Rules & Regulations

2009/10 Rules & Regulations 

1. Membership-  Required to fish any of our events. Once a member  has payed membership this allows them to fish any team trail event (includes reg. teams,super teams,couples & youth).
2. Alcohol-No alcoholic beverages may be consumed during regular tournament hours.
3. Boats- must meet Coast Guard specifications.Must have a kill switch,factory installed console & any aerated live well suitable to sustain a tournament catch. No ladder, platforms or coolers may be used to catch bedding fish, only standard equipment may be used to stand on. Life jackets (Coast Guard Approved) must be worn when the boat is on plane. You can not leave the boat for any reason unless for emergencies. Boats must be at least 16ft in length for all championships.
4. Protests- must be submitted in writing within 15 minutes from close of scales. All state,federal & local laws must be abided by.
5. Polygraph- All contestants are subject to a polygraph test at anytime. You can not fish any Team Trail event if you have ever failed a polygraph test.
6. Teams- May weigh 5 fish 12 inches in length unless state,federal or local laws differ. Measuring will be on a flat board with mouth closed (will fan or pinch  tail). Teams weighing in a short fish will be accessed a (1)lb penalty. Teams bringing more than 5 fish to the scales will be disqualified. A penalty of .50 lbs per dead fish will be deducted from total weight. Only largemouth, smallmouth & spotted bass will be scored. You must cull your fish after you catch the 6th fish (no culling at the ramp). Teams returning to the checkpoint late will loose (1) lb per min. up to 15 min. after that you will be disqualified. No fishing allowed within 25 yards of an anchored boat with trolling motor out of water without permission from the other boat. There will be no trolling. Only one rod used at any time. All fish weighed in become the property of Team Trails. Only officially marked weighin bags will be used at each event unless specified by the director.
7. Scoring- 1st place will get 100 points & descend down 1 point per place. Anyone scratching will be awarded next to last place points. If you pay for the tournament & do not show up you will still get credit for the tournament & next to last place points. If there is a tie both teams will receive same place points with the next team receiving next place points. All money will be divided between the 2 teams (example 1st & 2nd place money will be added together & divided).
8. Substitution- You may substitute partners as needed. You may also fish by yourself.  Any substituting during any championship or divisional must be approved. All contestants must be a member of teams trails before fishing in any event.
9. Entry form-Both team members must  fill out completely & sign their entry form (mandatory) no exceptions at each tournament (must be able to read).
10. Entry fee- All entries paid at championships (100% payback).Regular events-you will be able to pay the morning of each event (late fees will apply). Teams paying late will not get to draw for blastoff numbers. Entry fees must be received by monday night the week of the event.
11. Angler of the year-  Will pay as following per event for the year they win in - Teams (50.00)     
    Couples(50.00),Super(100.00),Youth(25.00). If there is a tie on the last event the team with the most weight will be the tie breaker. To be AOY will consist of points accumulated only in one single trail.
12. Insurance-I understand and acknowledge that boating and fishing is a dangerous sport. I have sufficient health, accident and liability insurance to cover any bodily or property injury claim arising from my participation in this event. (Must show proof of insurance)
13. Liability-I hereby release, discharge, and agree to hold harmless Team Trails, it's officers, directors, sponsors or hosts of any and all liability, claims, demands, actions or rights of action which are related to or any way connected to my participation in this event.
14. Cell phones-may be used only for emergencies,talk to directors or with lock masters. You are not to be talking with anyone else this includes (friends & family) strongly enforced.
15. Couples- there will be no tournament that will allow 2 males in the same boat.  Females may fish all events by themselves. Each team will be allowed to fish only 3 events without a female in the boat.
16. Championship Qualifing  (Teams) fish any 5 and go to either or both championships ,(Couples ) fish any 5 ,(Youth) fish any 2 ,(Super) fish any 3. Teams fishing all 5 super events qualify for all championships.
17. Super teams- no substitutions. You may fish all events with different members but must fish 3 events with the same member to qualify for Championship (may also fish all events by yourself).