Jacksonville Bass Club By-laws, Rules and Regulations
(Current as of  2024)

ARTICLE 1: CLUB AIM

 

The aim of the Jacksonville Bass Club shall be for the enjoyment, proficiency, and further skill of bass fishing through cooperative effort, trust, and good fellowship, and to promote and encourage youth fishing and a love for this great recreation.

 

ARTICLE 2: OFFICERS

 

A.   THE CLUB SHALL HAVE SIX OFFICERS

1.   President: Danny Gathright 

2.   Vice-President: Doug Floyd

3.   Secretary/ Treasurer: Kirk Hedrick

4.   Tournament Chairman: John Allen

5.   Chaplain: Karl Hidalgo

 

B.    NOMINATIONS

1.   Made (2) months before the classic.

2.   Election is held the month prior to the classic unless there is a vacancy.

 

C.    TERMS

1.   Officers will serve a one (1) year term.

2.   The year will begin in May and will end with the classic, in the month of April.

 

D.   RESPONSIBILITIES

1.   PRESIDENT

a.   Shall call the meetings to order.

b.   Shall preside over the meetings.

c.   Shall not vote on any nominations or club activity, except for a tie vote.

d.   Shall assist the other officers for the betterment of the club.

 

2.   VICE-PRESIDENT

a.   Shall take over the responsibilities of the President in their absence.

b.   Shall head a by-laws grievance committee with six (6) club members of his or her choice, per incident.

c.   Shall arrange fund-raiser and special function committees.

d.   Shall assist the other officers for the betterment of the club.

 

3.   SECRETARY

a.   Shall keep the minutes of the meeting.

b.   Shall manage required club business.

c.   Shall keep a list of members and their attendance at club functions.

d.   Shall send a monthly newsletter to active members of the Jacksonville Bass Club.

e.   Shall assist the other officers for the betterment of the club.

 

4.   TREASURER

a.   Shall keep a record of all transactions between club members and club checkbook.

b.   Pay out the money at all club tournaments.

c.   Provide a verbal report of all financials, including total funds and progressive pot total at each club meeting. A written report is available upon request.

d.   Shall provide internet access to himself, Tournament Chairman & President, who are also check signers on the club account.

e.   Shall assist the other officers for the betterment of the club.

 

5.   TOURNAMENT CHAIRMAN

a.   May assist in choosing tournament sites and has final choice.

b.   Shall coordinate pairings of boaters and non-boaters.

c.   Shall keep a record of each tournament’s point standings.

d.   Shall, with assistance, set up procedures on weighing and measuring fish at weigh-in.

e.   Will purchase plaques or trophies.

f.    Will select his/her committee members.

g.   Shall assist the other officers for the betterment of the club.

h.   In the absence of the Tournament Chairman, the “Acting Tournament Chairman” shall be: 

a.     President

b.     Vice-President

c.     Treasurer / Secretary 

 

j. May change the site of the tournament or classic up to (1) week prior to                                                               

the tournament, if deemed that the site chosen would be a poor choice due to water levels, fish kills, poor water quality, best interest of the club. 

 

6.   CHAPLAIN

a.   Shall open all club functions with a prayer.

b.   Shall oversee the club flower fund and sending a card in the case of an illness, or flowers in the case of a death, of a club member’s immediate family.

c.   Shall assist the other officers for the betterment of the club.

 

7.   TOURNAMENT SITE SELETION COMMITTEE

a.     The Tournament site committee shall choose tournament sites. 

                        Tournament Chairman reserves the right to choose the classic site. 

ARTICLE 3: MEMBERSHIP AND FEES

 

A. BY-LAWS COPIES

1.     No member, guest or prospective member shall participate in a Jacksonville Bass Club tournament without receiving an updated copy of the “Club By-Laws and Tournament Committee Rules” prior to the first tournament fished.

2.     Jacksonville Bass Club shall retain a record of receipt and signature of each member, guest or prospective member who receives a copy for each year. Year runs from May - April.

 

B.  PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS

1.     “Jacksonville Bass Club” reserves the right to deny any person to fish a tournament for any reason deemed appropriate by the club. A majority vote by the members present shall be taken.

2.     Shall attend AT LEAST ONE club function before being eligible to be voted on as a member of the club, by those present at a club function.

3.     Prospective members  receive retroactive tournament, angler of the year and meeting points, but may not draw prize monies until becoming an official member, as voted by the club. Prospective members shall not pay to fish, except “non-boaters” who will still be responsible for no less than $25.00 paid to their respective boater per day, but not membership fees, tournament entry fees or side pots.

4.     Former members in GOOD STANDING may re-join the club in the months of May, June and/or July (First 3 events of season) without having to go through the membership trial.

5.   All monies and side pots must be caught up at the time a new member is voted into the club.

6.  NON-BOATERS shall be assigned with a boater as seen fit by the Tournament Director.

 

C.  DELINQUENT MEMBERS

1.   Any club member delinquent in dues for three (3) months will be notified and may be dropped from the roll.

2.   Any club member, even in good standing, must attend (1) club function, meeting, or tournament, once per quarter, unless they have a known hardship (such as illness, work, or military leave) to avoid being dropped from the roll. No refund will be given for any monies/fees paid.

3.   To be reinstated, the member must go through normal membership trial. Charter Members are exempt from the membership trial. Any monies owed will be collected.

 

D. MEMBERSHIP FEES

1.   Membership fees shall be set at $45.00 a year; 100% of membership fees must be paid prior to fishing the members first event. The flower fund will receive $5.00 of every membership fee. This fund will be cleared out at the classic.

a.     Members not currently in the 4.63 pot must pay an additional $12.00 and will be eligible to win the prize for catching a bass that weighs exactly 4.63 lbs.

2.   New members who start after the sixth tournament of the season are not eligible for the progressive Big Bass prize or 4.63 pool.


 

E.  TOURNAMENT DATES:

1.     The season will start in May and conclude with the Classic in April.

2.     The Jacksonville Bass Club will fish the 1st Saturday of the month, except for conflicts with holidays where we will fish another Saturday.

 

F.     TOURNAMENT FEES

1.     Tournament entry fees will be set at $51.00, payable prior to the tournament.

o   The first $10.00 of each entry fee goes to the club classic fund

o   $5.00 is allocated for tournament big bass

o   $5.00 is allocated for progressive big bass

o   An extra $15.00 will be collected in the 2-day tournament to pay $10.00 / angler for Day 1 and Day 2 big bass

o   $1.00 is allocated to the 4.63 pot

o   The remaining $30.00 will be paid to tournament winners based on one (1) place paid per five (5) anglers fishing the event.

 

PAY OUT will be based on one place paid per five anglers up to six spots paid

# Anglers

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

6th

1 to 9

100.0%

 

 

 

 

 

10 to 14

60.0%

40.0%

 

 

 

 

15 to 19

50.0%

30.0%

20.0%

 

 

 

20 to 24

45.0%

27.5%

19.0%

8.5%

 

 

25 to 29

44.0%

25.0%

17.0%

8.0%

6.0%

 

30 +

42.0%

23.5%

16.0%

7.5%

6.0%

5.0%

 

Exceptions: When only one (1) person catches fish, then only first place is paid at 100%. If only two (2) people catch fish, the payout will be first: 60% and second: 40%.

 

Ø  Any member sponsoring a prospective member is eligible to have one (1) club paid entry fee, except for the classic tournament, when that prospective member is voted into the club. The maximum number of tournaments that an angler can fish for free shall be one (1) tournament per year. Any member will not be allowed to fish until all debts are current. This includes all club dues, as well as the entry fees.

In the event of a tie, the money and/or classic points will be combined with the next place and divided between the two people.

Entry fees will not be refunded or carried over; the only exception would be the death of a family member.

 

 

ARTICLE 4: POINTS SYSTEM

 

A.   200 points will be awarded to the tournament winner, 195 to second place, 190 points to third place and continuing through last place.

B.    The secretary will average ties. 

C.    No Points awarded for buying a tournament and not fishing.

D.   Prospective members receive their points earned once they become full member 

E.    In the event of a tie in classic points, the member with the highest total weight of fish will take the higher spot; total number of fish will be a second tiebreaker.

F.   One event will may be dropped for the purpose of AOY Standings.

 

 

F.    Angler of the Year

1.     The club shall recognize the angler of the year at the end of the year. Angler of the year will be the person who has accumulated the most tournament points from May through March (11 events) through the current points system in place for the club at this time. 

1.     The angler of the year award will consist of a plaque or jacket and the following year’s entry fees paid for.   This does not include side pots.

2.     The club shall recognize 2nd Place in angler of the year by awarding that person (2) paid entry fees during the following year.

3.     The club shall recognize 3rd Place in angler of the year by awarding that person (1) paid entry fee during the following year.

 

 

ARTICLE 5: CLASSIC TOURNAMENT

 

A.   The Jacksonville Bass Clubs Annual Classic is in the month of April for the season.

B.    Tournament Chairman must notify members of date and location two (2) months prior to the classic.

C.    All paid club members are eligible to fish the classic, provided they have qualified 1 of 2 ways. (Active-duty military members may buy two additional tournaments, if necessary.)

o   finish in the top twenty in AOY points standings.

o   Fish a minimum of eight tournaments. 

o   An angler may purchase two tournaments at the end of the year if needed to qualify for the classic provided, they fall outside the top twenty in points and fished a minimum of six events.

o   All monies collected from the buy tournaments go directly to the classic fund.

A.   Base entry fee will be set at $100.00 minus $5.00 for every tournament a member fishes throughout the regular season.

B.    Big Bass for the Classic will be $10.00 per day 

C.    The classic will always pay out 1 in 5 places consistent with the regular season events.

D.   All eligible members fishing the classic must catch up Progressive and 4.63 pots for any missed tournaments prior to being eligible.

 

ARTICLE 6: AGE REQUIREMENTS AND CLUB COLORS

 

A.   Club Secretary will keep a list of members present at each tournament. The minimum age for membership is 18 years of age. They need to be able to provide their own transportation to and from events, have their own equipment (rods & tackle), and possess the ability to fish on their own volition without assistance.

B.    The club hat and shirt colors are open.

 

ARTICLE 7: CHECK WRITING

A.   Any club check written over $100.00 shall require two (2) of the three (3) authorized signatures.

B.    Payment of winnings shall be payable at the end of the tournament at the ramp. In the event of a protest the treasurer will withhold checks until a resolution is reached. 

ARTICLE 8: RULES OF CONDUCT

 

A.   No alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs allowed during club tournaments or meetings.

B.    All members shall exhibit good sportsmanship.

C.    If competitor has the trolling motor up and anchor out, you may not get within fifty yards of the competitor’s boat; unless the competitor allows you to do so.

D.   No trolling.

E.    No live bait.

F.    No jigger fishing.

G.   Only one (1) rod and reel in action at a time.

H.   All boats must comply with U.S.C.G. requirements.

I.      All boats used in Jacksonville Bass Club tournaments must have a mandatory minimum of $100,000.00 liability insurance. This is the user/owner’s responsibility.

J.     All members will wear life jackets or life vests anytime the boat is on plane.

K.   The boater must not let his/her line or bait drift or float back past the center of the boat, as to interfere with the non-boater’s water; non-boater shall abide by the same rules for the boater.

L.    If fishing in canals or narrow waterways, the boater should ask the non-boater if he/she would like to fish in the front of the boat, so as each would have equal chances.

M.  It is every member’s responsibility to furnish their own life preserver, rain suit, rods, tackle, and other necessary equipment. 

A.   An angler filing a “Protest/Grievance” must officially notify the Tournament Director or acting Tournament Director no later than (10) minutes after scales are closed and before checks are presented on tournament day. The person filing a protest must be present. The President will appoint a grievance committee to review the grievance. Grievance committee decisions are final.

B.    Disputes: If any contestant refuses to abide by the decision of the Tournament Grievance Committee and elects to litigate any dispute arising out of a Jacksonville Bass Club tournament, the contestant agrees, by participation in the event, that the venue of any such litigation will be held in Duval County, FL regardless of the tournament venue. Furthermore, contestant agrees to pay for all of Jacksonville Bass Club’s attorney fees and costs incurred by Jacksonville Bass Club representatives because of the contestant filing such litigation regardless of whether the contestant prevails. Moreover, any contestant who files a lawsuit regarding a dispute arising out of a Jacksonville Bass Club event, instead of abiding by the decision of the Tournament Grievance Committee, agrees to reimburse Jacksonville Bass Club representatives for any and all time spent by Jacksonville Bass Club representatives on such litigation, (such as trial preparation, attending depositions, responding to discovery requests, etc.) at the rate of not less than $65.00 per hour. Such reimbursement will be made within (10) days of the date the contestant or the contestant’s attorney receives an invoice from Jacksonville Bass Club representatives, even if such reimbursements are billed prior to the date set for trial.

C.    Non-boaters will pay a minimum of $25.00 per day to boaters for fuel and other expenses, any additional costs will be discussed prior to the start of the tournament.

D.   Proposed pairings of boaters and non-boaters will be overseen by the tournament director.

 

      ARTICLE 9: AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS

A.   By-laws are open for discussion once a year, (2) months (February) prior to the classic.

B.    Voting takes place the next month (March).

C.    If all club officers that are present agree that it is for the good of the club, the by-laws may be opened during the year, as needed; to be voted on by club members at the club meeting.

 

      TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE RULES

1.     All State Florida Game and Fish Rules will be abided by.

2.     Any violation of By-Laws or Tournament Committee Rules will result in disqualification unless otherwise stated.

3.     In support of the future of bass fishing, all fish shall be released alive. A 0.25 lb. penalty will be subtracted for each dead fish weighed in.

4.     Anglers must bring fish to the scales in a weigh-in bag with water; non-compliance will result in a 0.25 lb. penalty.

5.     There is a five fish limit was a 12-inch minimum size for all events.

6.     Tournament weigh-in times shall be 3 PM except for the classic and the first day of 2-day tournaments.

7.     The angler shall measure fish on a Golden Rule, with the mouth closed. If any part of the tail touches the appropriate inch line (12”), it is a legal fish. Each contestant will be responsible for verifying his/her catch and weight.

8.     There will be a one (1) pound and one (1) point penalty for each under and oversized fish brought to the scales, plus loss of the fish. No courtesy measurements. In the case of an only fished weighed, the one (1) pound penalty will be deducted from the individual’s aggregate weight.

9.     There will be a one (1) pound penalty for each minute late at weigh-in. An angler is disqualified after five (5) minutes of the check in time. 

10.  In case of mechanical problem, another boat may bring boaters and non-boaters’ fish into the weigh in. An angler assisting another boater shall be given a 30-minute leeway on check in time. An angler is fishing alone may leave his/her boat anchored or turn his/her fish over to the assisting angler.

11.  If you arrive late at the launch site for take-off, before starting to fish, you must locate any member and have him/her check your boat.

12.  If an angler brings more fish to the scales than the legal limit, that angler’s fish will be culled to the legal limit, starting with the biggest fish.

13.  Tournament venues are within a 200-mile radius of downtown Jacksonville, except for the Classic.

14.  No culling at the ramp or the scales.

15.  All tournament contestants must be club members or prospective members. Contestants may fish solo or pair themselves with other contestants. In the event a member wants to fish a tournament, but cannot find a partner, the tournament chair will pair that member with a partner. The chair will maintain an alphabetical list to assign non-boaters. 

 

16.  The tournament entry fees include a “Progressive Big Bass Pot.”  The progressive big bass pot will be won when an angler catches a fish weighing 8 lbs. or more. If not won by the last tournament of the year, then the big bass of the “Classic Tournament” will win the pot.

17.  No participant may receive third party assistance during a tournament to catch fish, guard fish or fishing areas, unless they are in the same boat. This act would automatically disqualify the participant from the tournament. The disqualified participant would not receive any prize monies and/or tournament points. Membership termination may result from this act, as determined by a vote of the members present at a club function. All monies paid to date are forfeited to the club, no refunds of any monies will be granted.

 

 

LIABILTY RELEASE:

 

Any angler signing up and competing in a Jacksonville Bass Club event agrees to the following:

  1. I hereby release Jacksonville Bass Club, its officers, agents, employees and sponsors (herein referred to as Jacksonville Bass Club) from any and all damages, claims, demands, cost or expenses relating to injury of any person(s) or any property, which I may sustain or which I may cause by reason of participating in or in connection with any and all Jacksonville Bass Club events.

  2. Covenant not to sue and Waiver of Subrogation: I further agree that I will never sue Jacksonville Bass Club for damages on account of any injury or damage I suffer or cause whether known now or which may develop in the future. In the event Jacksonville Bass Club is sued because of my actions, I expressly agree to indemnify and hold Jacksonville Bass Club harmless from any liability whatsoever, including court cost and attorney’s fees, arising with respect to such actions. I understand that in waiving my rights to sue Jacksonville Bass Club I am also waiving my rights of recovery from Jacksonville Bass Club of my Insurance carrier for any claims they may pay on my behalf. I further understand that by signing this agreement I waive any rights my heirs or relatives have or may have to sue Jacksonville Bass Club for liability.

  3. Verification of Liability Insurance: I state that I maintain liability insurance on the boat I will use in this or any Jacksonville Bass Club event.

  4. Truth Verification: Polygraph or truth verification may be given at any time at the discretion of the officers of Jacksonville Bass Club. Refusal or failure of polygraph or truth verification will automatically eliminate team members’ participation from all future Jacksonville Bass Club events.

  5. Camera Release: I hereby grant Jacksonville Bass Club the unconditional rights to use my voice, photographic likeness and biographical information and fishing tips and instructions in connection with all Jacksonville Bass Club video/audio production, promotions and/or other compensation in connection with such use.

  6. I signify by my signature that I have read, understand, and agree to abide by all rules and regulations and decisions set forth by Jacksonville Bass Club tournament officials.

  7. Jacksonville Bass Club reserves the right to refuse membership and/or participation in any event for any reason.

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