Rules

1.01     These Rules and Regulations are the Official Rules (“Rules”) of the Big Bass Tour (“Event”).

1.02     Participants acknowledge and agree that they have reviewed, understand, and will abide by the Rules as posted on Event Organizer’s official website.  Participants willingly and voluntarily agree to comply with the Rules for participation in the Event. 

1.03     All local, state & federal laws applicable to the Event and participation in the Event shall apply at all times including, without limitation, the penal code. 

1.04     All local, state, U.S. Coast Guard, Parks & Wildlife, and federal boating and fishing regulations or off limits, shall apply at all times. 

1.05     In the event of a discrepancy between the printed version and digital version of the Rules, the Rules posted here on our official website at the time of the Event shall prevail. In the interest of maintaining the integrity and fairness of our tournament, we hereby clarify that the Official Rules, as detailed here, shall serve as the definitive guide for tournament conduct and procedures. Despite the best efforts of our AI Assistant, Website Chat, and Customer Service Staff to provide precise and consistent information, we recognize the potential for discrepancies. In such instances, the written Official Rules here take precedence over any verbal or digital guidance. It is the responsibility of all participants to familiarize themselves with and adhere to these Official Rules. Furthermore, all interpretations of these Rules and decisions regarding their enforcement shall be exclusively administered by our Event Director. Such decisions are final and binding for all participants. We emphasize the importance of respect and compliance with the Event Director's rulings to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship and integrity within our tournament.

2.01     Each person in the boat must be a paid contestant of the Event and abide by the Rules. Maximum of three (3) anglers per boat

2.02     The Event is an “open” amateur event. (See 2.07 for Professional criteria)

2.03     Participants less than 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or adult with written parental permission. (Written parental permission must be provided to Event staff prior to the start of the Event) Participants under the age of 18 years may not fish alone in the Event.  Click here for parental consent form *You do NOT have to complete the consent form if you're fishing with your own parent/child.

2.04     Event Organizer reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone in its sole and exclusive discretion including after entry fees are paid and after registration for any Event.  Participants may be removed, disqualified, penalized, sanctioned, suspended, or refused entry to any Event at any time including at any time before, through, and/or after the given Event. 

2.05     Anyone who has failed a polygraph examination and/or been disqualified or removed in connection with any fishing tournament is not eligible to compete in the Event in the sole and exclusive discretion of Event Director. 

2.06     The Event and series of Events is for amateur anglers only.  Professional anglers are not eligible to compete.  If you are unsure of your professional status, it is your responsibility to request a decision in writing from the Event Staff prior to entering an Event.  Any Participant who enters this Event or series of events, and is determined to be a professional, will be removed from competition immediately and will forfeit the Entry Fee (or entry fees) (as defined below).

 

* Note: These updates to the Professional Angler Criteria will begin Monday, October 14th, 2024, and are effective immediately for all future Big Bass Tour events. 

2.07 Professional Angler Criteria: 

 

Any angler meeting any of the following criteria is considered a “professional” and is not eligible to compete in this Event or future Events: 

A. Guiding Restriction:
 

Anglers who have guided professionally for a fee (of any kind) on the host lake within the last twelve (12) months immediately preceding the Event. This includes any species of fish. 

B. Professional Tournament Participation Restriction (24 months and current year):
 

Anglers who have competed or are currently registered to compete on the professional side in the B.A.S.S. Opens, the Toyota Series (MLF), or any other professional-level events within the last 24 months prior to the Event, or are registered to compete in any such events in the current year, are not eligible to compete. This restriction applies regardless of the entry fee amount.
 

Note: Co-anglers (also referred to as "co's") who have competed in the B.A.S.S. Opens or Toyota Series (MLF) are not considered professionals and remain eligible to compete in Big Bass Tour events unless their co-angler entry fee exceeded $1,500.00 per tournament. Participation on the Pro Side of the BFL (Bass Fishing League) is also not included under this restriction and are not considered professionals for our purposes. 

C. Major Professional League Restriction:
 

Anglers who have competed professionally in the Bassmaster Classic, B.A.S.S. Elite Series, Forrest Wood Cup, Former FLW Tour, Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour, Tackle Warehouse Series/Invitational, General Tire Team Series, or the National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) within the last five (5) years. 

D. Career Earnings Restriction:
 

Anglers who have professional career fishing tournament earnings in the aggregate in excess of $250,000.00 with B.A.S.S., Big 5, FLW, MLF/BPT, the National Professional Fishing League (NPFL), the former PAA, or any other tournament organization are not eligible to compete. 

 

* Note: These updates to the Professional Angler Criteria will begin Monday, October 14th, 2024, and are effective immediately for all future Big Bass Tour events. 

2.08     Any Participant desiring to inquire regarding the professional status of another Participant, must do so in accordance with the Protests and Dispute Article of these Rules.

3.01     Each participant shall pay an entry fee of $325 for a four-day entry(Conroe, Smith Mountain, Chickamauga and Guntersville only), $250 for a three-day entry, $165 for a two-day entry, $115.00 for a one-day entry, plus the processing fee. (hereinafter “Entry Fee”) per angler to participate in the Event.   We accept all major forms of credit card payments, PayPal and Venmo.  We will only accept online entries into our events. If you need assistance by phone, it will be available. 

The Entry Fee shall be paid (in full) prior to participation in the Event. If you've signed up for a two-day or one-day entry and you want to add additional day(s), you must do so on or before the Thursday before the event or Wednesday for a four day event.   If you add it after the event starts, you will have to pay the full daily entry fee. You must contact us for the special code to make the entry adjustment at info@bigbasstour.com 

3.02    Event Registration Deadlines (Local Time Zone Specific) Registration times are based on the local time zone where the event is hosted. Please refer to the specific event details to determine the duration of the event. Below are the general guidelines for online and onsite registration:

1. Four-Day Events (Lake Conroe, Lake Chickamauga, Smith Mountain Lake & Lake Guntersville for 2024):

• For those fishing all four days, registration is available online until 9:00 PM on the day before the event starts.

2. Three-Day Events:

• For those fishing all three days, registration available online until 9:00 PM on the day before the event starts.

3. Daily Registration Deadlines for Ongoing Events:

• Thursday & Friday: Late registration available online until 9:00 PM.
• Saturday: Late registration available online until 6:00 PM.
• No registration available on Sunday.

For participants unable to register online:

• Onsite registration is available from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM during the designated rod pickup and check-in on the day before the event begins.

Please note:

• Walk-up registrations at the ramp/launch on the morning of the event are not permitted.
• All participants must adhere to the off-limits rules as listed in section 6.02. Make sure you’ve read the Rules and understand the applicable times.

Participants can package together entries in any option based on their preference and event availability.

3.03     There will be no refunds of the Entry Fee unless an event is permanently cancelled with no reschedule date. If we are forced to reschedule an event due to floods, drought, closures and/or other "Acts of God" or circumstances beyond our control, we will provide a reschedule date and move all entries forward to the new date. For anyone unable to attend the rescheduled event, we will move the Entry Fee forward to another event in the future. In the event a Participant needs to cancel an entry (for any reason), the Big Bass Tour will move the Entry Fee forward to a subsequent event as a one time courtesy. Subsequent withdrawals or removals from competition will cause the forfeiture of the Entry Fee. The Big Bass Tour also permits a one-time substitution of another angler. This arrangement requires communication and approval from Big Bass Tour officials prior to the event. To initiate a substitution, the original registrant must provide a formal request including the substitute angler’s full name, contact information, and any requisite documentation. It is incumbent upon both the original and substitute anglers to ensure the substitution adheres to all event rules and regulations

3.04     If the Participant registered for the Event online, the Participant is not required to attend onsite activities prior to the Event. There is no meeting to attend prior to the Event.

3.05     If the Participant registered online and qualified to receive a free fishing rod (please check Event details), you may pick up the fishing rod at one of the registration points listed on the Big Bass Tour official website, or at the weigh-in site on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Event.  

3.06     Payment of the Entry Fee constitutes a representation by each Participant that he/she has read and understands the Rules and the Participant will abide by such Rules and the decisions of the Event Director and/or Event Staff as made in their sole and absolute discretion.

3.07     Chemical substance addiction or abuse, conviction of a felony or other crimes including those involving moral turpitude, or other conduct reflecting unfavorably upon efforts to promote safety, sportsmanship, fair competition and compliance with Event Rules, shall be grounds for rejecting any application for registration and/or for disqualification, suspension from the Event, and/or other disciplinary action.

4.01     Participants agree to abide by the Rules and any decisions of the Event Director and/or Event Staff.

4.02     Interpretation and enforcement of the Rules shall be left to the sole and exclusive discretion of the Event Director and/or his/her designee at the Event.  In the event a Participant(s) violates any rule set forth in the Rules or, at the discretion of the Event Director, other rule not specifically codified herein, the Event Director may impose a penalty and/or sanction on the Participant (including but not limited to any other participant competing from the same boat).  Such penalties and sanctions may include disqualification from the Event and future events. Penalties and sanctions for violation of any rule set forth in the Rules or, at the discretion of the Event Director, other rule not specifically codified herein may include, but are not limited to, 1) reduction of competition hours; 2) loss of one or more fish; 3) loss of catch for an hour or the day; 4) disqualification from the Event; 5) disqualification from future events which may include a specific number of events, a specific time period, or a lifetime disqualification; 6) loss of Entry Fee; 7) forfeiture of Event winnings and/or prizes; and 8) any other penalty determined by the Event Director or his/her designee and/or the Event Staff.

4.03     Each Participant agrees to report to the Event Director immediately any violation or infraction of the Rules.  Failure to report violations, suggestions that another Participant violated these Rules, or false verification of documents, may result in penalties or sanctions including and up to disqualification from the current Event and future Events. 

5.01     Participants are aware he/she/they are participating in a physical activity in the sport of fishing that may be dangerous and can cause injury.  These activities may involve severe cardiovascular stress and possible violent contact.  Participants understand and acknowledge the activities involve certain risks including, but not limited to, death, serious neck and spinal injuries resulting in complete or partial paralysis, brain damage, and/or serious injury to virtually all bones, joints, muscles and internal organs, and property damage. Although particular Rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce the risks associated with participating in the Event, the risk of serious injury does exist and cannot be completely eliminated.  

5.02     During Event hours no alcoholic beverages or drugs (other than those purchased over-the-counter or prescribed by a licensed physician) are to be consumed by Participants or allowed in Participants’ boat until the final hourly weigh-in is complete and/or polygraph examinations are complete.

5.03     All boats must be equipped with some type of emergency ignition cut-off device (kill switch) on any remote steered outboard while main engine is in use. Ignition cut-off device (kill switch) must operate properly, which means when the kill switch is activated the outboard main engine must stop running immediately. The ignition cut-off device (kill switch) must be attached to the boat operator at all times while the outboard main engine is in use.

5.04     U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets are required for each person on board a boat during competition. Life jackets must be worn and strapped, snapped, or zippered securely, and maintained in that condition until the combustion engine is out of gear or shut off.  Participants shall check inflatable life vest indicators daily during the Event.  

5.05     If Participants observe any significant hazard, condition or activity during his/her presence or participation in the Event, Participant reserves the right to remove himself/herself from participation and shall bring it to the attention of a representative of the Event immediately. 

5.06     Safe boat conduct must be observed at all times by Participants. 

5.07     No boat shall have a motor of higher horsepower than approved by the U.S. Coast Guard and/or the lake authority.

5.08     No firearms will be allowed in Participant’s boat during Event hours, unless you have an active licensed concealed carry permit or are a credentialed law enforcement officer.  Currently firearms are NOT allowed (even with concealed carry permit) on Corp of Engineers Lakes. Corp Lakes we visit are Table Rock Lake and Clarks Hill Lake. It is the participants responsibility to follow all local, State and Federal laws applicable as referenced in Rule 1:03-04.

5.09     In the event of significant weather conditions during competition, the Event Director will advise via text message regarding any change, delay, suspension and/or cancellation of one or more hours or day(s). In such event, the total daily payouts will be allocated against all completed hours of competition and paid places for the day(s). In the event of an entire day cancellation, the payouts for that day will be evenly distributed against all completed hours of the event. No refunds will be provided in any of these scenarios. See Rule 3.03.

6.01     All fish must be caught on and within the official designated Event waters during official Event hours. Participants may fish anywhere on Event waters accessible to the public by boat, except areas designated as “off limits” or “no fishing” by private ownership or local, state and federal officials. Jumping dikes, landmasses or any other object, natural or manmade to enter an area is prohibited. For Harris Chain, please see the event page for specific marsh off limits.

6.02 - The off limits period for the event starts at 6:00 p.m. on the day prior to the first official day of the event: All participants must adhere to these off limits rules regardless of the number of days they participate in the event.

Participants must:

During the off limits time:

6.03     There is no formal launch site for the Event.  Participants may leave from any launch site on the Event day at any time; however, the Participants may not begin casting and are not allowed to fish or use electronics or other devices, including lights, to locate for the purposes of finding fish until the Event has officially started.  Official start times will be determined by the Event Director and Participants will be notified when to commence fishing via text message the morning of the Event. (In the event the Participant does not receive the official text message, the Participant may commence fishing at the official start time as verified by the official time of the Event as kept by the Event Director or his/her designee) 

6.04     No fishing shall occur within fifty (50) yards of a marina gas pump.

6.05     No one may leave his or her boat to fish or land a fish.

6.06     Participants are limited to use of a primary motorized boat only with a fully operational livewell. No personal water craft, canoes, kayaks, rafts, or flotation apparatuses. 

6.07     No fishing is allowed within twenty-five (25) yards of a non-anchored boat or fifty (50) yards of an anchored boat without that boat's permission.

6.08     Participants may not collude to buy, barter, block or hold a fishing location for any other Participants or non-participants for use during any Event day or during off-limits prior to start. This includes Participants or non-participants attempting to block access to Event water and/or a specific location or otherwise impede another Participants ability to compete. 

6.09     Participants must be in line at the bump tanks and "declared" before the end of the respective hour for their fish weight to be tallied and counted in the results of the Event.

6.10     From time-to-time, the immediate areas where the Event “live releases” fish daily may be made off-limits to fishing and Participants. 

7.01   All bass must be caught on artificial bait by casting only. No foul hooking of bedding fish is allowed. A foul-hooked “bedding” fish is defined as a fish that does not have at least one hook in its mouth, and it must be released. Trolling as a method of fishing is prohibited. “Long-Lining” and/or “Strolling” (use of trolling motor or outboard motor to mechanically extend a cast) is NOT allowed. Participants may use only one rod at any one time. Other rods may be in the boat for substitute purposes.

7.02 - Prohibited Electronic Devices.  No electronic tracking devices (such as implanted microchips, GPS fish trackers, or other external tracking devices) may be used to locate fish for Event purposes. Forward-Facing Sonar (FFS), depth finders, sound mimicking devices (e.g., Hydrowave), and graph charts are permitted, provided they comply with all rules related to their usage as defined in Section 7.04 and 7.05.

7.03   Alabama (Umbrella) rigs are permissible, and it is the responsibility of the Participant to abide by all local, state, and federal Rules for the Event lake(s).

7.04 - Single Real-Time Sonar Transducer Per Boat.  Only one real-time sonar transducer (such as Humminbird MEGA Live, Garmin LiveScope, or Lowrance ActiveTarget) may be in operation on a boat at any given time, regardless of the number of participants. The transducer can be switched between modes, but no additional real-time transducer may be used simultaneously. 

7.05 - Collaboration Restriction on FFS Use.  Participants may not collaborate with other boats in using Forward-Facing Sonar (FFS) to track or locate fish in the same area. This includes sharing FFS data or targeting fish that are actively being monitored by other participants in separate boats.

* Note: These FFS updates to Article VII: Methods, Tackle, and Equipment will be enforced starting October 14th, 2024, and will apply to all future Big Bass Tour events.

8.01     Sportsmanship, courtesy, safety and bass conservation are required from every Participant. Participants shall demonstrate professionalism and integrity in support of the sport of fishing. This includes any and all social media content that may be shared now or in the future and conduct at events operated by other event organizers and competitions. Any Participant found compromising the integrity of the sport of fishing and/or the Event may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including disqualification in the sole and absolute discretion of the Event Director. 

8.02     The favorable public reputation of the Event, the sport of fishing, the Event Director, the Event Staff, sponsors, partners and officials is of paramount importance. Accordingly, Participants shall refrain from making unreasonable attacks, accusations, and comments that disparage the integrity of the Event, the sport of fishing, the Event Director, the Event Staff, sponsors, partners and officials. This includes but is not limited to the Participants social media accounts and digital sites.

8.03     Participants shall act in a courteous manner at all times, especially with regard to boating and angling in the vicinity of non-participants who may be on Event waters.  Participants shall not use profanity in the direction of or to other Participants, non-participants, Event Director, and/or Event Staff. 

8.04     Any Participants attempting to manipulate the outcome of the Event or defraud the Event Organizer will be disqualified and may be subject to prosecution, as applicable. 

8.05     Participants shall not provide inaccurate, false, or misleading information to the Event Organizer, Event Director, and/or Event Staff.  Participants must provide requested information to Event Organizer, Event Director, and/or Event Staff as requested and shall not withhold information requested. 

9.01     All bass weighed-in will be released back into the lake alive, if possible by the Event Staff and/or fish care team. 

9.02     Trailering a bass to a weigh-in site during Event hours is permissible at all times and may be required by the Event Director based on adverse weather conditions. If trailering becomes mandatory, anglers will be notified via text message. Any Participant, whether trailering or not, shall be required to bring their boat and respective partner or partners, if any, with them to the official weigh-in site for a boat inspection when weighing bass in any respective hour. 

9.03     Hourly weigh-ins are held each day at  8:00-9:00 a.m., 9:00-10:00 a.m., 10:00-11:00 a.m., 11:00 am -12:00 p.m., 12:00-1:00 p.m., 1:00-2:00 p.m, 2:00-3:00 pm.  These are the weigh-in hours but are subject to change due to weather, seasonal changes, etc.  Please check the event pages for exact weigh-in times. *Summer weigh-in times are 7am-2pm. 

9.04     For reasons of conservation, all bass brought to the official weigh-in station must be in a weigh bag with adequate water. Anglers must bring their own weigh bags. Bass must be alive to be weighed-in. 

9.05     No Participant may weigh more than one (1) bass per official Event hour or a total of five (5) bass per day. Bass entered as a part of big bass of the hour does not carry forward from hour to hour. Participant’s biggest bass is registered into the final overall standings. Anglers must use their own weigh bag or purchase one of our bass sacks in advance or at the event. 

9.06     Bass must be weighed-in by the Participant who originally caught the bass and it must be in said Participant's actual physical possession in the weigh-in line. (The only exception to this rule would be if one of the tournament participants is disabled, in this case we will allow another Participant to bring the fish to the scales for the disabled angler.)

9.07     Any artificially weighted bass will be disqualified and the Participants may be subject to prosecution and shall be disqualified from all future Event Organizer events. Any questionable fish may be subject to inspection by a marine biologist or similarly qualified expert. 

9.08     Only largemouth, smallmouth and Kentucky spotted bass will be weighed-in. Specific lake minimums and/or slot requirements must be followed and it is the responsibility of the Participant to abide by all local, state, and federal Rules for the Event lake(s).

9.09     No Participant may have more than three (3) bass (per Participant) in his/her possession at any time during official Event hours. When the Event officially concludes each day, all bass not weighed in shall be released back into the water and are not allowed to carry over to another day.

9.10     In the event of a tie for the overall big bass, the winner will be the Participant that weighs-in his/her fish first. 

9.11     Every effort must be made to keep bass alive including proper livewell aeration, treatment and temperature management. You may not weigh a dead fish.

9.12     Any alteration of length or weight of bass is prohibited and the Participant will be banned from any future Event Organizer events and may be subject to prosecution. 

10.01   Participant’s entry into an Event via mail, facsimile, online or onsite represents your express consent to receive email, phone, and text message communication from the Event Organizer and any of its successors, directors, members, officers, agents, contractors, affiliates, employees, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, and/or advertisers before, during, and after an Event. Participants who remain in the Event Organizer database after an Event understand and acknowledge that they will receive ongoing communication. To initiate communication with the Big Bass Tour via text, you may text us at 877-958-8687 and we will communicate with you via text and answer any questions you may have. In order to discontinue communications, it is Participant’s responsibility to notify the Event Organizer in writing to opt out of the Bass Pro Shops Big Bass Tour’s mail, email, text message, and other databases.  Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions

10.02   Text message updates and Event communication is an added value service provided by the Event.  The Event and the Event Staff can NOT guarantee delivery of any text messages or communications. It is the Participant’s responsibility to manually enter themselves into the text system. Some carriers/providers block text messaging services and it is the Participant’s sole responsibility to check with his/her respective provider to determine text delivery services.  If Participant is unable to receive text messages, please contact your provider prior to the Event or you may utilize the Event Organizer live leaderboard. If you have ever opted out of our text system we can NOT put you back into our system and you will NOT receive text updates unless YOU put yourself back into the system with the keyword. If you have opted out previously some carriers will NOT allow you to re-enter yourself into the system and you will have to use the Live Leaderboard link on the website.
 
Android users:  If you have an android and you aren't receiving texts from us, you will need to search the number 90294 in your text app and accept that it is not spam.

10.03   Cell phones and other communication devices may NOT be used for the purposes of locating or finding fish and/or communicating with other Participants or non-participants regarding such. 

11.01   Participant agrees to submit for a third-party administered polygraph examination and agrees to provide truthful and honest responses as to be determined by the third-party polygraph examiner. 

11.02   Refusing to take a polygraph examination for any reason will result in immediate disqualification.

11.03   Any Participant taking medication or medical condition should notify the polygraph examiner prior to examination. 

11.04   Any Participant determined by the polygraph examination and/or other Event Staff to be intoxicated and/or under the influence of any type of illegal drug(s) at the time said Participant is required to take the polygraph examination or in violation of the Rules, will be disqualified from this Event and all future Event Organizer events. 

11.05   Participants acknowledge and agree that Event may disclose the results of the polygraph exam.  Whether disclosure occurs or not is at the sole and exclusive discretion of the Event Organizer. 

11.06   By his/her signature on the Event entry form and/or other required documents or entering the Event online, each Participant agrees to submit for a third-party administered polygraph examination. Each Participant shall abide by the conclusion reached by the third-party administrator administering the polygraph examination and, specifically, whether the Participant provided honest and truthful responses. Participants must successfully pass the polygraph examination.  If a Participant is unable to pass a polygraph examination, as exclusively determined by a third-party polygraph examiner, Participant and his/her team or other occupants or participants competing with or along with Participant shall be disqualified and removed from the Event and may be disqualified from participating in future Events. 

11.07   At the sole discretion of the Event Director or his/her designee, random third-party administered polygraph examinations may be administered on site during the Event.

12.01   All Participants, by entering this Event, hereby agree to allow their boat to be boarded and inspected by Event Officials at any time prior to, during, or following the Event, to include, but not limited to, their boat registration, U.S. Coast Guard horsepower rating plate, live-well, rod boxes, closed storage compartments, tackle boxes, life jackets, personal floatation devices, and safety equipment.

12.02   The Event cooperates with local law enforcement, park rangers and fish/wildlife officers during the Event. If any Participant is found to be in violation of local, state or federal law during Event hours, he/she/they will immediately be disqualified and unable to compete in future tournaments.

13.01   All protests or disputes relating to any matter involving the Rules and/or the Event must be registered in writing with the Event Director within fifteen (15) minutes of the designated weigh-in and prior to delivery of any prizes or winnings. Protests made after the deadline will be disregarded and the protesting Participant may be subject to disqualification. Failed polygraph examinations are not disputable and the results are final.

13.02   To maintain the integrity of our tournaments, all protests must be substantiated with verifiable evidence. Participants are required to provide credible proof (e.g., photographs, video recordings, witness statements) at the time of filing a protest. Claims without such substantiation may be considered invalid, and repetitive filing of unsubstantiated claims could result in penalties, including but not limited to disqualification or suspension from future events. 

 

13.03   Any protest filed by a Participant shall be heard by a committee of the Event Staff as determined by the Event Director.  After reviewing the protest submitted, the Event Director shall inform the protesting Participant of the Event Staff’s decision.  The committee of the Event Staff’s decision is final and not subject to further appeal or dispute. 
 

13.04   The interpretation and enforcement of the Rules will be the sole and exclusive responsibility of the Event Director and, if protested, the committee of the Event Staff. 

14.01   The following definitions shall apply as used in these Rules:

 

A.   “Event” or “Events” shall mean any training, skill progression, competition, training, events, fishing tournament, fishing contest, fishing competition, activities, including travel to and from any such competition, tournament, contest, or event hosted, operated, offered, or overseen by Trifecta Fishing, LLC d/b/a Big Bass Tour.

 

B.    “Event Director” shall mean the individual(s) who oversees the overall management of any specific Event or Events.

 

C.    “Event Organizer” shall mean Trifecta Fishing, LLC d/b/a Big Bass Tour.

 

D.   “Event Staff” shall mean the individual and entities, including host committees and volunteers, who provide support for any given Event.

 

E.    “Participant” or “Participants” shall mean any individual, entity, or trust who enters, attempts to enter, registers, attempts to register, participates, attempts to participate, competes, and/or attempts to compete in an Event. Any reference to Participant includes Participant’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) in the event Participant is a minor.

 

F.    “Related Parties” shall mean any accompanying individuals, entities, trust, trustees, parties, personal representatives, heirs, spouses, guardians, executors, successors, assigns, administrators, next of kin, parents, legal guardians, and any other persons, entity, or trust acting or purporting to act on a Participant’s behalf.

 

G.   “Rules” shall mean these official rules and regulations of the Big Bass Tour as amended from time-to-time and located at https://bigbasstour.com/rules.

14.02   The following provisions shall apply to dispute resolution, governing law, and venue:

 

A.  PARTICIPANT, FOR HIMSELF/HERSELF AND THE RELATED PARTIES, UNDERSTANDS THAT THESE RULES INTENDED TO BE AS BROAD AND INCLUSIVE AS PERMITTED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS. ANY DISPUTE RELATING TO THESE RULES AND/OR THE EVENT SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO BINDING ARBITRATION CONDUCTED BY THE AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION AND ITS NATIONAL SPORTS PANEL UNDER THE AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION COMMERCIAL RULES.  ANY SUCH DISPUTE SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO A SINGLE ARBITRATOR. PARTICIPANT FURTHER AGREES THAT THE VENUE OF ANY ARBITRATION, DISPUTE, OR CLAIM CONCERNING, ARISING UNDER, IN FURTHERANCE OF, PURSUANT TO, IN RELATION TO, OR ARISING OUT OF THESE RULES AND/OR THE EVENT SHALL BE IN TARRANT COUNTY, TEXAS AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS.

 

B.  IF ANY PARTICIPANT AND/OR RELATED PARTIES COMMENCE LITIGATION IN A STATE OR FEDERAL COURT IN VIOLATION OF THE TERMS OF THESE RULES, THE PARTICIPANT AND RELATED PARTIES SHALL BE ORDERED TO PAY AND SHALL REIMBURSE THE EVENT ORGANIZER FOR ALL ATTORNEYS’ FEES, COSTS, AND EXPENSES INCURRED IN SEEKING ABATEMENT, STAY, OR DISMISSAL OF SUCH LITIGATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE ARBITRATION PROVISIONS OF THESE RULES.  SUCH PAYMENT AND REIMBURSEMENT SHALL BE MADE WITHIN TEN (10) DAYS OF ANY SUCH ORDER.

 

C.  THESE RULES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS IN ALL RESPECTS, INCLUDING MATTERS OF CONSTRUCTION, INTERPRETATION, VALIDITY, AND ENFORCEMENT.  IF ANY PROVISION OF THESE RULES IS PROHIBITED BY LAW, SUCH PROHIBITION SHALL NOT AFFECT THE VALIDITY OF THE REMAINING PROVISIONS OF THESE RULES.  VENUE FOR ANY LITIGATION, DISPUTE, OR CLAIM CONCERNING, ARISING UNDER, PURSUANT TO, IN RELATION TO, OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE IN TARRANT COUNTY, TEXAS.

 

D.  PARTICIPANT AND RELATED PARTIES HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THESE RULES OR THE EVENTS.

 

E.   IF MINOR(S) AND/OR OTHER RELATED PARTIES ATTEND THE EVENT WITH PARTICIPANT, PARTICIPANT IS DEEMED TO HAVE AGREED TO THESE ARBITRATION PROVISIONS ON BEHALF OF: (A) SUCH MINOR(S) AS THEIR PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN OR AS THE AUTHORIZED AGENT OF THEIR PARENT OR GUARDIAN; AND/OR (B) OTHER RELATED PARTIES, AS THEIR AUTHORIZED AGENT. IF PARTICIPANT DOES NOT WISH TO OR IS NOT AUTHORIZED TO MAKE SUCH AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF: (I) ANY MINOR, PARTICIPANT SHOULD IMMEDIATELY LEAVE THE EVENT WITH THOSE MINOR(S); AND/OR (II) ANY OTHER RELATED PARTIES, SUCH RELATED PARTIES SHOULD IMMEDIATELY LEAVE THE EVENT.

 

14.03   PARTICIPANT, FOR HIMSELF/HERSELF AND ON BEHALF OF THE RELATED PARTIES, COVENANTS NOT TO SUE EVENT ORGANIZER AND ITS AFFILIATES, ASSOCIATES, PARENTS, SUBSIDIARIES, SUCCESSORS, DIRECTORS, MEMBERS, MANAGERS, OFFICERS, AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, OTHER PARTICIPANTS, SPONSORING AGENCIES, SPONSORS, ADVERTISERS, AND, IF APPLICABLE, OWNERS AND LESSORS OF PREMISES USED PERTAINING TO ANY MATTER RELATING TO, ARISING OUT OF, OR IN CONNECTION WITH THESE RULES OR THE EVENT.

 

14.04   EVENT ORGANIZER AND ITS AFFILIATES, ASSOCIATES, PARENTS, SUBSIDIARIES, SUCCESSORS, DIRECTORS, MEMBERS, MANAGERS, OFFICERS, AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, OTHER PARTICIPANTS, SPONSORING AGENCIES, SPONSORS, ADVERTISERS, AND, IF APPLICABLE, OWNERS AND LESSORS OF PREMISES USED SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO PARTICIPANT AND/OR RELATED PARTIES FOR ANY EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, DIMINUTION OF VALUE, LOST WAGES, LOST REVENUES, LOST PROFITS, TRAVEL COSTS, COSTS OF LODGING, CHILDCARE EXPENSES, MENTAL ANGUISH, PAIN AND SUFFERING, LOSS OF GOODWILL, OR LOST PROSPECTIVE ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE ARISING FROM ANY ACT OR OMISSION IN PERFORMANCE OR FAILURE TO PERFORM UNDER THESE RULES OR THE EVENT WHETHER SUCH CLAIM IS BASED IN CONTRACT, TORT, OR LOCAL, STATE, OR FEDERAL LAW.  PARTICIPANT, FOR HIMSELF/HERSELF AND ON BEHALF OF RELATED PARTIES, HEREBY RELEASES, DISCHARGES, AND WAIVES ANY CLAIM TO SUCH DAMAGES THAT MAY BE SET FORTH AGAINST EVENT ORGANIZER AND ITS AFFILIATES, ASSOCIATES, PARENTS, SUBSIDIARIES, SUCCESSORS, DIRECTORS, MEMBERS, MANAGERS, OFFICERS, AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, OTHER PARTICIPANTS, SPONSORING AGENCIES, SPONSORS, ADVERTISERS, AND, IF APPLICABLE, OWNERS AND LESSORS OF PREMISES USED.  PARTICIPANT’S AND RELATED PARTIES’ DAMAGES ARE LIMITED TO $100.00.

 

14.05   By entering, attempting to enter, registering, attempting to register, participating, attempting to participate, competing, and/or attempting to compete in an Event, Participant acknowledges, agrees, covenants, and warrants that he/she fully and completely agrees to be bound by these Rules and shall abide by and perform in compliance with these Rules.  Participant acknowledges and agrees that he/she has read the Rules and understands the Rules.

 

14.06   The headings, captions, titles, and numbering system are inserted only as a matter of convenience and may under no circumstances be considered in interpreting the provisions of this Agreement.

 

14.07   The Rules may be modified and changed from time-to-time in the sole and absolute discretion of the Event Organizer.

 

14.08.  Participants are required to and shall execute or electronically acknowledge the Participant Agreement, Waiver, and Release.  The terms of the Participant Agreement, Waiver, and Release are incorporated herein by reference as if set forth herein verbatim.

 

14.09   The Event Director oversees the interpretation and enforcement of these Rules.  If there is a violation of these Rules or other violation, as determined in the sole and exclusive discretion of the Event Director, the Event Director has the authority to and may sanction or penalize a Participant including, but not limited to, loss of fishing time, monetary fine or penalty, suspension, removal from the Event, disqualification, and/or other sanctions and penalties as determined by the Event Director in his sole and exclusive discretion. Disqualification, suspension, or other disciplinary action imposed by other event organizers or connected or relating to the sport of fishing may result, in the sole and exclusive discretion of the Event Director, in penalties and sanctions against a Participant up to and including disqualification. Additionally, any criminal action (i.e., including, but not limited to, and as examples: arrest, charges, findings, rulings, and/or adjudication (including deferral and/or deferred adjudication) and/or civil wrongs (i.e., including, but not limited to, and as examples: fraud, acts of aggression against others, material misrepresentations acts of moral turpitude, immoral behavior, unethical behavior, embezzlement, and deviant behavior) involving a Participant may result, in the sole and exclusive discretion of the Event Director, in penalties and sanctions against a Participation up to and including disqualification. In the event a Participant is eliminated from competition, removed from competition, and/or disqualified, the Participant is not permitted or allowed to return to Event waters during the Event without the express written permission of the Event Director.  

 

14.10   To the extent a Participant receives a monetary award or prize (whether monetary, merchandise, or goods) at an Event, the Participant shall be responsible for any and all taxes, including local, state, and federal taxes, and agrees to execute any and all documents necessary to confirm information necessary to pay appropriate taxes.  PARTICIPANT HEREBY AGREES TO INDEMNIFY, DEFEND, AND HOLD HARMLESS EVENT ORGANIZER FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, LOSSES, COSTS, FINES, ASSESSMENTS, FEES, LIABILITIES, DAMAGES OR INJURIES SUFFERED BY EVENT ORGANIZER ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH BY PARTICIPANT OF THIS SECTION, AND PARTICIPANT FURTHER AGREES TO INDEMNIFY THE EVENT ORGANIZER AND HOLD IT HARMLESS TO THE EXTENT ANY OBLIGATION IMPOSED ON EVENT ORGANIZER TO PAY WITHHOLDING TAXES OR SIMILAR ITEMS.

Ongoing Rule Evaluation

The Big Bass Tour is committed to ensuring a fair and competitive environment for all participants while maintaining the integrity of the sport. As fishing technologies and strategies continue to evolve, we will regularly monitor the use of new tools, including sonar, electronics, and other equipment. Our Rules Committee will review angler feedback, event data, and technological developments to assess the impact on competition and conservation.

We remain open to further adjustments of our rules to ensure that advancements in technology do not undermine the skill, strategy, and sportsmanship that define the Big Bass Tour. Any necessary updates will be communicated to participants in a timely manner.