an annual zone tournament, and to rule with final
authority on the proper conduct, procedures, qualifications, and
other matters relating to the orderly conduct of said zone
tournament. The directors shall hold zone meetings to convey
relevant information to the zone chapters from the Board and receive
zone input for Board decisions. A minimum of two mandatory meetings
per calendar year will be held. Directors are responsible for
insuring that the Federation secretary has current club rosters and
schedules. Directors are responsible to insure the clubs in their
zone fulfill affiliation requirements. Because of the demands of
organizing the zone tournaments, zone directors who meet zone
qualifications in their individual clubs will have the opportunity
to advance to the state tournament as a boater, providing they meet
all other Federation qualifications. (R10/97) ARTICLE
3. COMMITTEES Section
1. Standing Committees The
Board, by simple plurality vote, will appoint the three following
standing committees, and such other special committees as may become
necessary. Terms of appointment to standing committees shall be two
years or less, expiring at the adjournment of the April
representatives meeting of the second year. To be eligible for
appointment a committee candidate must be a member in good standing
of the Federation. (R- 10-06) (A)
Conservation Committee:
The number of members to serve on this committee shall be determined
by the Board. The conservation director shall act as chairman of
this committee. The purpose of this committee shall be to protect
our natural environment from harmful change; to document and report
to proper authorities violations of local, state and federal
anti-pollution laws, statutes, regulations, ordinances and other
regulatory devices; to take political action to improve our
environment; to take legal action where appropriate; to undertake
informational and educational programs; to bring to the public a
greater awareness of threats to our environment; and above all, to
take a leadership role in repairing the harm that has already been
done to the life-giving waters of America. (B)
Tournament Committee: The
number of members to serve on this committee shall be determined by
the Board. The vice president shall at all times act as the
tournament director and chairman of this committee. The purpose of
this committee shall be to plan, organize and operate all
state-level tournaments, provided that all such state tournaments
will be conducted in the spirit and the letter of the current
national rules and the tournament rules of the Federation. It will
be the primary duty of the tournament committee to conduct its
affairs so that only honor, integrity, sportsmanship and the highest
ideals of fair play will accrue to it, and thus to each and every
member of the Federation. (C)
Youth Committee:
The number of members to serve on this committee shall be determined
by the Board. The youth director shall act as chairman of this
committee. The purpose of this committee shall be to plan, organize
and implement any youth activities of the Federation; and to
introduce young people of the goals of the Federation, to give the
youth a basis for the respect of our national heritage, and
appreciation of the basic rules of honesty, integrity, fair play and
good sportsmanship; to teach boating and fishing safety ethics, and
to give them an introduction to the sheer joy of fishing. (D)
Financial Review Committee:
One Club Representative from each zone, as appointed by the Board,
will serve on this committee. The purpose of this committee shall be
to review financial records and reports for accuracy, and to report
any financial concerns to the Reps body. This committee shall meet
immediately prior to each regularly scheduled Reps meeting. The
treasurer shall make all records and receipts available to this
committee upon request. (R-4/95) (E)
Special Committees:
Special committees may be formed by the Board, but only for closely
defined purposes, with the number of members to be determined by the
Board. Special committees may not supersede or otherwise infringe on
the duties and responsibilities of a standing committee. ARTICLE
4. TOURNAMENTS Section
1: Club Tournaments and Events Clubs
will NOT be allowed to hold official club tournaments on waters
designated for state or zone tournaments for that year, prior to
that tournament. Clubs will not be allowed to have any club
tournaments or club sponsored open tournaments on the dates
designated for State or the appropriate Zone tournament. Zones will
not be allowed to hold zone tournaments on state waters for that
year. (R-02/02) The club may hold events on the dates of Regional or
National tournaments, provided no member of the club has the
opportunity to compete in that tournament. Each club is responsible
for submitting a schedule of club tournaments to the Federation
secretary annually. The zone directors are responsible for
regulating club tournaments to insure that each body of water is
able to accommodate all those planning to compete on it on the same
date. If more than one club has conflicting schedules, the
"home club" will get preference. The zone director’s
decisions will be final. (R-4/97) Section
2: Zone Tournaments Each
zone will conduct a tournament each year to determine the
appropriate participants for the state tournament. The number of
participants from each club will be limited to a predetermined
number, based on club membership, as determined by the Board. A
non-refundable fee of $30.00 will be charged for each member of a
local chapter who registers to participate in the zone tournament. Section
3: State Tournament The
participants for this tournament are determined by the results of
the zone tournaments. Boating privileges are given in order of zone
placement, with each zone director qualifying as the first boater.
The sole purpose of this tournament is to determine the qualifiers
from our state to compete in appropriate regional or national
tournaments each year. The State tournament is to be conducted each
year as determined by the Board. (R-10/97) (R- 10-06) Section
4: Mr. Bass Tournament Each
club is allowed to send one member to the State Mr. Bass tournament,
designed for the top-placing member from each club. This contestant
must be equipped with a boat, and must bring along a fellow
Federation member to act as an observer in the tournament. A
non-refundable fee of $100.00 will be charged for each participant
club; cash prizes will depend on the number of participants and
tournament expenses. The tournament waters are to be selected by
alternating zones, with the approval of the tournament director. Section
5: 4-Man Team Classic Tournament Each
club is allowed to send one 4-man team to the State Classic
tournament. The team must be equipped with two boats, and prizes
will be awarded based on the team's total weight. A nonrefundable
fee of $200.00 will be charged for each participant club; cash
prizes will depend on the number of participants and tournament
expenses. (R-10/97) Section
6: Tournament Schedule Each
year, the tournament Schedule must be announced at the October Reps
Meeting. Every effort
should be made when possible to avoid conflicting schedule dates for
Wisconsin Bass Federation tournaments with other FLW tournaments in
the ARTICLE
5. AFFILIATION Section
1: To
affiliate with this Federation, a club must: (A)
Have a minimum of six (6) members paid by the State Convention reps
meeting. (B)
All clubs must maintain current membership in good standing with The
Bass Federation Inc. (TBF), and FLW Outdoors. (C)
Submit to the Federation secretary updated copies of the club's
roster with officers, club schedule, and by-laws and tournament
rules (D)
Submit to the Federation treasurer updated copies of the club's
roster with officers and a $50.00 per member annual Nonrefundable (E)
Submit to the youth director an annual report of club participation
in a qualifying youth or conservation project, as determined by the
Board (F)
Submit to the National Federation a $15 per member annual
non-refundable fee with an updated roster. *
For clubs having individuals not belonging to the Federation, that
club will be excluded from any and all Federation sponsored
activities, offices, and/or tournaments for that year and the
following year. ARTICLE
6. MEETINGS The
Federation will hold scheduled meetings quarterly: State Convention;
Board and Reps meetings; April: Board and Reps meeting; State
tournament; Board meeting only; October: Board and Reps meetings.
Special meetings may be called by the president when considered
necessary. Each local chapter affiliated with the Federation is
responsible for reporting their membership to the Federation through
one club representative at all reps meetings. (R-10/97) ARTICLE
7. STANDING RULES (1)
The primary goal of the Federation shall be to educate our youth and
the general public of the potential problems in our fisheries. (2)
Funds for the support and maintenance of the Federation will be
derived dues collected from each chapter member, from fees charged
for fishing zone tournaments, and from special projects to be
sponsored by the Federation. Under no circumstances may the
Federation accept monetary assistance from individuals, businesses,
corporations or governmental agencies, if there is prima facie
evidence that the goals of these entities are contrary to the
primary goals of the Federation. (3)
The president of the Federation, or his appointee, shall be a member
of the National Bass Federation Advisory Board, which shall meet
upon the call of the National president for the purpose of
furthering the goals of the various State Federations. (4)
Final authority for the interpretation of these by-laws and standing
rules shall rest with the Board of Federation. (5)
Quorum: A quorum of the Board and/or club representatives shall be
no less than 51% of the current roster, to conduct Federation
business. (R- 10-06) (6)
Amendments: These bylaws may be amended by resolution setting forth
such amendment or amendments adopted at any meeting duly called for
that purpose or at any regularly scheduled Reps meeting.
A statement of the nature of the proposed amendment should be
included in the notice of the meeting when possible, but is not
necessary. An amendment
shall be adopted upon receiving at least two-thirds of the votes
entitled to be cast by Club Reps present or represented by proxy at
such meeting. (R- 10-06) The
following rules and regulations apply to ALL tournaments sponsored
by the State Federation, including zone qualification tournaments.
All competitors are required to know the tournament rules that all
Federation events will be conducted by. The Federation's definition
of a tournament: Any organized prearranged fish-off between skilled
anglers to determine who the most skilled angler is or anglers. 1.
RULES INTERPRETATION:
The following rules and regulations have been formulated by the
Wisconsin Bass State Federation Board and tournament committee.
Interpretation and enforcement of these rules shall be left
exclusively to the tournament director. In the event of a rule
violation, the tournament director may impose such sanctions, as he
deems appropriate, including without limitation, disqualification,
forfeiture of prizes and prohibition from participation in
subsequent tournaments. The decision of the state tournament
director, zone directors, and appointed tournament officials shall
be final in all matters. While given this authority, the tournament
director is, nonetheless, accountable to the Board for his/her
decisions. 2.
PARTICIPANTS AND ELIGIBILITY:
Participants in Federation tournaments must be members of the
Wisconsin Bass State Federation, and must be at least 16 years old.
Eligibility to participate in Federation tournaments must be
determined by the individual clubs holding at least one annual youth
or conservation project and a minimum of six tournaments in which
the contestant must have registered at least one legal bass during
one of those tournaments. The number of members on each chapter's
roster at the October reps meeting will determine the size of the
chapter's team to the next qualifying tournament. It is mandatory
that a club's participants be determined from the prior year's
tournaments, excluding the Classic. Should any club allow a member
to compete in a Federation tournament, which has not properly
qualified, the entire club will be disqualified from that tournament
and all remaining Federation tournaments of that year and the
following year. 3.
TOURNAMENT REGISTRATION:
All fees for Federation tournaments must be made payable to the
Wisconsin Bass State Federation, fees are paid to the treasurer. Any
refunds or late entries will only be allowed with special permission
of both the State President and the respective Tournament Director,
for very outstanding circumstances(R- 10-06). Each club member is
responsible for submitting a properly completed and signed official
entry form to the vice president or to the appropriate zone director
for zone tournaments (and the monies are to be paid to the
treasurer) for Mr. Bass and Classic tournaments, by the designated
deadline. Each club will be allowed to submit entry forms for up to
five alternate members; the alternate's forms must also be sent by
the deadline. No one will be allowed to compete unless an entry form
has been properly received. LATE ENTRY FORMS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!
Mr.
Bass: $100.00 fee due to the treasurer on or before the April
reps meeting. Registration form, FLW card copy and boat insurance
copy due to the vice president by designated deadline. Zone:
$30 per
participant due to the treasurer by the designated deadline.
Registration form, boat insurance copy, and FLW card copy are due to
the zone director by the designated deadline. State:
Registration
will take place immediately following the zone tournaments, no entry
fee required. 4-Man
Classic: $200
fee due to the treasurer by the designated deadline. Registration
form, FLW cards and boat insurance copies due to vice president by
designated deadline. (B1/97) 4.
BOAT INSURANCE:
During the official practice and competition days of any Federation
tournament, contestants may not operate a boat unless that
contestant has submitted documented proof of a minimum of $300,000
boating liability insurance to the tournament director. This
documented proof must show an effective date and expiration date and
must be received by the designated entry form deadline. If it should
expire between the deadline and the tournament, also submit an
updated document as soon as possible. 5.
SAFETY:
Safe boating conduct must be observed at all times by all tournament
competitors. Each competitor is required to properly wear a U.S.
Coast Guard approved chest-type life preserver any time the
combustion engine is operating. The preserver must be strapped,
snapped, and/or zippered securely and maintained in that condition
until the combustion engine is shut off. Also when the internal
combustion engine is in operation, all participants shall be seated
so that their feet are resting on the main floor of the boat.
Contestants are required to operate their boats at speeds, which
would not be considered dangerous or excessive. 6.
TACKLE AND EQUIPMENT:
Only artificial lures may be used, no "live bait" or
"prepared bait" will be permitted, with the exception of
pork strips, rinds, etc. Only one casting, spincasting or spinning
rod (8-foot maximum length from butt to tip) and reel may be used at
any one time. All other types are prohibited. Other rigs as
specified above may be in the boat ready for use, however only one
is permitted at any given time. All bass must be caught alive and in
a conventional sporting manner. Trolling as a method of fishing is
prohibited. Any net may be used to boat bass. (R- 02-02). 7.
HORSEPOWER:
The horsepower of the outboard engine must be a minimum 25 HP and
must not exceed the rating specified on the rating plate attached to
each boat manufactured after November 1, 1972. Any boat manufactured
prior to that date, must adhere to the ratings set by the U.S. Coast
Guard for similar boats. Maximum motor size on any boat, regardless
of U.S. Coast Guard ratings, shall not exceed 250 horsepower. The
tournament staff will make final decisions whether a boat is
overpowered or unsafe. (B-4/97) 8.
BOATS:
All boats used in Federation tournaments must be at least 15 feet in
length. Pontoon barges and other cumbersome crafts will not be
allowed. Bilge pumps are recommended on the larger units (R- 10-06).
All boats, regardless of size, which are used in competition, must
be equipped with a working lanyard type kill switch. This ignition
kill device must be attached to the driver's body any time the
combustion engine is operating. Stick steering will not be allowed.
Any raised platform or decks cannot be higher than the gunnels of
the boat. Each boat must be equipped with live well space, properly
aerated, to adequately maintain alive a limit catch of bass by both
fishermen using the boat; with the minimum space being one gallon of
water for every pound of fish. Absolutely no stringers or fish
baskets will be allowed as a means of holding or carrying fish. The
tournament director shall have sole responsibility for determining
whether aeration and capacity is "proper and adequate". 9.
INSPECTION:
Prior to each day's start, each boat will have an inspection check
by a tournament official and will be given a numbered paddle, which
must remain in the boat until turned in each day at weigh-in. This
paddle must be displayed at the request of tournament officials. A
properly designated tournament official may approach or board any
competitor's boat at any time during official practice or tournament
hours. 10.
BOAT OPERATION AND EXPENSE:
A full discussion must be held between the two partners prior to a
morning departure as to the schedule of boat operations. This
schedule may permit each partner equal time to fish from the front
of the boat and to operate the trolling motor, so as to afford each
partner the opportunity to fish his selected waters an equal number
of hours. Distance traveled to fishing locations must be considered
in order not to deprive either partner fishing time while traveling
to and from fishing waters. Any damages to the boat or its equipment
incurred while the non-boater is operating the boat, are the sole
responsibility of the non-boater. If the contestant waives his right
to operate the boat, he shall retain the right to select the fishing
waters for one-half of the tournament day. Any contestant, who in
the judgment of the officials, operates the boat in such a manner as
to unfairly handicap his partner shall be disqualified. In view of
the large expenses involved in operating and maintaining a
tournament bass boat, it is required that the non-boater shall pay
his boating partner a minimum of $25.00 for boat expenses that day,
unless an alternate amount is mutually agreed upon by both partners
prior to the start of the tournament. In any event, it is expected
that the above fee will be paid prior to the start of the
tournament. 11.
TOURNAMENT WATERS:
Fishing on the tournament waters is permitted any where except:
within 50 yards of another competitors boat which was first anchored
or secured in a fixed position with the trolling motor out of the
water. No such boat shall permit selected competitors to fish within
the 50-yard circle claimed by him, to the exclusion of another
competitor. Only that water open to ALL public fishing will be
considered tournament waters. All angling must be done from the
boat. Contestants must not depart from the boat to land fish. Boats
must remain in tournament waters during the tournament day.
Contestants must leave and return to official checkpoint by boat,
both competitors must remain in the boat at all times, except in the
case of dire emergency. In such an emergency, competitors may be
removed from their boats to a boat operated by other competitors or
a rescue boat so designated by tournament officials. Partners must
remain together at all times, in sight of each other's catch, in
order for their catch on that day to be scored in the tournament. If
a competitor must violate any of the above conditions due to an
emergency, or any other reason approved by the tournament committee,
his catch of that day will be weighed in at the weigh-in site and
counted in the tournament. A tournament official or someone
designated by the tournament committee will then take the place of
the contestant leaving the boat, and the remaining contestant may go
back to fishing with his observer. The contestant remaining will
have sole control of the boat and fishing locations after the
observer enters the boat. Trailering of boats during tournament
hours is prohibited. (B-4/97) 12.
OFF LIMITS/ SPECIAL RULES:
During official practice and tournament hours, a competitor may not
have the assistance or advice of any one for the purpose of locating
bass, nor consult a professional guide, state, or wildlife agency
employee, Federation member, or any other person deemed a
"local expert' on these tournament waters by the tournament
director, unless he/she is a contestant in the tournament. No
contestant, alternate, or Federation member shall fish or boat on
tournament waters during the official cut-off period beginning at
midnight of the Sunday prior to all Federation tournaments, until
the start of the official tournament practice hours. Contestants
wishing to bring a boat across tournament waters from another site
(campground, etc.) must obtain permission from the tournament
director. Federation members who are not contestants are not allowed
on tournament waters during the cut-off period or tournament hours.
Any infraction of this rule will be disqualification of that
individual from his/her next qualifying Federation tournament.
(B-4/95, B-1/96) 13.
OFFICIAL CHECKPOINT:
There shall be only one official point for check-out in the morning,
and check-in in the afternoon, and this point shall be designated
prior to the tournament. At the time of check-out, all competitors
and their boats shall be in the full conformance with all rules set
forth by the tournament committee; at check-in all boats shall
identify themselves by means of the numbered paddle and proceed
immediately to the designated weigh-in area. Partners must remain
together with their paddle until weigh-in. 14.
SCORING:
Tournament standings, auxiliary awards and final winners shall be
determined by the total weight of each competitors catch during the
days of the tournament. The daily tournament limit for each
competitor shall be five (5) fish. Only largemouth, red eye or
smallmouth bass will be weighed. All competitors are bound by the
prevailing statutes and regulations of the State of 15.
PENALTIES:
Any short fish brought to the weigh-master will mean
disqualification of that day's catch. Each dead fish, as determined
by the tournament committee, brought to weigh-in will be penalized 4
oz. / .25 lbs. 16.
LATE PENALTY:
Competitors who are not in the official checkpoint area at the
appointed time shall be disqualified. LATE IS LATE. There shall be
no excuses for tardiness, and in no case shall a competitor be
allowed to make up for "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 is
prohibited except during tournament hours. Exact starting and
check-in times will be announced prior to the tournament. 17.
TIES:
In case of a tie for first place, the following tie breakers will be
used in order; (1) the team or individual with the largest number of
legal fish weigh-in during the competition, (2) the team or
individual with the largest number of legal LIVE fish weighed in
during the competition, (3) the team or individual with the heaviest
single day's catch during competition, (4) the team or individual
with the second heaviest single day's catch during the competition.
In the unlikely event that teams of individuals remain tied after
these four tie breakers are employed, then a flip of the coin will
be used to determine the winner(s), however trophies and prize
money, if any, will then be equally split. Ties for lesser positions
shall be resolved by means selected by the tournament director. 18.
PAIRING OF CONTESTANTS:
Two contestants will be assigned to each boat prior to the
tournament by tournament officials. Wherever possible, no
contestants from the same club or zone will be paired, nor shall two
competitors fish together more than one day. If the last pair drawn
is from the same zone or club, backup to the next pair available to
switch partners. The non-boaters will be the persons changing
starting positions. Announcement of partners shall be at the
kick-off meeting, which must be attended by each competitor. It
shall be the responsibility of each partner to appear at a mutually
agreed upon location with sufficient time remaining to checkout at
the official checkpoint and start on time. Tournament officials are
not responsible for finding missing partners. In the event that one
of the partners does not show up 30 minutes before the start of the
tournament, that person will be disqualified from that day's
competition; and a substitute (designated by tournament officials)
will ride with the other contestant. Once two contestants’
checkout at the beginning of the day, they must stay together and
within sight of each other's catch throughout the day until weigh-in
is completed. A contestant must not allow any bass caught by him to
be counted on the score of another contestant. In such a case, both
contestants will be disqualified from that tournament. 19.
SPORTSMANSHIP:
Competitors in Federation 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. 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.
Contestants are also responsible for their actions and conduct in
and around the area of the event including motels, hotels,
restaurants, etc. Any act of a competitor which reflects unfavorably
upon the Federation's efforts to promote fisheries conservation,
clean waters, and courtesy shall be reason for disqualification. 20.
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL:
Use of alcohol or illegal drugs by any competitor during the
official practice or tournament hours will not be tolerated and
shall be cause for automatic disqualification from that and all
future Federation tournaments. No alcoholic beverages or other
stimulants or depressants, or illegal drugs shall be allowed in the
boats during the official practice or competition days or at the
weigh-in area. Chemical substance addiction or abuse, conviction of
a felony or other crimes involving moral turpitude, or other conduct
reflecting unfavorably upon the Federation's efforts to promote
safety, sportsmanship and compliance with tournament rules shall be
grounds for rejecting any application for participation, or for
disqualification. 21.
RADIOS:
During tournament hours, a competitor may not use a CB radio, a VHF
marine band radio, a cellular phone, or any other type of
communications device for the purpose of communicating information
related to locating or catching fish. If so equipped, contestants
may listen to the marine band weather information. (R- 10-06) 22.
TOURNAMENT HOURS:
The Zone qualification, State tournament, and Classic will be three
day tournaments, with the first day, Friday, designated as a
practice fishing day, Saturday and Sunday as competition days. The
Mr. Bass tournament will be a two-day tournament, with Saturday as
practice fishing day and Sunday as competition day. Maximum length
of fishing time per tournament competition day will be eight hours.
Any contestant not showing up the second day of the competition,
without approval of the tournament director, will be disqualified
from any remaining Federation tournaments of that year and the year
immediately following. (10/96, 1/97) 23. AMENDMENTS: These tournament rules may be amended by resolution setting
forth such amendment or amendments adopted at any meeting duly
called for that purpose or at any regularly scheduled Board meeting.
A statement of the nature of the proposed amendment should be
included in the notice of the meeting when possible, but is not
necessary. An amendment
shall be adopted upon receiving at least two-thirds of the votes
entitled to be cast by Board members present or represented by proxy
at such meeting. |
| Copyright 2008 Wisconsin Bass Federation | |