2008 Tournament Rules - Flats Division
The Flats Division has been organized to permit fishing enthusiasts to compete for Cash Awards that will be presented for the heaviest Flounder, Redfish, and Trout caught and surrendered to the Tournament. Participants also receive a welcome and entertainment package and are invited to enjoy all Tournament festival activities.
Entry Fee:
$265.00 (includes sales tax)
Fishing Days: October 4 and 5, 2008
I. TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
The following terms and definitions are incorporated in and made a part of the rules of the 2008 Grand Lagoon National:
Additional Angler Fee
A fee paid to Foundation to register an Angler that is in addition to the payment of an Entry Fee.
Angler
A person registered to compete as an Angler.
Boat
A fishing vessel registered for use in Tournament.
Cash Awards
Monetary awards for which Anglers are eligible to compete.
Category
Each species of fish eligible for competition is a Category.
Class
A subdivision of a Category, by way of example ... first place, second place and third place.
Dates and Times
Tournament dates are October 3 through October 5, 2008. Time shown is Central Daylight Savings Time.
Disqualification
Violation of Rules may, at the sole determination of Rules Committee, result in disqualification and forfeiture of Cash and Optional Awards and all Fees paid to Foundation or Tournament.
Division
A division of competition, by way of example: the Flats Division, Offshore Division. Tournament shall consist of eight Divisions. Each Division shall be organized and operated as a separate and independent Tournament.
Eligible Fish
Fish eligible for Cash Awards and Optional Awards.
Fees
Entry Fee, Additional Angler Fee and Additional Crew Fee
FWC
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, a regulatory agency of the State of Florida
Fishing Days
October 4 and 5, 2008.
Fishing Hours
5:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Foundation
Grand Lagoon National Foundation, Inc., a Florida not-for-profit corporation.
Host Marina
A marina located on the Grand Lagoon in Panama City Beach, Florida, that has contracted with Foundation to provide the location and headquarters for Tournament and to implement the policies and programs of Foundation.
Junior Angler
An Angler who has not yet reached the fifteenth anniversary of their birth.
Optional Awards
Cash Awards paid to the winner of the Optional Award competition.
Optional Fee
An Optional Entry Fee by a Registered Participant.
Optional Participant
A Participant eligible to compete for Optional Awards as a consequence of the payment of an Optional Entry Fee.
Participant
Registered Angler, Anglers and Crew.
Permit
A culling permit issued by FWC.
Registered Participant
Individual registering a Boat for participation in Tournament. Unless otherwise provided in Rules, Registered Participant shall be responsible for the actions Anglers who take part in Tournament as a result of registration of a Boat.
Registration Fee
The fee paid to Foundation to register a Boat.
Rules
The rules governing the Tournament.
Rules Committee
A creation of Foundation that is the sole authority of interpretation and enforcement of Rules.
Tag
An identification tag containing the name of the Boat from which a fish was caught, the species of fish caught and the name of the Angler surrendering the fish to weigh-in officials.
Tournament
2008 Grand Lagoon National
Tournament Committee
A creation of Foundation charged with organizing and managing Tournament.
Weigh-in Report
A report prepared by the Registered Participant that includes an itemization of all fish to be weighed.
II. SPIRIT OF THE TOURNAMENT
Rules have been adopted to create a level playing field upon which Participants may compete fairly for the honors and awards bestowed by Tournament. Participants are permitted to compete in Tournament in reliance of their reputation for integrity. It is the intent of Foundation that Tournament activities demonstrate respect for the resources of the Gulf of Mexico.
Grand Lagoon National is committed to fair competition, good sportsmanship and the conservation of our natural resources.
III. SPORTSMANSHIP AND LIABILITY
Poor sportsmanship is grounds for Disqualification from this and all future tournaments sponsored, in whole or in part, by Foundation. Registered Participants, on behalf of their invitees, associates, employees, agents and guests, accept the following conditions:
1. Participants enter at their own risk.
2. Foundation, Tournament Committee members, Rules Committee members and all persons directly and indirectly connected with the operation of Tournament shall be exempt from any liability for loss, damage, harm or injury suffered by a Participant, Boat owner, vessel or equipment which may occur during Tournament.
3. All awards paid in cash shall be paid by check issued by Foundation and mailed to the winner Angler announced at the awards ceremony. Checks shall be mailed during the week of August 25 and shall be in the amount specified by the Rules; adjusted, if required, to comply with IRS regulations.
IV. COMPLETED TOURNAMENT
One day of fishing by one-half of Boats constitute a completed Tournament. In the event of inclement weather, Tournament will be completed on the first day Tournament Committee declares acceptable for competition. Foundation reserves the right to reschedule Tournament in event of recognized emergency.
V. ELIGIBLE FISH, ENTRY AND ANGLER FEES
1. One Division Only - No Boat may compete in more than one Division. Angler may not compete in more than one Division on any Fishing Day.
2. Entry Approval - All entries are subject to approval of the Tournament Committee.
3. Checks and Money Orders - Should be made to the credit of Grand Lagoon National Foundation, Inc.
4. Payment of Fees - Registered Participants may register and pay Fees: in any of the following manners:
a) Before September 29, by completing the on-line registration form at the Tournament’s website www.grandlagoonnational.com and sending payment by personal or company check to: Grand Lagoon National Foundation, Inc., 1120 West Beach Drive, Panama City, Fl 32401..
b) After September 28, by registering at Tournament and making payment by cash or approved credit card.
c) Credit card charges subject to a 3.5% factoring fee.
d) Fees subject to 6 % sales tax.
5. Eligible Fish:
| Species by Weight
|
1st and 2nd place - Trout, Flounder and Redfish
|
Junior Angler Competition
|
1st and 2nd place - All Eligible Fish in the Categories of this Division
|
| Optional Awards
|
1st, 2nd and 3rd place - All eligible fish in the Categories of this Division
|
| Fees - Entry Fee |
$250 per boat, includes 2 Anglers |
| Additional Angler Fee |
$50 per Angler
$30 per Junior Angler
|
VI. DEPARTURE
All Boats must depart from a location in the St. Andrews Bay system.
VII. ANGLERS MEETING
An Anglers Meeting will be held on October 3 at 6 p.m. at the Treasure Ship Restaurant. Attendance at this meeting by the Registered Participant, or an individual designated by Registered Participant, is mandatory.
VIII. SCALES OPEN
Tournament scales will be open for the purpose of weighing competitive fish at the following hours:
| Treasure Island |
October 4 |
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. |
| |
October 5 |
3 p.m. – 6 p.m. |
IX. CASH AWARDS
1. Distribution - Cash Awards payout shall be equal to eighty percent (80%) of paid Entry Fees.
2. Open Class or Category - In the event no fish are weighed in for a given Class, the Cash Award assigned to that Class shall be added equally to Cash Awards of the other fish in the same Category. In the event no fish are caught in a given Category, the Cash Award assigned to that Category shall be added to the Cash Awards of fish caught in all other Categories in an equal manner. This same rule shall apply in the event that the Tournament does not obtain permit.
3. Tie by Weight - In the event that fish of identical weight are weighed in the same Category, the first fish weighed shall be determined to be the larger fish.
4. Payout Percentage - Based on the total Cash Awards available, the payout for the Inshore Division shall be divided according to the following percentages:
| Each Eligible Category |
1st Place |
2nd Place |
| |
13% |
7% |
5. Junior Angler Awards shall be prizes, but not cash prizes
X. FISHING AND WEIGH-IN RULES
These Rules shall apply to that taking and surrender of all eligible fish, including redfish; except that redfish shall also be subject to additional rules as described in paragraph XI.
1. Angler at weigh-In - Angler must accompany their fish to weigh-in scale.
2. Boarding - Tournament reserves the right to board and inspect Boats.
3. Cast nets - Cast nets can be used only for catching bait.
4. Change in Rules - Rules may be changed, altered or modified by Rules Committee at any time prior to the conclusion of the Anglers Meeting.
5. Condition of Fish - Only whole, undamaged fish which are fresh and in edible condition shall be qualified to be weighed. Tournament reserves the right to reject any fish due to poor condition or mutilation. The decision of the weighmaster shall be final.
6. Equipment - All fish must be caught with rod and reel, hook and line. Electric reels, deck reels, winches, traps, bicycle rigs, cables, harpoons, long lines, entangling devices and nets, except as otherwise provided in Rules, are not permitted.
7. Departure and Fishing Hours - Shall be by flare released in the St. Andrews pass at 5:30 a.m. on August 23 and 24. No overnight fishing. All lines must be out of the water by 7:16 p.m. on August 23. Boats must return to harbor at the conclusion of Fishing Hours.
8. Fish as Property - All fish surrendered to the Tournament for the purpose of being weighed shall become the property of the Foundation.
9. Government Rules - Registered Participant is responsible for the enforcement of government rules and regulations which may apply to the conduct of Participants during Tournament.
10. Maximum Number of Fish - No Boat shall be permitted to weigh more than two fish from a Category per weigh-in day.
11. Minimum Weight, Size and Limits - Federal and State regulations shall determine minimum weight, size and bag limits. Weigh master reserves the right not to weigh fish that Angler agrees is not in contention for a Cash Award or Optional Award.
12. Polygraphs - At the sole discretion of the Rules Committee, winning Anglers shall be subject to submitting and successfully passing a polygraph test and signing an affidavit attesting to the circumstances under which their fish was caught. Registered Participants must make themselves available, if requested by the Rules Committee, for the purpose of polygraph testing.
13. Protests - All protests must be presented in writing to the Rules Committee and accompanied by a check made to the credit of Foundation in the amount of $250 within one hour of the close of scales. Resolution of all protests will be declared at the Awards ceremony.
14. Publication - All Participants consent and authorize Foundation and Tournament Sponsors to use and reproduce names, voices and photographs taken or recorded in conjunction with Tournament activities for promotional and information purposes.
15. Raft Up or Exchanges - Following the initiation of Fishing Hours, Boats shall not be permitted to congregate, raft-up, or in any way be in such proximity to another Boat as to permit the exchange of equipment, supplies, fish or other materials.
16. Radio and Telephone - Official Division telephone numbers and radio channels will be announced at the Anglers Meetings.
17. Safety - Boats must meet all US Coast Guard and Florida safety standards and regulations. Registered Participants must be familiar with all applicable government boating regulations.
18. Same Boat - All fish to be weighed must be brought to the weigh-in dock on the Boat upon which the fish was caught.
19. Scale closing - Boats having fish to weigh in must be inside Grand Lagoon waters; specifically, at a location parallel to the entrance to the Bay Point channel by the designated closing hour for the scales.
20. Tags - No fish will be weighed which not have a properly completed weighs-in tag.
21. Weigh-in Procedures - Boats shall follow the instructions of Tournament officials when approaching the weigh-in dock and take a designated place in any waiting line that may form. Boats shall vacate the weigh-in dock at the instruction of Tournament officials.
22. Weigh-in Reports - Registered Participants shall be responsible for the completion of a Weigh-in Report that shall be presented to the weighmaster and shall include an itemization of all fish to be weighed.
XI. SPECIAL REDFISH RULES
Tournament shall make its best effort to acquire Permit. Assuming Tournament obtains Permit and all authorizations necessary to conduct a redfish fishing tournament, Participants may compete in the redfish Category according to the following additional Rules:
1. Eligibility - Only Anglers who agree to honor the terms and conditions of Permit shall be eligible to compete for Cash Awards and Optional Cash Awards in the redfish Category. In any instance of conflict between Rules and Permit, Permit shall prevail.
2. Boat Eligibility - Only Participants fishing from Boats equipped with re-circulating or aerated live wells that are at least 2.4 cubic feet and 18 gallons in capacity shall be eligible to compete in the redfish Category.
3. Two Fish per Boat Limit - Participants on the Boat shall not have in their possession more than two redfish at anytime, including in the Boat's live well or re-circulating tank.
4. Dead Fish - Participants are to make their best faith effort to keep redfish alive and capable of successful release. Dead redfish are not to be discarded. A dead redfish is considered harvested and will count against the Boat's daily two redfish limit.
5. Fish to be weighed - Both live and dead redfish shall be weighed. Live redfish will be released by Tournament according to terms and conditions of Permit. Tournament will assess an eight ounces (8 oz.) penalty against each dead redfish weighed.
6. Tiebreaker – Notwithstanding any other Rule, ties in the redfish category shall be broken by adding the weight of all redfish caught and weighed by the boats participating in the tie. In the event that this procedure does not result in the selection of a winner, all awards for that Category shall be divided equally among the participants of the tie.
XII. OPTIONAL ENTRY FEE AND OPTIONAL AWARDS
1. Award Division - Each Optional Award category shall be divided into first, second and third place according to the following proportions: First Place 60%, Second Place 25% and Third Place 15%.
2. Categories of Fee and Awards - Registered Participants may pay an Optional Entry Fee in one or more of the following Categories: Each Eligible fish - $500, $250 and $100 categories.
3. Division - All Optional Award payments shall be by check made to the Registered Participant. Foundation accepts no responsibility for the division of Optional Awards between Anglers, or any other party.
4. Optional Entry Fees may be paid at Tournament Headquarters on October 3 between the hours of 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Optional Fee payments will be accepted only in United States Currency, by Cashier’s Check or approved credit card.
5. No Fish - In the event that no fish is weighed in by an Optional Participant in a Category eligible for an Optional Award, 95% of all Optional Entry Fees paid for that Category shall be returned to the Registered Participant who paid Optional Entry Fees for that Category.
6. Percentage - Ninety-five percent (95%) of all Optional Entry Fees paid will be distributed in the form of Optional Awards.
7. Registered Participant - Optional Entry Fees will be accepted only in the name of a Registered Participant.
8. Rulings - made by the Tournament Committee shall be final in all disputes regarding Optional Rules.
9. Tax - Optional Entry Fees are subject to 6% Florida and local sales tax.
10. Winners - The winner of an Optional Award will be the Optional Participant credited with the "win" according to Tournament Rules. Notwithstanding this rule, payment of the Optional Award will be made to the Registered Participant of the Boat upon which the winning Angler competed.
11. Winner (Grand Champion) – Registered Participant shall be eligible to compete for the Grand Champion Optional Cash Award – winner take all – according to Rules published by Tournament and made available during Registration Hours at Tournament Headquarters.
XIII. OTHER AWARDS
Tournament is not responsible for awards, invitations or prizes offered or presented by third parties.
|
