Rules Revision

These changes to the Yak-A-Bass Competition Rules Standard went into effect February 27, 2021 and supersede all earlier iterations:

A. Hand Position.

a. In bass competition, hand or finger(s) may be in contact with the BODY ONLY! The hand may not go past the anal fin but may cover the gill flap if the eye is not covered. You are not allowed to be touching any portion of the tail. Violation will result in a 1-inch deduction in score.

b. 4.A there is a 2 week off limits from pre-fishing on the body of water from any power boats- Bass boats, ski boats pontoon-style boats. The only exception is if you are being a boater for a kid’s tournament on the same body of water. You may fish from a power boat in waters that are not considered eligible during competition

Yak-A-Bass Competition Rules Standard

• The terms and conditions presented in this document apply between Yak-A-Bass and those persons registering for and participating in Yak-A-Bass competitive Events.

• The pronouns “he,” “him,” “himself,” and “his” herein are used as generic, gender-neutral terms and do not restrict or confirm access based on sex.

1. Yak-A-Bass Competition Rules Standard (this document) cover about 90% of the terms, conditions, and standards common to all Yak-A-Bass Events.

2. Together, these two documents comprise the Yak-A-Bass Competition Rules. As a condition of participation in any Yak-A-Bass Competition, the participating angler (“Competitor”) agrees to read, understand, and comply with all Yak-A-Bass Competition Rules. Failure to comply will result in penalty, which may range from points deductions to submission denial or disqualification.

For each Event, the Tournament Director (“TD”) will be identified in the Yak-A-Bass Event Rules Addendum. He has responsibility for interpretation and enforcement of the Yak-A-Bass Competition Rules and may amplify or clarify them to make them more relevant or complete. Tournament Director decisions may be disputed, as described in Section 17.A. Yak-A-Bass management will review the TD’s action and revise the Yak-A-Bass Competition Rules appropriately. Such revisions will be summarized in a Revisions Log (above) and highlighted in red in the body of the rules standards. Announcement of the rule changes will also be posted fifteen (15) days prior to implementation in the Yak-A-Bass Facebook group.

1. Participation and Eligibility

A. KBF Membership

i, Unless otherwise exempted in KBF Event Rules Addenda, to participate in Yak-A-Bass Member-only Tournaments, each Competitor must be an active, free KBF Member by 11:59 p.m. on the day before start-of-competition. These include but are not limited to Yak-A-Bass Events. Non-members who register and compete in Yak-A-Bass Members-only Events are not eligible for prizes, ranking, and rewards.

ii. If not specified as “Yak-A-Bass Member-only” participation in any Yak-A-Bass Event is open to both Yak-A-Bass Members and non-members who meet all other eligibility requirements laid out in the Yak-A-Bass Competition Rules Addendum.

A. Professional Fishing Guides may register and compete in Events providing they do not guide-for-pay on Eligible Water within 30 days prior to the Event’s start-of-competition date.

B. Event Registration — All Yak-A-Bass Competitions are conducted using a Tournament Management System (“TMS”). Each angler who wishes to participate in such an Event must create a TMS user account before the first day of competition and must sign up for the Event and pay the entry fee on the TMS.

C. Entry Fees — Entry Fee amounts, administrative surcharges, registration deadlines, late fee exceptions, and refund or transfer restrictions are specified in the Yak-A-Bass Event Rules Addendum for each Competition.

No Satisfaction Guarantee — Competitor understands and agrees that payment for the Event does not secure a guarantee or promise of satisfaction.

Competitor’s failure or inability, for any reason except as otherwise provided herein, to participate in any or all of the activities of the Event does not relieve or suspend the Competitor’s obligation to make all payments required by Yak-A-Bass Rules on a timely basis, nor entitle the Customer to a refund or credit, except as provided below.

D. Payment — Competitor agrees that once an Event Registration is submitted, the terms and conditions of the Yak-A-Bass Competition Rules constitute an Agreement that is a legally binding and enforceable obligation of Competitor.

E. Competitor’s Right to Cancel — Any competitor wishing to cancel an Event Registration may do so by emailing the Tournament Director at the email address provided in the Yak-A-Bass Event Rules Addendum.

Unless otherwise specified in the Event Rules Addendum, registration cancellations dated more than 15 days prior to the Event incur no administrative fee, and any registration cancellation dated 15 days or fewer before the Event shall result in an administrative fee equal to the lesser of $25

Once an Event has started, no cancellations will be accepted, and no refunds will be provided.

Yak-A-Bass is not responsible for any refunds of expenses related to travel or lodging reservations or other payments involving third parties.

F. Pre-Tournament Check-in — Each Tournament Competitor is responsible for reviewing the Schedule of Events in the Yak-A-Bass Event Rules Addendum for pre-event check-in times and location. Each Competitor must check in with official Yak-A-Bass Competition staff at the time and place designated in the Schedules of Event for verification of eligibility, signing of waivers if required, and rules acknowledgement.

Late check-in and registration process (if permitted), event-specific instructions, and Event schedule are specified in the Yak-A-Bass Event Rules Addendum.

2. Fish Eligibility

A. Species—For “Bass” Yak-A-Bass Competitions, only “black bass” are eligible for scoring. That designation includes the three most common species (Largemouth Bass – Micropterus salmoides, Smallmouth Bass – Micropterus dolomineu, and Spotted or Kentucky Bass – Micropterus punctulatus) as well as other less well-known species or varieties:

a. Shoal Bass – Micropterus cataactae
ii. Redeye Bass – Micropterus coosae
iii. Suwannee Bass – Micropterus notius
iv. Guadalupe Bass- Micropterus treculi
v. Bartram’s Bass – Micropterus bartrami
vi. Alabama Spotted Bass – Micropterus punctulatus henshalli

B. Length—The minimum length of bass scored in competition is 12 inches. Photos of bass shorter than the minimum will be denied.

C. Condition—Fish must be hooked in the mouth or jaw. It may not appear to have snagged, snatched, or hooked in the body or a fin. Fish must appear to be alive. If fish appears to be dead, mutilated, frozen, mangled, or otherwise damage, or it appears to have been mashed, mauled, or otherwise altered, the photo will be denied.

D. Caudal (Tail) Fin—The tip of at least one lobe of the caudal (tail) fin must be contact with the measuring board. If the entire caudal (tail) fin is lifted away from the measuring board so that the tip is no long in contact, the photo will be denied.

E. Eye—The fish’s left eye must be visible in photo. Violation will result in denial of the photo.

3. Competition Period

A. Competition start and end dates and times are stated in the Yak-A-Bass Event Rules Addendum. Any Competitor who launches (i.e., propels an occupied boat away from the shore) before the stated “Earliest Launch” time or begins fishing before the official Competition Start Time on any day of competition will be disqualified from the Event. Under no circumstance will a fish photographed outside of the official Competition Start and End times be considered for scoring.

B. Check-in — Tournament Competitors who have already submitted digital photos by upload to the TMS must be in the Judges’ Check-in Line at Tournament HQ by the time specified in the Yak-A-Bass Event Rules Addendum. Failure to be in or through the Judges’ Check-in Line by that time will result in disqualification from the Event.

4. Pre-fishing — Practice in Eligible Water is permitted until the time specified in the Yak-A-Bass Event Rules Addendum on the day prior to Competition. If no pre-fishing deadline is stated in the Addendum, then practice may continue up until six hours prior to competition start time. Fishing on the event’s eligible water after the specified pre-fishing deadline will result in disqualification from the Event. (Refer to Rule 6 regarding pre-fishing with a professional fishing guide.)

4.A there is a 2 week of limits from pre-fishing on the body of water from any power boats- Bass boats, ski boats pontoon-style boats. The only exception is if you are being a boater for a kid’s tournament on the same body of water. You may fish from a power boat in waters that are not considered eligible during competition

5. Competition Area

A. Competitive fishing is allowed only on publicly-accessible waters within the geographic area designated by the Yak-A-Bass Event Rules Addendum as “Eligible Water .” Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.

B. Competitors may launch from any public-access shore directly onto Eligible Water or may launch and then paddle or portage to Eligible Water. Crossing restricted property to reach Eligible Water is not permitted. Tributaries, canals, sloughs or estuaries separated from the rest of eligible water by temporary obstructions (e.g., fallen trees, log jams, beaver dams) that, if removed, could be entered by floating/paddling are considered eligible waters in which competition is permitted, and competitors are permitted to drag or portage watercraft over or around such obstructions. Those separated by obstructions of a permanent nature (e.g., levees, earthen or concrete dams, berms, roadbeds, spillways, waterfalls) are ineligible water, and competition in such areas is prohibited. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.

C. Competitors are not restricted to fishing where they start out each day but are permitted to relocate to other Eligible Water during tournament hours.

D. Watercraft must not be anchored in such a position as to prevent or block access for other watercraft or powerboats. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.

E. If a Competitor must go out of sight of his watercraft for any reason (e.g., for a restroom break or to contact a tournament official by phone or other means, or to report an emergency), he must cease fishing until he returns to his watercraft, at which time he may resume fishing. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.

6. Cooperation and Assistance

A. Up until the end of the established pre-fishing period, competitors may fish with and receive direct assistance from other anglers and professional guides on the Eligible Water, except as restricted in Rule 6.B., below.

B. Within 30 days prior to the Event, a Competitor may not fish on Eligible Water with, nor receive expert advice from, a professional fishing guide who receives payment for those services. Violation will result in Competitor’s disqualification from the Event.

C. Before and during the event, competitors may (i.) share gear, tackle and equipment, (ii.) assist in photographing a fish for submission, and (iii.) communicate with and fish in proximity to other people, including other Competitors (except Professional Fishing Guides, as stipulated in Rule 6.B., above); however, then may not receive assistance in catching fish, including boat positioning, casting, retrieving, hooking, playing, or landing a fish. Violation will result in Competitor’s disqualification from the Event.

7. Fishing Tackle, Equipment, and Methods

A. All fish must be caught live, the Competitor using only equipment and legal methods that comply with all sportfishing statutes and regulations of the states and body of water in which they are taken. Competitors are responsible for research of and compliance with all applicable fishing and boating regulations. Snatching or snagging fish is not permitted. When visually fishing a bed for spawning bass, to be admissible all bass must be hooked inside the mouth. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.

B. All fish must be caught on rod, reel, line and hook with artificial lures only. No traps, snares, set lines or other methods of fishing other than rod, reel and line are permissible, even if legal under state game laws. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.

C. Acceptable measuring boards include the Hawg Trough manufactured by Hagen’s, FishStik Version 2 (with Bump Board Arrows and Lock Slide) and the Ketch Co Measuring Board. Measuring boards may be shortened by removing inches from the upper end (opposite the fence) For example, one may cut a measuring board off at the 26 inch mark in order to fit crossways between a watercraft’s gunwales. However, it may not be broken, snapped, or cut apart and then reassembled at any point between the two ends. A crack that does not separate the measuring board into pieces and does not affect the measuring board’s accuracy may be repaired and reinforced for use. Violation will result in denial of photo.

C.1 Any other modifications or board tampering will result in a disqualification from the event and the series for the time of at least a minimum of 1 year. Trying to bend or push on the board to gain inches will result in the same results.

D. Competitors may share measuring boards.

E. A break of the measuring board’s fence may be mended for use if the repair is rigid, flat and at a right angle to the measuring surface. The mended measuring board must be submitted to the Tournament Director, personally or by two or more emailed photographs that clearly show (i.) the mended area and (ii.) a side view of the measuring surface and the fence. Violation will result in denial of photo.

F. Each competitor must use a mobile phone with camera capable of producing still photos

When a Competitor’s smart phone becomes inoperable or is lost, he may share smart phones with other Competitors, provided each Competitor logs into his own TMS account in order to submit photos of fish he caught. provided each Competitor can clearly and positively identify photos of the fish he caught. Violation will result in denial of photo.

G. Only artificial lures and biodegradable artificial lures may be used. No live bait, preserved bait, or prepared bait will be permitted during competition, with the exception of pork strips or rinds. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.

H. Only ONE casting, spin-casting, spinning, or fly rod and reel may be in use at any one time. A rod and reel is considered to be “in use” when a lure attached to it by a line is in or on the water. A hung lure (one snagged in an overhanging tree) that is not in or on the water is not considered in use and the attached rod and reel may be set aside while another is in use.

I. Nets and grippers (e.g., Fish Grip, Boga-Grip) may be used for landing fish during tournament competition, but grippers must not remain attached to the fish in photos. Violation will result in denial or disqualification of the photo.

J. If a Competitor breaks his line while setting the hook or retrieving a fish, he is allowed to make an attempt with the rod being used or by hand to secure the line and land the fish to be counted as legal. He may NOT hook the line with another lure, rod and reel, or other device. If a Competitor loses his rod and reel while landing a fish he MAY use another rod and reel to retrieve the lost outfit. If after retrieval, the fish is still hooked, it may be landed, photographed, and submitted as a legal fish. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.

8. Watercraft & Propulsion

A. Watercraft acceptable for use in Competition are:

i. Small, narrow, single-hull watercraft not exceeding 44 inches in hull width and 17 feet in hull length, or 18 feet in combined hull length plus attachments, and…

ii. that the manufacturer identifies and sells as a kayak, including inflatable kayaks and modular kayaks

iii. Stand-up paddleboards (SUP)

iv. Canoes

v. Other watercraft specifically approved as exceptions in advance of competition by Yak-A-Bass Management.

vi. Approved exceptions for 2019 are:
• Blue Sky Boatworks 360 Angler
• Biyak

vii. If unsure about the acceptability of a watercraft, contact Yak-A-Bass Management in advance for eligibility determination.

viii. Unless approved as exceptions by KBF Management, the following watercraft may not be used in competition:
a. Gas- or liquid-fueled motorized or hybrid fuel/electric powerboats or personal watercraft
b. Sailboats
c. Jon boats
d. Pirogues, coracles, and rowboats
e. Dinghies and skiffs
f. Float tubes, inflatable rafts, and rigid inflatable boats (e.g., Zodiac)
g. Pontoon boats, pontoon-style pond boats, twin-hull watercraft, or similar.

Use of watercraft in competition other than those listed above as acceptable or exceptions will result in disqualification from the Event.

B. Watercraft propulsion is restricted to paddle, pedal, pole, or electric motor.

C. Unless specifically prohibited in the Yak-A-Bass Event Rules Addendum, use of a single electric propulsion unit per watercraft in Yak-A-Bass-sanctioned competition is approved with the following restrictions:

i. Competitors must comply with all boating regulations pertaining to motorized kayak/electric-propulsion watercraft registration, use, and operating restrictions for the designated fishing area. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.

ii. Electric motor used to propel a watercraft:

a. must be attached to the kayak in a safe manner for operation, and

b. may not exceed the lesser of (a.) manufacturer’s labeled Maximum HP/Thrust Capacity, (b.) 3 HP, or (c.) 155 foot-pound thrust. Violation of either condition will result in disqualification from the Event.

D. Towing, transport or relocation assistance from another watercraft, including “mothershipping,” is NOT permitted except in cases of emergency, as when pulling a kayak from a danger zone or restricted area. Once the emergency has ended, the Competitor may resume fishing only if the watercraft was pulled no more than 100 yards from the danger zone. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.

E. Trolling (i.e., lure(s) attached to a single rod and towed behind a watercraft while underway) is not permitted in Yak-A-Bass Competition.

9. Photo Standards - Digital photographs of each fish submitted to judges for scoring must meet these criteria:

B. Unique—Each digital photo submitted by the same Competitor in each Event must be of a different fish. Subsequent digital photos of the same fish submitted by the Competitor in an Event will be denied.

C. Visible/Legible—Each photo must be in sharply focused and clear enough for a judge to:

d. Verify the correct Identifier Form and Event ID Code. Inability of the judge to verify will result in denial of photo.

e. Verify the fish’s condition. Violation will result in denial of photo.

f. Verify the fish’s length. Judge will score fish at the greatest length of which he is certain.

g. Verify whether the bass’ jaw or lip, is in contact with the measuring board fence. Inability of the judge to verify will result in a penalty of 1 inch.

h. Except where covered by hand or fingers, the entire fish, from its mouth/jaw to the tip of its caudal (tail) fin, must be visible in photos. If either end is covered or cropped off, the photo will be denied.

D. Centered—Camera lens positioned directly over the center of the fish’s body, which contributes to accurate measurement by judges. Photos taken at a low angle in order obscure an open mouth may be denied or penalized at the Tournament Director’s discretion.

E. First-generation—Each digital photo must be a first-generation image (not a photo or screen-shot of another photo). Violation will result in denial of photo.

Photos submitted for scoring that, in judges’ opinions, contain evidence of a possible disqualifying infraction—including photos that appear to have been cropped or modified (e.g, image enhanced or filtered) in such a way as to obscure infractions—will be accepted with a score of 0.01″ and a note indicating the nature of the infraction is emailed to the Competitor. The Tournament or Series Director will review all such photos and will make any disqualification ruling. The Director may also contact Competitors to request submission of original un-cropped, un-filtered photos for further review and verification. Failure by Competitors to respond or refusal to submit the original photo will result in denial of the photo.

F. Identifiable—Official Yak-A-Bass Identifier Form above, below, or beside that fish (not covering any portion of the fish, unless attached to the Competitor’s hand or arm). Neither a hand-drawn form nor an image of the Yak-A-Bass Identifier Form on a smart phone are permissible. Violation will result in denial of photo.

G. Background - Competitor’s watercraft clearly visible in the photograph. Violation will result in denial of photo.

H. Hand Position.

i. In bass competition, hand or finger(s) may be in contact with the BODY ONLY! The hand may not go past the anal fin but may cover the gil flap if the eye is not covered. You are not allowed to be touching any portion of the tail. Violation will result in a 1-inch deduction in score. .

j. No portion of a hand or finger may be under the fish’s operculum (hard gill flap). Violation will result in denial of photo.

I. Mouth

k. Bass’ lip or jaw must be in contact with measuring board fence (bump board, upright), and the fence must be visible in the photo. Violation will result in denial of photo.

l. In bass fishing competition, a closed mouth is preferred for uniformity of measurement. If judge considers the mouth to be open, even if it is structurally unable to close, a one-inch penalty will be assessed.

J. Not “In-possession.” In most states, though not all, unless a fish is secured by a restraint device or is placed in a holding container, state regulatory agencies do not consider it to be “in possession” by Competitors, so states’ minimum length regulations do not apply for photo submissions. If Event takes place in a state where photographing a fish constitutes “possession,” and a photo is submitted of a fish that does not comply with state size limits, the photo will be denied. (Refer to regulatory compliance, Rule 7.A.)

10: Scoring

A. Fish length is determined by its caudal fin (tail fin) touching or crossing the quarter-inch ridge/line on the measuring board. If it falls short of a 1/4-inch mark, the length is rounded down to the next lower 1/4-inch mark that the bass’ caudal fin actually touches or crosses.

B. If any portion of a fish’s caudal (tail) fin extends off the measuring board, the score will be determined by the highest 1/4-inch measurement reached or crossed by the portion of caudal fin on the Measuring Board. Any portion of the caudal fin extending off the Measuring Board is not considered in scoring.

C. Tournament ranking, contingency awards, Angler of the Year Points shall be determined by the aggregate length of each Competitor’s photos remaining on the Leader Board when judging has concluded and the Dispute Period has closed. Unless otherwise stipulated in the Yak-A-Bass Event Rules Addendum:

i. In one-day tournaments the scores of the five longest fish on the Leader Board when judging is complete will be combined to determine the aggregate score.

ii. In two-day tournaments, the scores of the five longest fish of Day 1 and the five longest fish on Day 2 on the Leader Board when judging is complete will be combined to determine the aggregate score.

D. If a Competitor’s photo is denied by a judge after end-of-competition, it may be automatically replaced by a previously submitted and auto-culled photo; however, no Competitor may submit a replacement photo after end-of-competition time.

E. In the event of a tie in score, the tied competitors’ longest (highest-scored) fish are compared, and the tie breaks in favor of the competitor with the longest (highest-scoring) fish. If the longest fish are equal, the second-longest fish are compared and determine which competitor wins the tie. If the second-longest are identical, the process repeats for each of the remaining fish. If all of the tied competitors’ highest scoring fish are identical, then the tie breaks in favor of the competitor whose last Leader Board photo was uploaded earliest.

F. Yak-A-Bass judges apply the following scoring criteria to adjust measurements, approve or deny photos, and to penalize photos by deducting points (length) or disqualifying a Competitor.

Item

Photo Scoring Criteria

Penalty

a. Photo

Blurry photo/length unclear: scored at the highest mark of which there is no doubt

n/a

b. Photo

Blurry photo; completely unable to judge

Deny

c. Photo

Appears to be second-generation (e,g, screen shot, photo of photo)

Deny

d. Photo

EXIF data and other evidence substantiates photo taken outside of Eligible Water boundaries

Deny

e. Photo

EXIF data, other evidence substantiates photo was taken outside of competition hours

Deny

f. Photo

Multiple digital photos submitted of the same fish; unintentional violation

Deny

g. Photo

Multiple digital photos submitted of the same fish; evidence indicates intentionally

Ban

h. Photo

Competitor’s watercraft not visible in photo background

Deny

i. Photo

Entire fish not in picture

Deny

j. Orientation

Fish positioned with right side of body toward camera; head pointing right and caudal fin left

Deny

k. Orientation

Fish positioned with dorsal fins at bottom of photo, pelvic and anal fins upward

Deny

l. Identifier

Official identifier Form missing, counterfeit, or incorrect for event

Deny

m. Identifier

Identifier Form is lying on or covering any portion of the fish

Deny

n. Identifier

Incorrect Event ID Code for Event

Deny

o. Fish

Secured by restraining device (e.g., stringer, tape, or clip attached to fish)

Deny

p. Fish

Photo violates state regulations regarding possession

Deny

q. Species

Photo of any species or variety of fish other than that approved for the Competition

Deny

r. Body

Bass caudal fin (tail fin) tip fails to reach 12.00″ line on measuring board

Deny

s.Body

Any part of your hand is past the anal fin

1.00”:

u. Body

Any portion of a hand or fingers under the fish’s operculum (hard gill flap)

Deny

v. Body

Finger(s) or hand touching a bass’ tail

1.00″

x. Body

Entire caudal (tail) fin entirely lifted away and out of contact with the measuring board

Deny

y. Body

Left eye covered; not visible in photo

Deny

z. Body

Fish appears to have been snagged, snatched, or hooked in the body rather than mouth

Deny

aa. Body

Fish appears to be dead, mutilated, frozen, mangled, or otherwise damaged

Deny

ab. Body

Fish appears to have been mashed, mauled, or otherwise altered to increase its length

Deny

ac. Mouth

Bass lip or jaw clearly not touching measuring board fence (upright end plate)

Deny

ad. Mouth

Unable to ascertain with certainty that bass lip or jaw is touching measuring board fence

Deny

ae. Mouth

Mouth open, even if it appears to be structurally unable to close completely.

1.00″

11. Penalties

A. In the event of a rule violation, the Tournament Director may impose such penalties as deemed appropriate, including without limitation, the following:

i. Reduction of score (length) as described above or determined by the Tournament Director

ii. Loss of catch for the day or up until the violation has been remedied

iii. Disqualification from the tournament in question

iv. Any additional penalties determined by the Tournament Director including but not limited to monetary fines and/or reduction of Competitor of Year points.

Subject to the dispute and appeal processes set forth below, the Tournament Director’s decisions on violations are final.

B. Following a review of evidence, a determination by Yak-A-Bass Director of Operations of cheating or conviction of fraud will result in permanent revocation of Yak-A-Bass Membership, suspension from all Kayak Bass Fishing competition and series, and revocation of all Yak-A-Bass Social Media privileges. The findings will be published on a invite only Yak-A-Bass tournament anglers facebook page.

C. Competitor acknowledges that (i.) the use of polygraph tests may be necessary to verify compliance with rules and to settle disputes and (ii.) entry constitutes acceptance of this requirement and agreement to abide by its conclusion. Refusal by a Competitor to submit to a polygraph test is grounds for immediate disqualification from the KBF Event and prohibition against future participation in any KBF-affiliated Event. Results of a polygraph test will not be the sole determining factor in a KBF Management Review of a Competitor’s eligibility for awards and qualification for future participation but may be one of several factors considered in such review.

D. KBF Director of Operations shall

i. Have the discretion to determine the need for a Polygraph examination.

ii. Be responsible for (i.) selecting an independent expert to administer the polygraph test, (ii.) establishing, in consultation with the expert administrator, the scope of the questions that may be asked during the test examination, and (iii.) interpreting the results.

iii. Have sole responsibility selecting the location, date, and time of the test nearest KBF headquarters with respect to all concerned parties schedule and travel cost.

E. The Competitor shall:

i. Make himself/herself available at the location selected by the Tournament Director

ii. Cooperate in all respects with such test.

F. F. Competitors may be selected at random to undergo polygraph examinations during or following KBF competitive Events.

12. Awarding of Prizes

A. Prizes and numbers of positions paid out are addressed in the Event Rules Addendum. Amounts paid per rank are subject to change based on participation

B. Prizes will be processed after all photos submitted for scoring have been judges, the results reviewed by a separate panel, and disputes have been resolved.

C. Product prizes (e.g. kayaks, paddles, propulsion units) may require additional processing or delivery time. This allows competitors some flexibility in selection of model, color or style. Product selection may be limited to specific features and models.

13. Taxes — Competitors are responsible for all applicable taxes on both cash and merchandise awards. Failure to meet those obligations may result in disqualification from all future Yak-A-Bass events. All prize recipients whose cumulative total for the year adds up to $600 or more must fill out and turn in an IRS Form W-9 including name, address, social security number, signature and date. These are used to prepare IRS 1099 forms for distribution in January.

14. Sale of Prizes — No prizes won participating in Yak-A-Bass Events may be advertised or promoted for sale on Yak-A-Bass Facebook pages for a period of one full year. Violation of this rule will result in ineligibility for all future events and forfeiture of qualification status.

15. Safety

A. During competition, every Competitor must have all required Coast Guard safety equipment, (e.g., light source, whistle or other audible signal device, Coast Guard-approved chest-type life preserver [PFD]). See www.uscgboating.org/.

B. PFD Usage — At all times, except as described below (Rule 15.C. PFD Wear Exception) while on the water during competition hours, Competitors must wear either an inherent-flotation or inflatable USCG-certified PFD, either vest-style or float jacket. A belt-style PFD, even one that deploys as a vest, is not permitted during Competition. The PFD must be properly positioned and adjusted to conform with USGC and manufacturers’ instructions. When an infraction, as described above, is verified by the Tournament Director, the competitor is disqualified from participation in the event.

C. PFD Wear Exception — If all of the following conditions exist, Competitor may briefly remove his PFD while afloat in order to change, add or remove articles of clothing:

i. No fishing lines are in the water; and

ii. The watercraft is not underway; and

iii. Weather and water conditions permit one to do so safely; and

iv. Competitor is over the age of 12.

When finished changing his attire, Competitor must immediately put the PFD back on before resuming navigation, fishing, or any other competition-related activity.

D. The Tournament Director has the right to postpone or cancel the start of an official tournament day because of bad weather or other factors that would jeopardize Competitors’ safety. Tournament waters may also be restricted at any time because of bad weather.

E. In the event of weather emergencies that pose an imminent threat to Competitors, the Tournament Director may terminate Competition before the scheduled end-of-competition time. An Early Termination Announcement with an adjusted end-of-competition time will be broadcast to Competitors via email and group text messaging and will also be posted on the TMS site and social media sites. The Announcement will also specify an adjusted report-in time and location. If safe to do so, upon receiving the Announcement, Competitor should make his way to the specified location at that time.

Competitor is required to stop fishing as soon as he receives the Early Termination Announcement. No photos of fish caught after the adjusted end-of-competition time may be submitted for scoring; however, to accommodate those seeking shelter immediately, Competitor has up to 15 minutes after the Adjusted End Time to submit a photo of any bass caught before the adjusted end-of-competition time/photo submission deadline.

F. In the event of an emergency situation, Competitor should call 911 first and then notify tournament officials as soon as possible.

G. Use of alcohol or drugs (other than those purchased over-the-counter or prescribed by a licensed physician) by any Competitor during an Event will not be tolerated and will be cause for automatic disqualification from this and all future Yak-A-Bass tournaments. No alcoholic beverages or other non-prescription stimulants or depressants shall be allowed in watercraft during competition days. Chemical substance addiction or abuse, conviction of a felony or other crimes involving moral turpitude, or other conduct reflecting unfavorably upon efforts to promote safety, sportsmanship, fair competition and compliance with tournament rules, shall be grounds for rejecting any application for participation and/or for disqualification after circumstances are reviewed by the Yak-A-Bass Director of Operations. Any disqualification, suspension from, or other disciplinary action regarding any tournament or fishing organization, shall be grounds for rejecting any application for participation in a Yak-A-Bass tournament, and/or disqualification from a Yak-A-Bass tournament, after circumstances are reviewed by the Yak-A-Bass Director of Operations.

H. Night Tournaments that take place between April 1 and September 30, in which boats leave or return after 10:30 P.M., must comply with the following six stipulations in order for the event(s) to be eligible for Event Liability Insurance coverage provided through the North American Tournament Association’s policy.

i. Night fishing or low light launches All participant boats must be equipped with working Coast Guard approved running lights. Running lights must remain on in accordance with the governing state regulations. [Note: Kayaks are categorized by USCG as “oar-driving craft” and meet USCG requirements by having an “electric torch” (a.k.a. flashlight) that can be used to signal other boaters. While anchored, all watercraft must display a 360-degree white light. Some states impose additional requirements.]

ii. The tournament director shall have predetermined the availability of cell phone or radio coverage to assure reasonable communications in the event of an emergency. [Note: All competitors should make sure their cell phone numbers are entered in the TMS and the Tournament Director should have a list of all competitors with cell phone numbers for texting or calls.]

iii. The tournament director shall have on hand the contact information for emergency rescue and medical services and must maintain the ability to make contact at all times during the tournament.

iv. iv The governing authority, as required by law or ordinance, shall be notified of the tournament date and hours.

v. The tournament rules shall mandate an on the water speed limit of not more than 10 miles per hour between sunset and sunrise. [This should pose no problem for our competitors.]

vi. The tournament director shall have in place a system of accounting for the return of all participants.

[Note: This includes not only an end-of-competition check-in but also a way for competitors who leave early to notify the TD.]

16. Competitor Conduct — Competitors participating in any Yak-A-Bass sanctioned event must observe the applicable rules for the specific event in which they are participating and must conduct themselves at all times in a manner that reflects favorably on the sport of kayak bass fishing, Yak-A-Bass, its members, officers or representatives, tournaments or sponsors. Competitors are expected to follow high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy, integrity, safety and conservation in support of the sport of kayak bass fishing, especially when in the vicinity of non-Competitors who may be on or beside Eligible Water. Any Competitor who violates these principles or behaves in ways the reflect unfavorably up Yak-A-Bass efforts to promote fisheries conservation, clean waters and courtesy, may forfeit tournament winnings, face suspension from future Yak-A-Bass sanctioned events, be permanently banned from competition, or any combination thereof deemed appropriate by Yak-A-Bass.

17. Disputes and Appeals

A. If a Competitor wishes to dispute a rules violation penalty, a judge’s scoring decision, a Tournament Director’s decision or other action that materially affected the Competitor’s ranking or prize eligibility, he must email/call or text a dispute with the Tournament Director within 24 hour (one full day) following completion of Event judging. The dispute must include the following:

i. Event title, location, and date

ii. Description or identification of penalty imposed, or condition being disputed

iii. Reference to pertinent rule

iv. Reason for dispute and requested action

Except for situations involving fraud or other law violation, any disputes submitted after the 24-hour dispute deadline will be reviewed without affecting the outcome of an event. No change in rank or reward will result from disputes submitted after the deadline. Only Competitors in the Event where the disputed action occurred may submit disputes. Disputes must be handled privately. All parties directly involved will be provided a copy of the dispute. The Tournament Director will review the Competitor’s claims, thoroughly investigate the disputed decision, and issue a ruling.

B. The Competitor who filed the dispute may appeal the Tournament Director’s ruling. Appeals of rulings must be presented to the Yak-A-Bass Director of Operations via email within 24 hours from the time and date of ruling. An Appeals Processing Fee of $100 must be paid to Yak-A-Bass via PayPal Funds Transfer. Yak-A-Bass Director of Operations will impanel an appeals committee comprised of one Yak-A-Bass staff member not involved directly in directing or judging the Event and two Yak-A-Bass Members who were not Competitors in the Event. Appeals hearings shall take place within seven (7) business days from the date of receipt of the written appeal, and all parties must make themselves available at prescribed time of hearing. The appeals committee will submit its findings and recommendations to the Yak-A-Bass Director of Operations, whose decisions are final. If the Director of Operations rules in the Competitor’s favor and reverses or nullifies the ruling, then the entire Appeal Processing Fee will be refunded; however, if the ruling stands, then the Fee is forfeited.

18. Public Comments

A. The favorable public reputation of Yak-A-Bass as a sanctioning organization in the sport of kayak bass fishing, the integrity of its officials, and the reputation of its media channels are valuable assets and tangible benefits for Yak-A-Bass. Accordingly, it is an obligation of Competitors to refrain from comments in public forums and social media or to the news media that unreasonably attack or disparage the integrity of Kayak Bass Fishing tournaments, tournament officials, sponsors, fellow members, fellow Competitors or the Yak-A-Bass organization. Competitors are encouraged to express themselves and have the right to question the rules officials. Responsible expressions of legitimate disagreement with Yak-A-Bass policies are encouraged, as opposed to attacks upon the integrity of the rules or officials. However, public comments that a Competitor knows, or should reasonably know, will harm the reputation of Yak-A-Bass, Yak-A-Bass officials, Yak-A-Bass members or sponsors, may result in disciplinary action.

B. Sponsor contributions will not be devalued by disputes or disagreements in public forums or social media platforms.

C. Publicly disputing any judgment decisions by a Tournament Director, Yak-A-Bass Director of Operations or judges will result in participants receiving one warning followed by disciplinary action up to permanent disqualification for repeated offenses. Any public dispute of final rulings, ongoing determination by judges or judging panel is grounds for immediate disqualification from the current Event and termination of any eligibility for future Events, even if previously qualified. This provision is not intended to discourage legitimate disputes but to ensure that a fair and unbiased approach is used and the approved challenge and appeals processes are followed in determining the best possible outcome.

19. Unavailability and Force Majeure — Yak-A-Bass will use reasonable efforts to hold the Event; however, under no circumstances will Yak-A-Bass be held responsible for unavailability caused by circumstances beyond Yak-A-Bass’s control, including flood, fire, hurricanes, earthquakes or other “acts of God,” acts of government, civil unrest, acts of terror, strikes or labor problems nor will any Event Registration be cancelled, altered or amended once the Event has commenced on the basis of circumstances beyond Yak-A-Bass's reasonable control.

20. Compliance with Laws — This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California. All rights and obligations of the Yak-A-Bass and the Competitor under this Agreement are subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. These terms and conditions shall be deemed revised to conform to applicable statutes, rules and regulations. Yak-A-Bass may modify the terms and conditions stated herein at any time in its sole and absolute discretion. Competitor shall be bound by the modified Agreement and agree that no other modifications shall be enforceable. This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements between the parties, whether written or oral. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision hereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision. The waiver of any breach shall not constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach.

21. Waivers and Releases

A. Name and Likeness Release — By registering for this Yak-A-Bass Event, the Competitor grants to Yak-A-Bass the right to use all photographs, likenesses, stories, accounts, details of Competitor contributions, exploits, interviews, bloopers, and information pertinent to the Yak-A-Bass Event, as well as any video footage, photographs gathered at the Event, for marketing and promotional purposes. This release is granted without expectation for additional compensation upon submission of Event Registration.

B. Waiver and Release of Liability — As a condition of participation in a Competition, and by virtue of registering for the Competition, each Competitor agrees to accept the terms and condition of the Yak-A-Bass Waiver and Release of Liability Agreement (below). This Agreement absolves Yak-A-Bass, its officers, staff, and volunteers from responsibility and threat of litigation in the case of injury, loss, or death sustained by a Competitor in the Event. Registrants under the age of 18 must have their waiver/release form signed by the parent or adult guardian who will accompany them throughout competition. A printed copy of Yak-A-Bass Waiver and Release Form (below) is available at the Event HQ Check-in Table and must be signed and on file with Yak-A-Bass before a registrant is eligible to compete. Agreeing to fish our events through the Tourney management system you are agreeing to the waiver and Release of liability form.

I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT, AND SIGN IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT.

_____________________________________ x___________________________________________
Registrant’s Name (Print) Registrant’s Signature

_____________________________________ ___________
Date of Signing Registrant’s Age

[ ] I will serve as Adult Supervisor and will accompany Registrant while he is on the water during competition hours.[ ] In place of or in addition to me, the Adult KBF Member designated below will act as the Adult Supervisor and will accompany Registrant while he is on the water during competition hours.

_____________________________________ x___________________________________________
Parent’s or Guardian’s Name (Print) Parent’s or Guardian’s Signature

_____________________________________ x___________________________________________
Designated Adult Supervisor’s Name (Print) Designee’s Signature