COTTONWOOD BASS CLUB

 

 

Cottonwood Bass Team 2008-2009

General Rules and Information

Revised February 3, 2009

Club Note

Bass fishing is an experience that can be enjoyed by the young, the senior citizen, the novice, the veteran angler, and anyone who enjoys the pursuit, challenge, and thrill of catching a feisty bass.

 

While competitive fishing is not for everyone, the opportunity to make new friends and share the fellowship of local anglers is indeed a rewarding experience.

 

With a high emphasis placed on the sharing of knowledge and fishing skills, and where half the fun of belonging to this Bass Club is in our personal relationships, you can be proud to say you are a member of the Cottonwood Bass Team.

 

Club Ethics

The general definition of ethics is just that, very general!!!  Since no definition could be all-inclusive so as to handle all situations that might arise, it must be understood that decision of the Club Officers and their interpretation of the situation must be final.  Their decision will take in the welfare of the club as a whole, as well as the welfare of the member(s) involved.  The Club Officers will serve as a medium to determine what action, if any may be required against any individual(s) who violates the rules of good moral conduct, or imposes upon others to a degree that any individual(s) or the club as a whole will suffer from their actions.

 

Disciplinary action may vary from a verbal discussion with the offending party, to immediate and permanent dismissal from the club, depending on the severity of the problem.

 

The Club Officers may exercise their duties whenever and wherever they feel necessary as long as it is within the realm of club activities.  For example, the Tournament Committee will govern over all aspects of tournament procedure and functions.  Most misconduct problems will come under the regulation of sportsmanship.  However, the Tournament Committee may enlist the help of the Club Officers where applicable to ensure that the problem may be brought to a satisfactory conclusion.

 

The following is a general outline of the areas that the interpretation of ethics will cover as it applies to the Cottonwood Bass Team.

 

• Respect the honor system - - In short: No Cheating!!!

 

• Do not make false accusations.  Most individuals take special pride in their honesty and integrity.  Never subject your peers to embarrassment, humiliation, or defamation of character unless you are absolutely sure and have ample evidence to support your claim.  However, if you do witness a wrongdoing and have proof, you owe it to the other club members to make it known.  Bring it to the attention of a Tournament Committee member immediately.

 

• Control you arrogance and your disappointment due to a bad day.  Learn to be a good winner as well as a good loser.  Nobody enjoys a winner who openly gloats over his/her success or one who continually “cries” over their failures.  Stories and good natured “ribbing” can be fun and healthy as long as it is kept within the boundaries of good taste.

 

• Don’t be a trouble maker.  The Club Officers will not tolerate any overzealous individual who directly or indirectly stirs up trouble for the specific enjoyment of stirring up trouble.  We don’t want overbearing personalities who aggressively and repeatedly burden others for the satisfaction of their own ego.  In short, this club is no place for those who want to make unnecessary waves.

 

• Avoid personality conflicts.  Communication and compromise are the key ingredients to resolve this situation.  Unresolved personal differences can result in “back stabbing”.  Close friends with sympathetic ears will only compound the problem and create a rippling effect throughout the club.  Uncontrolled, this situation can result in personality cliques that will damage the integrity of the club.  No other single factor will undermine the moral character of a club faster.  Members will reach a tolerance level and then drop out.

 

• Remember the reasons that the club was formed.  Sportsmanship, learning, helping and the camaraderie.  Also, the general care and enhancement of the bass fisheries of our state.  Any willful or deliberate actions that pose a threat to the well being of our fisheries or habitat will be dealt with immediately.

 

• We will always be under scrutinizing eye of the general public. It is the duty of every Cottonwood Bass Team member to see to it that this club is always viewed in a positive manner.  This includes on the water, at the launch ramps and by showing respect for the property of those whose facilities we use as tournament sites and/or overnight stays.

 

In general, the purpose of having “ethics” is to ensure that all club members will abide by a logical and common sense approach to moral principles for the betterment of each individual and the club as a whole.

 

MEMBERSHIP

 

Open to the general public with no restrictions as to sex or race.  Membership is limited to 40 members.  To ensure that non-boat owners will not exceed boat owners, a waiting list will be provided and new members accepted accordingly.  An inactive member is decided by the Tournament Committee.

 

An existing adult member in good standing must sponsor new members.  Applications for new membership will be voted on by attending members at the regularly scheduled meetings.  Acceptance requires 2/3-majority approval.  There will be a three tournament probationary period for all new members, at which time there will be a general acceptance vote by attending members at the regularly scheduled meetings.

 

DUES

 

Membership dues will be set annually by the Tournament Committee on May the 1^st of each year.  Dues are to be paid in full before any member will be eligible for tournament competition.

 

FISCAL YEAR

 

Tournament schedules, tournament events, election of Club Officers and annual dues are maintained on a fiscal year basis.  The fiscal year will be May 1^st to April 31^st.  The members attending the April meeting will elect officers.

 

YOUTH ELIGILIBILITY

 

Children 14 years of age will be eligible to join Cottonwood Bass Team.  Children will be expected to conduct themselves in a manner so as not to become a detriment or handicap to the performance of the boat owner.  Members under 18 must have a waiver signed by their legal guardian.

 

RULE CHANGES

 

Rules of a general nature will be discussed and voted on by the general membership.  Issues will be decided on a ¾ majority vote.

 

SPENDING OF CLUB MONIES

 

If any merchandise is to be bought for the club, of if anything is to be special ordered by any member, it must have the approval of at least 2 of the 4 executive officers, prior to purchasing or ordering.  Failure to do so will result in the billing of the member(s) involved.  Be sure to contact the President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasure, or the Tournament Committee Chairman.

 

 

ALCOHOL AND ILLEGAL DRUGS DURING TOURNAMENTS

 

No alcohol will be allowed during tournaments until the weigh-in is complete and the tournament has been declared over.  Illegal drugs will not be allowed at any Cottonwood Bass Team tournament, meeting or social event.

 

NEWSLETTER

 

Each paid member of the club will receive a monthly newsletter.

 

MEETINGS

 

Meetings will usually be held on the third Tuesday of each month at Luigi’s Pizza in the Anderson Market Place unless otherwise scheduled.. The Market Place is located in the Wal-mart shopping center.  Sign ups for the coming tournament will be taken from 6:30 PM to 7:00PM after which time the meeting will begin.  A Sergeant at Arms will be present at each meeting to ensure proper meeting conduct.  Members and/or guests in violation of common courtesy rules will be assessed a $1.00 (minimum) fine.  All fines collected will become a part of the general club treasury.  The consumption of alcoholic beverages during club meetings is permitted until such time as its use becomes detrimental to the club meetings or activities.

 

TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE

 

The Tournament Committee is made up of five club members and one alternate.  Committee members are selected by the general membership.  Meetings will be held on a mutually agreeable evening as needed.  Committee members who miss three consecutive meetings will be replaced.  The purpose of the Committee is as follows:

 

Ø  Govern over all rules/regulations and circumstances pertaining to tournament competition

Ø  Adopt new rules

Ø  Ensure safety and good sportsmanship

 

Rules will be left exclusively to the Tournament Committee.

 

 

TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

 

The Tournament Committee Chairman will preside over all Tournament Committee meetings and all tournaments.  At each tournament he will preside over the duties of each of the following:

1. The Weighmaster
2. The Recorder
3. The Fish Checker
4. The Official Timekeeper

In the event of their absence, the Tournament Committee Chairman will appoint another to carry out their duties.

 

At the discretion of the Tournament Committee Chairman a tournament may be delayed or canceled due to safety reasons.  He will enlist the help of the Tournament Committee in making these decisions.  Once the tournament is officially started no late arrivals will be allowed to participate.

 

TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE DUTIES

 

The Tournament Committee has the authority to make final decisions on any problems that arise on tournament day.  They will meet as necessary to enact rules or change rules, schedule yearly tournaments and hold “investigative” meetings to decide membership grievances or disqualification rebuttals.

 

WEIGHMASTER

 

It will be the Weighmaster’s duty to care for and make sure the scales are at each tournament.  It will be his sole job in the operation of the scales during all tournaments.  His word at the scale is final!  It will be the responsibility of each contestant to request that one or more “big” fish be weighed in each event.

 

RECORDER

 

It will be the duty of the Recorded to keep accurate record of the number, specie, live/dead ratio, heavy fish and weights as called out by the Weighmaster and Fish Checker.  He may enlist others to help in the overall calculations and results break down.

 

FISH CHECKER

 

It will be the duty of the Fish Checker to determine the species, number of fish, condition of fish (live or dead), the measuring of fish and to relay the information to the Recorder.  It will also be his duty to prepare the fish checking tub for each tournament and see that is cared for after each tournament.

 

 

TIMEKEEPER

 

The Timekeeper’s time will be the only official time during all tournaments.  His authority governs contestants.  The Timekeeper may synchronize his timepiece with that of another Officer to prevent the possibility of error due to faulty timepiece operation.  It will be the duty of the Timekeeper to keep an accurate time during tournament hours.  He is to announce the official time at the start of each tournament in such a manner and as many times as is needed to ensure that each member is aware of the official time.  He will also be responsible for watching the boats as they return to the designated weigh-in site to determine the fact that each boat returns within the tournament hours.  The Timekeeper’s time will be the only time that will be accepted as official.

 

TOURNAMENT STARTER

 

The last boat drawn will be the Tournament Starter.  It will be his duty to see that all boats leave the take-off in an orderly fashion and in the order that they were drawn.

 

CLUB PRESIDENT

 

It is the duty of the Club President to preside over all general membership meetings and to dispatch the operations of the club to the other officers and/or members as he deems necessary to carry out the club’s functions.  He will always be expected to conduct himself in a manner that reflects the welfare and best interest of the club as a whole.

 

VICE PRESIDENT

 

It is the duty of the Vice President to act in the behalf of the President in his absence.  He will also be expected to aid the President in the dispatch of his duties.

 

SECRETARY/TREASURER

 

It is the duty of the Secretary/Treasurer to keep an accurate account of the minutes of all general membership meetings, special meetings and Tournament Committee meetings.  It is also his duty to receive and dispatch all club correspondence as directed by the President.  As Treasurer he will be expected to keep and accurate account of all club monies and to see that all club liabilities are met.  He will also be expected to keep the club insurance in effect at all times, and keep all membership information correct.

 

 

SERGEANT AT ARMS

 

The duty of the Sergeant at Arms is to keep order at all general membership meetings and to assess fines accordingly.

 

PARTICIPANTS & ELIGIBILITY

 

Open to all club members and guests.  Guests will be placed into the draw for partners.  However, if a member has invited a guest, this member can fish with their invited guest ONCE.  Any guest that does not join the club is welcome to fish again as a guest the next year, but must enter the draw for partners.  Boat ownership is not a prerequisite.  Guests may fish one tournament per fiscal year at the regular cost.  They are eligible for cash awards excluding progressive pots and points.

 

TOURNAMENT DATES

 

Generally, tournaments will be held on the weekend following the third Tuesday of the month unless a change is deemed necessary.

 

ENTRY FEES

 

Entry fees will be $15.00 per event.  Due in advance and refunds will be at the sole discretion of the Tournament Committee.  All other side pots are optional.

If a club member signs-up for a tournament and due to work conflicts can not participate, the member must report his/her cancellation to the Secretary/Treasurer by 5:00PM the Friday before the tournament.  His/her entry fee and any optional clubs and side pots will be carried over to the next tournament in which the member participates.

 

NON BOAT OWNERS FEES

 

On all lakes the non-boater will pay a pre-designated fee to the boat owner for his share of the day’s gas usage.  This fee is defined as the current price of 10 gallons of regular fuel.  The non-boater will also be expected to share the cost, if any, of the launch fees.

 

SAFETY

 

Safe boating and all precautions must be observed at all time by all contestants.  Life jackets are mandatory and must be worn at all times the boat is on plane.  If you do not have a live jacket or other Coast Guard approved flotation equipment, you must secure one before being allowed to participate in a tournament.  Failure to wear a life jacket while the boat is on plane will result in the disqualification of all contestants in that particular boat.

 

 

BOAT BREAKDOWNS

 

In the event of mechanical failure preventing a boat from returning to the weigh-in, the participants in that boat will have the option of flagging down another contestant and sending the non-boater back to the weigh-in with both catches.  The contestant staying with the crippled boat must send his license with his catch.  In the event that the boat owner is by himself, he my send his catch to the weigh-in with another contestant accompanied by is license.

 

TACKLE

 

Only artificial lures may be used.  No prepared or live bait other that pork type strips or rinds is permitted.  Only rods and reels may be used.  They may be of spin-cast, spinning or bait casting varieties not to exceed 8 (eight) feet in length.  Only one rod may be in the water at any one time.  However, any amount of rods and reels may be rigged and ready for the contestant’s use.  Electrical and mechanical fishing devices such as: sonar, pH meters, temperature gauges, color selectors and oxygen probes, may be used to aid the contestant.  No underwater cameras or electrical type lures are permitted.  Landing nets may be used.

 

BOAT DISQUALIFICATIONS

 

The Tournament Committee has the right to prohibit any boat from participating in a tournament, which they deem, unsafe, ill equipped or the operator deemed unsafe due to intoxication.  Intoxication during tournament hours will not be tolerated at any time and will result in disqualification.  Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in any boat during tournament hours.

 

DRAW FOR PARTNERS

 

All tournament contestants will participate on a draw basis with the exception of team tournaments.  Partners will be drawn for each day of fishing for the two-day, one-tournament contests.  The draw will take place at regular meetings, Tuesday night before the tournament.  Partners must remain together throughout the fishing day.  A boater can not be paired with the same non-boater for two consecutive tournaments.  If this pairing occurs, the boater will be placed back into the draw and a different boater will be paired with the non-boater.

 

DRAW REFUSAL

 

Any contestant refusing a draw must do so with the approval of the Tournament Committee only.  There are three reasons which will be considered as grounds for a refusal: (1) Boat considered unsafe (2) Boat operator considered unsafe or unqualified to operate boat (3) Conflict of personalities.  Only the Tournament Committee will be allowed to rule on the validity of these reasons.  Their decision will be considered final.

 

BOAT OPERATION

 

Partners must discuss a schedule for the tournament day prior to take-off.  Each contestant is entitled to equal time on the front deck of the boat during tournament hours.  Boat operation is at the sole discretion of the boat owner.   Each contestant is entitled to an equal number of hours to fish his/her selected waters.  Any contestant who, in the judgment of the Tournament Committee, operates the boat in such a manner so as to unfairly handicap his partner or refuse to let his partner fish his/her waters will be disqualified.

 

PERMITTED FISHING WATERS

 

Fishing is permitted only in areas of the lake accessible by boat and open to the general public.  The immediate area surrounding the take-off sites (as established before the tournament take-off) is not permitted.  No fishing will be permitted within 50 yards of a boat that was first anchored or tied in an area.  A contestant may not move in on a boat that is drift fishing or working a particular area with an electric motor and claim the area by anchoring.  It will be permitted to fish along with another boat at a reasonable distance providing all contestants involved are agreeable.  A reasonable distance shall be described as “casting distance”.  All participants must respect the boundaries of any other contestant using marker buoys.  Only the contestants in the boat placing the marker buoys are allowed to fish within the boundaries of the buoys.  Marker buoys may not be placed at a distance of more that 50 yards.  The landing of all fish must be done from within the contestant’s own boat.

 

All contestants leave and return to the starting point by boat.  Boats may not be trailered and transported to a different part of the lake during tournament hours.

 

Any boat observed running faster that the buoy markers or posted speed limit during tournament hours will result in the disqualification of the entire boats catch for that day.  No passing another boat in the 5 MPH zones.

 

FISHNG HOURS

 

Fishing hours will be announced at the meeting prior to the tournament, in the newsletter and prior to take-off.

 

 

DAMAGE OF ANY NATURE

 

Damages to any contestant’s boat or equipment during a tournament are the responsibility of the individual at fault and must be corrected or compensated for by that individual.

 

SPORTSMANSHIP

 

Any contestant who displays poor sportsmanship, violates any local laws or violates the laws set forth by the California Department of Fish & Game will be disqualified.  Good sportsmanship and fair play should be directed at the non-tournament fisherman who may be on the lake during tournament hours as well as the other participants.  Sportsmanship must extend to the general public in the use of marina and launch facilities.

 

RULE CHANGES

 

Basic rules will remain unchanged throughout each event.  Slight rule changes may be in effect during two-day tournaments, team events and the Tournament of Champions.  Due to unforeseeable problems the Tournament Committee will have the right to adopt new rules suggested in writing.

 

BOAT AND MOTOR REGULATIONS

 

All boats must be bass fishing type boats and must be equipped with the following:  electric trolling motor, aerated live-wells, two raised casting seats (if desired by one or both of the contestants), automatic kill-switch with tether and must meet all Coast Guard regulations.  All boats must be at least 14 (fourteen) feet in length and be powered by a motor of not less that 25 (twenty-five) horsepower.  No boats will be allowed to run motors that exceed the boat manufacturer recommended horsepower rating.  The Tournament Committee will have a final say as to whether a boat is tournament legal.

 

WEIGH-IN

 

Weigh-in time will be officially announced prior to the start of each tournament.  Any weigh-in that will take place in the ramp parking lot will not start until all boats are out of the water.  Being late for weigh-in will result in disqualification.  There are no acceptable reasons for tardiness, including boat and/or motor failure.  Options available to the participants in a boat that is incapable of returning to the weigh-in site are previously covered under “Boat Breakdowns”.

 

 

DEFINITION OF A LEGAL FISH

 

The standard used by the Tournament Committee to measure fish is the “Will-E-Go” belly board.  A fish to be considered legal (keeper) must measure at least 12 (twelve) inches with the mouth closed.  You may fan the tail.  The shortest fish of each catch will be measured.

 

Rules on minimum length may, at the discretion of the Tournament Committee, be modified to accommodate a specific lake, or laws such as the Lake Oroville

slot limit.  Any changes will be brought before the general membership well in advance of a tournament.

 

Any bed or sight fish caught must have the hook in the mouth with the hook pointing out.

 

PENALITIES

 

Contestants who have not checked in at the official take-off site before the tournament start will be disqualified.  If disqualification is that of a boat owner, the non-boater scheduled to be in that boat will be transferred to the first boat in the take-off progression that does not have a non-boater.

 

If a boat due to mechanical failure is unable to participate in the take-off, the boat owner will be transferred to the first boat in the take-off progression that does not have a non-boater, and the non-boater will be transferred to the second boat in the progression.

 

Tardiness to the weigh-in will result in disqualification.  Tardiness will be ruled on by the official Timekeeper.

 

Anyone weighing in a fish smaller than the legal length limit will be disqualified.  It is the obligation of each contestant to check their own fish prior to coming to the scales.  All fish brought to the scales will be deemed tournament fish and considered property of the Weighmaster.

 

On a two day one tournament, if a member is disqualified for any rule violation, he will lose the weight for that day only.

 

Any boat jumping their designated starting position will be penalized 1/10 (one tenth) of a pound per fish bonus weight at the weigh-in.  Any contestant who weighs in a dead fish will be penalized one quarter of a pound per dead fish plus the loss of the 1/10 (one tenth) of a pound bonus.

 

 

SCORING

 

Competition will be based on individual and/or team efforts.  Scoring will be determined by the total weight of each contestants and/or team’s catch for the overall event, plus the addition or subtraction of any pertaining bonuses or penalties.  The points will be awarded as follows: 30 (thirty) points for first place, 29 (twenty-nine) points for second place, etc.  2 (two) points will be awarded for first big fish and 1 (one) point to second big fish.  5 (five) points will be awarded to each contestant for each tournament fished as “show-up points”.  60 (sixty) points maximum each year.  Only the best 9 (nine) tournaments of the year will be figured into each contestant’s accumulative total for the year-end results.  Those finishing in the top 10 (ten) positions will be eligible for the Tournament of Champions.  Those finishing in the top 20 (twenty) positions for the year, will be eligible for the year-end team fish-off.

 

Disqualification for a tournament does not lose “show-up” points.

 

PAY OFF

 

Pay back will as follows:

Four dollars of the entry fee from each contestant will be shared by the top five finishers of the tournament on a percentage basis.  First place 30% (thirty), second place 25% (twenty-five), third place 20% (twenty), fourth place 15% (fifteen), and fifth place 10% (ten).  Three dollars of the entry fee will be awarded to the contestant(s) who catch the biggest fish.  When we fish lakes that produce both large, smallmouth and spots, $1 (one dollar) per contestant will be paid for big largemouth, big smallmouth, and big spot.  On lakes that produce a single species, the entire $3 (three dollars) will be awarded on a 60% - 40% basis to the first and second big fish.  On lakes that produce 2 (two) species the $3 (three dollars) will be paid back at 50%-50%.  Cash can be won by one person with the first and second big fish, points can not.

 

Four dollars per contestant of the entry fee will go into the club’s general treasury.

 

One dollar per contestant of the entry fee will be awarded to the boat that weighs in the biggest combined total weight.  That money is to be divided equally between the contestants fishing in the winning boat.

One extra dollar will be collected as entry fee on 2 (two) day tournaments so that total boat weight can be given on both days.

 

Two dollars per contestant of the entry fee will go to the TOC and one dollar per contestant of the entry fee will go to the TFO.

 

In the event that fewer than five contestants catch weighable fish in a tournament the money will be distributed by a different percent scale kept by the Tournament Committee. 

 

GRIEVANCES

 

The Tournament Committee members that are present at the tournament site will rule upon grievances if an immediate decision is needed.  The Tournament Committee may meet as a whole at a special meeting if the grievance does not require immediate attention.  Any grievance that pertains to situations or actions occurring during a tournament must be brought to the attention of a Tournament Committee member within 30 (thirty) minutes of the designated time the tournament fishing hours are declared over.

 

Any grievance of a major nature should be given to a Tournament Committee member in writing to allow ample time to assess the problem and address its possible solution.  The author of the written grievance will be asked to attend the “grievance” meeting to further elaborate and discuss the problem.  You will then be asked to leave the room while a simple majority vote is taken.  Notification of the outcome will be immediate and final.

 

All contestants, by virtue of their membership in the

Cottonwood

Bass Team are subject to a polygraph test by the authority of the Tournament Committee.  The Tournament Committee decisions regarding polygraph testing will require a unanimous vote.

 

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

 

FREE LURE

 

The last place finisher of each tournament will have the option to select one lure from the tackle box of that tournament winner.

 

SELLING OF FISH

 

Any member convicted of violating Fish & Game laws concerning the selling of fish, or purposely snagging fish will be terminated from the club immediately and permanently.

 

CULLING DEAD FISH

 

To comply with Fish & Game regulations, it is against the club rules to cull a dead fish.  If a fish dies in your live-well, it is part of your catch!

 

CULLING OF FISH

 

It is against the rules to cull your fish inside the designated “take-off” area.  If you have too many fish in your live-well when you come to the weigh-in you are violating Fish & Game regulations.  If you have a fish that is close to the length limit determine its legality before you get to the weigh-in site.

 

FREE MOUNTING

 

The club will mount any member’s bass that exceeds club record for that species.  These fish must be caught during regular tournaments and tournament hours.  T.O.C. and Team Fish off excluded.

 

NUMBER OF TOURNAMENT BOATS

 

If we have too many boats, the non-boaters will be drawn until they are gone.  Then the remaining boaters will draw for position and fish alone.  If there are more non-boaters than boats the draw will be conducted as usual until all boats are drawn.  A second draw will then be held with all the boats (150 HP or greater) and the remaining non-boaters to fish three to a boat.  This problem will be equalized by the luck of the draw.

 

TROLLING

 

Trolling is not allowed during tournaments.

 

TOTAL BOAT WEIGHT ENTRIES

 

All boaters who do not draw a partner will pair off in numerical order according to their starting positions.

 

DRAW DISCREPANCY

 

Any discrepancy in the draw should be brought to the attention of the Tournament Committee for immediate rectification.

TROPHIES

 

Trophies will be presented at our banquet at the end of the year for the following achievements:  Angler of the Year (first in points), second in points, third in points, biggest largemouth, biggest smallmouth, biggest spot, Rookie of the Year (decided on by the Tournament Committee on accomplishment and experience), biggest total weight (one tournament, or any single days catch of a two-day tournament), Tournament of Champions winner, most improved (decided by the Tournament Committee on accomplishment), Tournament of Champions qualifier (top ten) and any other special awards that are deemed applicable.

 

ALL DECISIONS MADE BY THE TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE WILL BE CONSIDER FIANAL!

 

TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS

 

At the end of the fiscal year (April), the contestants who finish in the top ten final point standings will qualify for our annual Tournament of Champions.  These fishermen will compete for prizes donated by our sponsors and/or purchased by the club.  These prizes will be separated by the Tournament Committee according to merit determined by the final point standing.  There may be some slight deviation from the regular tournament procedures for this special event.  If any changes are to be made those affected will be advised in advance.

 

TEAM TOURNAMENT

 

At the end of the fiscal year, just after the Tournament of Champions, the

Cottonwood

Bass Team will conduct a team tournament.  This tournament will pair the first place finisher with the 20^th place finisher, the second place finisher with the 19^th place finisher and so-on.  The entry fee will be determined before the tournament and will be divided equally among the contestants in the boats weighing the three heaviest combined weights on a 50% for first, 30% for second, and 20% for third basis.

 

OPTIONAL CLUBS AND SIDE POT

(Only dues paying members are eligible for progressive pots)

Refunds for optional clubs and side pots follow the same parameters as refunds for entry fees.  See “Entry Fees” for clarification.

 

PAUL’S POT:  $5.00 - Total collected goes to the person with the heaviest weight.  This is collected for each tournament.

O.T.S.P.:  $10.00 - The optional team side pot is a separate drawing of all paid contestants.  Contestants will be drawn in pairs (regardless of boat or no-boat status) and at the conclusion of the tournament will combine their weights to vie for the top three heaviest totals.  The monies will be distributed on a 50% for first, 30% for second and 20% for third basis.  Winning pairs will divide their winnings equally.  In cases where there is an odd man at the end of the draw that person has to option to leave his money in the pot and try to beat everyone with double his single weight, or withdraw his money before the tournament begins.  Due to member cancellations or no-shows, the remaining “unpaired” participating member(s) will be paired with the original “odd man”, paired with another member whose OSTP partner did not fish or have his single weight doubled.  The sequence of pairing will be based upon the sequence of drawing for OTSP partners.  No refunds will be made after the contest is underway.  This is collected for each tournament.

4/8 CLUB: $5.00 each tournament - Total money collected will be awarded to the angler who catches a largemouth, smallmouth, or spot, 4 pounds 8 ounces or better (actual scale weight) during a regular monthly tournament.  This $5.00 will be held until a winning fish is caught or three monthly tournaments have passed and the pot has not been broken.  Members who participated in the original “round” wishing to continue in the pot will then pay another $5.00 for the next three regular monthly tournaments or until the fish is caught.  100% of the accumulated money will be paid.  Any member wishing to get into the pot after it has already started can only do so during the initial three month “round”.  All subsequent rounds are open to only the initial “round” participants.  When the pot is broken, it’s initial round starts again at the next tournament and is open to all club members.

 

3LB CLUB: $5.00 each tournament - Same as the 4/8 Club, except that it pertains to a 3LB or better smallmouth only.  The fish must have a scale weight of three pounds or better.

 

7LB CLUB: $5.00 each tournament - Same as the 4/8 and 3LB Clubs, except that it pertains to a 7LB or better bass.  Fish must have a scale weight of seven pounds or better.

 

SPOT CLUB: $5.00 each tournament - Same as 4/8, 3LB, and 7LB Clubs, except it pertains to a spot weighing 3LBS or better.  Fish must have a scale weight of 3 pounds or better.

 

12 LB CLUB: $5.00 each tournament - Same format as the 4/8, 3LB, 7LB, and Spot Club, except that it pertains to the person who weighs in a catch of twelve pounds raw weight or better within the limit of five fish on a single day.

If in any of the five clubs, two or more contestants meet the criteria for a winning fish or catch, the person with the heaviest fish or catch will claim the winnings.

 

SIDE POT LIMIT:  No optional side pot will exceed $500.00.  If $500.00 limit is reached, side pot will be closed until someone wins.