Oct. 31, 2020

Free Veterans Day Weekend Bass Fishing Tournament

Veterans Day Tournament

RULES:

Team Event - Winning team will be based on the Total of the 10 best catches scored by length. Teams are created by each branch of our Military and Civilians. The leaderboard will automatically cull and score the best 10 catches from all team members. Catches must be over 12 inches before you log it.

Registration is Closed. Tournament Code is VD20.

In order for this tournament to go smoothly, do some preparation ahead of time. Each angler must have either an iPhone or Android and install the free ConnectScale app to record your catches. To get the ConnectScale app iPhone Users - Download on iTunes App Store and Android Users - Download on Google Play.
We recommend the use of one of the measuring boards listed at the end of the rules.
This event is a Best 10 total length by team Black Bass tournament (Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, or Spotted Bass).

Read the rules carefully. Failure to comply with the rules will result in disallowed catches and possible disqualification.

Prizes:

You have three ways to win!

Team Event - Branch vs Branch. Every member on the Winning Team Branch will receive a 25% OFF Discount Coupon Code good for ConnectOutdoors.co Even if your catch is not counted towards the total you will win.

Individual Big Bass - $100 ConnectOutdoors.co Gift Card to the individual with the biggest catch scored by Length.

Connect Fishing League Big Bass Bonus Prize - If the angler with the Biggest Individual Catch by Length is an active Connect Fishing League member then they will win $100 Cash Prize. Must be an Active Connect Fishing League Member to win the Big Bass Bonus. CLICK HERE TO JOIN CONNECT FISHING LEAGUE.

Ties for Big Bass will be broken by which catch was logged 1st.

What to do now?

Register using the Entry Form and select your Team.
Get the ConnectScale app and become familiar with the app in advance. The app can be found here for iPhone and here forAndroid.
Instructional videos for the app can be found here: https://connectscale.com/pages/videos
Once registration is complete on Tuesday November 10th at 6PM the Teams will be finalized and an invitation will be sent via the app. Click the in app notification and join the event to ensure your catches will be registered for your respective team.

When:

Starts – Wednesday November 11th at 12AM Eastern and ends Sunday November 15th at 9PM Eastern time.

Where:

Any Public waterway in the United States. GPS Location must be enabled and shared in the app to allow us to check coordinates. Public water way is defined as any waterway (Lake, River, Stream, Pond) that anyone can access.

Who:

Any angler in the US. All anglers must follow all applicable laws and have appropriate licenses.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1 - The ConnectScale APP

All anglers must use the ConnectScale Fishing App to register and log entries.

iPhone Users - Download on iTunes App Store.
Android Users - Download on Google Play.

Once you have downloaded the app. Complete setting up your User Profile with First and Last names, Email and a Profile Picture that shows your face.

The event ID code is VD20 and will be published in the event details page for the tournament in the ConnectScale app at the start of the event.

Step 2 - Measuring Devices

This Tournament is a length based team tournament. We recommend using one of the measuring devices listed at the end of the rules.

Step 3 - Go Fishing and Catch a Bass

Only “black bass” (largemouth, smallmouth or spotted bass) are eligible for scoring in this tournament.

Step 4 - Measure and Log

Measure the catch with your measuring device.

The nose of the catch must touch the bump on the measuring device. Lengths should be recorded in the nearest quarter inch rounded down.

Using the ConnectScale app, input the following data:

Length of the catch in the Length Field (See detailed rules below for instructions on increments)
Weight of the catch in Weight Field. Can be automatically obtained from ConnectScale or Manually input from another scale or best guess of weight. Should be entered in Hundredths of Pounds.
Select appropriate species of catch. (Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, or Spotted Bass)
Add Photo - A verification photo for each catch must be entered into the ConnectScale app at the time of the catch. Note: If you are fishing this tournament in an area with no service or limited/slow data coverage, please take photos of your catch with the native camera app on your device and upload photos to your catches in the ConnectScale app when you return to a good internet signal.
Once you have confirmed your registration in the app for the event, the Tournament Code will automatically be added to your catches. If you want to verify you may tap the Tournament Code Field to view the Tournament Events. The green check mark indicates that the catch has been scored for this event.

The Length Verification photo must show the catch on the Measuring device. The fish needs to be measured from left to right with the mouth closed on the left and ending with the tail on the right. The mouth must be completely closed. The photo must show the Unique Tournament ID on a card. Tournament ID cards can be printed using the official Connect Fishing League Tournament card. The Tournament Code will be released once event starts

In the ConnectScale APP, make sure the Private catch slider is turned off and not showing Green. If the catch is kept Private we will not see it in Public Feed or in the database when we are verifying results. You may keep Share Map (GPS) Location private so that no other users will not know your location but the tournament admin will still be able to verify that the catch was weighed on a body of water and for safety verification. After you have completed ALL of the steps above, tap Save in the top right-hand corner to save the catch submission and enter the catch in the competition.

Log as many catches as you like during the tournament. This is a Team based Best 10 Length Tournament. All scoreable catches must be over 12 inches. Leaderboard will automatically calculate for your teams total length of your best 10 catches logged.

Live Leaderboard:

Keep up to date with standings of all our events by using our new Live Leaderboard.

Rules:

Boat, Kayak, Tube and Bank/Shore Fishing Permitted
Catches must be submitted to the tournament at time of catch.
All catches are submitted using the ConnectScale Fishing App.
Adding Length Measurement must be done in Inches in .25 inch increments. For instance, x.00 x.25 x.50 or x.75 where x is the number of inches.
Users must Round Down and enter to the closest .25 or (¼) Inch mark.
Any submission not rounded to .00 .25 .50 .75 will be disqualified.

Board Measurement	Rounding	Length Entered on App
12 1/8	12	12.00
12 3/8	12 1/4	12.25
12 5/8	12 1/2	12.50
12 7/8	12 3/4	12.75

Tie breakers:

Total Number of Fish Legally submitted
Longest Individual Fish
Next Longest Fish until all fish have been accounted
If a tie still exist, the winner will be determined by earliest photo submitted of their largest fish

Photo Requirements:

Each submission must be a unique catch.
Each submission must include Unique Tournament ID. This code will be published in the Event Details page in the app at the start of the event.
Each photo must show the entire fish from mouth to tail. (Violations are excluded)
The mouth/lip, eye, and tail fin must not be covered or obstructed in photo. (Violations are excluded)
Tail of the fish may be pinched.
The mouth of the fish must be closed and placed against the beginning of the board. (Violations are penalized 1 Inch)
The measurement must be from left to right with dorsal fins on top of photo and pelvic and anal fins downward. (Violations are excluded)
Measurement markings on board must be clearly visible. (Violations are excluded)
Second generation (screen shot, or photo of photos) will be excluded. Photos must be taken with participants' own phone using the native camera or In app photo feature. (Violations are excluded)
Photos should be taken from directly overhead and not at an angle to ensure verification of the catch length. If the tournament director is not able to easily read the measurement, entries may be disallowed.
Blurry photos or photos where the length marker is unclear will be excluded. (Violations are excluded)
Catch must be in a natural state and unaltered. (Violations are excluded)
Any catch submitted that does not meet all of the criteria will be excluded from total.

Tournament judges and the tournament director will have final decision on any violations and rulings. We reserve the rights to adjust readings to verified length.

MEASUREMENT BOARDS

Any FLAT bump board used for measuring Bass in ¼ inch manufactured by a company is permitted. Tick marks must clearly be visible.

Recommended Boards: Gator Grip Ruler, Golden Ruler, Bass Pro Shop Ruler, Hawg Trough and Ketch Board

Contestants are responsible for their own measuring device.
Tournament Admin’s have the right to verify those devices.
Anyone found to be using a measuring device that is determined to not be legal, will be disqualified from the tournament.
Please ensure the markings on your measuring device are clear but not excessive and can be seen by the scoring official.
A clean and clearly marked measuring device is expected.

Disputes and Complaints

Any concerns about the rules should be discussed before the start of the tournament.

The tournament director has the final decision on any complaints.

Formal Complaints must be submitted to the tournament director and provide documentation including event, title date, name of angler, catch #, description of condition being disputed, and reason for dispute and requested action.

Unless a clear violation of law or fraud, any dispute issued after 24 hours of the end of the event will be reviewed without affecting the results.

Prizes

Advertised Payout amounts may be modified based on the final number of paid participants. Prizes will be processed after all photos submitted have been judged and results reviewed. Winners of Sponsored Prizes must complete Prize Claim Form that will be emailed to them.

Taxes

Competitors are responsible for all applicable taxes. Participants that win a cumulative prize for the year of over $600 must complete a IRS W9 Form before any prize amount exceeding $600 will be distributed.

Waivers and Releases

By registering for an event the participant grants Connect Outdoors, Inc the right to use all photographs, likeness, stories, accounts, interviews, and information pertaining to the event for marketing and promotional purposes. This release is granted without expectation of additional compensation.

As a condition of participation and by virtue of registering for competitions, each participant agrees to accept the terms and conditions of Connect Outdoors, Inc Waiver and Release of Liability. This absolves Connect Outdoors, Inc, its officers, staff, and volunteers from responsibility and threat of litigation in the case of injury, loss, or death sustained by a participant while participating in an event.

Verification Truth Test

1. Each participant agrees to submit to a Test using polygraph or voice stress analysis and to abide by its findings.
2. Mind-Altering substance and alcohol consumption prior to test is prohibited.
3. Refusal to participate in Test will result in disqualification of the tournament.
4. Test failure will result in disqualification of the tournament.
5. Verification Truth Test will be used by the Tournament Director’s sole discretion and the determination of the meaning of the Test results will be made by the Tournament Director.

Liability Release

In consideration of membership in CONNECT OUTDOORS, INC and or CONNECTSCALE, LLC Tournament Fishing Circuit as well as being granted permission to participate in the fishing tournaments and other events held or sponsored by CONNECT OUTDOORS, INC and or CONNECTSCALE, LLC THE VIRTUAL ENTRY PARTCIPANT HEREBY RELEASES, DISCHARGES, WAIVES AND RELINQUISHES ANY AND ALL ACTIONS OR CAUSES OF ACTION INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PERSONAL INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR WRONGFUL DEATH OCCURRING TO HIM/HERSELF ARISING OUT OF, RELATED TO , OR CONNECTED WITH IN ANY MANNER ENTRY OR PARTICIPATION IN THE EVENTS, wherever or however the same may occur and for whatever period said activities may continue, and the VIRTUAL ENTRY PARTCIAPANT agrees that under no circumstances will he/she or his/her heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns prosecute or present any claim for personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death against CONNECT OUTDOORS, INC and or CONNECTSCALE, LLC: PARTCIPANTS UNDER 18 or any of their principals, officers, directors, employees or agents (“Released Persons”) for any of said causes of actions, whether the same shall arise by the negligence of any of said persons, or otherwise. The VIRTUAL ENTRY PARTCIAPANT further and separately agrees to indemnify, save, and hold harmless Released Persons from any loss, liability, damage, or cost, including but not limited to court costs and attorney’s fees, that they may incur, in connection with participation in Events, whether caused by the negligence of Released Persons or otherwise. This release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the applicable law. The further states that he/she has carefully read the foregoing, knows the contents thereof, and has AGREED TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF this release as his/her own free act. ALL PARTCIAPANTS agrees, by his or her ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS on this agreement, to a polygraph or voice stress analysis examination, commonly referred to as a truth verification test, and to abide by its conclusion. Truth verifications test(s) will be used at CONNECT OUTDOORS, INC and or CONNECTSCALE, LLC sole discretion and administered by it or its agents. Refusal to take or failure to pass the examination as determined by CONNECT OUTDOORS, INC and or CONNECTSCALE, LLC will result in disqualification, at the sole discretion of CONNECT OUTDOORS, INC and or CONNECTSCALE, LLC . The ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS HEREBY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY in any action, proceeding, or counterclaim brought by or against the undersigned regarding any matter whatsoever in connection with the tournament. Verification of liability insurance: I, the ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS, further state that I maintain liability insurance on any watercraft used in any CONNECT OUTDOORS, INC and or CONNECTSCALE, LLC Tournament Fishing event. Attorney’s Fees: Only CONNECT OUTDOORS, INC and or CONNECTSCALE, LLC and Released Persons are entitled to recover their attorney’s fees. The undersigned is not entitled to recover attorney’s fees regardless of the outcome of any litigation or settlement. The laws of the State of Tennessee, excluding only its choice of law provisions, shall govern the validity, enforcement, and interpretation of this Contract. Any dispute or cause of action under this Contract shall exclusively be filed and resolved in a state court located in Washington County, Tennessee and the VIRTUAL ENTRY PARTCIAPANT irrevocably agrees to submit to personal and subject matter jurisdiction in the same. I AGREE by my ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS that I have read and understand the above agreement and all Rules.

Final Details

Connect Outdoors, Inc and its staff reserves the right to disqualify or omit any catches that do not meet the rules described above. All decisions are FINAL.

All users must practice safe social distancing measures as outlined by the CDC. The tournament will be postponed if a national quarantine or shelter in place order is given.

CDC Guidelines to protect yourself:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html

CDC guidelines regarding travel in the US:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-in-the-us.html

As a condition of participation in a competition, and by virtue of using the app, each competitor agrees to accept the terms and conditions of the ConnectScale terms & conditions including a waiver and release of liability.