Tallgrass Mini Boat Bass Club
RULES
TMBBC Competition Rules Standard
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The terms and conditions presented in this document apply between Tallgrass Mini Boat Bass Club (“TMBBC”) and those persons registering for and participating in TMBBC competitive Events (“Competitor”). “Events” include “Tournaments” (meet-up competition). The pronouns “he,” “him,” “himself,” and “his” herein are used as generic, gender-neutral terms and do not restrict or confirm access on the basis of sex.
Each Tallgrass Mini Boat Bass Club (“TMBBC”) Tournament, or Big Bass Brawl (referred to herein as “Competition”) is conducted according to Competition Rules found in two documents:
TMBBC Competition Rules Standard (this document) cover about 90% of the terms, conditions and standards common to all TMBBC Events.
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TMBBC Event Rules Addendum, located on the TMBBC TourneyX monthly tournament page, presents the remaining event-specific rules and details such as dates, locations, times, fishable waters, and local restrictions. Together, these two documents comprise the TMBBC Competition Rules. As a condition of participation in any TMBBC Competition, the participating angler (“Competitor”) agrees to read, understand, and comply with all TMBBC Competition Rules. Failure to comply will result in penalty, which may range from points deductions to submission denial or disqualification.
For each Event, the Tournament Director (“TD”) will be identified in the TMBBC Event Rules Addendum. He has responsibility for interpretation and enforcement of the TMBBC Competition Rules and may amplify or clarify them to make them more relevant or complete. TMBBC management will review the TD’s action and revise the TMBBC Competition Rules appropriately. Announcement of the rule changes will also be posted fifteen (15) days prior to implementation in the Tallgrass Mini Boat Bass Club Facebook Page.
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Table of Contents
Fishing Tackle, Equipment and Methods
Unavailability and Force Majeure
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1. Participation and Eligibility
A. TMBBC Membership
1). Unless otherwise exempted in TMBBC Event Rules Addendum, to participate in TMBBC Tournaments, each Competitor must be an active TMBBC Member by March of the current before start-of-competition unless authorized by the TD. Non- members who fish at such Events are not eligible for prizes, ranking, and rewards.
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2). A TMBBC member is defined as someone that has paid their TMBBC club dues and is in good standing in the Club. Your club dues are to be paid before any of your scores will be counted for the year end totals. Membership is limited to 30 members with a maximum of 33% (10) classified as non-boaters. TMBBC would like to keep a maximum of 20 boaters at each event.
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3). Club dues are $25.00 per year and will include club membership. Dues will be used to cover club expenses for such things as administrative fees and year-end awards.
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4). Unless specified as “TMBCC Member-only” participation in any TMBBC Event is open to both TMBBC Members and non- members who meet all other eligibility requirements specified in TMBBC Competition Rules.
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B. Professional Fishing Guides may register and compete in Events providing they do not guide-for-pay on Eligible Water within 30 days prior to the Event’s start-of-competition date.
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C. Event Registration — All TMBBC Competitions are conducted using a Tournament Management System (“TMS”). TMBBC utilizes TourneyX as a TMS. Each angler who wishes to participate in such an Event must create a TMS user account and PayPal account before the first day of competition.
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1). Any Competitor who desires to compete in a TMBBC tournament is required to sign up for the Event and pay the entry fee on the TMS.
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2). Registration and payment deadlines are outlined in the registration rules for that event.
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D. Entry Fees — Entry Fee amounts and administrative surcharges are specified in the TMBBC Bylaws, Article VII.
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No Satisfaction Guarantee — Competitor understands and agrees that payment for the Event does not secure a guarantee or promise of satisfaction.
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Competitor’s failure or inability, for any reason except as otherwise provided herein, to participate in any or all of the activities of the Event does not relieve or suspend the Competitor’s obligation to make all payments required by TMBBC Rules on a timely basis, nor entitle the Customer to a refund or credit, except as provided below.
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E. Payment — Competitor agrees that once an Event Registration is submitted, the terms and conditions of the TMBBC Competition Rules constitute an Agreement that is a legally binding and enforceable obligation of Competitor.
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F. Competitor’s Right to Cancel — Any competitor who wishes to cancel an Event Registration may do so by emailing TMBBC (TMBBC2018@gmail.com).
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For Tournaments, if cancellation is coordinated with TD more than 24 hours prior to the Event, no administrative fee will be charged. Any cancellation 24 hours or less before the Event shall result in a per person administrative fee equal to $10 of the Event Registration Fee.
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Once an Event has started, no cancellations will be accepted and no refunds will be provided.
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TMBBC is not responsible for any refunds of expenses related to travel or lodging reservations or other payments involving third parties.
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G. Pre-Tournament Check-in — Each Tournament Competitor is responsible for reviewing the Schedule of Events in the TMBBC Event Rules Addendum for pre-event check-in times and location. Each Competitor must check in with official TMBBC Competition staff at the time and place designated in the Schedules of Event for verification of eligibility, signing of waivers if required, and rules acknowledgement. Late check-in and registration process (if permitted), event-specific instructions, and Event schedule are specified in the TMBBC Event Rules Addendum.
A. Species—For “Bass” TMBBC Competitions, only “black bass” are eligible for scoring. That designation includes the three most common species (Largemouth Bass – Micropterus salmoides, Smallmouth Bass – Micropterus dolomineu, and Spotted or Kentucky Bass – Micropterus punctulatus).
B. Length—The minimum length of bass scored in competition is 12 inches. Photos of bass shorter than the minimum specified for an Event will be denied.
C. Condition—Bass must be hooked in the mouth or jaw. It may not appear to have snagged, snatched, or hooked in the body or a fin. Bass must appear to be alive. If bass appears to be dead, mutilated, frozen, mangled, or otherwise damage, or it appears to have been mashed, mauled, or otherwise altered, the photo will be denied.
D. Caudal (Tail) Fin—The tip of at least one lobe of the caudal (tail) fin must be contact with the measuring board. If the entire caudal (tail) fin is lifted away from the measuring board so that the tip is no longer in contact, the photo will be denied.
E. Eye—The left eye must be visible in photo. Violation will result in denial of the photo.
A. Competition start and end dates and times are stated in the TMBBC Event Rules Addendum. Any Competitor who begins fishing before the official Competition Start Time on any day of competition will be disqualified from the Event. Under no circumstance will a fish photographed outside of the official Competition Start and End times be considered for scoring.
B. Check-in — Tournament Competitors who have already submitted digital photos by upload to the TMS must be in the Judges’ Check-in Line at Tournament HQ by the time specified in the TMBBC Event Rules Addendum to ensure safety of the member. Failure to be in or through the Judges’ Check-in Line by that time will result in disqualification from the Event.
C. Other Check-ins — Tournament Competitors who could not or did not upload their photo submissions to the TMS must report to the Judges’ Check-in Line at check-in specified in the TMBBC Event Rules Addendum and turn in their digital media via camera phone with USB cable (or upload via hotspot, if available) in order for judges or tournament staff to download them to a computer and then manually upload them to the TMS for subsequent evaluation and scoring.
4. Pre-fishing — Practice in Eligible Water is permitted until the time specified in the TMBBC Event Rules Addendum on the day prior to Competition. If no pre-fishing deadline is stated in the Addendum, then practice may continue up until twelve hours prior to competition start time. There are no restrictions regarding areas, type of watercraft, or types of bait used in pre-fishing. Fishing on the event’s eligible water after the specified pre-fishing deadline will result in disqualification from the Event. (Refer to Rule 6 regarding pre-fishing with a professional fishing guide.)
A. Competitive fishing is allowed only on publicly-accessible waters within the geographic area designated by the TMBBC Event Rules Addendum as “Eligible Water info.” Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.
B. Competitors may launch from any public-access shore directly onto Eligible Water or may launch and then paddle or portage to Eligible Water. Crossing restricted property to reach Eligible Water is not permitted. Tributaries, canals, sloughs or estuaries separated from the rest of eligible water by temporary obstructions (e.g., fallen trees, log jams, beaver dams) that, if removed, could be entered by floating/paddling are considered eligible waters in which competition is permitted, and competitors are permitted to drag or portage watercraft over or around such obstructions. Those separated by obstructions of a permanent nature (e.g., levees, earthen or concrete dams, berms, roadbeds, spillways, waterfalls) are ineligible water, and competition in such areas is prohibited. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.
C. Competitors are restricted to fishing only designated Eligible Water during tournament hours.
D. Watercraft must not be anchored in such a position as to prevent or block access for other watercraft or powerboats. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.
E. Wade fishing is NOT permitted. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.
F. Photos that competitors submit for scoring in every TMBBC tournament must be of fish caught from Eligible Water. To be “Eligible,” the body of water must be inside the competition area boundary, during public-access hours, be accessible to the public, and be where fishing is permitted by regulations.
A. Up until the end of the established pre-fishing period, competitors may fish with and receive direct assistance from other anglers and professional guides on the Eligible Water, except as restricted in Rule 6.B., below.
B. Within 30 days prior to the Event, a Competitor may not fish on Eligible Water with, nor receive expert advice from, a professional fishing guide who accepts payment for such services. Violation will result in Competitor’s disqualification from the Event.
C. Before and during the event, competitors may (a.) share gear, tackle and equipment, (b.) assist in photographing a fish for submission, and (c.) communicate with and fish in proximity to other people, including other Competitors (except Professional Fishing Guides, as stipulated in Rule 4, above); however, then may not receive assistance in catching fish, including boat positioning, casting, retrieving, hooking, playing, or landing a fish. Violation will result in Competitor’s disqualification from the Event.
7. Fishing Tackle, Equipment, and Methods
A. All bass must be caught live, the Competitor using only equipment and legal methods that comply with all sport fishing statutes and regulations of the state of Kansas and body of water in which they are taken. Competitors are responsible for research of and compliance with all applicable fishing and boating regulations. Snatching or snagging fish is not permitted. When visually fishing a bed for spawning bass, to be admissible all bass must be hooked inside the mouth. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.
B. All bass must be caught on rod, reel, line and hook with artificial lures only. No traps, snares, set lines or other methods of fishing other than rod, reel and line are permissible, even if legal under state game laws. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.
C. Acceptable measuring boards include ONLY the yellow “Hawg Trough” with black lines manufactured by Fishing Online or Ketch board (see Hawg/Ketch below). Measuring boards may be shortened by removing inches from the upper end (opposite the fence) For example, one may cut a measuring board off at the 26 inch mark in order to fit crossways between a watercraft’s gunwales. However, it may not be broken, snapped, or cut apart and then reassembled at any point between the two ends. A crack that does not separate the measuring board into pieces and does not affect the measuring board’s accuracy may be repaired and reinforced for use. Violation will result in denial of photo.
D. Competitors may share measuring boards.
E. A break of the measuring board’s fence may be mended for use if the repair is rigid, flat and at a right angle to the measuring surface. The mended measuring board must be submitted to the Tournament Director, personally or by two or more emailed photographs that clearly show (i.) the mended area and (ii.) a side view of the measuring surface and the fence. Violation will result in denial of photo.
F. Each competitor must use a mobile phone with camera capable of producing still photos to submit digital photographs using TourneyX.
When a Competitor’s smart phone becomes inoperable or is lost, he may share smart phones with other Competitors, provided each Competitor logs into his own TMS account in order to submit photos of fish he caught. Violation will result in denial of photo.
G. Only artificial lures and biodegradable artificial lures may be used. No live bait, preserved bait, or prepared bait will be permitted during competition, with the exception of pork strips or rinds. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.
H. Only ONE casting, spin-casting, spinning, or fly rod and reel may be in use at any one time. A rod and reel is considered to be “in use” when a lure attached to it by a line is in or on the water. A hung lure (one snagged in an overhanging tree) that is not in or on the water is not considered in use and the attached rod and reel may be set aside while another is in use.
I. Nets and grippers (e.g., Fish Grip, Boga-Grip) may be used for landing bass during tournament competition, but grippers must not remain attached to the fish in photos. Violation will result in denial or disqualification of the photo.
J. 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 after retrieval, the bass is still hooked, it may be landed, photographed, and submitted as a legal fish. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.
A. Watercraft acceptable for use in TMBBC Competition are:
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1). Small watercraft not exceeding 16 feet in hull length
2). that the manufacturer identifies and sells as a plastic boat, aluminum jon boat, inflatable boat, or kayak including inflatable kayaks and modular kayaks
3). Canoes
4). Other watercraft specifically approved in advance of competition by TMBBC Executive Committee. If unsure about the acceptability of a watercraft, contact TMBBC Executive Committe in advance for eligibility determination.
5). Under no circumstance will the following watercraft be approved for use in competition:
a. Sailboats
b. Float tubes
c. Pirogues or coracles
Use of watercraft in competition other than those listed above will result in disqualification from the Event.
B. Watercraft propulsion is restricted to paddle, pedal, electric motor or gas or liquid-fueled motorized or hybrid fuel/electric motors up to 15 horse power. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.
C. Unless specifically prohibited in the TMBBC Event Rules Addendum, use of a single electric propulsion unit per watercraft in TMBBC-sanctioned competition is approved with the following restrictions.
D. Competitors must comply with all boating regulations pertaining to motorized/electric-propulsion watercraft registration, use, and operating restrictions for the designated fishing area. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.
E. Towing, transport or relocation assistance from another watercraft, including “mother shipping,” is NOT permitted except in cases of emergency, as when pulling a watercraft from a danger zone or restricted area. Once the emergency has ended, the Competitor may resume fishing only if the watercraft was pulled no more than 100 yards from the danger zone. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.
F. Trolling is not permitted in TMBBC Events.
9. Photo Standards—Digital photographs of each bass submitted to judges for scoring must meet these criteria:
A. Unique—Each digital photo submitted by the same Competitor in each Event must be of a different bass. Subsequent digital photos of the same bass submitted by the Competitor in an Event will be denied.
B. Visible/Legible—Each photo must be in sharply focused and clear enough for a judge to:
1). Verify the correct Identifier Form and Event ID Code. Inability of the judge to verify will result in denial of photo.
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2). Verify the bass’ condition. Violation will result in denial of photo.
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3). Verify the bass’ length. Judge will score fish at the greatest length of which he is certain.
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4). Verify whether its jaw or lip is in contact with the measuring board fence. Inability of the judge to verify will result in a penalty of 1 inch.
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5). Except where covered by hand or fingers, the entire bass, from its mouth/jaw to the tip of its caudal (tail) fin, must be visible in photos. If either end is covered or cropped off, the photo will be denied.
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C. Centered—Camera lens positioned directly over the center of the bass’ body, which contributes to accurate measurement by judges. Photos taken at a low angle in order obscure an open mouth may be denied or penalized at the Tournament Director’s discretion.
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D. First-generation—Each digital photo must be a first-generation image (not a photo or screen-shot of another photo). Violation will result in denial of photo.
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E. Identifiable—Official TMBBC Identifier Form above, below, or beside that bass (not covering any portion of the bass, unless attached to the Competitor’s hand or arm). Neither a hand-drawn form nor an image of the TMBBC Identifier Form on a smart phone are permissible. Violation will result in denial of photo.
F. Background—Competitor’s watercraft clearly visible in the photograph. Violation will result in denial of photo.
G. Hand Position.
1). Hand or finger(s) may be in contact with the caudal peduncle (fleshy, scaled part of the bass’ body at the base of the caudal fin) but not touching any portion of the caudal fin (tail fin). Violation will result in a 1-inch deduction in score.
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2). No portion of a hand or finger may be under the fish’s operculum (hard gill flap). Violation will result in denial of photo.
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H. Mouth
1). Bass’ lip or jaw must be in contact with measuring board fence (bump board, upright), and the fence must be visible in the photo. Violation will result in denial of photo.
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2). Mouth is preferred closed for uniformity of measurement. If mouth is clearly open less than 1/4 inch, no penalty will be assessed. If judge considers the mouth to be open 1/4 inch or more, even if it is structurally unable to close, a one-inch penalty will be assessed.
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I. Not “In-possession.” In the state of Kansas, unless a bass is secured by a restraint device or is placed in a holding container, state regulatory agencies do not consider it to be “in possession” by Competitors, so states’ minimum length regulations do not apply for photo submissions.
A. Bass length is determined by its caudal fin (tail fin) touching or crossing the quarter-inch ridge/line on the measuring board. If it falls short of a 1/4-inch mark, the length is rounded down to the next lower 1/4-inch mark that the bass’ caudal fin actually touches or crosses.
B. If any portion of a bass’ caudal (tail) fin extends off the measuring board, the score will be determined by the highest 1/4-inch measurement reached or crossed by the portion of caudal fin on the Measuring Board. Any portion of the caudal fin extending off the Measuring Board is not considered in scoring.
C. Tournament ranking, Angler of the Year Points, and Championship qualification shall be determined by the aggregate length of each Competitor’s photos remaining on the Leader Board when judging has concluded. Unless otherwise stipulated in the TMBBC Event Rules Addendum, the scores of the five longest bass on the Leader Board when judging is complete will be combined to determine the aggregate score.
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D. If a Competitor’s photo is denied by a judge after end-of-competition, it may be automatically replaced by a previously submitted and auto-culled photo; however, no Competitor may submit a replacement photo after end-of-competition time.
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E. In the event of a tie in score, the tied competitors’ longest (highest-scored) bass are compared, and the tie breaks in favor of the competitor with the longest (highest-scoring) bass. If the longest bass are equal, the second-longest bass are compared and determine which competitor wins the tie. If the second-longest are identical, the third bass is compared, and if they, too, are identical, then the fourth bass breaks the tie. If all four of the tied competitors’ highest scoring bass are identical, then the tie breaks in favor of the competitor whose last Leader Board photo was uploaded earliest.
F. TMBBC judges apply the following scoring criteria to adjust measurements, approve or deny photos, and to penalize photos by deducting points (length) or disqualifying a Competitor.
Item Photo Scoring Criteria Penalty
Photo Blurry photo/length unclear: scored at the highest mark of which there is no doubt n/a
Photo Blurry photo; completely unable to judge Deny
Photo Appears to be second-generation (screen shot, photo of photo) Deny
Photo EXIF data and other evidence substantiates photo taken outside of Eligible Water boundaries Deny
Photo EXIF data, other evidence substantiates photo was taken outside of competition hours Deny
Photo Multiple digital photos submitted of the same bass; unintentional violation Deny
Photo Multiple digital photos submitted of the same bass; evidence indicates intentionally Ban
Photo Competitor’s watercraft not visible in photo background Deny
Photo Entire fish not in picture Deny
Orientation Bass positioned with right side of body toward camera; head pointing right and caudal fin left Deny
Orientation Bass positioned with dorsal fins at bottom of photo, pelvic and anal fins upward Deny
Identifier Official identifier Form partial/missing, counterfeit, or incorrect for event Deny
Identifier Identifier Form is lying on or covering any portion of the bass Deny
Identifier Incorrect Event ID Code for Event Deny
Fish Secured by restraining device (e.g., stringer, tape, or clip attached to bass) Deny
Fish Photo violates state regulations regarding possession Deny
Species Photo of any other than the species or varieties approved for the Competition Deny
Body Body length less than 12″ Deny
Body Any portion of a hand or fingers under the fish’s operculum (hard gill flap) Deny
Body Finger(s) or hand touching the caudal (tail) fin 1.00″
Body Entire caudal (tail) fin entirely lifted away and out of contact with the measuring board Deny
Body Eye covered; not visible in photo Deny
Body Bass appears to have been snagged, snatched, or hooked in the body rather than mouth Deny
Body Bass appears to be dead, mutilated, frozen, mangled, or otherwise damaged Deny
Body Bass appears to have been mashed, mauled, or otherwise altered to increase its length Deny
Mouth Bass lip or jaw clearly not touching measuring board fence (upright end plate) Deny
Mouth Unable to ascertain with certainty that bass lip or jaw is touching measuring board fence 1.00″
Mouth Mouth slightly open, but clearly less than 1/4 inch 0.00″
Mouth Mouth open 1/4 inch or more, even if it appears to be structurally unable to close completely. 1.00″
A. In the event of a rule violation, the Tournament Director may impose such penalties as deemed appropriate, including without limitation, the following:
1). Reduction of score (length) as described above or determined by the Tournament Director
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2). Loss of catch for the day or up until the violation has been remedied
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3). Disqualification from the tournament in question
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4). Any additional penalties determined by the Tournament Director including but not limited to eduction of Angler of Year points.
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5). The Tournament Director’s decisions on violations are final.
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B. Following a review of evidence, a determination by TMBBC Executive Committee of cheating or conviction of fraud will result in permanent revocation of TMBBC Membership, suspension from all TMBBC competitions and TMBBC-affiliated Events, and revocation of all TMBBC Social Media privileges. The findings will be published on the TMBBC Facebook Closed Group web page.
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A. Prizes and numbers of positions paid out are addressed in the Bylaws. Amounts paid per rank are subject to change based on participation (lower value for fewer entries and higher value for more entries) and sponsor provision.
B. Prizes will be processed after all photos submitted for scoring have been judged, the results reviewed by a separate panel, and disputes have been resolved.
A. During competition, every Competitor must have all required Coast Guard safety equipment, (e.g., light source, whistle or other audible signal device, Coast Guard-approved chest-type life preserver [PFD]). See USCG and Kansas rules HERE.
B. PFD Usage — At all times, except as described below (Rule 15.C. PFD Wear Exception) while on the water during competition hours, Competitors must wear either an inherent-flotation or inflatable USCG-certified PFD, either vest-style or float jacket. A belt-style PFD, even one that deploys as a vest, is not permitted during Competition. The PFD must be properly positioned and adjusted to conform with USGC and manufacturers’ instructions. When an infraction, as described above, is verified by the Tournament Director, the competitor is disqualified from participation in the event.
C. PFD Wear Exception — If all of the following conditions exist, Competitor may briefly remove his PFD while afloat:
1). Kayaks, canoes or inflatables: in order to change, add/remove articles of clothing
a. No fishing lines are in the water; and
b. The watercraft is not underway; and
c. Weather and water conditions permit one to do so safely; and
d. Competitor is over the age of 12.
When finished changing his/her attire, Competitor must immediately put the PFD back on before resuming navigation, fishing, or any other competition-related activity.
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2). Boats
a. when water craft is not underway by gas- or liquid-fueled motorized motors
b. weather and water conditions permit one to do so safely
c. Competitor is over the age of 12
Read Crystal Keill’s article on wearing of PFDs HERE. It applies to all of us, not just kayers.
D. The Tournament Director has the right to postpone or cancel the start of an official tournament day because of bad weather or other factors that would jeopardize Competitors’ safety. Tournament waters may also be restricted at any time because of bad weather.
E, In the event of weather emergencies that pose an imminent threat to Competitors, the Tournament Director may terminate Competition before the scheduled end-of-competition time. An Early Termination Announcement with an adjusted end-of-competition time will be broadcasted to Competitors via email, group text messaging or Facebook and will also be posted on the TMS site and social media sites. The Announcement will also specify an adjusted report-in time and location. If safe to do so, upon receiving the Announcement, Competitor should make his way to the specified location at that time.
Competitor is required to stop fishing as soon as he receives the Early Termination Announcement. No photos of fish caught after the adjusted end-of-competition time may be submitted for scoring; however, to accommodate those seeking shelter immediately, Competitor has up to 15 minutes after the Adjusted End Time to submit a photo of any bass caught before the adjusted end-of-competition time/photo submission deadline.
F. In the event of an emergency situation, Competitor should call 911 first and then notify tournament officials as soon as possible.
G. Use of alcohol or drugs (other than those purchased over-the-counter or prescribed by a licensed physician) by any Competitor during an Event will not be tolerated and will be cause for automatic disqualification from this and all future TMBBC tournaments. No alcoholic beverages or other non-prescription stimulants or depressants shall be allowed in watercraft during competition days. Chemical substance addiction or abuse, conviction of a felony or other 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 TMBBC President. 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 TMBBC tournament, and/or disqualification from a TMBBC tournament, after circumstances are reviewed by the TMBBC President.
14. Competitor Conduct — Competitors participating in any TMBBC sanctioned event must observe the applicable rules for the specific event in which they are participating and must conduct themselves at all times in a manner that reflects favorably on the sport of bass fishing, TMBBC, its members, officers or representatives, tournaments or sponsors. Competitors are expected to follow high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy, integrity, safety and conservation in support of the sport of kayak bass fishing, especially when in the vicinity of non-Competitors who may be on or beside Eligible Water. Any Competitor who violates these principles or behaves in ways the reflect unfavorably up TMBBC efforts to promote fisheries conservation, clean waters and courtesy, may forfeit tournament winnings, face suspension from future TMBBC sanctioned events, be permanently banned from competition, or any combination thereof deemed appropriate by TMBBC.
A. If a Competitor wishes to dispute a rules violation penalty, a judge’s scoring decision, or other action that materially affected the Competitor’s ranking or prize eligibility, he must email a dispute with the Tournament Director within 48 hours (2 full days) following completion of Event judging. The dispute must include the following:
1). Event title, location, and date
2). Description or identification of penalty imposed, or condition being disputed
3). Reference to pertinent rule
4). Reason for dispute and requested action
Except for situations involving fraud or other law violation, any disputes submitted after the 48-hour dispute deadline will be reviewed without affecting the outcome of an event. No change in rank or reward will result from disputes submitted after the deadline. Only Competitors in the Event where the disputed action occurred may submit disputes. Disputes must be handled privately. All parties directly involved will be provided a copy of the dispute. The Tournament Director will review the Competitor’s claims, thoroughly investigate the disputed decision, and issue a ruling.
A. The favorable public reputation of TMBBC as a sanctioning organization in the sport of bass fishing, the integrity of its officials, and the reputation of its media channels are valuable assets and tangible benefits for TMBBC. Accordingly, it is an obligation of Competitors to refrain from comments in public forums and social media or to the news media that unreasonably attack or disparage the integrity of TMBBC tournaments, tournament officials, sponsors, fellow members, fellow Competitors or the TMBBC organization. Competitors are encouraged to express themselves and have the right to question the rules officials. Responsible expressions of legitimate disagreement with TMBBC policies are encouraged, as opposed to attacks upon the integrity of the rules or officials. However, public comments that a Competitor knows, or should reasonably know, will harm the reputation of Tallgrass Mini Boat Bass Club, TMBBC officials, TMBBC members or sponsors, may result in disciplinary action.
B. Sponsor contributions will not be devalued by disputes or disagreements in public forums or social media platforms.
C. Publicly disputing any judgment decisions by a Tournament Director, TMBBC President or judges will result in participants receiving one warning followed by disciplinary action up to permanent disqualification for repeated offenses. Any public dispute of final rulings, ongoing determination by judges or judging panel is grounds for immediate disqualification from the current Event and termination of any eligibility for future Events, even if previously qualified. This provision is not intended to discourage legitimate disputes but to ensure that a fair and unbiased approach is used and the approved challenge and appeals processes are followed in determining the best possible outcome.
17. Unavailability and Force Majeure — TMBBC will use reasonable efforts to hold the Event; however, under no circumstances will TMBBC be held responsible for unavailability caused by circumstances beyond TMBBC’s control, including flood, fire, hurricanes, earthquakes or other “acts of God,” acts of government, civil unrest, acts of terror, strikes or labor problems nor will any Event Registration be cancelled, altered or amended once the Event has commenced on the basis of circumstances beyond TMBBCs reasonable control.
18. Compliance with Laws — This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Kansas. All rights and obligations of the TMBBC and the Competitor under this Agreement are subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. These terms and conditions shall be deemed revised to conform to applicable statutes, rules and regulations. TMBBC may modify the terms and conditions stated herein at any time in its sole and absolute discretion. Competitor shall be bound by the modified Agreement and agree that no other modifications shall be enforceable. This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements between the parties, whether written or oral. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision hereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision. The waiver of any breach shall not constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach.
A. Name and Likeness Release — By registering for this Tallgrass Mini Boat Bass Club Event, the Competitor grants to TMBBC the right to use all photographs, likenesses, stories, accounts, details of Competitor contributions, exploits, interviews, bloopers, and information pertinent to the TMBBC Event, as well as any video footage, photographs gathered at the Event, for marketing and promotional purposes. This release is granted without expectation for additional compensation upon submission of Event Registration.
B. Waiver and Release of Liability — As a condition of participation in a Competition, and by virtue of registering for the Competition, each Competitor agrees to accept the terms and condition of the TMBBC Waiver and Release of Liability Agreement (below). This Agreement absolves TMBBC, its officers, staff, and volunteers from responsibility and threat of litigation in the case of injury, loss, or death sustained by a Competitor in the Event. Registrants under the age of 18 must have their waiver/release form signed by the parent or adult guardian who will accompany them throughout competition. A printed copy of the TMBBC Waiver and Release Form (below) is available at the Event HQ Check-in Table and must be signed and on file with TMBBC before a registrant is eligible to compete.
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DOWNLOAD Waivers below:
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NO DUES UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
TALLGRASS MINI BOAT BASS CLUB WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY AGREEMENT
TALLGRASS MINI BOAT BASS CLUB WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY AGREEMENT UNDER 18
