Texas Firefighter Olympics Bass Tournament 2003

Lake Nocona, July 21&22, 2003

1. These Rules apply to all entrants of this tournament. Violation of any of these rules will warrant appropriate disciplinary action by Tournament Director. Any protest must be received in writing and signed within fifteen minutes of final check-in deadline to be taken literally. Tournament Director's decisions will be final in all matters.

2. State, Federal, and Local Laws must be obeyed.

3. Texas Firefighter Olympics Bass Tournament pre-entry fee is $50 per angler (includes Big Bass). Checks or Money Orders are preferred method of payment. Entry will need to be received by July 1, 2003. Late registration fee of $60 will be accepted starting 1 hour prior to take-off at the tournament launch location. ONLY CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED AT LATE REGISTRATION. Refunds will be given if 2 weeks notice, prior to the tournament is given. Call Les Pratt (972-743-4584) if there is a problem or you need to have your entry fee refunded.

Make checks payable to Les Pratt and Send Application and Entry Fee to:

4. All anglers MUST* be an active or retired Texas Firefighter. *(Firefighter Olympics Bylaws) Only registered, paid anglers are allowed in tournament boats. Anglers may fish together, as long as all are registered and paid.

5. Firearms are not allowed in tournament boats during tournament hours or carried during registration or weigh-in. Law Enforcement Officers are the only exception to this rule.

6. Alcohol and Narcotics will not be allowed in the possession of contestants during tournament hours, unless prescription medicine. Alcoholic beverages are permitted after fifteen minutes of final check-in deadline (unless prohibited by the host marina).

7. Courtesy, Safe Boating, Sportsmanship and Conservation must be displayed at all times by contestants. A U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device must be on and fastened anytime the combustion engine is running. All boats must meet U.S. Coast Guard standards. Outboard motors may not exceed boat manufacturers rating. All boats must have an emergency kill-switch and must be attached to the driver during operation of combustion engine.

8. All fishing must be done with artificial lures only. Pork is permitted. Contestants may use only one rod and reel at a time. No trolling with the combustion engine is allowed. All fish must be caught in a legal and sporting manner during tournament hours from tournament waters. Contestants may not use any communication or video device for the sole purpose of locating or catching bass during tournament hours. No contestant may use tracking devices inserted in bass during or before the tournament. Hole sitting by or for entrants is not allowed.

9. Off limits Period – There is no off limits period for the Texas Firefighter Olympics Bass Tournament.

10. Boats must have an operational livewell with an aeration system. Individuals may keep no more than 5 bass in the live well as per state law.

11. Place of finish will be determined by the total weight of not more than 5 bass per angler, per day. The weight for both days will be added for a final combined weight to determine winners. Fish will be measured on a "Gator Grip Golden Rule" measuring board with the tail closed as outlined by Texas Parks and Wildlife. Ties for cash prizes and medals will be settled by a flipping contest between tied anglers.

12. No fishing is allowed within 50 yards of another tournament boat without mutual consent. No fishing is allowed within 50 yards of any manmade structure of the hosting marina or park. No tube, bank or wade fishing is allowed. All fishing must be from a previously inspected boat.

13. Trailering to and from the weigh-in during tournament hours is not allowed. You may launch from any ramp, but all boats must be inspected and leave in a numbered order from the tournament location. Weigh slips will be handed out as boats are inspected.

14. Texas Firefighter Olympics Bass Tournament allows angers to fish together. All persons in a boat must be a registered contestant. SHARING OF FISH WILL BE CAUSE FOR DISQUALIFICATION.

15. Registration may be by mail, or at take-off site on morning of the tournament beginning at 5 a.m. Contact Tournament Director for additional times and locations. Teams will launch according to the order in which their entry fee is received.

16. Tournament Hours will be from 6 am. until 3 pm both days. All boats will take-off in a numbered order at tournament director’s discretion from host marina or park. Weigh-In will be at 3 p.m. Weigh bags will be supplied at weigh-in. Official weigh bags must be used.

17. Weigh in slips will be handed out at the launch site, at approximately 6AM. ALL ENTRANTS MUST PICK UP THEIR SLIP AT THAT TIME BEFORE TAKEOFF. We will launch in a numbered order. First days launch will be by order of receipt of entry fee. Second days launch will be by first days weight. First place for day one will launch first on day two. All entrants not picking up their slip before take off will not be able to weigh any fish for that day. Weigh in slips must be placed in a bucket marked for such reason, before 3PM to be eligible to weigh fish.

18. Upon entering this fishing tournament, contestants release Texas Firefighter Olympics Committee, Les Pratt, officials and sponsors of this event from liability of accidents, losses or thefts. Contestants are responsible for knowing and understanding these rules.

19. Penalties. There will be a .50-pound penalty deducted for each dead fish weighed in. There will be a two (2) pound penalty deducted for any fish not meeting the predetermined size requirement brought to the scales, plus, a loss of same fish. Any contestant(s) weight will not be counted, if not checked-in by the designated check-in time.

20. All Fish must be live released back into tournament waters. We want to project a positive image for conservation.

21. There will be an 80% payout of all entry fees collected. 1 place paid for every 5 teams. There will also be a big bass payout made for each day of the tourney. Medals will be given for the top 3 combined stringers, and big bass for both days.

22. All paid entrants will be eligible for a free entry for the following year, to be determined by a drawing to be held at the conclusion of the tournament payout. You MUST be present to win.