ARTICLE 1: Club Information
Section 1- Name & Charter:
This chapter shall be called the Shady Tree Bassmasters of Richmond, Virginia. Founded in 1997 and affiliated with the Virginia BASS Federation Nation and BASS. The club number is: 007654. The current officers (as of Dec.1, 2018) are Mike Roberson, President; Sam Snider, Vice President; Scott Robinson, Secretary;
Lyndon B. Johnson, Treasurer; Rob Canady, Tournament Director.
Section 2- Purpose:
The purpose of this club is to stimulate public awareness of bass fishing as a major sport; to offer our organized moral and political support and encouragement and to promote all conservation codes and demand adequate water quality standards; to report all polluters and call public attention to pollution crimes; to improve our skills as bass anglers through a fellowship of friendly exchange of techniques, ideas and to encourage youth fishing; to function as a dynamic and effective link with other State Bass Federation Chapters, embracing the principles and purposes of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.).
Section 3: Club Meetings:
The club shall hold regular meetings at pre-determined times. All club members are encouraged to attend all regular club meetings and functions.
ARTICLE 2: Membership, Dues, Exiting, Returning and Removal from the Club
Section 1: B.A.S.S. Membership:
1. This chapter shall maintain a minimum of six (6) members at all times
2. This is a B.A.S.S. affiliated club and will at all times, maintain 100% B.A.S.S. membership
3. This chapter will submit a complete roster to the State Chapter no later than January 31st of each year.
(a) This date can be adjusted based on the required due date imposed by the State Chapter(b) Supplemental updates to the roster will be sent to the State Chapter as personnel are added throughout the year.4. This club is a part of Virginia Region 6 and will belong to and support the State B.A.S.S. Federation Nation
5. All members must be in good standing with the State Chapter of the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation
Section 2: Club Membership Requirements:
Express a genuine interest in club membership, by attending a minimum of 5 club tournaments AND a minimum of 5 other club functions. Other club functions are defined as club meetings, regional federation tournaments, or youth events.
1. Be a member of B.A.S.S.
2. Be recommended by a club member at a regular meeting.
3. Be voted in by club members by at least two-thirds majority vote of members present
at a regular club meeting.
4. Must be at least 16 years old.
5. When a member resigns, they are no longer entitled to participate in future club events
Section 3: Membership Dues:
1. The club membership dues are paid yearly based on the following schedule:
a. Members joining the club between1 January and completion of half of the tournament season will pay full club dues of $85.00
b. Members joining the club after the half way point in the season and after the next to last tournament of the year will pay reduced club dues of $42.50 and
must request an exception to complete in the classic tournament as a full
member.
c. Members joining the club with only one tournament remaining in the season will pay the future year club dues of $85.00 and will be granted honorary
membership for the remainder of the current year. These members will not be
allowed to compete in the annual classic tournament as a full member since
they did not meet the minimum membership requirements.
2. A year is defined as December 1st through November 30th.
3. Club membership dues are due no later than the March club meeting.
4. Each member must pay the National Federation dues of $30.00 and the State
Federation dues of $35.00.
5. Every member must be a member of B.A.S.S.
6. Returning members must commit to return to the club no later than December 28th of
each year. Those members have an additional 15 days (January 12th) to pay their State
and National dues to solidify their position in the club. After that date, all unpaid
returning members are subject to the boater/co-angler ratio.
Section 4: Leaving the Club
1. Members may leave the club at any time of their own accord. There will be no refund of club or Federation dues.
2. Memberships may be reviewed on an individual basis at least annually, on the basis of participation, by the club president. Letters may be sent requesting greater participation, an explanation for lack of participation or requesting resignation from the club. Failure to respond within 30 days will be presented to the club for a vote of removal by a 2/3-majority vote of members present.
3. Members leaving the club in bad standing will have a letter, written by the president and approved by the club, kept on file with the secretary. The letter will state reason/reasons for member leaving. This letter will be available to the club for review in case the parting member attempts to return at a later date.
Section 5: Returning to the club
1. Former members leaving the club in good standings, being active within the club functions and leaving for reasons of family, financial, or work related issues, may return, as space allows, by attending a club meeting and being voted in by a 2/3- majority vote of members present.
2. Former members leaving the club in poor standings, being defined as weak participation, unsportsmanlike conduct, drug or alcohol offences at club or federation functions or events, cheating, gross violation of by-laws, or questionable circumstances, may return, as space allows, by petitioning the club in writing at a regular club meeting and being voted in by a 2/3-majority vote of members present at the next club meeting.
Section 6: Removal of Membership:
A member may be removed from the club for the following:
1. Failure to pay dues.
2. Any action that would reflect dishonor or disgrace on the club or B.A.S.S.
3. Failure to participate in club functions.
4. Drug or alcohol offenses at club or federation events.
5. Cheating, poor sportsmanship displayed towards club or its members.
6. Gross violations of the By-Laws as determined by a unanimous vote of Board of
Directors
ARTICLE 3: Officer, Elections and Vacancies
Section 1: Officers, Elections, and Vacancies:
The officers of Shady Tree Bassmasters shall consist of:
President- whose duties shall be to preside over all meetings and direct all official club business. Appoint and be involved with all committees and supervise club functions. No club commitments will be made without presidential approval and a discussion among the members.
Vice President- whose duties shall be that of program chairman; assistant to the president with his/ her duties, and to preside in the absence of the president. Keep the president and membership informed of club business as required. It is the sole responsibility of the vice-president to ensure that the club operates in accordance with the current By-Laws.
Secretary- whose duties shall be to keep and maintain the official copy of the Club By-Laws and membership roster, maintain contact between the club and the State and National Federation affiliates, and accurately record minutes of all meetings. At a minimum those minutes will consist of notes of all club business, votes, and new members. He/ she will report those minutes at the club meetings. The secretary shall work with and keep the officers and members informed of information that affects the club.
Treasurer- whose duties shall be to collect and disburse club funds, maintain an accurate accounting of club funds and to regularly report club financial status.
Tournament Director- whose duties are to plan, organize and administer club tournaments.
Section 2: Elections:
The election of officers shall be held annually at the November club meeting. Elections shall be simple majority of members present. Elections shall be separate and in the order listed in Article 3, section 1.
Section 3: Eligibility to Vote:
Each member is entitled to one vote. No proxy votes are permitted.
Section 4: Term of Office:
The term of office is one year. One year is defined from December 1st through November 30th.
Section 5: Vacancies:
In the event an office becomes vacant, nominations will be requested and an election held to fill the remaining term of that office. The Secretary will notify the State and National Federations of the changes in writing.
Section 6: Eligibility to hold Office:
1. Must have been a member for a minimum of twelve (12) months.
2. Must regularly participate in a minimum of 75% of all club functions.
3. Maintain current B.A.S.S. membership.
4. Show an interest in serving the club.
5. Returning club members who left in poor standing must be a member in good standing for three (3) years prior to becoming eligible to serve as a club officer.
ARTICLE 4: Committees
Section 1: Board of Directors:
The Board of Directors will consist of the five (5) elected club officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and the Tournament Director) and two (2) other elected club members (to be elected by a 2/3-majority vote of members present at a regular club meeting) for a total of seven (7) board members. The board shall decide all protests and rule on violations of tournament rules and additional club matters that cannot be resolved. A club member who feels that an issue needs to be acted upon by the Board may bring up the issue at a club meeting or function or he/ she may call the club president. The president will call a Board meeting to resolve the issue. If a member of the Board is the club member seeking resolution, that member will not be allowed to confer in the settlement of the issue. In such a case, the Club President will appoint a temporary board member to replace the member with the dispute. The Board is empowered to administer disciplinary action up to and including removal of members. Board rulings are final and the issue is considered resolved after the ruling.
Section 2: Standing Committees:
All standing committees will be voluntary. All committee members and the chairman will clear all functions and events with the president and board of directors. Committees will be re-appointed each year as needed. Committee chairman and members can be replaced for cause by a unanimous vote of the board of directors. The president is a member of all committees and maintains control and responsibility for committee actions.
Section 3: Youth Director:
The club president shall appoint the Youth Director. The youth director is required to keep the club informed of activities and opportunities to serve the youth of our community. The club has a standing goal of introducing young people to the sport of Bass Fishing and to assist them with learning respect for our heritage, honesty, good sportsmanship, integrity and other character building virtues.
Section 4: Tournament Committee:
The tournament director shall be assisted by two members of the club to keep the tournament functions operating efficiently. For additional tournament requirements, see Tournament Rules and Procedures at the end of this document.
Section 5: Tournament Scheduling Committee:
The tournament scheduling committee consists of the board of directors and members-at-large, and is responsible for setting the tournament schedule for the club year. Prior to participating in the tournament scheduling process, an officer or member-at-large must pay club dues for the upcoming season.
ARTICLE 5: Club Affiliation Requirements:
The Shady Tree Bassmasters shall participate in at least 50% of the Federation activities to include tournaments. The member information will be updated as members join and leave the club. A membership roster shall be sent to B.A.S.S. each year. As new members join, the secretary shall inform B.A.S.S. and the State and National Federations. All State and National Federation dues are to be collected and paid to the appropriate organizations by the club secretary.
ARTICLE 6: Amending the By-Laws
The By-Laws, rules, procedures may be amended by any club member submitting a written proposal during a regular club meeting in October, November, or December, which will be followed by open floor discussion among the members (not to exceed one (1) minute per member). At the next regular club meeting, the change will be readdressed as old club business. It will be voted on, with at least 2/3 majorities of the members present required to approve the change. No changes to the by-laws may be made after the February meeting, excepting those related specifically to issues of safety.
ARTICLE 7: Tournament Rules, Standard Operating Procedures and Point System
Section 1: Tournament Rules:
1. There is a five (5) fish limit per angler per tournament.
2. Live wells will be checked prior to the beginning of each tournament by the Tournament Director or his/ her designee.
3. Artificial lures only.
4. The minimum size for a legal tournament fish is 12 inches or larger. At locations with a slot limit, the Tournament Director is responsible for determining the minimum legal size. This size will not be smaller than 12 inches. The Tournament Director will announce prior to the start of the tournament, what constitutes a legal fish. The Tournament Director has the responsibility of determining if a fish is considered alive or dead at the weigh-in time. Any short fish will result in the loss of that fish, plus the angler's heaviest fish.
5. Black bass species only (largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass)
6. There will be an 8-ounce (.50 pound) penalty for each dead fish weighed in. That penalty will be deducted from the participant’s total weight. No one single fish will bear the total deduction of the dead fish penalty. e.g If an angler has only one fish in his bag, its weight as it pertains to the big fish pot is whatever is shown on the scales whether the fish is dead or alive. The weight on the scale (before the deduction) is the official weight of the big fish. The dead fish penalty of 8-ounces per fish will be subtracted after the total weight for all fish is determined. The final place standing weight will be determined after all deductions have been applied.
7. Late weigh-in penalty: The late weigh-in penalty will be a one pound deduction for each minute late up to 14 minutes; at 15 minutes, the angler will be disqualified. The time phase determination for this rule is under the direction of the Tournament Director.
8. Life Jackets must be worn while the boat is under the power of the outboard engine. Under power is defined as the outboard motor is in gear.
9. The boat must have a functioning kill switch and the boat operator must have the kill switch connected to the life vest when the outboard motor is in gear.
10. Each boater and member is required to know and obey all federal, state and local laws concerning fishing and boat operation.
11. The use of alcohol or illegal substances during tournament activities is not permitted - members violating this rule will be disqualified.
12. No fishing within 50 yards of an anchored boat.
13. Each boat operator is responsible for the wake of their boat.
14. Trolling is not allowed during a tournament as a means of fishing.
15. Each tournament participant must have an emergency contact sheet on file with the Tournament Director prior to fishing.
16. Each boat owner must have a copy of their boat owners insurance on file with the Tournament Director prior to the first tournament for which their boat will be utilized.
17. Each tournament participant must practice good sportsmanship and proper boating practices.
18. Protests must be brought to the attention of the Tournament Director no later than 15 minutes after the weigh-in is complete.
19. No participant may leave a tournament site until all participants are accounted for except in cases of illness or injury.
20. If a tournament participant leaves a tournament early, they are required to contact a club member before leaving.
21. There will be no culling of any type after the end of the official tournament hours. Culling is permitted anywhere during the regular tournament day. The culling of dead fish is not permitted at any time. Anglers must immediately begin the culling of their fish upon catching a fish that causes the angler to exceed the tournament limit.
22. The tournament director shall decide all weights and measurements at weigh-ins. All measurements are final. Fish length shall be measured by state regulations.
Section 2: Tournament Standard Operating Procedures:
To participate in a club tournament and receive club points each angler must pay $30. A $5 late fee will be charge for those members paying the day of the tournament. The co-angler will pay the boater $30 as consideration for gas. There will be one combined division which includes all Boaters and Co-Anglers in the club. When 17 members or less participates in the tournament, the club treasurer will pay first and second places plus the big fish of the tournament. The payout will be $16 per participant for the winner; $11 per participant for the second place finisher and $3 per participant for the big fish of the tournament. When 18 members or more participates in the tournament, the club treasurer will pay first, second and third places plus the big fish of the tournament. The payout will be $14 per participant for the winner; $10 per participant for the second place finisher; $4 per participant for the third place finisher and $2 per participant for the big fish of the tournament. Boat owners who are not paired with a co-angler can fish by themselves and are then required to pay the $30 entry fee. If several boat owners are not chosen, then they can fish together and boat expenses will be worked out between them. All declared boaters at the start of the year will fish the boater division for all tournaments. All declared Co-Anglers will fish the co-angler division for all tournaments. If there is no tournament winner or big fish then the money in those pots will be returned to the club.
1. Each tournament will be a one-day event with 8 hours of tournament fishing (unless changed by the Tournament Director).
2. The tournament field will be set by draw at the club meeting prior to the tournament. Each co-angler can opt to choose the boater they fish with for one (1) tournament during the year. Co-angler must state intention prior to the draw and the boater must approve of selection.
3. The start and end times for each tournament will be determined at the monthly meetings. The Tournament Director will announce the official time prior to launching the first boat.
4. The Tournament Director is responsible for determining that conditions are safe for fishing and can cancel, delay, shorten, etc. a tournament, if conditions are unsafe prior to beginning a tournament. If lightning or other unsafe conditions develop during the course of a tournament, all members are encouraged to seek cover immediately, including returning to a vehicle for cover until the danger passes and fishing can resume. Participants are encouraged to return to the check-in dock during dangerous conditions, as there will be no delay in ending a tournament time for check-in purposes.
5. At the club meeting before a tournament, all restricted areas will be designated. If a member is found to have fished inside the restricted area, they will be disqualified.
Section 3: Tournament and Club Scoring:
The Tournament Winner is based solely on total weight! Total weight is the actual pounds and ounces (measured in 100th of a pound) of a participants total minus any penalties.
1. Each participant receives 25 points for beginning a tournament.
2. All tournaments are based on a 100 point system. All anglers catching and weighing in legal fish are entitled to place points.
3. Place points and individual tournament scores are based on the combined weight of all fish brought to the scales for the tournament with the winner receiving the most points and the angler weighing in the lowest weight receiving the fewest available points.
4.100 place points will be awarded to the angler who wins the tournament followed by the remaining anglers based on the following scale:
a. 2nd - 5th three point increments
b. 6th - 10th two point increments
c. 11th- balance of the field, one point increments until end of the field
5. In the event of a tie, all tying anglers will receive the same points for the tied position and an equal number of positions will be skipped. The next angler will receive the position after the tie; i.e. two anglers tie for 10th place. Both anglers will receive the 10th place points. 11th place is skipped and the next angler receives points for 12th place, as if there was no tie.
6. End of year point tiebreakers shall be total weights from all tournaments during the season.
7. The tournament director will ensure that all weights are properly recorded and initialed.
8. Participation points and total tournament club points will be recorded in the tournament record book for each tournament.
ARTICLE 8: Mr. BASS and 6-Man Team Qualification
Section 1: Decision to participate in Mr. BASS and on the 6 Man Team
The top 8 club members of the club standings who qualify for the 6 Man Team and the Mr. BASS Tournaments have from the last club tournament until the 1st club meeting the following year to decide if they will participate in these tournaments. If they decide to participate, they must pay a refundable $50.00 deposit to hold their spot. All members who pay the deposit and fish the tournament will receive their deposit back. With the exception of emergencies, any member who agrees to participate and later changes their mind will not be refunded their deposit. If alternates are called upon to fish the tournament they will be required to pay the deposit as well.
ARTICLE 9- Classic Tournament
1. The Shady Tree Bassmasters “Classic” shall carry the name of “The Billy Summerlin Memorial Classic”
2. The “Classic” will determine the annual club championship. The “Classic” will be a 2-day non-points event scheduled at the end of the tournament year and will follow the same format as the regular season tournaments. All anglers will fish both days. All weights from day one carry over to day two. Tournament will pay top three (3) positions based on total weight for both days.
3. Launch order and pairings for the first day will be determined by draw at the meeting prior to the classic. The 1st day launch will be inverted for day two. Day 2 pairings will be drawn after 1st day weigh in.
4. The angler with the most weight on the 2nd day shall be considered club champion of for that year and will receive a trophy. The anglers with the largest fish, by weight, each day shall receive Big Fish payout of $50.00.
5. To qualify to fish in the “Classic”, members must meet club membership requirements as specified in ARTICLE 2, Section 2 of these by-laws. Members who do not qualify to fish the classic due to lack of participation in club tournaments may buy their way into the tournament by paying $25 for each tournament that was missed. The payment will be applied to tournament winnings for the classic based on the standard payout format. Members who do not have 5 other club events should present a detailed letter to the club body detailing reasons for lack of participation and requesting a waiver to be allowed to participate in this function
6. A letter may be sent to members whose status for fishing the classic may be in question.
7. A $50.00 entry fee will be required to be paid by each participant. Payout for tournament will be as follows:
$25 for 1st
$17 for 2nd
$8 for 3rd
8. Co-anglers will be required to adequately assist boaters with expenses.
9. Late fees collected during the tournament year will be added to the tournament prize fund and split evenly among the winners.
ARTICLE 10- Awards, Special Recognition
1. The Angler of the Year and Co-Angler of the Year title and final year end standings will be based on the member’s total club points for all tournaments.
2. The club will present plaques to recognize anglers for achievements such as tournament wins, AOY, C-AOY, Big Fish of the Year and Classic Champion. These plaques will be of the following minimum size: tournament wins- 8 x 10; Big Fish of the Year & Classic Champion- 9 x 12; C-AOY- 10 x 13 and the AOY- 12 x 15.
3. Club Dues, Expenses, and End of Year Prize Pool
a. Each year’s club dues are allocated to a pool to pay for that club year’s expenses.
b. At the February club meeting, the president will present to the membership an operating budget for the year that has been approved by the club officers.
c. All dues collected in excess of what is required for the budget will be allocated to a prize pool to be paid to the top finishers in points at the end of the year.
d. Prize pool distribution is dependent upon membership, and will be allocated as follows:
1-15 club members: 1st: 52%, 2nd, 32%, 3rd, 16%16+ club members: 1st: 45%, 2nd, 30%, 3rd, 15%, 4th, 10%e. Angler catching and weighing the largest fish of the season, dead or alive, will receive fifty dollars.
