Tournament Rules

CONNECT FISHING LEAGUE REGIONAL TOURNAMENT RULES

As of 7/13/21

ENTRY FEE

$20.00 Entry Fee For All Participants

Non Connect Fishing League Members Pay a $6.03 SOFTWARE & Transaction FEE: $5.00 to Connect Outdoors and $1.03 for Credit-Debit Card Fees

Active Connect Fishing League Members only Pay Credit Card Transaction Fees: $0.80

Participants	Entry Fee	Software Fee	Transaction Fees	Total
CFL Member	$20.00	$0	$.80	$20.80
NON-CFL Member	$20.00	$5.00	$1.03	$26.03

PRIZE PAYBACK

80% Payback of Entry Fees

10% goes to Tournament Director for Set Up, Roster Administration, & Judging
10% goes to Connect Outdoors for Marketing and General Administration costs.

Payback 1 in 9 Positions

Winner(s) will be announced within 48 hours of the end of the competition.

Prizes will be paid via PayPal or Physical Check

PERMITTED FISHING METHODS

All bass must be caught alive in a conventional sporting manner by the angler.
All lures must adhere to state regulations.
Only artificial lures may be used, except for pork trailers and biodegradable soft baits.
Only ONE fishing rod may be used at one time. Each cast must be completed before another cast is allowed and there can never be more than one lure and one rod actively fishing in the water at any time.
All bass caught while sight-fishing must be hooked inside the mouth.
Trolling as a method of fishing is NOT allowed. Long-lining and drifting with current/wind are allowed. Trolling is defined as directly using the vessel’s propulsion to present a lure.

Locations

ALL PUBLIC WATERS
PRIVATE WATERS OFF-LIMITS. CATCHES WILL BE EXCLUDED AND PARTICIPANTS DISQUALIFIED!

Regions

Participants must score fish in the geographical Region where fish was caught.
If a participant catches fish in Florida, it cannot be scored other than in the Southeast Region.

Southeast	South	Southwest	Mid Central	Midwest
Tennessee	Oklahoma	California	Kentucky	Wyoming
Mississippi	Arkansas	Nevada	Indiana	Utah
Alabama	Texas	Arizona	Illinois	Colorado
Georgia	Louisiana	Hawaii	Iowa	New Mexico
Florida			Missouri
			Kansas

North West	North Central	North	North East	Atlantic
Washington	Nebraska	Minnesota	Ohio	West Virginia
Oregon	South Dakota	Wisconsin	New Jersey	Delaware
Idaho	North Dakota	Michigan	Pennsylvania	Maryland
Montana			New York	Virginal
			Connecticut	North Carolina
			Rhode Island	South Carolina
			Massachusetts
			New Hampshire
			Vermont
			Maine

SCORING - Weight, Length, or Length to Standard Weight

Competitors will be provided the unique event identifier for each tournament to be used in each photo submission on the app when the event starts.

WEIGHT BASED EVENTS

Must Include Weight AND Length Photo Verification. Can be submitted as one photo if all requirements are visible.
Must use ConnectScale device for weighing
Scoring will be determined using hundredths of pounds
Photo must include unique event identifier for each catch.

LENGHT AND STANDARD WEIGHT BASED EVENTS

Must Include Length Photo Verification
Scoring in full will be determined by length using ¼ inch increments
Photo must include unique event identifier for each catch
The Connect Leaderboard software will auto-convert manually entered length to standard weight on the Leaderboard. This data conversion is obtained from Texas Parks and Wildlife and New York Game & Fish.
For Standard weight events the Length of individual fish will be converted to Standard weight for each catch.
There are two length to weight conversion charts:

Largemouth and Spotted Bass
Smallmouth and Meanmouth

The contestant is responsible for entering the correct Calculation of Board Measurements into the App

Length Rounding will be DOWN and to the nearest ¼ inch.

Board Measurement	DOWN Calculation	App Length Entered
11 1/8	11.00	11.00
11 3/8	11.25	11.25
11 5/8	11.50	11.50
11 7/8	11.75	11.75

Calculation- Below displays how to calculate catch and what to enter for Length.

Board Measurement	Calculation	App Length Entered
14 inches	14.00	14.00
14 ¼ inches	14.25	14.25
14 ½ inches	14.50	14.50
14 ¾ inches	14.75	14.75
15 inches	15.00	15.00

REPEAT.. Length Rounding will be DOWN and to the nearest ¼ inch.

All fish caught greater than 10 inches are eligible.
A submitted fish will only count once to Competitors aggregate total length to auto-weight conversion for all days of the tournament.
If a submitted fish on Day 1 is culled and not present in Top 5 fish, that fish could be caught again and count for a Days 2 or 3 total as long as that catch is in complete accordance with Permitted Fishing Methods.
Fish should be submitted on the approved measuring device listed below that is marked in ¼ or less increments measuring device will be fully scored.

REQUIRED MEASURING DEVICE FOR LENGTH

Any FLAT bump board that is preferably metal or carbonite used for measuring Bass in ¼ inch or less manufactured by a company is permitted. Recommend: Ketch Board, Hobie, Gator Grip Ruler, Golden Ruler, Bass Pro Shop Ruler and Hawg Trough.
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. EXAMPLE: Attaching another board to the end to make measuring longer.
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.

REQUIRED MEASURING DEVICE FOR WEIGHT

All weight based events must use a ConnectScale Bluetooth Scale.
Participants are responsible for their own measuring device.
The weight on the scale must be clearly visible on the LCD screen in any verification photos.

PHOTO CRITERIA

Anglers are responsible to get all photos turned into the ConnectScale app. Any issues must be reported to the Tournament Director.
Each weight verification photo must show the weight displayed on the ConnectScale screen. The catch does not have to be on the scale at time of photo but the weight displayed on the ConnectScale LCD screen must be clearly visible.
Each length verification must include all the following criteria to avoid disqualification:

The entire Bass, from the tip of the lip to the end of the tail, on an approved measuring device.
Laying with the tip of the lip against the post (Bump) end of the measuring device.
Measuring device post (Bump) must be visible.
The mouth of the Bass must be CLOSED COMPLETELY.
The tail of the Bass must be lying flat on the board and will be measured to the longest point.
Pinching the tail is permitted.
Bass orientation must be facing to the left, tail to the right, belly toward the angler.
Measuring device markings must be clearly visible. Including the actual numbers.

Assigned unique identifier’s number must be clearly visible.

One overhead photo shot frame (not shot at a drastic angle).
Fish must be clear of any holding devices including fishing lure or hook.
Lip, eye, and tail cannot be obstructed in the photo, even by your hand or identifier.
Hand or fingers must not be under the gill plate.

Photos are Good. Entire fish is visible, mouth closed and ID Code visible.

BAD PHOTO Examples:

Mouth not closed and entire fish not visible

Obstruction in Mouth. Not approved measuring device. Mouth not shut with hand in mouth.

Photo taken at angle. Unable to see if closed fish mouth is bumped against the board.

Fish is facing the wrong-way

Photo is not clear. Unable to read measurement.

JUDGEMENT PENALTY

Fish data submitted INCORRECTLY will be given a 1/4 or .25 penalty deduction by the Tournament director.

Fish photos that are not blatant violations submitted INCORRECTLY will be given a 1/4 or .25 penalty deduction by the Tournament director.

Blatant Photo Examples: These catches will be excluded and App notification will be sent to Angler.

Duplicate catches
Fishes mouth does not touch any part of the board
Mouth is open more than halfway
Fish is placed backwards on the board
Blurry Photos
Unapproved Measuring Board
Homemade Measuring Board

TIES

The total number of fish legally submitted
Longest fish to conversion weight
The next longest fish until all fish have been accounted for.
Big Bass ties will be broken by the next legal largest fish over all days of the tournament, and so on, until the tie has been resolved.
If a tie still exists, the winner will be determined by the earliest photo submitted of their largest fish.

How to Enter Data on ConnectScale App

Download ConnectScale App

Enter App Length

Enter Fish Species “Largemouth Bass - Spotted Bass” or “Smallmouth Bass”

If “Meanmouth” is caught, please use “Smallmouth Bass” as species

The Tournament Admins will review catches. Any catch that is not compliant meaning catch log rules not followed may be penalized or will be disqualified. It is very important to follow the rules. No exceptions!

Points

Points will be allotted to anglers who finish 1st through “X” in Each Region

Place	Points
1st	100
2nd	99
3rd	98
4th	97
5th	96

Points will be allotted to anglers who do not enter catch in Each Region

Place	Points
No Fish	25

Bonus Points will be allotted to anglers who post at least two photos of their catches for each event with a ConnectScale including weight and fish on social media. Angler must tag ConnectScale Facebook and Instagram page and use the hashtags #ConnectFishingLeague and #(Insert Event Name)

Place	Points
Bonus	25

Points Champion will be crowned at the 2021 series end.

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 must complete a Prize Claim Form that will be emailed to them to claim their prize.

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.

Verification Truth Test

Each participant agrees to submit to a Test using polygraph or voice stress analysis and to abide by its findings.

Mind-Altering substance and alcohol consumption prior to test is prohibited.

Refusal to participate in Test will result in disqualification of the tournament.

Test failure will result in disqualification of the tournament.

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.

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.

Liability Release

In consideration of membership in CONNECT OUTDOORS, INC 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. THE VIRTUAL ENTRY PARTICIPANT 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 PARTICIPANT 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: PARTICIPANTS 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 PARTICIPANT 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 PARTICIPANTS agree, 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 sole discretion and administered by it or its agents. Refusal to take or failure to pass the examination as determined by CONNECT OUTDOORS, INC will result in disqualification, at the sole discretion of CONNECT OUTDOORS, INC. 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 Tournament Fishing event. Attorney’s Fees: Only CONNECT OUTDOORS, INC 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 PARTICIPANT 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