KBT Competition Rules Standard
The Kayak Bass Teams Rules and Regulations are derived from the Kayak Bass Fishing Rules with exceptions being made for the KBT style of competition. The KBT’s Rules are similar to the former Kayak Fishing League Rules. The terms and conditions presented in this document apply between Kayak Bass Teams, and those persons or teams registering for and participating in KBT competitive Events (“Competitor”). “Events” include both “Tournaments” (meet-up competition) and “Challenges” (to include virtual, online-only competition where participants do not congregate, and non-regular season matchups, preseason scrimmages).
Each Kayak Bass Team Challenge, Tournament, Game, (referred to herein as “Competition”) is a CPR (Catch-Photo-Release) contest in which each Competitor catches his own fish in places, during times, and by procedures permitted in all pertinent rules and regulations, digitally photographs them according to the standards described herein, and submits the lengths and photographs for verification. These Competitions are conducted according to KBT Competition Rules found in two documents:
Together, these two documents comprise the KBT Competition Rules. As a condition of participation in any KBT Competition, the participating angler (“Competitor”) agrees to read, understand, and comply with all KBT Competition Rules. Failure to comply will result in penalty, which may range from Team points deductions to submission denial or disqualification.
For each Event, the Team Captains will initiate contact the Monday before the match. This is to ensure the traveling team will have contact numbers, weather updates, and any safety information for the area to be fished. The Home Team should be aware of dangers in their area and pass along to visiting team. All players should have 2 phone numbers in their phone from each team for emergency, questions, and meeting times.
Table of Contents
1. Participation and Eligibility
A. Event Registration — All KBT 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 on the TMS, as specified on the Event Page.
B. Captains Meeting Participation —The Team Captains need to meet, or by phone the night before to review any information for boundaries, ramps, safety issues, start/end times, and any last-minute changes by KBT and the Teams. The primary Home Team, the team who picked the body of water, needs to inform the other teams of any major changes to the body of water. The Teams are encouraged to meet and greet the night before if possible. Photos should be taken and sent to the KBT Social Media coordinator.
2. Fish Eligibility
A. Species—For “Bass” KBT 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:
i. 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
vii. Mean Mouth Bass – hybrid offspring of M. dolomieau and M. punctulatus
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 only in the body or a fin. If hooked in the mouth, a second treble hook that snags a gill plate, fin, or body is considered incidental and does not eliminate that fish.
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. (The Ketch cradle is not considered to be part of the measuring board for measurement purposes) If the bass’ entire caudal (tail) fin is lifted away from the measuring board so that neither tip remains in contact with the board, 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 on the Official KBT Schedule. Any Team/Player who launches (i.e., places his watercraft on the water, occupies it, and goes under way) 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. If an Angler self-reports this violation to the rules committee, a penalty will be assessed to the Angler. When launch site congestion prevents others from launching safely, Competitors may place their watercraft in the water, occupy them, shove off and then stage (float, drift, or anchor) in the immediate area until the official “Earliest Launch,” at which time they may proceed under way. Under no circumstance will a fish photographed outside of the official Competition Start and End times be considered for scoring.
B. Check-in—Each Team Captain at the end of a match WILL conduct a headcount of players to make sure all players are safe and off the water. If a player has not made contact for being late to the ramp. The team will make every effort to contact player. Check with the other team for possible information. When in doubt about player’s location and safety immediately call 911, then call the KBT President to update on the current situation.
4. Pre-fishing — Pre-fishing is considered to be any activity that takes place on eligible water defined in the rules. Activity would include fishing, scouting, and graphing. The end of the pre-fishing stops at dark the night before a match. All anglers must be off the water by then. Pre-fishing in eligible water is permitted by Kayak only. Anglers are not allowed to use a guide for pre-fishing on an opposing team’s lake for 30 days prior to competition.
5. Competition Area
A. Competitive fishing is allowed only on publicly accessible waters within the geographic area designated as “Eligible Water.” Photos of fish caught outside of eligible water boundaries will be denied and individual player disqualified for that match immediately and will face further punishment of a 2-game suspension.
B. Competitors may launch from any public-access, shore directly onto 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 across, or through which one cannot paddle/float (e.g., levees, earthen or concrete dams, berms, elevated roadbeds, spillways, waterfalls) are ineligible water, and competition in such areas is prohibited. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.
C. Anglers 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. An opposing Team Angler will not willfully block, obstruct, or physically prevent opposing Anglers from fishing a certain part of tournament water. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event and offending Angler referred to the owners/rules group for further disciplinary action.
E. Fish caught to be submitted must be caught in eligible water. No walking or wading will be allowed. All Anglers must remain in their Kayaks to participate in KBT events.
F. Anglers watercraft must be launched before fishing is to begin. “Launched” means placing the watercraft on liquid water, occupying it, and going underway.
G. Anglers must pedal, paddle, or power their watercraft to the fishing location. Electric only motors are allowed. Mother shipping is only allowed after the official time is over and the Angler is having issues with batteries, mechanical, and always in an event of an emergency.
H. Any Angler who goes out of sight of his watercraft for any reason (e.g., restroom break, to seek or render aid, or to report an emergency) must cease competition fishing and resume it only after re-launching the watercraft.
Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.
I. Teams are required to pick a lake, river, or a body of water that allows for required number of Anglers to fish and have reasonable cell service for uploads and live stream action. Teams may use more than one body of water for their games. Teams need to ensure that the lakes chosen for their matches are not used primarily for weekend pleasure boating, if possible, for safety considerations.
Home Water Selection and Eligibility--Teams must pick a designated body of water for each match by 1 April before the start of the season and make those locations known to both the KBT, the opposing teams, and the regional owners group.
Eligibility--In order for a body of water to be eligible for KBT competition, the waterway must have a minimum area of navigable/fishable water equivalent, or greater to 500 acres.
i.Each selected waterway must be within the team's host regional area.
ii.If the body of water selected requires permits, the host team is responsible for obtaining the required permits and waivers.
iii. The home team determines all eligible waters and off-limits areas. The home team may restrict sections of the selected waterway. This information must be made available to the opposing team by 1 May. For emergency reasons a section of water becomes off limits, then the home team must inform the away team and Regional Owners ASAP of this decision. Should the home team need to make modifications to the eligible water, they must inform both the Regional Owners group and the opposing team within 72 hours of the match. If the opposing team disagrees with the changes, they may ask for the Rules Advisory and Regional Owners to review the changes and decide. Teams may not make any alteration to the eligible waters within 72 hours of the event, unless agreed upon by the opposing team.
Waterway Information--Teams are encouraged to share all state and local fishing and boating regulations with their opposing teams, but it is the responsibility of each team to understand and abide by all state and local laws/regulations.
I. All, off limits areas must be clearly defined and provided to the opposing team by the Monday before match in the captains’ information swap.
6. Cooperation and Assistance
A. This is a team format, so sharing information with your team is encouraged. Teams may provide information about other teams. This is similar to swapping game footage. This is not limited to photos, navigation, fishing waypoints, types of baits used, and safety conditions.
B. Within 14 days prior to the prefishing/practice period, 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 Teams 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 Anglers (except Professional Fishing Guides, as stipulated in Rules) however, Anglers may not receive assistance in catching fish that are photographed and submitted for scoring, including boat positioning, casting, retrieving, hooking, playing, or landing a fish. Violation will result in Anglers disqualification from the Event.
D. Anglers may not submit photos of fish if, at any time from cast to landing of the fish, the competitor or watercraft was in physical contact with another watercraft or person, except an observer occupying the competitor’s kayak. Violation will result in denial of the photo.
E. Anglers who are participants in KBT, who Judge Kayak online or local events, shall at no time use his/her knowledge about fishing one of the teams or area lakes, unless the Judge provides the Away teams with the same information that the Local Judge knows. (Example: Local Judge knows where all the areas catching fish, big fish, and structure.) The local Judge will make all information available to the home and away teams equally.
7. Fishing Tackle, Equipment, and Methods
A. All fish submitted for score must be caught live by the Angler who submits them for scoring 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. Teams/Amglers 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 by the Angler 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. Aacceptable measuring boards:
The aluminum Ketch Products Measuring Board, the Ketch Karbonate and the Ketch X measuring board.
Measuring boards may be shortened only by removing inches from the upper end (opposite the fence). For example, one may cut off the end of a measuring board at the 26-inch mark in order for it 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. Violation will result, at minimum, in denial of photo.
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.
There will never be a flex in a measuring board. Players are prohibited from deliberately flexing or deforming a measuring board by exerting pressure or reshaping it. (The Champion Rule) Any modification of a measuring board that results in misrepresentation of a fish’s actual length is grounds for the Anglers disqualification from the event and may result in subsequent sanctions and penalties as described in Rule 11.
D. Anglers may share measuring boards.
E. A break of the measuring board’s fence, the bump portion of the board, then the board is no longer acceptable for tournament use, and a Angler must use another approved board.
F. Each competitor must use a mobile phone with camera to submit digital photographs.
i. When a Angler’s smart phone becomes inoperable or is lost, he may share smart phones with other Anglers, provided each Angler logs into his own TMS account to submit photos of fish he caught.
ii. Sa
G. Only artificial lures and biodegradable artificial lures may be used. No live bait, preserved bait, or prepared bait will be permitted during competition, except for 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 are 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 an Angler breaks their line while setting the hook or retrieving a fish, the angler 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. The Angler may NOT hook the line with another lure, rod and reel, or other device. If a competitor loses their rod and reel while landing a fish, the Angler 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 KBT Competition are those manufactured and marketed as canoes, kayaks, or SUPs for which paddling is the primary means of propulsion. Any other watercraft must be submitted to KBT Administration for review and approval prior to use in competition. Watercraft specifically approved as exceptions in advance of competition by the KBT are:
• Blue Sky Boat works 360 Angler
• Biyak
• Green top Enterprise Creek Boats
• Solo Skiff
• Beavertail Stealth
Unless approved as exceptions by the KBT, 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. The use of a single electric propulsion unit per watercraft in KBT-sanctioned competition is approved with the following restrictions:
i. Anglers 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-pounds of thrust. Violation of either condition will result in disqualification from the Event. (This does not pertain to wattage capacity.)
Manufacturers’ Watercraft Capacity/Restriction Notes: [NuCanoe Website] [NuCanoe Caution Sticker] [Hobie PA Advisory Email PDF] [Motor Ratings Hobie Kayaks PDF]
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 Angler 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 KBT Competition.
F. Video should be taken from over the shoulder, facing forward. A standard camera pole or DIY assembly will be permitted. (suggested)
9. Photo Standards—Digital photographs of each fish submitted to judges for scoring must meet these criteria:
A. Unique—Each digital photo submitted in each Event must be of a different fish. Subsequent digital photos of the same fish submitted by the same Angler in an Event will be denied.
B. Visible/Legible—Each photo must be in sharply focused and clear enough for a judge to:
i. Verify the correct Identifier Form and Event ID Code. Inability of the judge to verify will result in denial of photo.
ii. Verify the fish’s condition. Violation will result in denial of photo.
iii. Verify the fish’s length. Judge will score fish at the greatest length of which he is certain.
iv. 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.
v. Except were 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.
C. 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 to obscure an open mouth may be denied or penalized at the Tournament Director’s discretion.
D. First-generation—Each digital photo must be a first-generation image (not a photo or screenshot 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 Angler. The Tournament Judges will review all such photos and will make any disqualification ruling. The Tournament Judges may also contact Anglers to request submission of original un-cropped, un-filtered photos for further review and verification. Failure by Anglers to respond or refusal to submit the original photo will result in denial of the photo.
E Identifiable—Official KBT Identifier (metal or paper) Form above, below, or beside the 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 KBT Identifier Form on a smart phone are permissible. Violation will result in denial of photo.
F. Background—Angler’s watercraft clearly visible in the photograph. Violation will result in denial of photo.
G. Hand Position.
i. In bass competition, hand or finger(s) may be in contact with the caudal peduncle (fleshy, scaled part of the bass’ body at the base of the caudal fin) but not covering or touching any portion of the caudal (tail) fin. Violation will result in a 1-inch deduction in score.
Photo by KBF
ii. No portion of a hand or finger may be under the fish’s operculum (gill flap or cover). Violation will result in denial of photo.
H. Mouth
i. 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.
ii. In bass fishing competition, a closed mouth is preferred for uniformity of measurement. If judge considers the mouth to be open 1/4 inch or more, even if it is structurally unable to close, a one-inch penalty will be assessed.
I. 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 Anglers, 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 manufacturer’s quarter-inch mark (e.g., ridges, grooves) on the measuring board. If it falls short of a 1/4-inch factory mark, the length is rounded down to the next lower 1/4-inch mark that the bass’ caudal fin touches or crosses. In reviewing photographs, judges will visualize as accurately as possible where a 1/4-inch factory mark would be if it extended the full width of a board and use that imaginary line to determine a fish’s length.
B. If any portion of a bass’ caudal (tail) fin extends off the edge of a Measuring Board surface, 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 edge of a Measuring Board is not considered in scoring. Alignment aids and attachments to a KFL-approved measuring board (e.g., a cradle attachment for the Ketch measuring board) will not be considered part of a Measuring Board surface when determining a fish’s length.
C. Tournament ranking, and Championship qualification shall be determined by the aggregate length of each Teams photos remaining on the Leader Board when judging has concluded, and the Dispute Period has closed.
i. In one-day tournaments/games the scores of the ten (10) longest fish on the Leader Board when judging is complete will be combined to determine the aggregate score.
ii. In the event of two-day tournaments/games, the scores of the 10 longest fish of Day 1 and the 10 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 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. KBT 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 Card missing, counterfeit, or incorrect for event
Deny
m. Identifier
Identifier Card is lying on or covering any portion of the fish
Deny
n. Identifier
Incorrect Event ID Code for Event or illegible Event ID Code
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
Photo Bass caudal (tail) fin tip fails to reach 14.00″ line on measuring board
Deny
s. Body
Any portion of a hand or fingers under the fish’s operculum (gill flap or cover)
Deny
t. Body
Finger(s) or hand touching or covering a bass’ caudal (tail) fin
1.00″
u. Body
Entire caudal (tail) fin entirely lifted away and out of contact with the measuring board
Deny
v. Body
Left eye covered; not visible in photo
Deny
w. Body
Fish appears to have been snagged, snatched, or hooked in the body rather than mouth
Deny
x. Body
Fish appears to be dead, mutilated, frozen, mangled, or otherwise damaged
Deny
y. Body
Fish appears to have been mashed, mauled, or otherwise altered to increase its length
Deny
z. Mouth
Bass lip or jaw clearly not touching measuring board fence (upright end plate)
Deny
aa. Mouth
Unable to ascertain with certainty that bass lip or jaw is touching measuring board fence
1.00″
ab. Mouth
Mouth open 1/4 inch or more, 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 Judge 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 Judges
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 Judges including but not limited to monetary fines and/or reduction of Team points standing.
Subject to the dispute and appeal processes set forth below, the Tournament Judges decisions on violations are final.
B. Following a review of evidence, a determination by the KBT Tournament Judges, Rules Committee, Owners, and League President of cheating or conviction of fraud will result in permanent revocation of KBT standings, Team affiliation and benefits, suspension from all Kayak Bass Team competition and KBT-affiliated Events, and series, and revocation of all KBT Social Media privileges. The findings will be published to the KBT Owners for dissemination to their perspective teams.
C. Angler 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 Angler to submit to a polygraph test is grounds for immediate disqualification from the KBT Event and prohibition against future participation in any KBT-affiliated Event. Results of a polygraph test will not be the sole determining factor in a KBT Owners Review of a Anglers eligibility for awards and qualification for future participation but may be one of several factors considered in such review.
D. KBT Tournament Judges or the league President 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 KBT headquarters with respect to all concerned parties schedule and travel cost.
E. The Anglers/Team shall:
i. Make himself/herself available at the location selected by the Tournament Judges, owners, and President.
ii. Cooperate in all respects with such test.
F. Competitors may be selected at random to undergo polygraph examinations during or following KBT competitive Events.
12. Awarding of Prizes
A. Prizes will be awarded to the top 4 teams at the end of the season championship based on position and readily available prizes.
13. Taxes — Anglers and Teams are responsible for all applicable taxes on both cash and merchandise awards. Each team is responsible for all tax items for state and federal authorities for each player.
14. Sale of Prizes — No prizes won participating in KBT events are not to be sold for 45days after taking possession of prize items.
15. Safety
A. During competition, every Angler 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 while actively engaged in competition, except as described below (Rule 15.C. PFD Wear Exceptions), Angler must wear a fastened USCG-certified vest-style PFD (inherent flotation or inflatable) or float jacket. A belt-style PFD, even one that deploys as a vest, is not permitted during Competition. When an infraction, as described above, is verified by the Tournament Judges, the Angler is disqualified from participation in the Event. Another rostered player can’t fill in for expelled player during match. The team will have to play a player down.
C. PFD Wear Exceptions — The Angler assumes responsibility for all consequences of removing their PFD. Competitor may cease competition and remove the PFD while his watercraft is beached, anchored or adrift only if doing so creates no unsafe condition. The Angler must put on and securely fasten the PFD before going underway or resuming competition.
If all the following conditions exist, the Angler may briefly remove their PFD while afloat (anchored or adrift) 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
When finished changing their attire, Angler must immediately put the PFD back on before going underway, fishing, or engaging in any other competition-related activity.
D. The Tournament Judges, both Team Captains has the right to postpone or cancel the start of an official Tournament Day because of adverse weather conditions or other factors that would jeopardize Anglers safety. Tournament/Game 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 Anglers, the Tournament Judges or Both Team Captains 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 Anglers via group text messaging and will also be posted on the TMS site if possible. The Announcement will also specify an adjusted report-in time and location. If safe to do so, upon receiving the Announcement, Angler should make their way to the specified location at that time. Each team will make every effort to contact your team on the water to inform about the weather changes.
Anglers and teams are required to stop fishing as soon as they receive 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, Angler 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, Angler should call 911 first and then notify team Captain. The team captain will 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 during an Event will not be tolerated and will be cause for automatic disqualification from this and all future KBT 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/Game rules, shall be grounds for rejecting any application for participation and/or for disqualification after circumstances are reviewed by KBT owners. 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 KBT tournament/Games, and/or disqualification from a KBT tournament, after circumstances are reviewed by the KBT owners, Judges, and President.
H. Night-low light
i. All participant boats must be equipped with working Coast Guard-approved safety equipment. This will vary from state to state. Nighttime running lights (Red&Green) must be installed and used during lowlight if the Kayak is using mechanical device. 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 “at hand” an “electric torch” (a.k.a. flashlight) that can be used to signal other boaters. While anchored, all watercrafts must display a 360-degree white light. Some states impose additional requirements.]
ii. The KBT Home Teams have predetermined the availability of cell phone or radio coverage to assure reasonable communications in the event of an emergency, and Teams uploading photos and the ability to be interviewed by Tournament/Game Announcers/MC [Note: All Players should make sure their cell phone numbers are entered in the TMS. The Tournament Judges and Announcers should have a list of all Anglers with cell phone numbers for texting or calls.]
iii. The KBT Home Team Captain shall have on hand the contact information for emergency rescue and medical services and must maintain the ability to always make contact during the tournament. The Home Captain shall make these numbers available when your first contact is made with the away team.
iv. The governing authority, as required by law or ordinance, shall be notified of the tournament/game date and hours.
16. Player Conduct — a. Competitors participating in any KBT sanctioned event must observe the applicable rules for the Competition and must conduct themselves at all times in a manner that reflects favorably on the sport of kayak bass fishing, KBT, its teams, officers, representatives, or sponsors. Players 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 Angler who violates these principles, intentionally violates Competition Rules or regulations (attempts to commit fraud) or behaves in ways the reflect unfavorably up KBTs efforts to promote fisheries conservation, clean waters, and courtesy, may forfeit their team standing, face suspension from future KBT sanctioned events, be permanently banned from competition, or any combination thereof deemed appropriate by KBT Owners and KBT President.
B. no team owner or Angler should publicly bash, insult, criticize, or otherwise defame any other Angler, owner, sponsor on any group page, live broadcast, etc. These issues should be saved for the parking lot or via private one on one messaging. See Rule 18
17. Disputes and Appeals
A. If an Angler wishes to dispute a rules violation penalty, a judge’s scoring decision, a Tournament Director’s decision or other action that materially affected the Angler’s ranking or prize eligibility, they must use the KBT Dispute & Appeal Form on the KBT Website [www.kayakBassTeam.com/kbf-dispute-appeal/] to submit a dispute 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 will result from disputes submitted after the deadline. Only Team/Anglers 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. Another Judge or set committee (for judge’s rulings) or KBT President (for Game Judges rulings) will review the Team/Angler’s claims, thoroughly investigate the disputed decision, and issue a ruling. All rulings will be final.
18. Public Comments
A. The favorable public reputation of 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 KBT. Accordingly, it is an obligation of Teams or Anglers 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 Team Tournaments, League officials, sponsors, fellow Team members, fellow Anglers or the KBT organization. Teams and Anglers are encouraged to express themselves and have the right to question the rules officials. Responsible expressions of legitimate disagreement with KBT policies are encouraged, as opposed to attacks upon the integrity of the rules or officials. However, public comments that a Team or Angler knows, or should reasonably know, will harm the reputation of Kayak Bass Team Series, KBT officials, KBT Teams 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 a judge’s ruling or any dispute or appeal decision by a KBT Tournament Judge, Team Owners or KBT President will result in participant receiving a warning for a first offense. A repeat of the offense will result in disciplinary action up to disqualification from future events and permanent termination of eligibility for future KBT 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 — KBT will use reasonable efforts to hold the Event; however, under no circumstances will KBT be held responsible for unavailability caused by circumstances beyond KBT’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 KFLs reasonable control.
20. Compliance with Laws — This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of The State of Mississippi. All rights and obligations of the KBT and the Angler 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. KBT may modify the terms and conditions stated herein at any time in its sole and absolute discretion. Angler 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 belonging to a KBT Team, the Team/Angler grants to Kayak Bass Team, the right to use all photographs, likenesses, stories, accounts, details of Team/Angler contributions, exploits, interviews, bloopers, and information pertinent to the KBT 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 Team/Angler Agreement.
B. Waiver and Release of Liability — See the KBT/Angler agreement form.
22. Players Quitting or Defecting—A. If an angler on any KBT team “quits” during regular season play, that angler will be barred from joining any other
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