KAYAK RULES
2024 / 2025 KAYAK RULES
Bass Junkyz has been operating team tournaments and open events since 2016 and takes a great deal of pride in the recognition of enforcing rules to maintain an environment of fair play and competition. Thank you for selecting Bass Junkyz as your place to compete. The following rules shall apply to all Bass Junky Kayak events except that rules for special tournaments may differ from those contained herein and these rules may be changed by Bass Junkyz immediately upon notice to its members, which notice may be published on the Bass Junkyz website at www.bassjunkyz.com. Interpretation and enforcement of these rules shall be left exclusively to the Tournament Director or his/her designee at a tournament. In the event of a rule violation, the Tournament Director or his/her designee at a tournament may impose such sanctions as deemed appropriate by them, including without limitation, disqualification, forfeiture of prizes, entry fee, and prohibition from participation in subsequent tournaments. The decision of the Tournament Director or his/her designee shall be final in all matters.
BASS JUNKYZ’ TOURNAMENT $115 ENTRY FEE INCLUDES BIG FISH. THERE IS AN ADDITIONAL OPTION ENTRY AVAILABLE FOR $15. E-COMMERCE FEES ARE ADDED DURING THE TRANSACTION. PAYBACK IS A RATIO OF 1-4 AT 80/20.
Bass Junkyz acknowledges that the KBF Rules Standard for events has been adopted nearly verbatim to keep a synergy and understanding of acceptable and unacceptable actions while participating in an event including possible penalties, disqualifications, and organization liability.
Bass Junkyz Competition Rules Standard
The terms and conditions presented in this document apply between Bass Junkyz and those persons registering for and participating in Bass Junkyz competitive Events (“Competitor”). “Events” include both “Tournaments” (meet-up competition) and “Challenges” (virtual, online-only competition where participants do not congregate). The pronouns “he” “him,” “himself,” and “his” herein are used as generic, gender-neutral terms and do not restrict or confirm access on the basis of sex.
Each Bass Junkyz Challenge, Tournament or Event, (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 KBF Competition Rules found in two documents:
1. Bass Junkyz Competition Rules Standard (this document) covers about 90% of the terms, conditions, and standards common to all Bass Junkyz Events.
2. Event-specific rules are located on the Bass Junkyz event-specific page, which includes details such as dates, locations, times, eligible water boundaries, restrictions, and exceptions to the Bass Junkyz Rules Standard. Any exceptions, amendments, exclusions or modifications to the rules for specific events will be detailed exclusively in the event details page for that event.
Together, these two documents comprise the Bass Junkyz Competition Rules. As a condition of participation in any Bass Junkyz Competition, the participating angler (“Competitor”) agrees to read, understand, and comply with all Bass Junkyz Competition Rules. Failure to comply will result in a penalty, which may range from points deductions to photo submission denial or disqualification from the event.
For each Event, the Bass Junkyz Event Coordinator and/or Tournament or Series Director (“TD”) will be identified on the Bass Junkyz event-specific page. The Tournament Director and/or Director of Operations has responsibility for the interpretation and enforcement of the Bass Junkyz Competition Rules and may amplify or clarify them to make them more relevant or complete. Tournament Director and/or Director of Operations decisions may be disputed, as described in Section 17.A. Bass Junkyz management will review the decisions and revise the Bass Junkyz Competition Rules appropriately.
The most recent Bass Junkyz Competition Rules Standard revisions will be highlighted in red in the body of the rule’s standards for 60 days or as necessary to call attention to the revision. Announcement of the rule changes will also be posted as soon as possible and will be effective immediately upon publishing on Bass Junkyz media including Facebook, Instagram, and webpage. Bass Junkyz will notify all members via all available methods of communication above and through text and email where available. Understanding and being aware of the most recent rules prior to engaging in any competition or event is the sole responsibility of the competitor. Bass Junkyz reserves the right to refuse service or participation to anyone.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Participation and Eligibility
4. Pre-fishing
6. Cooperation, Assistance and Information Gathering
7. Fishing Tackle, Equipment and Methods and Acceptable Measuring Boards
10. Scoring
11. Penalties
13. Taxes
14. Sale of Prizes
15. Safety
18. Public Comment
19. Unavailability and Force Majeure
22. Tie Breaker
23. Local, State, Tribal, and Federal
1. PARTICIPATION AND ELIGIBILITY
A. Bass Junkyz Membership – Participation in Bass Junkyz Tournaments and Challenges is open only to current members of Bass Junkyz unless specified in the event-specific rules addenda. Competitors must be an active member by the event registration deadline. Non-members who register and compete in KBF member-only competitions are not eligible for prizes, ranking, and rewards. Bass Junkyz management or agent have the right to refuse participation.
B. Professional Fishing Guides may register and compete in competitions providing they do not guide-for-pay on eligible water within 7 Days prior to the event’s start-of-competition date.
C. Event Registration – All Bass Junkyz 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 and pay the entry fee on the TMS, as specified on the event-specific page.
D. Entry Fees
1. Entry fee amounts, administrative surcharges, convenience fees, registration deadlines, late fee exceptions, and refund or transfer restrictions are specified on the event-specific page for each competition.
2. No Satisfaction Guarantee – The competitor understands and agrees that payment for the event does not secure a guarantee or promise of satisfaction.
3. Competitor’s failure or inability, for any reason except as otherwise provided herein, to participate in any or all of the activities of the event does not relieve or suspend the Competitor’s obligation to make all payments required by Bass Junkyz rules on a timely basis, nor entitle the competitor to a refund or credit, except as provided below.
E. Payment – Competitor agrees that once an event registration is submitted, the terms and conditions of the KBF Competition Rules constitute an agreement that is a legally binding and an enforceable obligation of the Competitor.
F. Competitor’s Right to Cancel – Cancellation before an event registration deadline, will be eligible for full credit to another Bass Junkyz event or a refund minus 25%. Refund procedures are outlined in the event-specific rules addenda. If a Bass Junkyz event is canceled, anglers will be fully refunded, or the entry fee can be credited towards another Bass Junkyz event. Bass Junkyz is not responsible for any refunds of expenses related to travel or lodging reservations or other payments involving third parties.
G. Pre-Tournament Check-in – Pre-Tournament check-in requirements will be specified in the event details section of each event.
H. Captain’s Meeting Participation – Tournament Competitors are required to attend an on-site Captain’s Meeting or view a recorded “Virtual” Captain’s Meeting webcast, as stipulated on the event-specific page. Failure to comply may result in a Competitor’s disqualification from the event.
2. Fish Eligibility
A. Species – Only the Black Bass Species consisting of the following: Largemouth, Spotted, Bartram’s, Mean Mouth, Guadalupe, Shoal and Smallmouth bass and any hybrid of the above are accepted species.
B. Length – The minimum length of bass scored in competition is 12 inches unless otherwise specified in event-specific rules.
C. Condition – Fish may not appear to be dead, mutilated, frozen, mangled, or otherwise damaged, or it appears to have been mashed, mauled, or otherwise altered.
D. Fish Entry is based on events. For Multiple Day events (Championships) the same fish may not be entered more than once, even if caught on separate days. See Photo Standards (Section 9) and Scoring (Section 10) for additional requirements.
3. Competition Period
A. Competition start and end dates and times are stated on the event-specific page. 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 underway. Failure to comply may result in disqualification from the event. Tournament Off-limits period is ONLY observed if specifically outlined in Event Specific Details.
B. Check-in – Tournament competitors must check-in by complying with event-specific rules by the specified time. (Failure to comply may result in disqualification from the event and forfeiture of all entitlements of that event)
4. Pre-fishing
Pre-fishing is considered to be any activity that takes place on eligible water defined in the event-specific rules including fishing, scouting, and graphing. At the end of the pre-fishing time specified in the event-specific rules, the angler must be off the water. Pre-fishing does not apply to the KBF Challenge Series. (Refer to Rule 6 regarding pre-fishing with a professional fishing guide. Anglers may only pre-fish eligible waters for all KBF Series from acceptable watercraft (Refer to Rule 8) within 7 days of the event or series competition date(s) and time.
5. Competition Area
A. Competitive fishing is allowed only on publicly accessible waters within the geographic area designated on the Event Page as “Eligible Water.” Photos of fish caught outside of eligible water boundaries will be denied.
1. Photos that competitors submit for scoring in every Bass Junkyz Challenge or tournament must be of fish caught from Eligible Water. To be “Eligible,” the body of water must be inside the competition area boundary, during public-access hours, be accessible to the public, and be where fishing is permitted by regulations. During practice and competition, anglers are not allowed to make changes to the waterway and it must be utilized how it’s naturally presented. This includes but is not limited to adding, cutting or removing trees/ brush, digging/ filling ditches, adding or removing rocks and purposely adding or removing vegetation.
2. Resident only or community ponds are not eligible for KBF competition.
3. Any body of water that requires special permission is not eligible for KBF competition unless specifically permitted per Bass Junkyz Rules (i.e. Military Establishments, Membership Lakes, etc.)
4. Community (neighborhood) lakes that provide public access are off-limits to Bass Junkyz competition regardless of whether or not they allow public access.
5. If a lake has posted use times, it is eligible only during the hours permitted by the regulatory body. For example, if a park permits launching from daylight and closes at sunset, and that is the location used to access the lake, then the lake is off-limits outside of the permitted launch times.
6. Use of private access to fish in any public waters is not permitted (Privately operated marinas, campgrounds and venues that allow paid public access are permitted provided that any member of the public can launch there, even if a fee is required).
7. A competitor must access the water from or across publicly accessible areas. Additionally, anglers MAY NOT cast into or otherwise obtain access to off-limits areas from eligible water. (Example: Posted/restricted spawning areas or other refuges)
8. Clarification of eligible waters is the sole responsibility of the competitor prior to engaging in competition. (Fishing in off-limits waters is grounds for disqualification from the event, not just loss of fish caught while out of bounds.)
B. Competitors may launch from any public-access directly into Eligible Water. Crossing restricted property to reach Eligible Water is not permitted. Violation will result in disqualification from the event.
C. Competitors are not restricted to fishing where they start each day but are permitted to relocate to other eligible waters during tournament hours.
D. Watercraft must not be anchored in such a position as to prevent or block access for other watercraft or powerboats. Violation will result in disqualification from the event.
E. Unless posted otherwise, as it pertains to tributaries of the main body of water, competitors must be able to float in and out or through an area during tournament days for it to be considered legal waters to navigate. Anglers can use pedal/ paddle/acceptable motors (RULE 8. E) and/or push-pole to navigate. If an anglers’ kayak bottoms out and becomes completely or partially immobilized from the bottom while navigating, they are no longer considered floating. Anglers are responsible for verifying their launch is publicly accessible as well as paying any launch fee required to utilize the facility. If a ramp or launch site is not clearly designated a public launch or it isn’t easily determined as publicly accessible competitors may request launch site evaluation and approval no later than 30 days prior to the event start date.
6. Cooperation, Assistance and Information Gathering.
A. Up until the end of the established pre-fishing period, competitors may fish with and receive direct assistance from other anglers and professional guides on the Eligible Water, except as restricted in Rule 6.B. and 6.C., below.
B. Within 7 days prior to the Event, a Competitor may not receive expert advice from, a professional fishing guide who receives payment for those services. Additionally, anglers may not contract for hire services to provide mothership or other on the water transportation assistance. Off the water shuttles and transportation assistance are permitted. Violation will result in disqualification from the event and forfeiture of all entry fees or prize eligibility.
C. The purchasing of or bartering for information about locating or catching fish on tournament waters (other than through commercially available sources) is not permitted. ANY use of or communication with a professional guide or guide services, directly or indirectly, pertaining to tournament waters within 14 days of the event is prohibited, other than through publicly available sources. Anglers may not solicit fishing or waterway information from anyone in attempt to gain a competitive advantage with anyone other than other competitors registered for and actively participating in the event. During the tournament hours of each day (First Launch- Fishing Concludes) contestants may not share information about locating or catching fish on tournament waters. Anglers may communicate with fellow competitors verbally and specifically on how to respectfully share an area that all parties are utilizing. During the tournament hours of each day (First Launch- Fishing Concludes) an electronic device may not be used to speak to anyone about tournament waters, fishing strategies, techniques, etc. These devices may still be used as a means of communication to Bass Junkyz Staff, social media updates, safety checks, ride coordination, and/or work and family emergencies/urgent matters. Any collaboration on or off the water with other competitors or non- competitors for the purpose of sharing or pooling winnings is strictly prohibited and will result in a disqualification of all involved. Any questions or concerns about tournament rules or violations needs to be communicated with Bass Junkyz Staff immediately and initially to be considered.
D. Competitors 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 disqualification from the event.
7. Fishing Tackle, Equipment, Methods and Measuring Boards
A. All fish submitted for score must be caught live by the Competitor 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. Competitors 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. Fish MAY NOT be retained while bed fishing to improve chances of catching another fish. Fish must be caught, photographed (and video where required) and released prior to resuming fishing. Violation will result in disqualification from the event.
B. All fish must be caught by the Competitor 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. Acceptable measuring boards for all Bass Junkyz competitions are the aluminum Ketch Products Measuring Board, the Ketch Karbonate (plastic) and the Ketch X.
1. 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 the photo submission.
2. A slight flex in a measuring board resulting from a fish’s weight is allowed; however, Competitors are prohibited from deliberately flexing or deforming a measuring board by exerting pressure or reshaping it. Any modification of a measuring board that results in a misrepresentation of a fish’s actual length is grounds for a competitor’s disqualification from the event and may result in subsequent sanctions and penalties as described in Rule 11.
3. A clean measuring device is expected to ensure we can give you a proper score.
4. Competitors may share measuring boards.
D. Technology – Each competitor is responsible for having the necessary technology with GPS, location, and capture capability. As technology changes and to protect the integrity of our sport, we may include an appendix to these rules.
1. When a Competitor’s technology becomes inoperable or is lost, they may share with other Competitors, provided each Competitor logs into his own TMS account in order to submit photos of fish he caught. Competitors under the same circumstances may share technology, provided each Competitor can clearly and positively identify photos of the fish he caught. Violation will result in denial of photo submission.
E. Only artificial lures and biodegradable artificial lures may be used. No live bait, preserved bait, or prepared bait will be permitted during competition, with the exception of pork strips or rinds. Violation will result in disqualification from the event.
F. 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.
G. 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 of the photo submission.
1. Fish may not be retained on stringers or in live wells, other than to momentarily revive the fish or to prepare for photographing the fish.
I. If a Competitor breaks his line while setting the hook or retrieving a fish, he 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. He may NOT hook the line with another lure, rod and reel, or other devices. If a Competitor loses his rod and reel while landing a fish, he 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 Bass Junkyz Competition are those manufactured and marketed as canoes, kayaks, or SUPs for which paddling and/or pedaling is the primary means of propulsion. Any other watercraft must be submitted to the Bass Junkyz Director of Operations (kayakbassfishing@gmail.com) for review and approval prior to use in competition. Watercraft specifically approved as exceptions in advance of competition by Bass Junkyz Management are:
• Blue Sky Boatworks 360 Angler
• Biyak
• Neptvn 400 PRO (with acceptable electric HP or paddled)
• Greentop Enterprise Creek Boats
• Solo Skiff
• Beavertail Stealth
Use of watercraft in competition other than those listed above as acceptable or exceptions will result in disqualification from the event.
B. Unless approved as exceptions by the Bass Junkyz Director of Operations, the following watercraft may not be used in competition:
1. Gas- or liquid-fueled motorized or hybrid fuel/electric powerboats or personal watercraft
2. Sailboats
3. Jon boats
4. Pirogues, coracles and rowboats
5. Dinghies and skiffs
6. Float tubes, inflatable rafts, and rigid inflatable boats (e.g., Zodiac)
7. Pontoon boats, pontoon-style pond boats, twin-hull watercraft, or similar.
C. Watercraft propulsion is restricted to paddle, pedal, pole, or electric motor (see E.ii).
D. Unless specifically prohibited on the event-specific page, use of a single electric propulsion unit per watercraft in Bass Junkyz sanctioned competition is approved with the following restrictions: NOTE: No more than one electric motor may be in-use on competitor’s watercraft at any time during official competition times.
E. Competitors 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.
Electric motor used to propel a watercraft:
1. Must be attached to the kayak in a safe manner for operation, and may not exceed the lesser of (i.) the manufacturer’s labeled Maximum HP/Thrust Capacity, (ii.) 3 HP, or (iii.) 155 foot-pound thrust. Violation of either condition will result in disqualification from the Event. (This does not pertain to wattage capacity.)
2. Competitors are required to meet all documentation and registration requirements for operating a motorized watercraft including all required safety equipment and lighting
.F. Towing, transport, or relocation assistance from another watercraft, including “mother shipping,” 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 Competitor may resume fishing only if the watercraft was pulled no more than needed to be removed from the danger zone. Violation will result in disqualification from the event.
G. Trolling lure(s) attached to a single rod and towed behind a watercraft while underway is permitted in Bass Junkyz Competition. Competitors must demonstrate sportsmanlike conduct and avoid impeding other competitors or recreational anglers while trolling.
NOTE: Multiple fish caught on the same lure, at the same time (topwater, A-Rig, etc.) may both be accepted for scoring provided all fish are caught, photographed (or video where required) and released prior to resuming fishing. For this allowance to exist, both (or more) fish must be caught legally within the eligible waters and during a single cast and/or retrieve. The additional fish may be retained by lip gripper, Donkey Leash or landing net while preparing for and taking photos of each fish.
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. The Judge will deny subsequent digital photos of the same fish submitted by the Competitor in an Event. Possession of multiple fish is not permitted. All fish must be caught, photographed (video where required) and released prior to resuming fishing for subsequent fish.
B. Position/Visible/Legible – Each photo must be in focus and clear enough for a judge to:
1. Fish must be positioned facing left, dorsal fin up (belly down), tail to the right. (see illustration in G.2 for clarification)
2. Verify the Official Bass Junkyz Identifier Form and event ID code. The inability of the judge to verify will result in the denial of the photo submission.
3. Verify the fish’s condition. Violation will result in denial of the photo submission.
4. Verify the fish’s length. The judge will score fish at the greatest length of which he is certain.
5. Verify whether the bass’ jaw or lip is in contact with the measuring board fence. The inability of the judge to verify will result in a minimum penalty of 1 inch and may result in denial of the photo submission at the judge’s discretion.
6. The entire fish, from its mouth/jaw to the end of its caudal (tail) fin must be visible in photos (Except where allowed to be covered by hand). In addition, at least one visible one-inch increment of the measuring board must be clearly visible to make an accurate length determination (Example. If the fish is 17.75 and the 17 is covered, the 18′ mark must be clearly visible). If either end of the fish is covered or cropped off, the photo may be denied at the judge’s discretion.
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 judge’s discretion.
D. First-generation – Each digital photo must be a first-generation image (not a photo of or screenshot of another photo). Violation will result in denial of the photo submission.
E. Identifiable – Official Bass Junkyz Identifier Form above, below, or beside the fish (not laying on top of the fish), unless placed on the Competitor’s hand or arm).
NOTE: Only the official Bass Junkyz identifier is acceptable for photo submission. No hand-drawn images, codes written on hands, or forms from other series are permitted. Other series identifiers may be used as long as the Official Bass Junkyz identifier is also clearly visible. Violation will result in denial of the photo submission.
F. Background – Competitors’ watercraft must be clearly visible in all eligible photographs. Violation will result in denial of the photo submission. Watercraft must have been launched and underway to be eligible for submission. Kayak may not be in or on competitor’s vehicle or trailer while photos are taken.
G. Hand Position – It is recommended to take the photo with hand as close to centered on the fish as possible. Hand placement must meet the following guidelines:
1. No portion of the hand may enter the gill plate. Violation will result in denial of the photo submission. (NOTE: incidental contact with the external portion of the gill plate will not result in photo denial)
2. The competitor’s hand must be placed to provide a clear view of the fish’s eye. Obstruction or coverage of any portion of the fish’s eye will result in the denial of the photo submission. Hand must be placed forward of the Caudal peduncle (fleshy, scaled part of the bass’ body at the base of the caudal fin). Competitor’s hand may not contact any portion of the Caudal Peduncle past the back edge of the fish’s dorsal or anal fin. Violation will result in denial of the photo submission. (See Photo Submission Guidelines). NOTE: The photo below is for advisory purposes and indicates areas for competitors to avoid. Official scoring is based on Photo Submission Guidelines. Additionally, no portion of the prescribed no touch zone shall be covered by any other items. (arm, net, fish grips, etc…)
PROPER HAND PLACEMENT FOR PHOTOGRAPH
H. Mouth
1. Bass’ lip or jaw must be in contact with the measuring board fence (bump board, upright), and the fence must be visible in the photo. Violation will result in denial of the photo submission.
2. In bass fishing competition, a closed mouth is required for uniformity of measurement and to validate contact with the measuring board fence. If a judge considers the mouth to be open (even if it is structurally unable to close) a one-half inch penalty will be assessed. In addition, if the mouth is opened excessively in an attempt to make the fish appear longer, the entire fish may be denied.
NOTE: This determination will be made by the judge and will only be considered for review through submission of a formal dispute
.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 Competitors, so states’ minimum length regulations do not apply for photo submissions. However, if an event occurs 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 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 entire width of a board and use that imaginary line to determine a fish’s length. Entire caudal fin lifted away and out of contact with the board will result in denial of the photo submission.
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 Bass Junkyz-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, contingency awards, Angler of the Year Points, Challenge Points, and Championship qualification shall be determined by the aggregate length of each Competitor’s photos remaining on the leaderboard when judging has concluded and the dispute period has closed. Unless otherwise stipulated on the event-specific page.
D. If a judge denies a Competitor’s photo after the 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 the 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 remaining fish. If all of the tied competitors’ highest scoring fish are identical, the tie breaks in favor of the competitor whose last leaderboard photo was uploaded earliest (Rule 22).
F. Bass Junkyz judges apply the following scoring criteria to adjust measurements, approve or deny photos, and 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 (Rule 9.B.3) - n/a
b. Photo - Blurry photo; completely unable to judge (Rule 9.B) - Deny
c. Photo - Appears to be second-generation (e.g., screen shot, photo of photo) (Rule 9.D) - Deny
d. Photo - EXIF data does not exist and/and other evidence substantiates photo taken outside of Eligible Water boundaries (Rule 5.A) - Deny
e. Photo - EXIF data, other evidence substantiates photo was taken outside of competition hours (Rule 3.A) - Deny
f. Photo - Multiple digital photos submitted of the same fish; unintentional violation (Rule 9.A) - Deny
g. Photo - Multiple digital photos submitted of the same fish; evidence indicates intentionally (Rule 9.A) - Ban
h. Photo - Competitor’s watercraft not visible in photo background (Rule 9.F) - Deny
i. Photo - Entire fish not in picture (Rule 9.B.5) - 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 - Identifier Card is laying on the fish (Rule 9.E) - Deny
m. Identifier - Official identifier Card missing, counterfeit, or incorrect code for the event. (Rule 9.B.1) - Deny
n. Fish - Secured by a restraining device (e.g., stringer, tape, or clip attached to fish) (Rule 7.H.1) - Deny
o. Fish - Photo violates state regulations regarding possession (Rule 9.I) - Deny
p. Species - Photo of any species or variety of fish other than that approved for the Competition (Rule 2.A) - Deny
q. Body - Photo Bass caudal (tail) fin tip fails to reach 12.00″ line on measuring board (Rule 2.B) - Deny
r. Body - Any portion of a hand or fingers under the fish’s operculum (gill flap or cover ) (Rule 9.G.1) - Deny
s. Body - Finger(s) or hand touching or covering bass in violation of rule Rule 9.G.2. - Deny
t. Body - Entire caudal (tail) fin entirely lifted away and out of contact with the measuring board (Rule 10.A) - Deny
u. Body - Fish appears to have been snagged, snatched, or hooked in the body rather than mouth (Rule 7.A) - Deny
v. Body - Fish appears to be dead, mutilated, frozen, mangled, or otherwise damaged or appears to have been mashed, mauled, or otherwise altered to increase its length (Rule 2.C) - Deny
w. Mouth - Bass lip or jaw clearly not touching measuring board fence (upright end plate) (Rule 9.H.1) - Deny
x. Mouth - Unable to ascertain with certainty that bass lip or jaw is touching measuring board fence (Rule 9.B.4) 1.00″ – Deny
y. Mouth - Mouth open, even if it appears to be structurally unable to close completely. (Rule 9.H.2) .50” – Deny
11. Penalties
A. In the event of a rule violation, the Tournament Director may impose such penalties as deemed appropriate, including without limitation, the following:
1. Reduction of score (length) as described above or determined by the Tournament Director
2. Loss of catch for the day or up until the violation has been remedied
3. Disqualification from the tournament in question
4. Any additional penalties determined by the Tournament Director and/or Director of Tournament Operations, including but not limited to monetary fines and/or reduction of Competitor’s Angler of the Year points. Subject to the dispute and appeal processes set forth below, the Tournament Director’s decisions on violations are final.
B. Following a review of the evidence, a determination by the Bass Junkyz Tournament Director and/or Director of Tournament Operations of cheating or conviction of fraud will result in permanent revocation of Bass Junkyz Membership, suspension from all Bass Junkyz Bass Fishing competition and KBF-affiliated events, and series, and revocation of all Bass Junkyz Social Media privileges. In addition, the findings will be published on a password-protected Bass Junkyz members-only web page.
C. Competitor 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 Competitor to submit to a polygraph test is grounds for immediate disqualification from the Bass Junkyz event and prohibition against future participation in any KBF affiliated event. Results of a polygraph test will not be the sole determining factor in a Bass Junkyz Management Review of a Competitor’s eligibility for awards and qualification for future participation but may be one of several factors considered in such review.
D. Competitors may be randomly selected to undergo polygraph examinations during or following all Bass Junkyz competitive competitions.
E. Bass Junkyz Director of Tournament Operations shall
1. Have the discretion to determine the need for a Polygraph examination.
2. 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.
3. Have sole responsibility for selecting the location, date, and time of the test nearest Bass Junkyz headquarters with respect to all concerned parties’ schedule and travel costs.
F. The Competitor shall:
1. Make themselves available at the location selected by the Director of Tournament Operations.
2. Cooperate in all respects with such tests.
12. Awarding of Prizes
A. Prizes and numbers of positions paid out are addressed on the event-specific page. Amounts paid per rank are subject to change based on participation (lower value for fewer entries and higher value for more entries) and sponsor provision.
B. Prizes will be processed after all photos submitted for scoring have been judged, the results reviewed, and disputes have been resolved.
C. Product prizes (e.g., kayaks, paddles, propulsion units) may require additional processing or delivery time. This allows competitors some flexibility in selecting model, color, or style. Product selection may be limited to specific features and models. Recipients of product awards must fill out and submit a Prize Claims Form found on the Bass Junkyz Website.
13. Taxes
Competitors are responsible for all applicable taxes on both cash and merchandise awards. Failure to meet those obligations may result in disqualification from all future KBF competitions. In addition, all prize recipients must fill out and submit a substitute IRS Form W-9 including name, address, social security number, signature, and date. These are used to prepare IRS 1099 forms for distribution in January.
14. Sale of Prizes
No prizes won participating in Bass Junkyz competitions may be advertised or promoted for sale on Bass Junkyz Facebook pages for one full year. Violation of this rule will result in ineligibility for all future competitions and forfeiture of qualification status.
15. Safety
A. During competition, every Competitor must have all required Coast Guard safety equipment (e.g., light source, whistle or other audible signal devices, 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.1. PFD Wear Exceptions), the Competitor 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 Director, the competitor is disqualified from participation in the event.
C. PFD Wear Exceptions — The competitor assumes responsibility for all consequences of removing his PFD. The 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 competitor must put on and securely fasten the PFD before going underway or resuming competition.
If all of the following conditions exist, Competitor may briefly remove his PFD while afloat (anchored or adrift) to change, add or remove articles of clothing:
a. No fishing lines are in the water; and
b. The watercraft is not underway; and
c. Weather and water conditions permit one to do so safely; and
d. Competitor is over the age of 12.
When finished changing his attire, Competitor must immediately put the PFD back on before going underway, fishing, or engaging in any other competition-related activity.
D. Tournament Director and/or Director of Tournament Operations has the right to postpone or cancel the start of an official tournament day because of adverse weather conditions or other factors that jeopardize the Competitors’ safety. Tournament 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 Competitors, the Tournament Director and/or Director of Tournament Operations 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 Competitors via email and group text messaging. It will also be posted on the TMS site and social media sites. The announcement will also specify an adjusted report-in time and location. If safe to do so, upon receiving the notification, the competitor should make his way to the specified location at that time. The competitor is required to stop fishing as soon as he receives 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, the competitor 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, the Competitor should call 911 first and then 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 any Competitor during an Event will not be tolerated and cause for automatic disqualification from this and all future Bass Junkyz competitions. No alcoholic beverages, 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 competition rules, shall be grounds for rejecting any application for participation and/or for disqualification after circumstances are reviewed by Bass Junkyz’s Director of Tournament Operations. 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 KBF competition, and/or disqualification from a Bass Junkyz competition after circumstances are reviewed by the Bass Junkyz Director of Tournament Operations.
H. Night Competitions that take place between April 1 and October 30, in which boats leave or return after 10:30 P.M., must comply with the following six stipulations in order for the event(s) to be eligible for Event Liability Insurance coverage provided through the North American Tournament Association’s policy.
1. All participant boats must be equipped with working Coast Guard-approved running lights. 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 watercraft must display a 360-degree white light. Some states impose additional requirements.]
2. The Bass Junkyz Tournament Director or Director of Tournament Operations shall have predetermined the availability of cell phone or radio coverage to assure reasonable communications in the event of an emergency. [Note: All competitors should make sure their cell phone numbers are entered in the TMS and the Tournament Director should have a list of all competitors with cell phone numbers for texting or calls.]
3. The Bass Junkyz Tournament Director and/or Director of Tournament Operations shall have on hand the contact information for emergency rescue and medical services and must maintain the ability to make contact at all times during the competition.
4. The governing authority, as required by law or ordinance, shall be notified of the competition date and hours.
5. Competitors are restricted to an on-the-water speed limit of not more than 35 miles per hour between sunset and sunrise.
6. The Tournament Director and/or Director of Tournament Operations shall have in place a system of accounting for the return of all participants. [Note: This includes not only an end-of-competition check-in but also a way for competitors who leave early to notify the Bass Junkyz Tournament Director.]
16. Competitor Conduct
Competitors participating in any Bass Junkyz 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, Bass Junkyz, its members, officers or representatives, tournaments or sponsors. Competitors 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 Competitor who violates these principles, intentionally violates Bass Junkyz Competition Rules or regulations (attempts to commit fraud), or behaves in ways that reflect unfavorably upon KBF’s efforts to promote fisheries conservation, clean waters, and courtesy, may forfeit competition winnings, face suspension from future Bass Junkyz sanctioned competitions, be permanently banned from competition, or any combination thereof deemed appropriate by Bass Junkyz.
17. Disputes and Appeals
A. If a Competitor wishes to dispute a rules violation penalty, a judge’s scoring decision, a Tournament Director’s decision or other action that materially affected the Competitor’s ranking or prize eligibility, he must use the Bass Junkyz Dispute & Appeal Form on the Bass Junkyz Website [www.kayakbassfishing.com/kbf-dispute-appeal/] to submit a dispute within 1 hour following completion of Event judging. The dispute must include the following:
1. Event title, location, and date
2. Description or identification of penalty imposed, or condition being disputed
3. Reference to pertinent rule
4. Reason for dispute and requested action
Except for situations involving fraud or other law violations, any disputes submitted after the 1- hour dispute deadline will be reviewed without affecting the outcome of an event. No change in rank or reward will result from disputes submitted after the deadline. Only Competitors 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. The Tournament Director (for judge’s rulings) or Director of Tournament Operations (for Tournament Director rulings) will review the Competitor’s claims, thoroughly investigate the disputed decision, and issue a ruling.
B. The Competitor who filed the dispute may appeal the dispute results. Appeals of dispute results must be presented to the Bass Junkyz Director of Tournament Operations (for Tournament Director’s dispute rulings) or President (Director of Tournament Operations dispute rulings) using the Bass Junkyz Dispute & Appeal Form within 24 hours from the time and date of the ruling. An Appeals Processing Fee of $100 must be paid to Bass Junkyz through the most appropriate and available method. The Bass Junkyz executive handling the appeal will impanel an appeals committee composed of one Bass Junkyz staff member not involved directly in directing or judging the Event and two Bass Junkyz Members who were not Competitors in the Event. Appeals hearings shall take place within seven (7) business days from the date of receipt of the written appeal, and all parties must make themselves available at the prescribed time of the hearing. The appeals committee will submit its findings and recommendations to the Bass Junkyz Executive handling the appeal, whose decisions are final. If the final ruling is in the Competitor’s favor and reverses or nullifies a dispute ruling, then the entire Appeal Processing Fee will be refunded; however, if the ruling stands, then the Fee is forfeited.
18. Public Comments
A. The favorable public reputation of Bass Junkyz 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 Bass Junkyz. Accordingly, it is an obligation of competitors to refrain from comments in public forums and social media or to the news media that unreasonably attack or disparage the integrity of Bass Junkyz Kayak Tour, Bass Junkyz Destinations Tour, Bass Junkyz Backet Brawl, or other Bass Junkyz competitions, tournament officials, sponsors, fellow members, fellow Competitors, or the Bass Junkyz organization. Competitors are encouraged to express themselves and have the right to question the rules of officials. Responsible expressions of legitimate disagreement with Bass Junkyz policies are encouraged, as opposed to attacks upon the integrity of the rules or officials. However, public comments that a Competitor knows, or should reasonably know, will harm the reputation of Bass Junkyz LLC, Bass Junkyz officials, Bass Junkyz members 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 Bass Junkyz Tournament Director, Series Director or Bass Junkyz Executive will result in the participant receiving a warning for a first offense. A repeat of the offense will result in disciplinary action up to disqualification from the current Event and permanent termination of eligibility for future Bass Junkyz competitions, 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
Bass Junkyz will use reasonable efforts to hold the Event; however, under no circumstances will Bass Junkyz be held responsible for unavailability caused by circumstances beyond Bass Junkyz’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 canceled, altered or amended once the Event has commenced on the basis of circumstances beyond Bass Junkyz’s reasonable control.
20. Compliance with Laws
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Arizona. All rights and obligations of Bass Junkyz and the Competitor 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. Bass Junkyz may modify the terms and conditions stated herein at any time at its sole and absolute discretion. Competitor 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 registering for this Bass Junkyz Event, the Competitor grants to Bass Junkyz, LLC the right to use all photographs, likenesses, stories, accounts, details of Competitor contributions, exploits, interviews, bloopers, and information pertinent to the Bass Junkyz 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 Event Registration.
B. Waiver and Release of Liability — As a condition of participation in a Competition, and by virtue of registering for the Competition, each Competitor agrees to accept the terms and condition of the Bass Junkyz Waiver and Release of Liability Agreement (below). This Agreement absolves Bass Junkyz, LLC, its officers, staff, and volunteers from responsibility and threat of litigation in the case of injury, loss, or death sustained by a Competitor in the Event. Registrants under the age of 18 must have their waiver/release form signed by the parent or adult guardian who will accompany them throughout competition. A printed copy of the Bass Junkyz Waiver and Release Form (below) is available online or at the Event HQ Check-in Table and must be signed and on file with Bass Junkyz, LLC before a registrant is eligible to compete.
22. Tie Breakers
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 remaining fish. If all of the tied competitors’ highest scoring fish are identical, the tie breaks in favor of the competitor whose last leaderboard photo was uploaded earliest. If a tie still exists the outcome will be decided by coin flip. If there is a 3-way tie or more the outcome will be resolved by a random number generator for placement.
23. Local, State, Tribal, and Federal Laws
Local, State, Tribal, and Federal Laws are deemed to supersede any rule in this document that conflicts related to fishing, access, or nefarious behavior. Any Angler/Team found to be cheating or attempting to cheat or defraud will be prosecuted to the absolute fullest extent of the law