2011 FALL TEAM SERIES RULES
February 4, 2011 by admin
Filed under 2011 FALL TEAM SERIES RULES
2011 FALL SERIES 1 DAY TEAM TOURNAMENTS
OFFICIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. PREFACE-RULES: These rules will remain unchanged during Central Pro-Am’s 2011 Fall Series 1 Day Team Tournaments. Interpretation and enforcement of the following rules and regulations will be left exclusively to the Tournament Director. Decisions of the Tournament Director and Tournament Officials shall be final in all matters. PROTESTS MUST BE MADE IN WRITING WITHIN 15 MINUTES OF THE OFFICIAL CLOSE OF WEIGH-IN SCALES. Rules are in effect during practice and competition days of each 2011 Fall Series 1 Day Team Tournament.
2. ELIGIBILITY: In order to maintain the highest standards associated with the sport of professional bass fishing, participation in this tournament will be by invitation only. The boater must be 18 years of age or older, both team members must be current members of CPAA (except youth team members that are age 15 or under) and pay the appropriate entry fee by the deadline date to be eligible. A parent or legal guardian must accompany anyone under the age of 18 or the parent or legal guardian can also sign a release to allow a minor to fish. Please call the CPAA office to clarify any questions on youth participation. Central Pro-Am Association reserves the right to discontinue acceptance of the applications prior to the deadline date and also reserves the right to extend the deadline date. Proof of age is the responsibility of the potential competitor. No competitor that has been convicted of a felony within the last 36 months is allowed to fish any Central Pro Am tournament. For specific requirements concerning team member eligibility, entrants must contact CPAA Tournament Offices.
3. ENTRY FEE AND DEADLINE: The entry fee for each 2011 Fall Series 1 Day Team Tournament is $150.00 per team plus an optional $20.00 Big Bass pot. Entries that are mailed must be received at CPAA’s Tournament Office by Wednesday during the week of the tournament. Entries will be accepted at the ramp on tournament days, until 30 minutes prior to take off. Boat numbers will only be assigned when deposit or entry is paid.
4. DEPOSITS: Deposits of $75.00 per team will be accepted. Balance of entry fee must be received by Central Pro-Am Association no later than the deadline date. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable regardless of date of cancellation. Any balance of the entry fee paid in excess of the deposit, will only be refunded or transferred if proper notification is made to CPAA’s Tournament Office on or before the entry deadline date. ALL MONIES HELD ON ACCOUNT MUST BE USED BY THE END OF THE CURRENT SEASON OR IT IS FORFEITED.
5. OFF LIMITS/PRACTICE/COMPETITION PERIODS: THEREWILL BE NO OFF LIMITS PERIOD. Tournament Hours on competition days will begin at safe light for each 2011 Fall Series 1 Day Team Tournament. Competitors must know and observe the official times and dates. During competition, tournament anglers may not procure the service of guides or local experts, participate in the practice of “hole sitting”, follow a non-competitor’s boat to fishing locations, use pre-set markers or buoys for determining fishing areas. Violations of these rules will result in immediate disqualification from the tournament. Proof of boater’s liability insurance in the amount of $100,000.00 must be received by CPAA prior to the first day of competition. No entrant may operate a boat on tournament waters during practice or during tournament days unless boater’s liability insurance ($100,000.00) has been verified by CPAA Tournament Officials.
6. DEPARTURE/FLIGHTS: Will be sequenced in order in which entry fees are received. Earliest postmark and time entered will determine starting position.
7. SAFETY: Safe boating conduct must be observed at all times by CPAA tournament competitors. Each contestant is required to wear a coast-guard approved life preserver, fully strapped, snapped or zipped securely anytime the combustion engine is operated above an idle speed while practicing for or while fishing any Central Pro-Am Association tournaments. Violation of this rule will be grounds for disqualification. The Tournament Director has the right to cancel or delay the start of an official tournament day, or alter previously scheduled tournament day return times because of bad weather or any other factor that would endanger the safety of the competitors.
8. SPORTSMANSHIP: The professional bass fisherman and the tournament they are associated with are under extreme scrutiny from the general public, conservation groups, local fishermen, and state and federal agencies. Therefore all contestants are required to follow high standards of sportsmanship, fisherman courtesy, safety and conservation. Examples of conduct to include but not be limited to the following: Conservation, care and fisherman courtesy must be observed at all times by all contestants. No alcoholic beverages may be allowed in the boat or used by the competitors during practice, during tournament hours or until a competitors fish have been weighed in. No stimulants, depressants or other drugs (other than those purchased over the counter or prescribed by a physician) shall be used by any competitor during practice, tournament hours, and the weigh-in. Any competitor not practicing the highest standards of care, courtesy, and conservation may be subject to disqualification. Any competitor violating any of the rules will be disqualified.
9. 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, spin-casting or spinning rod (8 foot maximum length from butt of handle to rod tip) and reel may be used at any one time. All other types prohibited. Other rigs as specified above may be in boat ready for use, however, only ONE is permitted in use at any given time. Each cast must be completed before another rod and reel may be used. All bass must be caught live and in a conventional sporting manner. Gaffs may not be used nor be permitted in the boat at any time. Landing nets may be used during CPAA Tournaments. Contestants may not use electronic “bugging” devices or chemicals during practice, tournament days or 30 days prior to official competition days on the tournament waters. CONTESTANTS MAY NOT USE UNDERWATER CAMERAS DURING PRACTICE OR TOURNAMENT DAYS. Snagging or snatching bass on spawning beds is prohibited.
10. BOAT, MOTOR, AND HORSEPOWER: Each boat must have all the required U.S. Coast Guard safety equipment. All boats must be equipped with an ignition “kill switch” device which must be attached to the driver anytime the combustion engine is above idle speed while practicing for or while fishing any Central Pro-Am Association tournament. Each boat is required to have an operational bilge pump and a properly aerated livewell adequate to maintain a limit of bass. No boat may exceed the horsepower limitations set by the U.S. Coast Guard in their ruling of November 1, 1972. Each boat must display a maximum horsepower rating plate attached to the boat by the manufacturer. Changing, altering or falsifying information on rating plates, motor cowling or rating numbers on motor is strictly prohibited. All bladder tanks and any other type of auxiliary gas tanks that are not installed by the boat manufacturers are prohibited. By his signature on the entry form, each boater agrees to submit the boat and motor used in the tournament to a complete inspection by the tournament committee, factory trained personnel, and/or U. S. Coast Guard personnel. Trailering of boats during tournament hours is prohibited unless approved by Tournament Officials. Anglers’ tournament hours are complete when their fish have been weighed in. Electric trolling motors may be used for maneuvering but, trolling as a method of fishing is prohibited. Houseboats, barges, or other cumbersome crafts will not be allowed. Boats with stick steering present greater than normal safety hazards and may not be used in CPAA Tournaments. The boater may bring his own boat, rent a boat at the tournament site, or borrow a boat provided any boat being used meets the rules and requirements specified for the tournament. (Refusal to submit to an inspection or a violation on any of the rules in this section will be cause for disqualification.)
11. PERMITTED FISHING LOCATIONS: Fishing on the tournament waters is permitted anywhere except: within 50 yards of another competitor’s boat which was first anchored or secured in a fixed position (with the trolling motor out of the water), unless that competitor specifically allows any and all tournament boats the right to fish within 50-yard radius claimed by him or within any area designated by state or federal agencies as a “no fishing” area or within the buoyed areas of the take-off cove. Other specific off limits shall be addressed prior to take-off.
12. SPECIAL SITUATIONS: Contestants must not depart the boat to land fish or to make the boat more accessible to fishing waters. Contestants must land all fish from inside the boat. Contestants must leave and return to the official checkpoint by boat. Neither competitor may depart form the boat except in the case of a dire emergency or a restroom break. In such an emergency, one or both competitors may be removed from their boat to another boat operated by other competitors or a rescue boat. Competitors must call the tournament director prior to switching boats. It is the responsibility of the anglers to keep their fish separated and in water during transport to the tournament weigh-in site. Anglers involved in any special situation must notify an official tournament staff member upon their arrival to weigh-in.
13. SCORING/POSSESSION: Largemouth bass, Kentucky (spotted) bass, Meanmouth Bass and Smallmouth bass will be counted. Only five (5) fish per team may be weighed in at each 2011 Central Pro Am Fall Series 1 Day Team Tournament. The official length limit for bass will be 15”. Normally, the length limit will be the longest state or Lake Limit covering the tournament waters. Bass shall be measured on a flat board with mouth closed. Bass presented for weigh-in which fail to measure the official length will not be counted and will cause a 1.00 lb. penalty deduction for each such bass presented to be deducted from the contestant’s score. At no time during tournament hours shall a team possess more than a 5-fish limit. Both contestants must stop fishing and cull down to a tournament limit before continuing to fish.
14. OFFICIAL CHECKPOINT: There shall be only one official check point for check-out in the morning, and check-in in the afternoon, and this check point shall be designated at the tournament briefing. At the time of check-out, all competitors and their boats shall be in full conformance with all rules set forth by Tournament Officials. At check-in, all boats shall proceed immediately to the designated weigh-in area. Failure to turn in boat numbers at the official checkpoint will result in late penalties being imposed (See Rule15). Trailering of boats during tournament hours is prohibited unless approved by Tournament Officials. Angler’s tournament hours are complete when their fish have been weighed in.
15. PENALTY POINTS: For each legal dead bass presented to weigh-in officials, the competitor shall be penalized 0.50 pounds which will be deducted from the total weight, including any weight to be counted toward the big bass award. The Tournament Director and his designated appointees shall have sole authority for accessing penalty points.
16. LATE PENALTY: Competitors who are not in the official checkpoint area at the appointed time shall be penalized at the rate of 1 pound per minute which will be deducted from the total weight, including any weight to be counted toward the big bass award. Any competitor more than 10 minutes late shall lose all credit for that day’s catch. There shall be no excuse for tardiness, and in no case shall a competitor be allowed to make up “lost time”. After competitors have been properly recognized and have turned in their boat number to CPAA Tournament Officials, they will be allowed ample time to proceed to the weigh-in site; however, all fishing must cease upon check-in. Exact starting and check-in times will be announced at the pre-tournament meeting.
17. TIES: All ties will be broken 1st by biggest bass, 2nd by most fish weighed in, 3rd by earliest angler entry.
18. CULLING: No culling of dead fish is allowed in a Central Pro-Am event.
19. QUALITY ASSURANCE TEST: By his or her signature on this entry form and/or participation in this tournament, contestants agree to submit to quality assurance tests if required by the Tournament Director. These may include all or part of the following; polygraph test, urinalysis, blood test, and observer, in or out of the boat. Refusal to submit by anglers will result in immediate disqualification and subsequent disqualification from any future CPAA Tournaments. If the angler is unsuccessful with any or all of the above tests, that angler’s weight shall be 0.00 pounds. None of the above rules shall prohibit a CPAA Tournament Official from observing, approaching or boarding any competitor’s boat during official practice periods, or during tournament competition days.
20. CENTRAL PRO-AM FALL SERIES 1 DAY TEAM TOURNAMNENT CHAMPIONSHIP AND POINT SYSTEM: There will be 4 qualifying tournaments. Each team’s weight will be the points earned for that tournament. Final points total will be determined by a maximum of 4 tournaments. A $200.00 fee Championship Tournament will be held for forty Teams. Those qualifying will be determined by the top 40 in point standings. Based on 40 Boats at Championship we will pay 8 places. 1st place $1800.00, 2nd place $1060.00, 3rd place $900.00, 4th place $740.00, 5th place $675.00, 6th place $550.00, 7th place $375.00 and 8th place $300.00.
21. ALTERNATES: Teams may use two alternates during the season. An alternate can only be used 2 times during the season in a qualifying event. After a team uses its alternates, team members may fish alone if their regular partner is unavailable. ALTERNATES ARE NOT PERMITED IN THE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP.
22. COMMUNICATION DEVICES. The use of mobile communication devices such as cellular phones, marine radios, walkie-talkies, C.B.’s, etc., to communicate fishing locations or fishing information during tournament hours is strictly prohibited.
23. BONUS AWARD ELIGIBILITY: BONUS AWARDS ARE BASED ON AVAILABILITY AND TOURNAMENT DIRECTORS DISCRETION. VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND LOOK UNDER TOURNAMENT INCENTIVES FOR DETAILS ON BONUS AWARDS AND ELIGIBILITY. IT IS THE ANGLERS RESPONSIBILITY TO FILL OUT AND SUBMIT ALL PAPERWORK FOR REWARD BONUS PROGRAMS. ANGLERS SHOULD CHECK WITH THEIR BOAT MANUFACTURER TO SEE IF THESE EVENTS ARE SANTIONED.
24. Any announcement made by CPAA directors or officials at tournament sight may take precedence over written rules.
2012 QUALIFYING TEAM TOURNAMENT RULES
November 2, 2010 by admin
Filed under 2012 QUALIFYING TEAM RULES, 2012 RULES
2012 QUALIFYING 1 DAY TEAM TOURNAMENTS
OFFICIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. PREFACE-RULES: These rules will remain unchanged during Central Pro-Am’s 2012 1 Day Team Tournaments. Interpretation and enforcement of the following rules and regulations will be left exclusively to the Tournament Director. Decisions of the Tournament Director and Tournament Officials shall be final in all matters. PROTESTS MUST BE MADE IN WRITING WITHIN 15 MINUTES OF THE OFFICIAL CLOSE OF WEIGH-IN SCALES. Rules are in effect during practice and competition days of each 2012 1 Day Team Tournament.
2. ELIGIBILITY: In order to maintain the highest standards associated with the sport of professional bass fishing, participation in this tournament will be by invitation only. The boater must be 18 years of age or older, both team members must be current members of CPAA (except youth team members that are age 15 or under) and pay the appropriate entry fee by the deadline date to be eligible. A parent or legal guardian must accompany anyone under the age of 18 or the parent or legal guardian can also sign a release to allow a minor to fish. Please call the CPAA office to clarify any questions on youth participation. Central Pro-Am Association reserves the right to discontinue acceptance of the applications prior to the deadline date and also reserves the right to extend the deadline date. Proof of age is the responsibility of the potential competitor. No competitor that has been convicted of a felony within the last 36 months is allowed to fish any Central Pro Am tournament. For specific requirements concerning team member eligibility, entrants must contact CPAA Tournament Offices.
3. ENTRY FEE AND DEADLINE: The entry fee for each 2012 1 Day Team Series Tournament is $200.00 per team. ($15.00 of entry fee will go toward championship fund). Entries that are mailed must be received at CPAA’s Tournament Office by Wednesday during the week of the tournament. Entries will be accepted at the ramp on tournament days, until 30 minutes prior to take off. Boat numbers will only be assigned when deposit or entry is paid.
4. DEPOSITS: Deposits of $100.00 per team will be accepted. Balance of entry fee must be received by Central Pro-Am Association prior to take off. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable regardless of date of cancellation. Any balance of the entry fee paid in excess of the deposit, will only be refunded or transferred if proper notification is made to CPAA’s Tournament Office on or before the entry deadline date. ALL MONIES OR FREE ENTRIES HELD ON ACCOUNT MUST BE USED BY THE END OF THE CURRENT SEASON OR IT IS FORFEITED.
5. OFF LIMITS/PRACTICE/COMPETITION PERIODS: THEREWILL BE NO OFF LIMITS PERIOD. Tournament Hours on competition days will begin at safe light for each 2012 1 Day Team Tournament. Competitors must know and observe the official times and dates. During competition tournament anglers may not participate in the practice of “hole sitting”, follow a non-competitor’s boat to fishing locations, use pre-set buoys for determining fishing areas. Violations of these rules will result in immediate disqualification from the tournament. Proof of boater’s liability insurance in the amount of $100,000.00 must be received by CPAA prior to the first day of competition. No entrant may operate a boat on tournament waters during practice or during tournament days unless boater’s liability insurance ($100,000.00) has been verified by CPAA Tournament Officials
6. DEPARTURE/FLIGHTS: Will be sequenced in order in which entry fees are received. Earliest postmark and time entered will determine starting position.
7. SAFETY: Safe boating conduct must be observed at all times by CPAA tournament competitors. Each contestant is required to wear a coast-guard approved life preserver, fully strapped, snapped or zipped securely anytime the combustion engine is operated above an idle speed while practicing for or while fishing any Central Pro-Am Association tournaments. Violation of this rule will be grounds for disqualification. The Tournament Director has the right to cancel or delay the start of an official tournament day, or alter previously scheduled tournament day return times because of bad weather or any other factor that would endanger the safety of the competitors.
8. SPORTSMANSHIP: The professional bass fisherman and the tournament they are associated with are under extreme scrutiny from the general public, conservation groups, local fishermen, and state and federal agencies. Therefore all contestants are required to follow high standards of sportsmanship, fisherman courtesy, safety and conservation. Examples of conduct to include but not be limited to the following: Conservation, care and fisherman courtesy must be observed at all times by all contestants. No alcoholic beverages may be allowed in the boat or used by the competitors during practice, during tournament hours or until a competitors fish have been weighed in. No stimulants, depressants or other drugs (other than those purchased over the counter or prescribed by a physician) shall be used by any competitor during practice, tournament hours, and the weigh-in. Any competitor not practicing the highest standards of care, courtesy, and conservation may be subject to disqualification. Any competitor violating any of the rules will be disqualified.
9. 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, spin-casting or spinning rod (10 foot maximum length from butt of handle to rod tip) and reel may be used at any one time. All other types prohibited. Other rigs as specified above may be in boat ready for use, however, only ONE is permitted in use at any given time. Each cast must be completed before another rod and reel may be used. All bass must be caught live and in a conventional sporting manner. Gaffs may not be used nor be permitted in the boat at any time. Landing nets may be used during CPAA Tournaments. Contestants may not use electronic “bugging” devices or chemicals during practice, tournament days or 30 days prior to official competition days on the tournament waters. CONTESTANTS MAY NOT USE UNDERWATER CAMERAS DURING PRACTICE OR TOURNAMENT DAYS. Snagging or snatching bass on spawning beds is prohibited.
10. BOAT, MOTOR, AND HORSEPOWER: Each boat must have all the required U.S. Coast Guard safety equipment. All boats must be equipped with an ignition “kill switch” device which must be attached to the driver anytime the combustion engine is above idle speed while practicing for or while fishing any Central Pro-Am Association tournament. Each boat is required to have an operational bilge pump and a properly aerated livewell adequate to maintain a limit of bass. No boat may exceed the horsepower limitations set by the U.S. Coast Guard in their ruling of November 1, 1972. Each boat must display a maximum horsepower rating plate attached to the boat by the manufacturer. Changing, altering or falsifying information on rating plates, motor cowling or rating numbers on motor is strictly prohibited. All bladder tanks and any other type of auxiliary gas tanks that are not installed by the boat manufacturers are prohibited. By his signature on the entry form, each boater agrees to submit the boat and motor used in the tournament to a complete inspection by the tournament committee, factory trained personnel, and/or U. S. Coast Guard personnel. Trailering of boats during tournament hours is prohibited unless approved by Tournament Officials. Anglers’ tournament hours are complete when their fish have been weighed in. Electric trolling motors may be used for maneuvering but, trolling as a method of fishing is prohibited. Houseboats, barges, or other cumbersome crafts will not be allowed. Boats with stick steering present greater than normal safety hazards and may not be used in CPAA Tournaments. The boater may bring his own boat, rent a boat at the tournament site, or borrow a boat provided any boat being used meets the rules and requirements specified for the tournament. (Refusal to submit to an inspection or a violation on any of the rules in this section will be cause for disqualification.)
11. PERMITTED FISHING LOCATIONS: Fishing on the tournament waters is permitted anywhere except: within 50 yards of another competitor’s boat which was first anchored or secured in a fixed position (with the trolling motor out of the water), unless that competitor specifically allows any and all tournament boats the right to fish within 50-yard radius claimed by him or within any area designated by state or federal agencies as a “no fishing” area or within the buoyed areas of the take-off cove. Other specific off limits shall be addressed prior to take-off.
12. SPECIAL SITUATIONS: Contestants must not depart the boat to land fish or to make the boat more accessible to fishing waters. Contestants must leave and return to the official checkpoint by boat. Neither competitor may depart form the boat except in the case of a dire emergency or a restroom break. In such an emergency, one or both competitors may be removed from their boat to another boat operated by other competitors or a rescue boat. Anglers are allowed to call Sea Tow to either be towed in or transported in. Competitors must call the tournament director prior to switching boats. It is the responsibility of the anglers to keep their fish separated and in water during transport to the tournament weigh-in site. Anglers involved in any special situation must notify an official tournament staff member upon their arrival to weigh-in.
13. SCORING/POSSESSION: Largemouth bass, Kentucky (spotted) bass, Meanmouth Bass and Smallmouth bass will be counted. Only five (5) fish per team may be weighed in at each 2012 Central Pro Am Team Tournament. The official length limit for bass will be determined by the Tournament Director and will be announced at the pre-tournament meeting. Normally, the length limit will be the longest state or lake limit covering the tournament waters. Bass shall be measured on a flat board with mouth closed. There will be a courtesy bump station provided for anglers to use at the weigh in area. Bass presented for weigh-in which fail to measure the official length will not be counted and will cause a 1.00 lb. penalty deduction for each such bass presented to be deducted from the contestant’s score. At no time during tournament hours shall a team possess more than a 5-fish limit. Both contestants must stop fishing and cull down to a tournament limit before continuing to fish. If a tournament is held in July or August different cull and number of fish in possession rules will be utilized…
14. OFFICIAL CHECKPOINT: There shall be only one official check point for check-out in the morning, and check-in in the afternoon, and this check point shall be designated at the tournament briefing. At the time of check-out, all competitors and their boats shall be in full conformance with all rules set forth by Tournament Officials. At check-in, all boats shall proceed immediately to the designated weigh-in area. Failure to turn in boat numbers at the official checkpoint may result in late penalties being imposed (See Rule15). Trailering of boats during tournament hours is prohibited unless approved by Tournament Officials. Angler’s tournament hours are complete when their fish have been weighed in.
15. PENALTY POINTS: For each legal dead bass presented to weigh-in officials, the competitor shall be penalized 0.50 pounds which will be deducted from the total weight, including any weight to be counted toward the big bass award. The Tournament Director and his designated appointees shall have sole authority for accessing penalty points.
16. LATE PENALTY: Competitors who are not in the official checkpoint area at the appointed time shall be penalized at the rate of 1 pound per minute which will be deducted from the total weight, including any weight to be counted toward the big bass award. Any competitor more than 10 minutes late shall lose all credit for that day’s catch. There shall be no excuse for tardiness, and in no case shall a competitor be allowed to make up “lost time”. After competitors have been properly recognized and have turned in their boat number to CPAA Tournament Officials, they will be allowed ample time to proceed to the weigh-in site; however, all fishing must cease upon check-in. Exact starting and check-in times will be announced at the pre-tournament meeting.
17. TIES: All ties will be broken 1st by biggest bass, 2nd by most fish weighed in, 3rd by earliest angler entry.
18. CULLING: No culling of dead fish is allowed .
19. QUALITY ASSURANCE TEST: By his or her signature on this entry form and/or participation in this tournament, contestants agree to submit to quality assurance tests if required by the Tournament Director. These may include all or part of the following; polygraph test, urinalysis, blood test, and observer, in or out of the boat. Refusal to submit by anglers will result in immediate disqualification and subsequent disqualification from any future CPAA Tournaments. If the angler is unsuccessful with any or all of the above tests, that angler’s weight shall be 0.00 pounds. None of the above rules shall prohibit a CPAA Tournament Official from observing, approaching or boarding any competitor’s boat during official practice periods, or during tournament competition days.
20. CENTRAL PRO-AM TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP AND POINT SYSTEM: There will be 7 qualifying tournaments. Each team’s year end point total will be determined by a maximum of 7 tournaments. A 100% payback Team Championship will be held for the top 40 Teams. The Team entry fee will be $250.00. Those qualifying will be determined by the top 40 in point standings that have fished a minimum of 5 out of 7 team tournaments. In addition to the above any team with a top ten finish who has fished at least six tournaments, may also qualify for the championship..Points shall be awarded in the following manner: 150 points for 1st place descending to 1 point for 150th place. In addition to the above the teams total weight of tournament and 25 show up points will be added to their finish place points for a final total. Show points are only awarded if contestants are present for takeoff.
21. ALTERNATES: An alternate can only be used 1 time during the season in a qualifying event. After a team uses its alternate, team members may fish alone if their regular partner is unavailable. ALTERNATES ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP.
22. COMMUNICATION DEVICES. The use of mobile communication devices such as cellular phones, marine radios, walkie-talkies, C.B.’s, etc., to communicate fishing locations or fishing information during tournament hours is strictly prohibited.
23. BONUS AWARD ELIGIBILITY: BONUS AWARDS ARE BASED ON AVAILABILITY AND TOURNAMENT DIRECTORS DISCRETION. VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND LOOK UNDER TOURNAMENT INCENTIVES FOR DETAILS ON BONUS AWARDS AND ELIGIBILITY. IT IS THE ANGLERS RESPONSIBILITY TO FILL OUT AND SUBMIT ALL PAPERWORK FOR REWARD BONUS PROGRAMS.
24. Any announcement made by CPAA directors or officials at tournament sight may take precedence over written rules.
2012 QUALIFYING PRO/AM RULES
November 2, 2010 by admin
Filed under 2012 QUALIFYING PRO/AM RULES, 2012 RULES
2012 QUALIFYING 1 DAY PRO-AM BASS TOURNAMENTS
OFFICIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. PREFACE-RULES: These rules will remain unchanged during Central Pro-Am’s 2012 1-day Pro-Am Bass Tournaments. Interpretation and enforcement of the following rules and regulations will be left exclusively to the Tournament Director. Decisions of the Tournament Director and Tournament Officials shall be final in all matters. PROTESTS MUST BE MADE IN WRITING WITHIN 15 MINUTES OF THE OFFICIAL CLOSE OF WEIGH-IN SCALES. Rules are in effect during practice and competition days of each 2012 1-day Pro-Am Bass Tournament.
2. ELIGIBILITY: In order to maintain the highest standards associated with the sport of professional bass fishing, participation in this tournament will be by invitation only. Any Boater whose invitation has been accepted that is 18 years of age or older, or any non-boater that is 15 years of age or older, who is a current member of CPAA, and paid the appropriate entry fee by the deadline date is eligible. Central Pro-Am Association reserves the right to discontinue acceptance of the applications prior to the deadline date and also reserves the right to extend the deadline date. Proof of age is the responsibility of the potential competitor. No competitor that has been convicted of a felony within the last 36 months is allowed to fish any Central Pro Am tournament. Any potential competitor, who, in the judgment of the Tournament Director, is handicapped in such a manner to unfairly hinder other competitors or endanger the safety and well being of his partner or himself shall not be eligible,. For specific requirements concerning Pro or Co-angler eligibility, entrants must contact CPAA Tournament Offices.
3. ENTRY FEE AND DEADLINE: The entry fee for Central Pro-Am Association’s 2012 1-day Pro-Am Bass Tournaments will be $200.00 for Pro Entrants ($15.00 of entry fee will go toward championship fund) and $125.00 ($15.00 of entry fee goes toward championship fund) for Co-angler Entrants. Completed and signed entry forms and entry fees must be received at CPAA Tournament Offices prior to the deadline date for the tournament. The deadline date shall be Wednesday at 4:00 PM, three (3) days prior to each 1-day Pro-Am Bass Tournament Event. . Central Pro-Am Association reserves the right to discontinue acceptance of the applications prior to the deadline date and also reserves the right to extend the deadline date.
4. DEPOSITS: Deposits of $100.00 for Pros and $50.00 for Co-anglers will be accepted. Balance of entry fee must be received by Central Pro-Am Association no later than the deadline date. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable regardless of date of cancellation, with the exception of those entrants (Pro or Co-angler Division) who are on waiting lists and are not placed and confirmed for the tournament. Any balance of the entry fee paid in excess of the deposit, will only be refunded or transferred if proper notification is made to CPAA’s Tournament Office on or before the entry deadline date. ALL MONIES OR FREE ENTRIES HELD ON ACCOUNT MUST BE USED BY THE END OF THE CURRENT SEASON OR IT IS FORFEITED.
5. OFF LIMITS/PRACTICE/COMPETITION PERIODS: THERE WILL BE NO OFF LIMITS PERIOD. Tournament Hours on competition days will begin at safe light for each 2012 1-day Pro-Am Bass Tournament. Competitors must know and observe the official times and dates. During competition, tournament anglers may not participate in the practice of “hole sitting”, follow a non-competitor’s boat to fishing locations or use pre-set buoys for determining fishing areas. Violations of these rules will result in immediate disqualification from the tournament. Proof of boater’s liability insurance in the amount of $100,000.00 must be received by CPAA prior to the first day of competition. No entrant may operate a boat on tournament waters during practice or during tournament days unless boater’s liability insurance ($100,000.00) has been verified by CPAA Tournament Officials.
6. REGISTRATION: Each Pro and Co-angler competitor may register in person with the Tournament Officials between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM local time at a specified place described on the schedule of events or Co-anglers may also register by calling in between the hours of 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM local time and the Pros may also register by calling in between the hours of 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM local time the day prior to the tournament. Pairings and boat numbers will be assigned when you register (by phone or in person). The number you can reach us at is the CPAA cell phone number of 417-263-0373.
7. PARTNER PAIRINGS: Contestants must stay in sight of their partner, unless there is a restroom break required, or until both contestants fish are weighed in. In no way shall a contestant allow a bass caught by him to be weighed in by anyone else. Violation of this rule will disqualify both parties for present and future tournaments held by Central Pro-Am Association. Partners are responsible for being in the water and ready to take-off per tournament schedule of events.
8. SAFETY: Safe boating conduct must be observed at all times by CPAA tournament competitors. Each contestant is required to wear a coast-guard approved life preserver, fully strapped, snapped or zipped securely anytime the combustion engine is operated above an idle speed while practicing for or while fishing any Central Pro-Am Association tournaments. Violation of this rule will be grounds for disqualification. The Tournament Director has the right to cancel or delay the start of an official tournament day, or alter previously scheduled tournament day return times because of bad weather or any other factor that would endanger the safety of the competitors.
9. SPORTSMANSHIP: The professional bass fisherman and the tournament they are associated with are under extreme scrutiny from the general public, conservation groups, local fishermen, and state and federal agencies. Therefore all contestants are required to follow high standards of sportsmanship, fisherman courtesy, safety and conservation. Examples of conduct to include but not be limited to the following: Conservation, care and courtesy must be observed at all times by all contestants. No alcoholic beverages may be allowed in the boat or used by the competitors during practice, during tournament hours or until a competitors fish have been weighed in. No stimulants, depressants or other drugs (other than those purchased over the counter or prescribed by a physician) shall be used by any competitor during practice, tournament hours, and the weigh-in. Any competitor not practicing the highest standards of care, fisherman courtesy, and conservation may be subject to disqualification. Any competitor violating any of the rules will be disqualified.
10. 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, spin-casting or spinning rod (10 foot maximum length from butt of handle to rod tip) and reel may be used at any one time. All other types prohibited. Other rigs as specified above may be in boat ready for use, however, only ONE is permitted in use at any given time. Each cast must be completed before another rod and reel may be used. All bass must be caught live and in a conventional sporting manner. Gaffs may not be used nor be permitted in the boat at any time. Landing nets may be used during CPAA Tournaments. Contestants may not use electronic “bugging” devices or chemicals during practice, tournament days or 30 days prior to competition days on the tournament waters. CONTESTANTS MAY NOT USE UNDERWATER CAMERAS DURING PRACTICE OR TOURNAMENT DAYS. Snagging or snatching bass on spawning beds is prohibited.
11. BOAT, MOTOR, AND HORSEPOWER: Each boat must have all the required U.S. Coast Guard safety equipment. All boats must be equipped with an ignition “kill switch” device which must be attached to the driver anytime the combustion engine is above idle speed while practicing for or while fishing any Central Pro-Am Association tournament. Each boat is required to have an operational bilge pump and a properly aerated livewell adequate to maintain a limit of bass for both fishermen. No boat may exceed the horsepower limitations set by the U.S. Coast Guard in their ruling of November 1, 1972. Each boat must display a maximum horsepower rating plate attached to the boat by the manufacturer. Changing, altering or falsifying information on rating plates, motor cowling or rating numbers on motor is strictly prohibited. All bladder tanks and any other type of auxiliary gas tanks that are not installed by the boat manufacturers are prohibited. By his signature on the entry form, each boater agrees to submit the boat and motor used in the tournament to a complete inspection by the tournament committee, factory trained personnel, and/or U. S. Coast Guard personnel. Trailering of boats during tournament hours is prohibited unless approved by Tournament Officials. Anglers’ tournament hours are over when your fish have been weighed. Electric trolling motors may be used for maneuvering but, trolling as a method of fishing is prohibited. Houseboats, barges, or other cumbersome crafts will not be allowed. Boats with stick steering present greater than normal safety hazards and may not be used in CPAA Tournaments. The boater may bring his own boat, rent a boat at the tournament site, or borrow a boat provided any boat being used meets the rules and requirements specified for the tournament. Refusal to submit to an inspection or a violation on any of the rules in this section will be cause for disqualification.
12. PERMITTED FISHING LOCATIONS: Fishing on the tournament waters is permitted anywhere except: within 50 yards of another competitor’s boat which was first anchored or secured in a fixed position (with the trolling motor out of the water), unless that competitor specifically allows any and all tournament boats the right to fish within 50-yard radius claimed by him or within any area designated by state or federal agencies as a “no fishing” area or within the buoyed areas of the take-off cove. Other specific off limits shall be addressed prior to take-off.
13. SPECIAL SITUATIONS: Contestants must not depart the boat to land fish or to make the boat more accessible to fishing waters. Contestants must leave and return to the official checkpoint by boat. Neither competitor may depart from the boat except in the case of a dire emergency or a restroom break. In such an emergency, one or both competitors may be removed from their boat to another boat operated by other competitors or a rescue boat. Anglers are allowed to call Sea Tow to either be towed in or transported in. Competitors must call a tournament official prior to switching boats. It is the responsibility of the anglers to keep their fish separated and in water during transport to the tournament weigh-in site. Anglers involved in any special situation must notify an official tournament staff member upon their arrival to weigh-in.
14. SCORING/POSSESSION: Largemouth bass, Kentucky (spotted) bass, Meanmouth bass and Smallmouth bass will be counted. There will be a five (5) fish limit in the Pro division and three (3) fish limit in the Co-angler division weighed in each day. The official length limit for bass will be determined by the Tournament Director and will be announced at take off. Normally, the length limit will be the longest state or lake limit covering the tournament waters. Bass shall be measured on a flat board with mouth closed. There will be a courtesy bump station provided for anglers to use at the weigh in area. Bass presented for weigh-in which fail to measure the official length will not be counted and will cause a 1.00 lb. penalty deduction for each such bass presented to be deducted from the contestant’s score. At no time during tournament hours shall a pro contestant possess more than a 5-fish limit or the co-angler shall at no time possess more than a 3-fish limit. Pro or co-angler contestants must stop fishing and cull down to their limit before continuing to fish.
15. OFFICIAL CHECKPOINT: There shall be only one official check point for check-out in the morning, and check-in in the afternoon, and this check point shall be designated at the tournament briefing. At the time of check-out, all competitors and their boats shall be in full conformance with all rules set forth by Tournament Officials. At check-in, all boats shall proceed immediately to the designated weigh-in area. Failure to turn in boat numbers at the official checkpoint may result in late penalties being imposed (See Rule #17). Trailering of boats during tournament hours is prohibited unless approved by Tournament Officials. Angler’s tournament hours are complete when their fish have been weighed in.
16. PENALTY POINTS: For each legal dead bass presented to weigh-in officials, the competitor shall be penalized 0.50 pounds which will be deducted from the total weight, including any weight to be counted toward the big bass award. The Tournament Director and his designated appointees shall have sole authority for accessing penalty points.
17. LATE PENALTY: Competitors who are not in the official checkpoint area at the appointed time shall be penalized at the rate of 1 pound per minute which will be deducted from the total weight, including any weight to be counted toward the big bass award. Any competitor more than 10 minutes late shall lose all credit for that day’s catch. There shall be no excuse for tardiness, and in no case shall a competitor be allowed to make up “lost time”. After competitors have been properly recognized and have turned in their boat number to CPAA Tournament Officials, they will be allowed ample time to proceed to the weigh-in site; however, all fishing must cease upon check-in. Exact starting and check-in times will be announced at the take off briefing.
18. TIES: All ties will be broken 1st by biggest bass, 2nd by most fish weighed in, 3rd by earliest angler entry.
19. CULLING: No culling of dead fish is allowed
20. QUALITY ASSURANCE TEST: By his or her signature on this entry form and/or participation in this tournament, contestants agree to submit to quality assurance tests if required by the Tournament Director. These may include all or part of the following; polygraph test, urinalysis or blood test. Refusal to submit by anglers will result in immediate disqualification and subsequent disqualification from any future CPAA Tournaments. If the angler is unsuccessful with any or all of the above tests, that angler’s weight shall be 0.00 pounds. None of the above rules shall prohibit a CPAA Tournament Official from observing, approaching or boarding any competitor’s boat during official practice periods, or during tournament competition days.
21. CENTRAL PRO-AM CHAMPIONSHIP AND POINT SYSTEM: There will be 7 qualifying tournaments. Each angler’s year end point total will be determined by a maximum of 7 tournaments. A 100% payback Pro Am Championship will be held for the top 40 Pros and top 40 Co-Anglers. The pro entry fee will be $250.00 and co-angler entry fee will be $175.00. Those qualifying will be determined by the top 40 in point standings that has fished a minimum of 5 out of 7 pro-am tournaments. In addition to the above any pro or co-angler with a top ten finish, that fishes at least six tournaments, may also qualify for the championship. If there is uneven pro or co-anglers CPAA has the right to go up or down for added qualifiers. Points shall be awarded in the following manner: 150 points for 1st place descending to 1 point for 150th place. In addition, the contestant’s total weight and 25 show points will be added to his/her point’s award for a final point total. Show points are only awarded if contestants are present for takeoff.
22. PRO-AM RULES: Contestants will be guaranteed entry in each tournament after being placed with a corresponding Pro or Co-angler Entrant. CPAA will accept individual entries (i.e. Pro only) and will guarantee entry when a corresponding entrant is found. CPAA Tournament Officials may use “observers” in case of sickness, emergency or disqualification in order to maintain an adequate number of Pros and Co-anglers. The Pro shall have complete control of boat operation and waters to be fished. However, the Pro shall not operate the boat in such a manner as to deliberately handicap the Co-angler. In order that all Co-angler Entrants receive fair treatment, they will all fish from the back deck of the boat. They may move to the front deck for safety reasons or for movement of the boat, but may not fish from the front of the boat. Pro entrants may not fish from the back deck of the boat. Co-angler participants who share their Pro partners’ fishing locations with other competitors will be disqualified along with the person utilizing this information. CO-ANGLER PARTICIPANTS CANNOT USE A GPS DEVICE TO MARK ANY OF THE PRO ANGLERS FISHING LOCATIONS DURING THE TOURNAMENT HOURS. With the large expense involved in operating and maintaining a tournament bass boat, it is required that Co-angler Division anglers at least share part of the gas and oil expenses for the competition day. It is suggested an amount between $30.00 to $50.00 is appropriate. Other specific “Pro-Am” rules will be discussed at the tournament take off.
23. COMMUNICATION DEVICES. The use of mobile communication devices such as cellular phones, marine radios, walkie-talkies, C.B.’s, etc., to communicate fishing locations or fishing information during tournament hours is strictly prohibited.
24. BONUS AWARD ELIGIBILITY: BONUS AWARDS ARE BASED ON AVAILABILITY AND TOURNAMENT DIRECTORS DISCRETION. VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND LOOK UNDER TOURNAMENT INCENTIVES FOR DETAILS ON BONUS AWARDS AND ELIGIBILITY. IT IS THE ANGLERS RESPONSIBILITY TO FILL OUT AND SUBMIT ALL PAPERWORK FOR REWARD BONUS PROGRAMS.
25. Any announcement made by CPAA directors or officials made at tournament sight may take precedence over written rules.
