WALLEYE MADNESS TOURNAMENTS

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Please Read! Link to 2020 Registration at bottom of page!

 

PARTICIPANT RELEASE OF LIABILITY – READ BEFORE SIGNING—THIS FORM MUST BE READ BY ALL PARTICIPANTS

In consideration for permission to voluntarily participate in tournaments, events, programs, and related activities conducted by The Walleye Federation, (doing business as TWF) and\or The Bass Federation, Inc., (doing business as TBF), either jointly or separately, I acknowledge, appreciate, and agree that:

The risk of injury, disability, death, loss or damage to my person or property from the activities involved in this program is significant, including the potential for permanent paralysis and death, and while particular rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious injury does exist; and,

I have been advised by TWF and\or TBF, and have had the opportunity to seek legal counsel with respect to the legal effect of this document; and,

I KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL RISKS REFERRED TO ABOVE, BOTH KNOWN AND UNKNOWN, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE WALLEYE FEDERATION, and\or THE BASS FEDERATION, THEIR OFFICERS, OFFICIALS, DIRECTORS, SHAREHOLDERS, AGENTS, AND/OR EMPLOYEES, OTHER PARTICIPANTS, AND SPONSORING AGENCIES, SPONSORS, ADVERTISERS, AND, IF APPLICABLE, OWNERS AND LESSORS OF PREMISES AND PROPERTY USED TO CONDUCT THE EVENT (“RELEASEES”) OR OTHERS, AND ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR RISKS ARISING FROM MY PARTICIPATION; AND,

I willingly agree to comply with the terms and conditions for participation. If, however, I observe any unusual significant hazard during my presence or participation, I will remove myself from participation and bring such to the immediate attention of the nearest official; and,

I, FOR MYSELF AND ON BEHALF OF MY HEIRS, ASSIGNS, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES AND NEXT OF KIN, HEREBY RELEASE, INDEMNIFY, AND HOLD HARMLESS RELEASEES, WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, OR LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PERSON OR PROPERTY, WHICH I SUFFER OR WHICH I AM FOUND TO HAVE CAUSED IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY MY NEGLIGENCE OR INTENTIONAL MISCONDUCT, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES, OR OTHERWISE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

I agree to submit, by signature on this document, to a polygraph or voice stress analysis examination. Hereinafter known as a truth verification test, and abide by its conclusion. Truth verification test(s) will be used at TWF’s sole discretion, and administered by TWF or its agents. I understand that failure to pass the examination as determined by TWF will result in disqualification. I also agree to provide my federal tax ID/ SSN# upon request.

Having fully acquainted myself with the tournament rules, I have completed this application and submit it for my entry into the tournament. In signing this application, and by my presence at the event, I hereby agree to be bound by and comply with all tournament rules, participant release of liability and safety regulations. I expressly assume all risks associated with the tournament and I hereby release The Walleye Federation, (WTF), The Bass Federation, (TBF) and its parent, and affiliate companies, its licensees and affiliates, and all their respective officers, directors, agents, employees, and stockholders, the tournament hosts, tournament sponsors and tournament officials from all claims of death, injury and\or property damage incurred in connection with this tournament. If I am using a boat during the official practice or during the tournament, I certify that I now have, or will obtain prior to the event, property damage\ watercraft liability insurance with reasonable limits. Said insurance must be issued by a reputable insurer and must cover injury and/or damage incurred in connection with this Tournament. Upon request, I will provide satisfactory evidence of said insurance. I hereby wave my rights of privacy or publicity with regard to the unconditional right to use my name, voice, photographic likeness, video and biographical information and fishing tips and instructions in connection with any reproduction of same, video\audio productions and\or articles and press releases by TWF, TBF, their parent or affiliate companies, and those acting under their permission, anywhere at any time, through any medium or media. I shall not be entitled to receive any royalties or other compensation in connection with such use. I further understand and agree that the tournament officials reserve the right to reject my application for any reason whatsoever. The Participant signifies by his/her signature below that they have read and understands the foregoing provisions.

 Walleye Madness Tournaments Rules & Procedures

 

  1. Membership & Entry Fees

Entry fees are $200 per team per event. All entry fees must be paid by the published due dates. Boat numbers will be assigned in the order entries are received.

  1. Sign In & Boat Inspection – 5:30 am to 6:30 am

All teams are required to be signed in and ready for inspection by 6:30 am. Failure to be signed in by 6:30 will result in disqualification.

  1. Send Off (Ooze Off) – 7:00 am as determined by GPS

After launching, teams are to assemble in order according to their boat number near the send off boat which will be flying the American Flag. Hold up your boat board for others to see. The send off boat will call out the boat numbers via radio or megaphone. When your number is called out proceed past the send off boat at idle speed and continue to follow all boating regulations, i.e. no wake, speed limits etc. If you jump the order you must return to the end of the line. Teams missing from or late for the send off will be disqualified.  Note: Tournament officials performing essential tournament duties that are required to return prior to the 3:00 pm time check will be sent off at 6:45 am.

  1. Fishing

All state and local regulations must be followed. Any violation of a state or local regulation will result in disqualification.  Contestants are limited to ONE LURE PER ROD – this means no “slider” or “3-way” tandem / triple lures or umbrella rigs. On lakes without a minimum size limit a 15” minimum will be imposed. The official ruler will be “The Judge”.  Fish will be measured with the mouth closed and tail pinched. Presenting a fish under 15” for weigh-in will result in disqualification. For Lake Erie events, waters open to fishing will be the Ohio waters of Lake Erie. For inland lake events the waters open to fishing will be the ordinary recognized boundaries of that lake/reservoir. Competitors must not go ashore or come in contact with other boats during tournament fishing hours and until your fish have been weighed or your boat board turned in to tournament officials. Contact means physical touching or passing of equipment. The use of any cell phone apps are prohibited. The only exception to this rule is in an emergency situation. If a competitor’s boat breaks down another competitor, other boater or towing service can assist with a tow. Any disabled boat must notify the listed tournament director (TD) by radio or phone. Fish must not be combined between teams. In the event of a breakdown all time check procedures will still apply.

  1. Time Check – 3:00 pm as determined by GPS

The time check boat will be in place at 2:45 pm. Idle past the time check boat and show them your boat number. They will confirm that you are checked in by radio or hand signal. All boats must be off plane and past the time check boat by 3:00 pm. Teams arriving at the time check location early must wait for the time check boat to arrive. If you are not checked in by the time check boat you cannot weigh in.  Any team arriving late will not be allowed to weigh in. Check in site will be announced at each tournament & the time check boat will be flying a checkered flag.

  1. Weigh In & Scoring

The weigh in start time is 3:30 pm. Early weigh in is not available. Winners are determined by the weight of their 5 largest fish. You will weigh your big fish first & then you’re remaining fish to determine the total weight. The Big Fish Bonus winner will be determined by the weight of the single largest walleye/sauger/saugeye. Only 1 fish per team is eligible for big fish. Teams must weigh in as soon as possible starting at 3:30 pm. Any unnecessary delay in doing so will result in a half weight penalty being assessed for the total weight and big fish weight. Boat Boards must be brought to the weigh-in with fish. If boat board is lost you will not be allowed to weigh-in your fish.

  1. Dead fish

All events with the exception of Lake Erie events will be conducted as catch & release. Excluding Lake Erie events, dead fish will not be weighed. Improperly cared for fish may be taken from the weigh basket and not weighed at the judgment of tournament officials. Any fish mauled, mashed, frozen, stringered, injected with water or other fluids, containing foreign matter to add weight or showing white gills, soft flesh or other signs of decomposition (as per a tournament official) will result in disqualification.

  1. Payback

Payback is based on the number of paid entries for each tournament. The payback will be 100% of total paid entry fees. Payouts will be distributed to 12.5% of the field (rounded down).

  1. Ties

In the event of a tie, the payout for the tied position and the following position will be combined and split between the tied anglers.  Example: Two teams are tied for 3rd place. The 3rd and 4th place payouts are combined and split between these two teams. The next highest weight will be in 5th place etc. In the event of a tie for big fish the payout will be split between the anglers. In the event of a tie for a contingency bonus the payout will be split between the eligible contingency recipients.

  1. 10. Buckeye Sports Center Big Fish Bonus

The entry fee includes the BSC Big Fish Bonus and will pay $1450 to the team weighing the largest eligible fish.(50 boat field)

  1. Mercury Marine Contingency Bonus

$200 will be awarded to highest finishing Mercury outboard owner per event (40 HP & Above). Must be the owner of the engine and use the engine for the event entered to be eligible.

  1. Lund Boats Contingency Bonus

$300 will be awarded to highest finishing registered Lund boat owner per event. Must be the owner of the boat and use the boat for the event entered to be eligible.

  1. WMT/TWF Cabela’s NTC Side Pots – Open To All TWF Members (Optional TWF Membership Required)

All TWF/WMT/WT6 rules and qualifying guidelines apply. All required entry information, eligibility criteria, and payment must be met and provided to TWF/WMT by the published event entry deadline(s). Side pots are comprised of a Boater and Co-Angler to form a team. Both must be active TWF members. The highest placing team in the side pot will be awarded a paid entry & bonuses to the following year’s NTC per the payout schedule as determined by TWF. Side pot anglers/teams that are awarded an NTC spot are removed from eligibility for the WT6 NTC Qualification. In the event of a winning team not being able to attend the NTC, the spot will be awarded to the next highest placing team in that same side pot. No changes/substitutions to the original team are allowed.

 14. WT6 NTC Qualification – WT6 Members Only

Both the Team Captain and Partner must be active members of WT6 to be eligible. WT6’s  guaranteed NTC spots will be awarded to the top Team Captains with highest point total from 2 WMT events. Ties will be broken by coin toss. The Team Captains will choose his/her NTC partner in the following order: 1. Captain’s active WT6 Partner who fished 4 events; 2. Captain’s active WT6 Partner who fished 2 events. In the event of a Team Captain not being able to attend the NTC or not being able to find a partner as outlined above, the NTC spot will be awarded to the next highest finishing Team Captain able to meet the above criteria. In the event WT6’s guaranteed spot(s) are not completely filled by registration deadline, the remaining spot(s) will be awarded to the highest point standing WT6 Captain or WT6 member in support of the Cabelas NTC and TWF.  That WT6 member may choose any active TWF member as a partner. Points are distributed based on place finished.  Example: 1st place 100 points-50th place 49 points

  1. Participation and Eligibility

Fields will be limited to 40 boats for inland tournaments 50 boats for Lake Erie. Two angler teams with 40 boats (50 Erie) being considered a full field for payouts with an allowance for overbooking. All participants must be 18 or older. Exceptions to the age limit will be made on a case by case basis and waivers will have to be signed by a parent or legal guardian if younger participants are accepted. Walleye Madness Tournaments, WT6 or the Tournament Director has right of entry refusal or expulsion from the tournament for any reason

  1. Substitutes

Substitutes may be used but they must not be a member of another team and one of the original team members must be present.

  1. Refunds

Refunds will be issued if the tournament has to be cancelled and the team is unable to fish on the makeup date. For events that are not cancelled for weather there will be no refunds. There are no refunds for blow days. There are no refunds if you are disqualified for any reason.

  1. Sportsmanship

Entrants must conduct themselves in a true sportsmanlike manner at all times. NO EXCEPTIONS. Any rude or insulting type of behavior will be subject to disqualification or penalties enforced. Any team receiving a citation, for a violation in their boat, from any law enforcement agency on the day of the tournament will be disqualified for that tournament.

  1. Boats and Equipment

All boat compartments and wells will be inspected prior to the start of that day of fishing. All boats must conform to the appropriate state, and USCG standards. Your boat must have all USCG safety equipment on board. All boats will have a USCG or BMA plate attached by the boat manufacturer and the horsepower rating will not be exceeded by any means. All boats must have liability insurance.

  1. Safety

Safety must be observed at all times. All contestants must wear Coast Guard approved PFDs while the boat is moving above trolling speed. Each contestant is to follow all Coast Guard regulations. No Alcoholic beverages or illegal substances may be consumed or in possession by teams during fishing hours or in violation of state and local law.

  1. Severe Weather

In the event of severe weather the tournament hours may be suspended, extended, cut short or boundaries put in place. A tournament may be rescheduled or canceled at the discretion of the tournament director. Saturday tournaments will have a blow day of the following Sunday. All decisions regarding severe weather are at the discretion of the Tournament Director(s). In the event of a thunderstorm, lightning, severe weather or any unsafe condition during an event, participants should remove themselves from the competition and seek safety or shelter until it is safe to continue fishing. Participants may not leave their boats during tournament hours except in case of emergency.

  1. Marine Radios and Cell Phones

For Lake Erie events it is recommended that you have a VHF marine band radio. The official tournament channel will be channel 72.You may monitor any channel while fishing but cannot transmit by radio, cell phone* or any other electronic equipment. Any type of transmission of information via any communicative device concerning any aspect of fishing is prohibited during the tournament. *Cell phone use parameters: Cell phones are for emergency use only, be it business, safety or family related. When an emergency call is received by any tournament angler, that angler must immediately call the listed tournament director (TD) notifying him of that call. The number for the TD is located on the back of all boat cards. If you know you may receive a call during tourney hours let the TD know ahead of time.

  1. Protest

The tournament director(s) or any contestant has the right to protest another team or contestant. The protest must be made to the tournament director before prize distribution begins and accompanied by a completed and signed written protest form. The tournament director reserves the right to do random, onsite polygraph exams, questioning of participants, equipment inspections including cell phones, and may demand cell phone records of any participating team in order to make sure the integrity of the event is being upheld.

  1. Spirit of the Rule

All rules have “loop holes. It is the intention of the Tournament Director(s) to provide a sportsman like tournament. All questions or problems are to be referred to the Tournament Director (s). They have sole jurisdiction in determining the application of the rules.

 

  25. Rules and Rule Changes

These rules will remain unchanged unless otherwise duly notified. Interpretation of the rules will be to the discretion of the Tournament Director(s). The rules and the interpretations of them will be final and not open to protest.

 

2020 Registration Form