1. RULE CHANGES: These rules shall remain in effect and
unchanged throughout the current tournament year unless specifically
superseded by state or local law. Interpretation and enforcement of
these rules shall be left exclusively to the tournament director.
2. PARTICIPATION/ELIGIBILITY: Only current members of the
NBAA are eligible to fish in any NBAA event. Anglers wishing to
participate in NBAA events may do so at any time prior to the start of
an event. At least one team member must be 18 years of age or older to
participate, however, if both members of a team are under the age of
eighteen, then they must present written permission from a parent or
legal guardian. The NBAA reserves the right to deny participation to
anyone at any time
3. LIABILITY INSURANCE: All members must carry a minimum
of $100,000 of liability insurance on any boat they might use during an
NBAA Tournament Event. Failure to do so or reporting of false
information will result in disqualification. Anglers must provide proof of
insurance upon request.
4. SAFETY: Safe boating conduct must be observed at all times
while engaged in NBAA sanctioned events and all boats must have a
full complement of safety gear as required by USCG regulation. Any
time the internal combustion motor is on both participants must have a
USCG approved PFD on and securely fastened. Operators must have
the kill switch armed with lanyard firmly secured to the operator.
Tournament days may be shortened or canceled due to unsafe weather
or any conditions that would endanger the safety of the competitors.
The decision to shorten or cancel tournament days will be determined
by the Tournament Director.
5. ALCOHOL/DRUGS: Participants will refrain from the use of
alcohol and or drugs during the course of the tournament event. This
prohibition does not extend to the use of prescribed medications for
ongoing medical issues.
6. BOATS AND MOTORS: Motors may not exceed the
horsepower rating on the BIA plate for those boats meeting BIA
standards, nor any manufacturer’s plate affixed in lieu of BIA ratings.
All boats used in NBAA events must be equipped with a functioning kill
switch as well as aerated livewells capable of sustaining a full
tournament limit during the course of the event.
7. SPORTSMANSHIP: Participants in NBAA events are expected
to follow the highest standards of courtesy, safety, angling etiquette and
a strict adherence to game and fish laws.
8. TACKLE AND EQUIPMENT: All fish must be caught alive and
in a conventional sporting manner using one rod which may not exceed
eight (8) foot in length (measured butt to tip). Intentionally snagging fish
is not permitted. Only artificial lures may be used, live and or prepared
bait is not allowed, the only exception being “pork rinds” or its
equivalent. Trolling with the aide of the internal combustion or electric
trolling motor is not permitted. Communication devices such as cell
phones, marine radios or CB’s may be used for emergency purposes
only. At the weigh-in, a courtesy board will be provided which will be the
same as the official board used for the event.
9. POLYGRAPH: Anyone participating in a NBAA tournament will
be subject to a polygraph exam and or voice stress analysis if requested
by the tournament officials. Examiner’s decision must be accepted
without appeal. Entrants understand that the failure of such test or
refusal to take the test will disqualify them from the tournament.
10. OFF-LIMITS: Tournament waters are off limits the day of the
event with pre-fishing allowed on all bodies of water until 11:59 p.m. the
day prior to any tournament.
11. PERMITTED FISHING WATERS: All angling activities must be
done from a previously inspected boat. No fishing will be allowed within
50-yards of another competitor’s boat which was first anchored or tied,
with its trolling motor stowed out of the water, without the anchored
boats permission. An anchored boat is a boat held in a stable position by
a line attached to a weight or by a Power-Pole with the trolling motor in
the up position. Absolutely no hole-setting or holding of a fishing spot,
this will not be tolerated. Competitors may not exit their boat in order to
facilitate access to “other” waters. Tournament directors will
determine, and announce, all off-limit areas.
12. NO-WAKE: Boats will not pass another’s competitors boat
in any no-wake zones at any time during tournament hours except for
boats that may be changing course within the zone, boats which have
stopped or are engaged in fishing activities
13. OFFICIAL CHECKPOINTS: Teams must depart and return
from a specified point by boat unless otherwise noted. Teams arriving
late will be disqualified. In case of an emergency (I.E. Motor Failed) a
team may bring their fish back in a competitor’s boat but there must be
at least one member from each team present when checking in. All
fishing must cease upon checking in, disqualification will result for
fishing after checking in.
14. SCORING: Teams must cull down to their limit of 5 fish
before returning to the official ramp site. The 5 fish must measure a
minimum of 14 inches*, mouth closed, tail compressed (*local/state limit
applies). Teams presenting more than a tournament limit shall be
disqualified. Dead fish presented for weight will receive a 4ounce (0.25)
deduction from total weight. If it’s the big bass, then the penalty shall be
accessed against that fish. Tournament standings will be determined by
total weight of all competition days. Only largemouth, smallmouth and
spotted bass will be scored. Teams presenting fish for weight, and which
are subsequently determined to be “short”, shall be penalized the
weight of the short fish PLUS the big fish of the sack.
15. BIG BASS: Competitors may choose only one bass out of their bag
as an entry into the “big bass side pot/s”.
16. TIES: In the event of a tie at the event, big bass will be the
deciding factor. In cases of a big bass tie, then the money will be split.
In the event that big bass and total weight are the same for two or more
teams then both (all) tied teams shall be awarded the same amount of
points. At the end of the season if there is a tie between two or more
teams in equal points, then overall weight of the teams will be the
deciding factor with both teams still qualifying for the Classic.
17. FISH RELEASE: All fish caught and weighed in at an NBAA event
must be released at the official weigh in location. Failing to release your
fish at the official release location will result in an automatic
disqualification.
18. PROTESTS/DISQUALIFICATION: Directors must be
notified of all protest before close of scales. Protests also, must be
submitted in writing within 10 minutes of the closing of the scales. A
“protest committee” consisting of three (3) fellow anglers, randomly
drawn by the tournament director will address all protests. Teams
disqualified from individual events will still receive show-up points.
19. SUBSTITUTIONS: Up to 2 substitutions may be used during the
regular season as long as one team member fishes with the sub. A sub is
allowed to participate in the Classic provided that they had previously
fished at least 50% of the regular events. Teams with a member who
unexpectedly cannot attend the Classic may utilize a sub from the
division qualified from or, if none are available, then a sub from another
division with in the same series can be used. Exceptions to this rule
maybe made by the executive director in cases of death, disability, or
military duties. *No subs will be allowed in the One on One Divisions.
20. TEAMS: Teams must be declared at the first event fished in any
one specific division by either member of the team. If both members of
the team are present for any event in a specific division that they have
declared themselves as a team they must fish together for their points
to count towards their total team points. Members of a team that decide
to fish apart during the same event in a specific division where they
have declared themselves as a team no points will be awarded to the
original declared team.
21. WILDCARD: Eligibility for “wildcard” qualification will be
based on participation in the division fished; Overtime events are 10 out
of 12, Weekend Challenge events are 4 out of 5 and One on One
Challenge events are 4 out of 5. Wildcard selections will be made at the
conclusion of the division’s events. If any of the teams drawn decline,
then another team will be drawn until such time as the slots are filled
from within the division.
22. DIVISION’S POINT CHAMPIONS: Points Champions of
each division will be determined based on all tournaments fished in that
division. No points will be awarded for Divisional Championship events.
23. DIVISIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: Divisional Championships are
for Overtime Divisions ONLY. To qualify for an Overtime Divisional
Championship, anglers must have fished in at least 8 events in a specific
Overtime Division. Subs may be used in a Divisional Championship. To
qualify, the sub would have to have fished at least 8 events in the same
division. The winner of the Divisional Championship will automatically
qualify for the Spring/Fall National Championship. If the winner has
double qualified in the same division then the championship spot will go
to the 2nd place team or so on until the championship spot is filled in the
divisional championship. The championship spot for the spring national
championship will be determined by the color of the division. There will
be no points awarded for Divisional Championship events.
24. CLASSIC QUALIFIERS/SPRING CHAMPIONSHIP:
Tournament anglers that compete in an Overtime Challenge division,
the championship qualifiers will be based on all 12 tournaments or all
events scheduled for that division. An Overtime Division will send the
top 30% of the average number of participants, plus wildcards to the
championship. All teams qualifying for the championship through points
must have fished at least ½ of the divisions scheduled tournaments.
The championship qualifiers for the Weekend Challenge divisions will
be based on all 5 events or all events scheduled for that division. A
Weekend Challenge Division will send the top 30% of the average
number of participants, plus wildcards to the championship. All teams
qualifying for the championship through points must have fished at least
½ of the divisions scheduled tournaments.
25. FALL CLASSIC QUALIFIERS:
Overtime – Tournament anglers that fish 10 of 12 events or 5 of 6
events in any Overtime division will automatically qualify for the Fall
Classic. Divisional Championship events do not count towards the Fall
Classic qualification.
Weekend Challenge – Fish at least 4 tournaments in any weekend
division to automatically qualify for the Fall Classic.
Fall Classic Subs – Subs must also meet the requirements above.
Overtime and Weekend events must be completed 5 days prior to the
beginning of the Fall Classic to count for qualification for the Fall
Classic.
26. ONE ON ONE QUALIFIERS: The championship qualifiers
for the One on One Championship will be based on all 5 events or all
events scheduled for that division. A One on One Division will send the
top 30% of the average number of participants to the Championship,
plus wildcards. All teams qualifying for the championship through points
must have fished at least ½ of the divisions scheduled tournaments.
Also, any angler competing in all 5 events or all events schedule for the
One on One division will automatically qualify for the championship.
27. EMERGENCY CHAMPIONSHIP DRAWINGS: In the event
that NBAA is unable to conduct a planned major tournament due to
weather, safety concerns or circumstances beyond NBAA’s control, a
drawing or raffle may be held in lieu of the scheduled competitive
format to award the guaranteed prizes. The conditions to warrant the
implementation of this rule will be determined by the tournament
director. This rule is designed for major tournament events with
guaranteed prizes including, but not limited to the National
Championship, Fall Classic, One on One National Championship and
other special NBAA and open events. The location, time and method of
the drawing will be determined by the tournament director and
explained in detail to all participants. All participants must be present
for the drawing or raffle. All attempts will be made to avoid the
implementation of this rule and will only be considered in the event of an
emergency.
28. TAKE OFF: Take off position for the championship(s) will be
determined by a teams finish in their division. Point Champions will
take off in the first group, divisional qualifiers in the second group,
followed by wildcards. A random draw of each group will determine take
off positions. All teams that have returned their championship
registration form by “set” date will be put into an early draw. Their take
off position and a number will be assigned before the championship
registration. Any championship qualifier forms received after “set” date
will be assigned a number as they are received. If a team does not send
in a championship registration by “set” date an alternate may be chosen
for their spot at the championship.
29. PRO/GUIDE EXCLUSIONS: Participants, who have fished
two or more events, in the preceding 12 month period, with an entry fee
in excess of $1,499.00 per event (does not apply to amateur participants
in pro/am events) will not be eligible to participate in any NBAA event
with an guaranteed 1st Place prize in excess of $2,400.00. Individuals’
serving as licensed guides, or are paid for guiding on tournament waters
within the preceding 30-day period are not eligible to participate in
events held on those waters for tournaments with a guaranteed 1st
Place prize of $2400.00 or more.
unchanged throughout the current tournament year unless specifically
superseded by state or local law. Interpretation and enforcement of
these rules shall be left exclusively to the tournament director.
2. PARTICIPATION/ELIGIBILITY: Only current members of the
NBAA are eligible to fish in any NBAA event. Anglers wishing to
participate in NBAA events may do so at any time prior to the start of
an event. At least one team member must be 18 years of age or older to
participate, however, if both members of a team are under the age of
eighteen, then they must present written permission from a parent or
legal guardian. The NBAA reserves the right to deny participation to
anyone at any time
3. LIABILITY INSURANCE: All members must carry a minimum
of $100,000 of liability insurance on any boat they might use during an
NBAA Tournament Event. Failure to do so or reporting of false
information will result in disqualification. Anglers must provide proof of
insurance upon request.
4. SAFETY: Safe boating conduct must be observed at all times
while engaged in NBAA sanctioned events and all boats must have a
full complement of safety gear as required by USCG regulation. Any
time the internal combustion motor is on both participants must have a
USCG approved PFD on and securely fastened. Operators must have
the kill switch armed with lanyard firmly secured to the operator.
Tournament days may be shortened or canceled due to unsafe weather
or any conditions that would endanger the safety of the competitors.
The decision to shorten or cancel tournament days will be determined
by the Tournament Director.
5. ALCOHOL/DRUGS: Participants will refrain from the use of
alcohol and or drugs during the course of the tournament event. This
prohibition does not extend to the use of prescribed medications for
ongoing medical issues.
6. BOATS AND MOTORS: Motors may not exceed the
horsepower rating on the BIA plate for those boats meeting BIA
standards, nor any manufacturer’s plate affixed in lieu of BIA ratings.
All boats used in NBAA events must be equipped with a functioning kill
switch as well as aerated livewells capable of sustaining a full
tournament limit during the course of the event.
7. SPORTSMANSHIP: Participants in NBAA events are expected
to follow the highest standards of courtesy, safety, angling etiquette and
a strict adherence to game and fish laws.
8. TACKLE AND EQUIPMENT: All fish must be caught alive and
in a conventional sporting manner using one rod which may not exceed
eight (8) foot in length (measured butt to tip). Intentionally snagging fish
is not permitted. Only artificial lures may be used, live and or prepared
bait is not allowed, the only exception being “pork rinds” or its
equivalent. Trolling with the aide of the internal combustion or electric
trolling motor is not permitted. Communication devices such as cell
phones, marine radios or CB’s may be used for emergency purposes
only. At the weigh-in, a courtesy board will be provided which will be the
same as the official board used for the event.
9. POLYGRAPH: Anyone participating in a NBAA tournament will
be subject to a polygraph exam and or voice stress analysis if requested
by the tournament officials. Examiner’s decision must be accepted
without appeal. Entrants understand that the failure of such test or
refusal to take the test will disqualify them from the tournament.
10. OFF-LIMITS: Tournament waters are off limits the day of the
event with pre-fishing allowed on all bodies of water until 11:59 p.m. the
day prior to any tournament.
11. PERMITTED FISHING WATERS: All angling activities must be
done from a previously inspected boat. No fishing will be allowed within
50-yards of another competitor’s boat which was first anchored or tied,
with its trolling motor stowed out of the water, without the anchored
boats permission. An anchored boat is a boat held in a stable position by
a line attached to a weight or by a Power-Pole with the trolling motor in
the up position. Absolutely no hole-setting or holding of a fishing spot,
this will not be tolerated. Competitors may not exit their boat in order to
facilitate access to “other” waters. Tournament directors will
determine, and announce, all off-limit areas.
12. NO-WAKE: Boats will not pass another’s competitors boat
in any no-wake zones at any time during tournament hours except for
boats that may be changing course within the zone, boats which have
stopped or are engaged in fishing activities
13. OFFICIAL CHECKPOINTS: Teams must depart and return
from a specified point by boat unless otherwise noted. Teams arriving
late will be disqualified. In case of an emergency (I.E. Motor Failed) a
team may bring their fish back in a competitor’s boat but there must be
at least one member from each team present when checking in. All
fishing must cease upon checking in, disqualification will result for
fishing after checking in.
14. SCORING: Teams must cull down to their limit of 5 fish
before returning to the official ramp site. The 5 fish must measure a
minimum of 14 inches*, mouth closed, tail compressed (*local/state limit
applies). Teams presenting more than a tournament limit shall be
disqualified. Dead fish presented for weight will receive a 4ounce (0.25)
deduction from total weight. If it’s the big bass, then the penalty shall be
accessed against that fish. Tournament standings will be determined by
total weight of all competition days. Only largemouth, smallmouth and
spotted bass will be scored. Teams presenting fish for weight, and which
are subsequently determined to be “short”, shall be penalized the
weight of the short fish PLUS the big fish of the sack.
15. BIG BASS: Competitors may choose only one bass out of their bag
as an entry into the “big bass side pot/s”.
16. TIES: In the event of a tie at the event, big bass will be the
deciding factor. In cases of a big bass tie, then the money will be split.
In the event that big bass and total weight are the same for two or more
teams then both (all) tied teams shall be awarded the same amount of
points. At the end of the season if there is a tie between two or more
teams in equal points, then overall weight of the teams will be the
deciding factor with both teams still qualifying for the Classic.
17. FISH RELEASE: All fish caught and weighed in at an NBAA event
must be released at the official weigh in location. Failing to release your
fish at the official release location will result in an automatic
disqualification.
18. PROTESTS/DISQUALIFICATION: Directors must be
notified of all protest before close of scales. Protests also, must be
submitted in writing within 10 minutes of the closing of the scales. A
“protest committee” consisting of three (3) fellow anglers, randomly
drawn by the tournament director will address all protests. Teams
disqualified from individual events will still receive show-up points.
19. SUBSTITUTIONS: Up to 2 substitutions may be used during the
regular season as long as one team member fishes with the sub. A sub is
allowed to participate in the Classic provided that they had previously
fished at least 50% of the regular events. Teams with a member who
unexpectedly cannot attend the Classic may utilize a sub from the
division qualified from or, if none are available, then a sub from another
division with in the same series can be used. Exceptions to this rule
maybe made by the executive director in cases of death, disability, or
military duties. *No subs will be allowed in the One on One Divisions.
20. TEAMS: Teams must be declared at the first event fished in any
one specific division by either member of the team. If both members of
the team are present for any event in a specific division that they have
declared themselves as a team they must fish together for their points
to count towards their total team points. Members of a team that decide
to fish apart during the same event in a specific division where they
have declared themselves as a team no points will be awarded to the
original declared team.
21. WILDCARD: Eligibility for “wildcard” qualification will be
based on participation in the division fished; Overtime events are 10 out
of 12, Weekend Challenge events are 4 out of 5 and One on One
Challenge events are 4 out of 5. Wildcard selections will be made at the
conclusion of the division’s events. If any of the teams drawn decline,
then another team will be drawn until such time as the slots are filled
from within the division.
22. DIVISION’S POINT CHAMPIONS: Points Champions of
each division will be determined based on all tournaments fished in that
division. No points will be awarded for Divisional Championship events.
23. DIVISIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: Divisional Championships are
for Overtime Divisions ONLY. To qualify for an Overtime Divisional
Championship, anglers must have fished in at least 8 events in a specific
Overtime Division. Subs may be used in a Divisional Championship. To
qualify, the sub would have to have fished at least 8 events in the same
division. The winner of the Divisional Championship will automatically
qualify for the Spring/Fall National Championship. If the winner has
double qualified in the same division then the championship spot will go
to the 2nd place team or so on until the championship spot is filled in the
divisional championship. The championship spot for the spring national
championship will be determined by the color of the division. There will
be no points awarded for Divisional Championship events.
24. CLASSIC QUALIFIERS/SPRING CHAMPIONSHIP:
Tournament anglers that compete in an Overtime Challenge division,
the championship qualifiers will be based on all 12 tournaments or all
events scheduled for that division. An Overtime Division will send the
top 30% of the average number of participants, plus wildcards to the
championship. All teams qualifying for the championship through points
must have fished at least ½ of the divisions scheduled tournaments.
The championship qualifiers for the Weekend Challenge divisions will
be based on all 5 events or all events scheduled for that division. A
Weekend Challenge Division will send the top 30% of the average
number of participants, plus wildcards to the championship. All teams
qualifying for the championship through points must have fished at least
½ of the divisions scheduled tournaments.
25. FALL CLASSIC QUALIFIERS:
Overtime – Tournament anglers that fish 10 of 12 events or 5 of 6
events in any Overtime division will automatically qualify for the Fall
Classic. Divisional Championship events do not count towards the Fall
Classic qualification.
Weekend Challenge – Fish at least 4 tournaments in any weekend
division to automatically qualify for the Fall Classic.
Fall Classic Subs – Subs must also meet the requirements above.
Overtime and Weekend events must be completed 5 days prior to the
beginning of the Fall Classic to count for qualification for the Fall
Classic.
26. ONE ON ONE QUALIFIERS: The championship qualifiers
for the One on One Championship will be based on all 5 events or all
events scheduled for that division. A One on One Division will send the
top 30% of the average number of participants to the Championship,
plus wildcards. All teams qualifying for the championship through points
must have fished at least ½ of the divisions scheduled tournaments.
Also, any angler competing in all 5 events or all events schedule for the
One on One division will automatically qualify for the championship.
27. EMERGENCY CHAMPIONSHIP DRAWINGS: In the event
that NBAA is unable to conduct a planned major tournament due to
weather, safety concerns or circumstances beyond NBAA’s control, a
drawing or raffle may be held in lieu of the scheduled competitive
format to award the guaranteed prizes. The conditions to warrant the
implementation of this rule will be determined by the tournament
director. This rule is designed for major tournament events with
guaranteed prizes including, but not limited to the National
Championship, Fall Classic, One on One National Championship and
other special NBAA and open events. The location, time and method of
the drawing will be determined by the tournament director and
explained in detail to all participants. All participants must be present
for the drawing or raffle. All attempts will be made to avoid the
implementation of this rule and will only be considered in the event of an
emergency.
28. TAKE OFF: Take off position for the championship(s) will be
determined by a teams finish in their division. Point Champions will
take off in the first group, divisional qualifiers in the second group,
followed by wildcards. A random draw of each group will determine take
off positions. All teams that have returned their championship
registration form by “set” date will be put into an early draw. Their take
off position and a number will be assigned before the championship
registration. Any championship qualifier forms received after “set” date
will be assigned a number as they are received. If a team does not send
in a championship registration by “set” date an alternate may be chosen
for their spot at the championship.
29. PRO/GUIDE EXCLUSIONS: Participants, who have fished
two or more events, in the preceding 12 month period, with an entry fee
in excess of $1,499.00 per event (does not apply to amateur participants
in pro/am events) will not be eligible to participate in any NBAA event
with an guaranteed 1st Place prize in excess of $2,400.00. Individuals’
serving as licensed guides, or are paid for guiding on tournament waters
within the preceding 30-day period are not eligible to participate in
events held on those waters for tournaments with a guaranteed 1st
Place prize of $2400.00 or more.
Tournament Rules
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
 | |  | |  | |  |