Buddy Bass Rules

1. Interpretation of these rules shall be left exclusively to the Tournament Committee. Their decision shall be final in all cases. If a contestant wishes to lodge a grievance, a $25.00 "grievance ruling deposit" must be made prior to any final rulings being made by the Tournament Committee.

2. A team shall consist of one Apple Valley Property Owner in good standing, the current year's assessments and boat registration paid, and one guest (or two Apple Valley Property Owners) per boat. Or, a team may include one contestant who obtains a single day pass for his boat prior to the Tournament date, and one Apple Valley Property Owner in good standing.

3. Safe boating conduct must be observed at all times. Caution and safety must be observed at the start. There will be no blast off, competitors will leave launch in order of registration received. Approved coast guard life vests must be worn when the internal combustion engine is operating. Failure to wear the vest can result in disqualification from the tournament. A kill switch is strongly recommended. Observing the buoys is required. Fishing in restricted areas can result in disqualification of the tournament. Ignoring "No Wake" areas can also result in disqualification. The tournament director may (if desired) cruise the lake to observe the contestants.

4. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited at all times during fishing tournament hours.

5. Only artificial lures may be used. NO LIVE BAIT is permitted. Pork strips, rinds, etc. are allowed. Each contestant may only use one rod and reel at any one time. All bass must be caught alive and in a conventional sporting manner. TROLLING IS PROHIBITED. Anglers will abide by all State Fishing regulations.

6. Each boat must be equipped with a functioning live well. In the event of extreme temperatures, ice will be available for the live wells. The fish are to be handled with known practices so they can be returned healthy and alive. ANYONE OBSERVED ABUSING THEIR CATCH WILL BE IMMEDIATELY DISQUALIFIED.

7. Boats shall not fish closer than within 50 yards of the first anchored boat or a boat with their Power Pole extended. Sportsmanship will be practiced at all times. Do not pull in front of or cut off a competitor’s boat in order to fish a particular area.

8. Total maximum fish per boat shall be five (5). All bass weighed must be a minimum of 12" in length measured with mouth closed. Any fish under 12" brought to the scale will result in a one (1) lb. penalty. A courtesy board will be provided prior to the contestants approaching the scale. An 8 oz. penalty will be assessed for each dead fish. If more than 5 fish are brought to the scale, the largest fish will be eliminated. Only large mouth, small mouth and spotted bass shall be counted towards the boat total weight.

9. Competitors who are not in the check-in area at their appointed time will be penalized 8 ounces of weight per minute that they are late. Anyone more than 15 minutes late will be disqualified. All fishing must cease upon appointed check-in time.

10. Ties for first place will be broken by (1) the largest number of bass caught (2) largest bass or (3) a flip of a coin. Any ties for remaining positions will split place money.

11. During the Tournament hours, it will be illegal to leave your boat for any reason. You are to call 614-406-0992 in the case of an emergency.

12. Completion of entry and payment of entry fee certifies that you have read these rules and agree to abide by all stated therein. You further agree to waive all responsibility on the part of the Apple Valley Property Owners Association, any Tournament participant, official, host, or sponsor as to injury and for damage which might occur in connection with the aforementioned Tournament. You also certify that you have necessary insurance coverage on your boat.

13. None of the above rules shall prohibit a properly designated official from approaching or boarding any competitor’s boat anytime during the Tournament. If any boat receives a ticket for any infraction during the Tournament the participant will be disqualified.

14. Anyone caught cheating in any Apple Valley Fish Club Buddy Bass Tournament shall be barred from all future tournaments.

15. Cash payouts are based on the number of entries received.