TBF CLUB

BY LAWS OF

LAKE OCONEE BASSMASTERS, INC.

EATONTON GEORGIA 31024-6117

ARTICLE I – NAME and PURPOSE

Section 1 – Name

The office of the Lake Oconee Bassmasters, Inc. shall be located at 971 Madison Road, Eatonton Georgia 31024. The Corporation may also maintain offices at such other places within or without the United States as the Board of Directors may, from time to time, determine. The corporation shall be not-for-profit, but is organized to purse the promotion and awareness of fishing in the Lake Oconee area.

Section 2 - Purpose

To stimulate public awareness of bass fishing as a major sport. To offer our state conservation department our organized moral and political support and encouragement. To promote full adherence to all conservation codes and to demand adequate water standards. To detect and report any polluters and call public and political attention to his crime. To improve our skills as bass anglers through a fellowship of friendly exchange of expert bass-catching techniques and ideas, and to promote and encourage youth fishing, and a love for this great recreation. To function as a dynamic and effective link with our affiliated State Federation and other likeminded groups.

ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 – Number of Members

The Chapter shall begin with and maintain at least six members that are at least 16 years of age or older. The Chapter will not have more than forty-five (45) members at one time. Of this forty-five (45) thirty (30) will be boaters and ten (15) will be no-boaters. After the forty-five (45) members are obtained those desiring membership into the Chapter will be placed on a waiting list. As members are needed they will come from this list in numerical order.

Section 2 – Requirements for Membership

To become a chapter member, a person shall:

1. Voluntarily express a genuine interest in becoming a member.

2. Fish as a guest with a member in club tournament.

3. Be recommended by that member at the next regular monthly meeting.

4. Be voted on by membership. Vote shall be by secret ballot and affirmation must be unanimous.

5. Be not less than 16 years of age.

6. Be a member of The Bass Federation, Inc. (TBF, Inc.) and its home state federation approved industry partners. (See ARTICLE VI for affiliation requirements.)

Section 3 – Membership Dues

The membership dues shall be $50.00 annually, initially payable upon being voted into the chapter, $15.00 of which shall be for TBF National Federation dues and $35.00 of which shall be for chapter dues. FLW OUTDOORS standard membership dues are also required at the current rate. (See ARTICLE VI, Section 1 for state affiliation requirements.)

Section 4 - Meetings

The membership shall hold regular meetings at pre-established times.

1. ANNUAL MEETING - The annual meeting of the Members of the Corporation shall be held in November, for the purpose of electing directors, officers, and transacting such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

2. SPECIAL MEETING – Special meetings of the Members may be called at any time by a majority of the Board of Directors or by the President, and shall be called by the President or the Secretary at the written request of 51% of the current Members.

3. PLACE OF MEETING – All meetings of Members shall be held at the principal office of the Corporation, or at such other place as shall be designated in writing in the notice of said meetings.

4. NOTICE OF MEETINGS – Notice of any special meeting of Members shall be in writing or stated by the Secretary at the two regular club meetings immediately preceding said special meeting and shall state the purpose for which the meeting is called.

5. QUORUM – At all meetings of Members a majority of the current Members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and no resolution or business shall be transacted without the favorable vote of the holders of a majority of the Members represented at the meeting and entitled to vote.

6. VOTING – Each current member shall be entitled to one vote. Proxy votes are permitted as long as it is signed by you and in a sealed envelope and received before the meeting of the vote. Proxy votes will be permitted by e-mail if they are received by the Tuesday before the Wednesday meeting and a receipt in both directions is requested.

ARTICLE III – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1 – Duties and Powers

Subject to these By Laws, the full and entire management of the affairs and business of the Corporation shall be vested in the Board of Directors, which shall have and may exercise all of the powers that may be exercised or preformed by the Corporation. A majority of said Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. All resolutions adopted and all business transacted by the Board of Directors shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of the Directors present at the meeting.

Section 2 – Number and Term

The Board of Directors shall consist of eight (8) members who shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Tournament Director and three (3) other members from the general Membership of the Corporation who shall be elected at an annual meeting of the Members and serve for a term of one year and until their successors are elected. The Directors may fill the place of any Director, which may become vacant prior to the expiration of his term; such appointment by the Directors to continue until the expiration of the term of the Director whose place has become vacant.

Section 3 – Meetings

The Directors shall meet annually, without notice, at the same place as and following the annual meeting of the Members. Special meetings of the Directors may be called at any time by the President or by any four (4) Directors, on two (2) days notice, which notice shall specify the time and place of the meeting. Any action to be taken at a meeting of the Directors may be taken without a meeting if consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all the Directors.

Section 4 – Removal and Compensation

Any Director may be removed from office, with or without cause, upon the majority vote of the current Members, at a meeting with respect to which notice of such purpose if given. Directors shall not be compensated for attending meetings or other duties, except that which approval of the current Members they may be reimbursed for expenses associated with their official duties.

ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS

Section 1 – Officers

The officers of the corporation shall consist of a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, a Tournament Director, and a Treasurer. The Board of Directors shall present the slate of officers and the current Members shall approve said slate as a whole. Said officers shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.

Section 2 – President

The president shall be the chief executive of the corporation and shall have general and active management of the operation of the corporation. He shall be responsible for the administration of the corporation, including general supervision of the policies of the corporation, general and active management of the financial affairs of the corporation, and shall preside at all meetings of the corporation.

Section 3 – Vice president

The Vice President shall be the chief assistant to the President, shall fill in for the President when the President is unable or unwilling to fulfill his/her duties, and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as may from time to time be delegated to him by the President or the Board of Directors.

Section 4 – Secretary

The Secretary shall keep minutes of the Annual Meeting or any Special Meeting of the Members and directors and have charge of the minute book and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as may from time to time be delegated to him by the President or the Board of Directors.

Section 5 – Treasurer

The Treasurer shall be charged with the management of the financial affairs of the Corporation and shall have the power of recommending action concerning the Corporation affairs to the President.

Section 6 – Tournament Director

The Tournament Director will be charged with the management of all the Corporation tournaments and enforce all tournament rules. Also to investigate all protest concerning tournaments and make recommendations to the Board of Directors.

Section 7 – Assistant Tournament Director

The Assistant Tournament Director shall be charged with helping the Tournament Director with the management of all the Corporation tournaments and to act as Director in his absence.

Section 8 – Youth Director

The Youth Director shall be charged with the management of all youth activities of the Corporation.

Section 9 – Conservation Director

The Conservation Director shall be charged as the liaison between the Corporation and state and national conservation/environmental agencies. Plan corporation conservation projects and attend all local and state conservation meetings/hearings.

Section 10 – Removal and Compensation

Any Officer may be removed from office, with or without cause, upon the majority vote of the current Members, at a meeting with respect to which notice of such purpose if given. Officers shall not be compensated for attending meetings or other duties, except that with approval of the current Members they may be reimbursed for expenses associated with their official duties.

Section 11 – Election

The election of officers shall be held annually at a regular meeting during the month of November. Election shall be by simple majority of members present. Election for each officer shall be held separately.

Section 12 – Eligibility of Vote

Each member is entitled to one vote. Proxy votes are permitted as long as it is signed by you and in a sealed envelope and received before the meeting of the vote. Proxy votes will be permitted by e-mail if they are received by the Tuesday before the Wednesday meeting and a receipt in both directions is requested.

Section 13 – Term of Office

The term of office is for one year, which shall begin on the First day of December, and end on the last meeting day of November, or until the successor assumes office.

Section 14 – Vacancies

In the event of an office becoming vacant, nomination shall be asked for and an election held to fill the unexpired term of the individual vacating the office. THE Bass FEDERATION, INC. headquarters and the Georgia Bass Chapter Federation shall be notified immediately of the change.

Section 15 – Eligibility for Holding Office

To be eligible for an office a member must:

1. Have been members for six months. (Six months’ requirement waived during first 12 months of chapter existence.)

2. Have attended at least 75% of the corporations meeting and 75% of corporation’s functions during a 12 – month period.

3. Have shown an active interest in all corporations’ functions.

4. Maintain current FLW OUTDOORS membership.

ARTICLE V – REMOVAL OF MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 – Removal of Membership

A member shall be dropped from the membership roll for the following:

1. Failure to pay dues.

2. Any action, which would reflect dishonor and disgrace on the corporation and/or Georgia Bass Chapter Federation or THE BASS FEDERATION, Inc.

3. Failure to attend 50% of the chapter meetings and 50% of chapter functions during a 12-month period.

4. Disqualification for any reason from participating in TBF, Inc. sponsored events including disqualification for the use of drugs or alcohol.

ARTICLE VI – AFFILIATION

Section 1 – Requirements for Affiliation

1. Approval of Chapter Bylaws by TBF, Inc.

2. Update TBF, Inc. with chapter membership roster once each year upon receipt of current TBF roster at years ends.

3. Name and addresses of new members joining the chapter during the year must be submitted to State TBF, Inc. Federation as they occur. (See ARTICLE II Section 3 for dues requirements.)

4. Maintain 100% TBF, Inc. /FLW OUTDOORS membership.

5. Must affiliate with TBF, Inc. affiliated State Federation and support its conservation and youth programs. Any additional requirements that the State Federation establishes for chapters, such as membership, dues, attendance at meetings, etc., would be necessary for the chapter to participate in the State TBF, Inc. qualifying tournament(s), and any other TBF, Inc. sponsored tournaments or events.

ARTICLE VII – METHOD OF AMENDING THE BYLAWS

Section 1 – Amending the Bylaws

The bylaws and Tournament Rules can be amended at the November meeting be a 2/3 vote of the members present, provided written notice of the proposed amendment has been presented to the membership at the October regular meeting. Unless something from the Federation is mandated that will need to be changed before the years end.

ARTICLE VIII – SHARES OF STOCK

There shall be no certificates of stock.

ARTICLE IX – CONTRACTS, DEEDS, LOANS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITS

Section 1 – Execution by President

The President of the Corporation is hereby authorized to enter into execute and deliver any agreements and contracts in the name of the Corporation that are in pursuit of the corporation goals.

Section 2 – Loans and Evidence of Indebtedness

No loans shall be contracted on behalf of the Corporation and no evidences of indebtedness shall be issued in its name unless authorized by a resolution of the Board of Directors, which has been approved by the current Members at a meeting called for such purpose. Such authority shall be confined to specific instances, and the President shall sign any evidence of indebtedness authorized by the Board.

Section 3 – Checks and Drafts

Any two officers shall sign all checks, drafts or other orders for payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Corporation. Debit Card will be held by the Treasurer and used for making room reservations and paying Federation dues. If the officer holding the Debit Card is not the Treasurer they can not make any charges until Treasurer has approved the transaction. If Treasurer in not available it will then take the approval of two other officers or Board members before making a transaction with the card.

Section 4 – Deposits

All funds of the Corporation shall be deposited by the Treasurer from time to time to the credit of the Corporation in such banks, trust companies, or other depositaries as the Board of Directors may select.

ARTICLE X – FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the Corporation shall begin December 1 of each year and shall end November 30, of each year.

ARTICLE XI – SEAL

The Seal of the Corporation shall be in such form as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine. In the event it is inconvenient to use such a seal at any time, the signature of the company followed by the word “seal” enclosed in parentheses or scroll shall be deemed the seal of the Corporation. The seal shall be in the custody of the Secretary and affixed by him on appropriate papers.

ARTICLE XII – AMENDMENT

These By Laws may be amended by a majority vote of the current Members.

READ, APPROVED, AGREED TO AND ADOPTED BY THE UNDERSIGNED

THIS 3rd DAY OF December, 2008.

________________________ _________________________

George Grantham Alan Shultz

________________________ _________________________

Wayne Barr Ed Fritch

________________________ _________________________

Leo Sauer Tony Beck

________________________ _________________________

Bill Shaw Bill Brantley

Lake Oconee Bassmasters, Inc.

Seal

Amended March 5, 2003 Amended December 1, 2004 Amended September 7, 2005 Amended April 5, 2006

Amended November 1, 2006 Amended November 7, 2007 Amended November 5, 2008

LAKE OCONEE BASS MASTERS, INC

TOURNAMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS

RULES: Great effort, study and research have gone into the formation of these rules. The tournament rules are not subject to protest. Interpretation of these rules shall be left exclusively to the tournament director and the Board of Directors of the Lake Oconee Bass Masters, Inc, and their decision shall be final in all matters.
PARTICIPANTS AND ELIGIBILITY: Participation in this tournament is open only to members of the Lake Oconee Bass Masters, Inc or guest. Prospective members 16 years old and older can only fish one (1) tournament before they have to join the club. Each participant is required to present a valid Georgia Fishing License, a current FLW OUTDOOR’S CARD, and if furnishing a boat, their boat registration, and proof of $300,000.00 Watercraft Liability Insurance or $100,000.00 of WLI backed by a $1 million Home Owners “Umbrella Policy” . To enter the tournament a members must have paid his yearly dues. Guest may only be invited to fish when the club has reached and is maintaining a 2 to 1 boater to non-boater ratio.
ENTRY FEE: The entry fee is $30.00 for each angler. All entry fees will be paid at club meeting before tournament. There will be no refunds except in the case of an emergency. Exceptions to this will be granted on a case-by-case basis by the Tournament Director and or Board of Directors.
SPORTSMANSHIP: Competitors in all Lake Oconee Bass Masters, Inc club tournaments are expected to follow high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy, safety and conservation. Any infraction of these fundamental sporting principles may be deemed cause for disqualification. Maximum courtesy must be practiced at all times, especially with regard to boating and angling in the vicinity of non-competitors who are on tournament waters. Any act of a competitor that reflects unfavorably upon the club’s efforts to promote fisheries, conservation, clean waters, and sportsmanship shall be reason for immediate disqualification.
ILLEGAL DURGS AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: The possession or consumption of illegal drugs and or alcoholic beverages during the tournament or a drunken condition exhibited by any competitor due to previous consumption of alcoholic beverages or drugs will not be tolerated and shall be cause for automatic disqualification from this and all future club tournaments.
SAFETY: Safe boating conduct must be observed at all times by all tournament competitors. Each competitor is required to wear a coast guard approved chest-type life preserver (PDF). This preserver must be worn any time the combustion engine is operating. The preserver must be strapped, snapped, or zipped securely and maintained in that condition until the competitor reaches his fishing location and the combustion engine is shut off.
BASIC BOAT EQUIPMENT: Every boat must have all required Coast Guard safety equipment including an operating kill switch. The kill switch must be attached to the driver at all times the big engine is in use. In addition, each must have a functional live-well space, properly aerated to adequately maintain alive a limit catch of bass by both fishermen using the boat. Tournament official shall have the sole responsibility for determining whether aeration and capacity are “proper and adequate”.
BOAT AND MOTOR: All boats offered for use in a Lake Oconee Bass Masters, INC Tournament must meet the standards of the U S Coast Guard and the state of Georgia. All boats must be equipped with some type of ignition “KILL” switch. All boats must be 16 feet on more in length. Horsepower of the principal power source shall be within the USCG rating as designated on the manufacturers rating plate and shall not be less than 75 horsepower. Boats with “Stick Steering”, “barges” or similar cumbersome craft shall not be permitted in the tournament. Gas must be stored only in factory-installed tanks. A small electric motor may be used for slow maneuvering. Trolling as a method of fishing is prohibited. A competitor furnishing a boat and motor shall be expected to make that boat and motor available for tournament use by him/herself and his/her daily partner. Competitors not furnishing a boat and motor shall be paired with those who are. Tournament boats MUST be equipped with a chair type seat on the rear deck and a large empty compartment for the use of the non-boater partner.
BOAT INSPECTION: Each boat will be inspected by the Tournament Director for the items enumerated in paragraphs 5, 6, 7, 8, to determine they are present or not present and in operation order on tournament day.
BOAT OPERATION AND EXPENSES: A full discussion must be held between the two partners prior to a morning departure as to schedule of boat operation and fishing locations. This schedule must permit each partner equal time to fish from the front of the boat and operate the trolling motor. If the contestant waives these rights he/she shall nevertheless retain the right to select the fishing waters for one-half of that tournament day. Any contestant who in the judgment of the officials operates the boat in such a manner as to unfairly handicap his/her partner shall be disqualified. The boat must remain in the tournament waters during the tournament day. Contestants must leave and return to the official checkpoint by boat. Both competitors must remain in the boat at all times except of dire emergency. In such an emergency competitors may be removed from their boat to a boat operated by other competitors or to a rescue boat so designated by tournament officials. Partners must remain together at all times, in sight of each other and each other’s catch, under the condition cited above, in order for their catch of the day to be scored in the tournament. If a competitor must violate any of the above conditions due to an emergency or any other reason, his/her catch of the day shall not be counted in the tournament. Tailoring of boats during tournament hours is prohibited. In view of the expense of operating a tournament bass boat, it is suggested that the non-boater partner, as a minimum, pay the owner partner $30.00 for the competition day.
OFFICIAL CHECKPOINTS: MORNING – Each contestant must be in the water with his/her partner 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of the tournament. EVENING – The boater pair must check in with the tournament director or his appointed representative no later than the check-in time announced for tournament.
TACKLE AND EQUIPMENT: Only artificial lures may be used. Neither live bait nor prepared bait will be permitted with the exception of pork strips, rinds, etc. Only casting, spin casting or spinning rods, not in excess of 8 feet in length, with appropriate reels may be used. All other types are prohibited. Only one rod and reel is permitted in use at any given time, however, other rigs as specified may be in the boat ready for use. Nets may be used to land fish but NOT GAFFS or GRIPPERS.
PERMITTED FISHING LOCATIONS: Fishing on the tournament waters is permitted anywhere except in designated off-limits areas or within 50 yards of the tournament marina or boat ramp, or within 50 yards of another competitor’s boat whish was first anchored. No anchored boat shall permit selected competitors to fish within a 50-yard radius claimed by her/him to exclusion of any other competitor. Maneuvering boats shall be followed no closer than 50 yards. All angling must be done from the boat. Competitors wishing to change fish habitat by placing any object in the tournament waters may do so if such action does not violate state or federal regulations. Contestants must not leave the boat to land a fish. All bass must be caught live and in a conventional sporting manner.
DRAWING: The drawing for partners will be conducted at the club meeting prior to the tournament. Non-Boater partners will be paired and then the remaining boaters will have the choice to pair. If you will not be at that meeting it is your responsibility to let someone know before that monthly meeting if you are going to fish that tournament and if you will be fishing as a boater or non-boater. If you were not in the draw because you were not sure if you could fish and things change so you can you need to call the tournament director on later than Friday before tournament and see if there is a empty spot as a no boater for you to fish. If not and you have a boat you can fish as a boater. No two competitors shall be allowed to fish together two consecutive months in a row. It shall be the responsibility of each partner to appear at a mutual agreed upon location in time to check out through the official checkpoint/inspection station and be started from the release point on time. Tournament officials shall have no responsibility for finding missing partners. It is suggested that a minimum of 30 minutes be allowed for preparation, boat and equipment inspection and departure to the check-out/start point. After draw is completed no changes can be made. All pairing will be done by a draw. It will be the responsibility of the non-boater partner to check with his boater partner the morning of tournament before arriving at ramp to be sure he is in route and on time, if not you need to call the tournament director or a club officer for instructions. It is the boater partner’s responsibility to let the non-boater partner, tournament director, or a club officer know as soon as he knows that he is going to be late or will not be at the tournament.
SCORING: Tournament winners, Tournament yearly standings, and auxiliary awards will be determined by the pounds and hundredths of pounds (or ounces) of weight of each competitor’s catch. Only Largemouth, Spotted, Red Eye, Shoal, or Smallmouth bass will be weighed. The limit shall be five (5) totals of the above species and varieties per day, unless otherwise specified by tournament officials. The prevailing statutes and regulations of various states within which we fish bind all competitors. The Tournament Director will announce the length limits prior to the start of the tournament. At no time shall a competitor have in his/her possession more than the limit described above. When possession limit (5 fish) is reached the competitor will start culling with the next fish caught. CULLING OF DEAD FISH IS NOT ALLOWED. In the event a competitor has more than five fish in his/her possession at weigh-in the tournament officials shall cull the largest bass first down to the limit described. Fish shall be measured on a flat board on the longest straight line. Fish which fail to measure the minimum length shall accrue a penalty of one pound and all such fish shall be disallowed. Any time a short fish is protested the Tournament Director and 1 club officer will make the decision and the decision will be final. This penalty shall be deducted from the total score of the competitor. Anyone attempting to alter a fish shall be subject to disqualification. Any bass that appears to have been mangled, mashed, mauled or otherwise altered shall be weighted and credited only at the discretion of weigh-in officials. Each competitor must present his/her catch to the weigh-in officials. Contestants must not allow any bass they catch to be counted on the score of another contestant. In such a case, both contestants shall be disqualified from this tournament. After the competitor has delivered his/her catch to the weigh master, he/she may not touch said catch until the weigh-in procedure is completed. The bass caught must not be stringered together at any time. Individual identification markers are allowed. Competitors will transport their catch from the boat to the weigh-in line in water filled plastic bags provided by the Lake Oconee Bass Masters, INC.
DON’T KILL YOUR CATCH: Each competitor is expected to keep his bass alive by use of a properly aerated live well. Do not clip fins as a means of identification.
DEAD FISH PENTALTY: For each legal bass weighed in dead the competitor shall be penalized .25 hundredths of a pound (1/4 lb.) of weight. The Tournament Director and his designated appointees have the sole authority for issuing penalties. All live fish shall be returned to the fishing water except for a trophy fish (minimum 5 lb), which may be kept for mounting.
LATE PENALTY: Any competitor who is not at the official check-in point as described in rule 11 at the appointed time shall be penalized at the rate of one pound per minute late to be deducted from the total weight of his/her catch that day, including any weight to be counted toward a “lurker” award. Any competitor more than 15 minutes late shall lose all credit for the day’s catch. There shall be no excuse for tardiness and if you are not at the MORNING check point at start time you will be disqualified in no case shall a competitor be allowed to make up “lost time”. All fishing must cease upon check-in.
TIES: Incase of a tie for any place, the tie breakers will be as follows: A – The contestant with the largest, if known. B – The contestant with the greater number of live fish. C – The contestant with the greater number of fish. D – A flip of the coin will resolve any yet unbroken ties, the next position down will be awarded to the person eliminated by the tiebreakers.
COMMUNICATIONS: There will be no communications, visually, vocally, or electronically between contestants and non-contestants during the competition hours concerning the fishing conditions, locations, situations, etc.
PROTEST: Any protest must be submitted to the Tournament Director no later than 30 minutes after the protester has weighed his fish.
PAY OUT: 1^st Place – $100 2^nd Place - $65 3^rd Place - $35
OPTIONAL BIG FISH POT: An optional yearly big fish pot will be maintained by the club, for members who wish to participate. To gain admission a member must pay the yearly fee of $30.00 at the beginning of the tournament year. A member can also gain admission any time of the year if they pay the $30.00 fee before catching a bass 5 lbs or more. The angle catching the largest bass (minimum 5 lbs.) of the tournament year will be awarded the big fish pot. If a Bass of at least 5 lbs is not caught during the tournament year, the pot will carry over to the next year. No payments will be made to any member who has not paid the yearly fee.

NO FISH CAUGHT: If no fish are weighed in at a club tournament $15.00 of the $30.00 entry fee of each angler that fished that day will be applied towards their next tournament.
TOURNAMENTS: All tournaments shall be at least 8 hour in length. Tournament schedules cannot be changed except in case of dire emergency (Dangerous lake conditions, hazardous traveling conditions, tornado, etc.).The start time for a tournament can be delayed for up to 2 hours due to bad weather. The delay time will be added to the end of tournament to allow for the 8 hour tournament rule (safe light permitting). After a 2 hour delay the tournament will be canceled and rescheduled. A tournament may be canceled due to dangerous weather conditions by a majority vote of those members present and voting at a special election called by the Executive Board and Tournament Director at tournament start time. When the weather forecast project hazardous conditions for traveling to the tournament (roads iced over, snow, tornado, etc.) the Tournament Director for that tournament and Executive Board members fishing that tournament will make the decision to cancel the tournament 2 hours before travel time is scheduled to start or no later than 4:00 am. The Tournament Director and Board members fishing will call each member that is scheduled to fish and advise them of the decision to cancel the tournament.
QUALIFICATION FOR TOP SIX CLASSIC: Members will qualify for the Top Six Classic by being in the top 6 in the standing at the end of the regular tournament schedule. Members must have also attended 7 meetings and fished 7 tournaments during the year.
COURTESY MEASURE: A courtesy measure must be requested before bring fish to scales. Only 1 fish will be allowed a courtesy measure.

Revised: 12-03-2003

Revised: 11-01-2004

Revised: 07-07-2005

Revised: 10-05-2005

Revised: 11-02-2005

Revised: 02-02-2006

Revised: 11-01-2006
Revised: 11-07-2007
Revised: 11-05-2008

Lake Oconee Bassmasters, Inc.

Seal

BY LAWS OF

LAKE OCONEE BASSMASTERS, INC.

EATONTON GEORGIA 31024-6117

BASS CLUB

BY LAWS OF

LAKE OCONEE BASS CLUB, Inc

EATONTON GEORGIA 31024-6117

ARTICLE I – NAME and PURPOSE

Section 1 – Name

The office of the Lake Oconee Bass Club shall be located at 971 Madison Road, Eatonton Georgia 31024. The Corporation may also maintain offices at such other places within or without of the United States as the Board of Directors may, from time to time, determine. The corporation shall be not-for-profit, but is organized to purse the promotion and awareness of fishing in the Lake Oconee area.

Section 2 - Purpose

To stimulate public awareness of bass fishing as a major sport. To offer our state conservation department our organized moral and political support and encouragement. To promote full adherence to all conservation codes and to demand adequate water standards. To detect and report any polluters and call public and political attention to his/her crime. To improve our skills as bass anglers through a fellowship of friendly exchange of expert bass-catching techniques and ideas, and to promote and encourage youth fishing, and a love for this great recreation. To function as a dynamic and effective link with other chapters of the GEORGIA B.A.S.S. FEDERATION NATION embracing the principles and purposes of BASS®.

ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 – Number of Members

The Chapter shall begin with and maintain at least six members. The Chapter will not have more than forty-five (45) members at one time. Of this forty-five (45) thirty (30) will be boaters and ten (15) will be no-boaters. After the forty-five (45) members are obtained those desiring membership into the Chapter will be placed on a waiting list. As members are needed they will come from this list in numerical order.

Section 2 – Requirements for Membership

To become a chapter member, a person shall:

1. Voluntarily express a genuine interest in membership.

2. Fish as a guest with a member in club tournament.

3. Be recommended by that member at the next regular monthly meeting.

4. Be voted on by membership. Vote shall be by secret ballot and affirmation must be unanimous.

5. Be not less than 16 years of age.

6. Be a member of BASS. (See ARTICLE VI for affiliation requirements.)

Section 3 – Requirements for Junior Membership*

To become a junior member of an adult chapter, a person shall:

1. Voluntarily express a genuine interest in membership.

2. Be under 16 years of age.

*Junior members are not required to pay national membership dues and are not entitled to benefits of a regular member. The acceptance of junior members will not affect a club’s liability insurance policy. Junior members are not covered by the accidental death and dismemberment policy. Junior members may not hold office in an adult club nor may they be voting members. At age 16, junior members may continue membership by joining the club as a regular member. Junior membership ceases on a person’s 16^th birthday.

Section 4 – Membership Dues

The membership dues shall be $60.00 annually, initially payable upon being voted into the chapter, $20.00 of which shall be for BASS National Federation dues, $10.00 of which shall be for Georgia B.A.S.S. Federation Nation State Federation dues, and $30.00 of which shall be for chapter dues. BASS membership dues are also required at the current rate. (See ARTICLE VI, Section 1 for state affiliation requirements.)

Section 5 - Meetings

The membership shall hold regular meetings at pre-established times.

3. PLACE OF MEETING – All meetings of Members shall be held at the principal office of the Corporation, or at such other place as shall be designated in writing in the notice of said meetings.

ARTICLE III – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1 – Duties and Powers

Section 2 – Number and Term

Section 3 – Meetings

Section 4 – Removal and Compensation

ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS

Section 1 – Officers

Section 2 – President

Section 3 – Vice president

Section 4 – Secretary

Section 5 – Treasurer

The Treasurer shall be charged with the management of the financial affairs of the Corporation and shall have the power of recommending action concerning the Corporation affairs to the President.

Section 6 – Tournament Director

Section 7 – Assistant Tournament Director

The Assistant Tournament Director shall be charged with helping the Tournament Director with the management of all the Corporation tournaments and to act as Director in his absence.

Section 8 – Youth Director

The Youth Director shall be charged with the management of all youth activities of the Corporation.

Section 9 – Conservation Director

Section 10 – Removal and Compensation

Section 11 – Election

Section 12 – Eligibility of Vote

Section 13 – Term of Office

The term of office is for one year, which shall begin on the First day of December, and end on the last meeting day of November, or until the successor assumes office.

Section 14 – Vacancies

In the event of an office becoming vacant, nomination shall be asked for and an election held to fill the unexpired term of the individual vacating the office. National BASS headquarters shall be notified immediately of the change.

Section 15 – Eligibility for Holding Office

To be eligible for an office a member must:

1. Have been members for six months. (Six months’ requirement waived during first 12 months of chapter existence.)

2. Have attended at least 75% of the corporations meeting and 75% of corporation’s functions during a 12 – month period.

3. Have shown an active interest in all corporations’ functions.

4. Maintain current BASS membership.

ARTICLE V – REMOVAL OF MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 – Removal of Membership

A member shall be dropped from the membership roll for the following:

1. Failure to pay dues.

2. Any action, which would reflect dishonor and disgrace on the corporation and/or BASS.

3. Failure to attend 50% of the chapter meetings and 50% of chapter functions during a 12-month period.

4. Disqualification for any reason from participating in BASS-sponsored events including disqualification for the use of drugs or alcohol.

ARTICLE VI – AFFILIATION

Section 1 – Requirements for Affiliation

1. Approval of Chapter Charter by BASS.

2. Update BASS with chapter membership roster once each year upon receipt of current BASS roster at year’s end.

3. Name and addresses of new members joining the chapter during the year must be submitted to BASS as they occur. (See ARTICLE II Section 3 for dues requirements.)

4. Maintain 100% B.A.S.S. membership.

5. Must affiliate with State Federation and support its conservation and youth programs. Any additional requirements that the State Federation establishes for chapters, such as membership, dues, attendance at meetings, etc., would be necessary for the chapter to participate in the State Federation qualifying tournament(s), and any other Federation sponsored tournaments or events.

ARTICLE VII – METNOD OF AMENDING THE BYLAWS

Section 1 – Amending the Bylaws

The bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting be a 2/3 vote of the members present, provided written notice of the proposed amendment has been presented to the membership at least one regular meeting prior to the vote.

ARTICLE VIII – SHARES OF STOCK

There shall be no certificates of stock.

ARTICLE IX – CONTRACTS, DEEDS, LOANS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITS

Section 1 – Execution by President

The President of the Corporation is hereby authorized to enter into execute and deliver any agreements and contracts in the name of the Corporation that are in pursuit of the corporation goals.

Section 2 – Loans and Evidence of Indebtedness

Section 3 – Checks and Drafts

Any two officers shall sign all checks, drafts or other orders for payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Corporation.

Section 4 – Deposits

ARTICLE X – FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the Corporation shall begin December 1 of each year and shall end November 30, of each year.

ARTICLE XI – SEAL

ARTICLE XII – AMENDMENT

These By Laws may be amended by a majority vote of the current Members.

READ, APPROVED, AGREED TO AND ADOPTED BY THE UNDERSIGNED

THIS____3rd__ DAY OF ____December________, 2008.

________________________ _________________________

George Grantham Alan Shultz

________________________ _________________________

Wayne Barr Ed Fritch

________________________ _________________________

Leo Sauer Bill Brantley

________________________ _________________________

Tony Beck

Lake Oconee Bassmasters, Inc.

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Amended November 7, 2007 Amended November 5, 2008

LAKE OCONEE BASS CLUB

TOURNAMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS

RULES: Great effort, study and research have gone into the formation of these rules. The tournament rules are not subject to protest. Interpretation of these rules shall be left exclusively to the tournament director and the Board of Directors of the Lake Oconee Bass Club and their decision shall be final in all matters.
PARTICIPANTS AND ELIGIBILITY: Participation in this tournament is open only to members of the Lake Oconee Bass Club or guest. Prospective members 16 years old and older can only fish one (1) tournament before they have to join the club. Each participant is required to present a valid Georgia Fishing License, a current Bass Card, and if furnishing a boat, their boat registration, and proof of $300.00.00 Watercraft Liability Insurance or $100,000.00 of WLI backed by a $1 million home Owners “Umbrella Policy” . To enter the tournament a members must have paid his yearly dues. Guest may only be invited to fish when the club has reached and is maintaining a 2 to 1 boater to non-boater ratio.
ENTRY FEE: The entry fee is $30.00 for each angler. All entry fees will be paid at club meeting before tournament. There will be no refunds except in the case of an emergency. Exceptions to this will be granted on a case-by-case basis by the Tournament Director and or Board of Directors.
SPORTSMANSHIP: Competitors in all Lake Oconee Bass Club, club tournaments are expected to follow high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy, safety and conservation. Any infraction of these fundamental sporting principles may be deemed cause for disqualification. Maximum courtesy must be practiced at all times, especially with regard to boating and angling in the vicinity of non-competitors who are on tournament waters. Any act of a competitor that reflects unfavorably upon the club’s efforts to promote fisheries, conservation, clean waters, and sportsmanship shall be reason for immediate disqualification.
ILLEGAL DURGS AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: The possession or consumption of illegal drugs and or alcoholic beverages during the tournament or a drunken condition exhibited by any competitor due to previous consumption of alcoholic beverages or drugs will not be tolerated and shall be cause for automatic disqualification from this and all future club tournaments.
SAFETY: Safe boating conduct must be observed at all times by all tournament competitors. Each competitor is required to wear a coast guard approved chest-type life preserver (PDF). This preserver must be worn any time the combustion engine is operating. The preserver must be strapped, snapped, or zipped securely and maintained in that condition until the competitor reaches his fishing location and the combustion engine is shut off.
BASIC BOAT EQUIPMENT: Every boat must have all required Coast Guard safety equipment including an operating kill switch. The kill switch must be attached to the driver at all times the big engine is in use. In addition, each must have a functional live-well space, properly aerated to adequately maintain alive a limit catch of bass by both fishermen using the boat. Tournament official shall have the sole responsibility for determining whether aeration and capacity are “proper and adequate”.
BOAT AND MOTOR: All boats offered for use in a Lake Oconee Bass Masters, INC Tournament must meet the standards of the U S Coast Guard and the state of Georgia. All boats must be equipped with some type of ignition “KILL” switch. All boats must be 16 feet on more in length. Horsepower of the principal power source shall be within the USCG rating as designated on the manufacturers rating plate and shall not be less than 75 horsepower. Boats with “Stick Steering”, “barges” or similar cumbersome craft shall not be permitted in the tournament. Gas must be stored only in factory-installed tanks. A small electric motor may be used for slow maneuvering. Trolling as a method of fishing is prohibited. A competitor furnishing a boat and motor shall be expected to make that boat and motor available for tournament use by him/herself and his/her daily partner. Competitors not furnishing a boat and motor shall be paired with those who are. Tournament boats MUST be equipped with a chair type seat on the rear deck and a large empty compartment for the use of the non-boater partner.
BOAT INSPECTION: Each boat will be inspected by the Tournament Director for the items enumerated in paragraphs 5, 6, 7, 8, to determine they are present or not present and in operation order on tournament day.
BOAT OPERATION AND EXPENSES: A full discussion must be held between the two partners prior to a morning departure as to schedule of boat operation and fishing locations. This schedule must permit each partner equal time to fish from the front of the boat and operate the trolling motor. If the contestant waives these rights he/she shall nevertheless retain the right to select the fishing waters for one-half of that tournament day. Any contestant who in the judgment of the officials operates the boat in such a manner as to unfairly handicap his/her partner shall be disqualified. The boat must remain in the tournament waters during the tournament day. Contestants must leave and return to the official checkpoint by boat. Both competitors must remain in the boat at all times except of dire emergency. In such an emergency competitors may be removed from their boat to a boat operated by other competitors or to a rescue boat so designated by tournament officials. Partners must remain together at all times, in sight of each other and each other’s catch, under the condition cited above, in order for their catch of the day to be scored in the tournament. If a competitor must violate any of the above conditions due to an emergency or any other reason, his/her catch of the day shall not be counted in the tournament. Trailering of boats during tournament hours is prohibited. In view of the expense of operating a tournament bass boat, it is suggested that the non-boater partner, as a minimum, pay the owner partner $30.00 for the competition day.
OFFICIAL CHECKPOINTS: MORNING – Each contestant must be in the water with his/her partner 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of the tournament. EVENING – The boater pair must check in with the tournament director or his appointed representative no later than the check-in time announced for tournament.
TACKLE AND EQUIPMENT: Only artificial lures may be used. Neither live bait nor prepared bait will be permitted with the exception of pork strips, rinds, etc. Only casting, spin casting or spinning rods, not in excess of 8 feet in length, with appropriate reels may be used. All other types are prohibited. Only one rod and reel is permitted in use at any given time, however, other rigs as specified may be in the boat ready for use. Nets may be used to land fish but NOT GAFFS or GRIPPERS.
PERMITTED FISHING LOCATIONS: Fishing on the tournament waters is permitted anywhere except in designated off-limits areas or within 50 yards of the tournament marina or boat ramp, or within 50 yards of another competitor’s boat whish was first anchored. No anchored boat shall permit selected competitors to fish within a 50-yard radius claimed by her/him to exclusion of any other competitor. Maneuvering boats shall be followed no closer than 50 yards. All angling must be done from the boat. Competitors wishing to change fish habitat by placing any object in the tournament waters may do so if such action does not violate state or federal regulations. Contestants must not leave the boat to land a fish. All bass must be caught live and in a conventional sporting manner.
DRAWING: The drawing for partners will be conducted at the club meeting prior to the tournament. Non-Boater partners will be paired first and then the remaining Boaters will have the choice to pair. If you will not be at that meeting it is your responsibility to let someone know before that monthly meeting if you are going to fish that tournament and if you will be fishing as a boater or non-boater. If you were not in the draw because you were not sure if you could fish and things change so you can you need to call the tournament director no later than Friday before tournament and see if there is a empty spot as a no boater for you to fish. If not and you have a boat you can fish as a boater. No two competitors shall be allowed to fish together two consecutive months in a row. It shall be the responsibility of each partner to appear at a mutual agreed upon location in time to check out through the official checkpoint/inspection station and be started from the release point on time. Tournament officials shall have no responsibility for finding missing partners. It is suggested that a minimum of 30 minutes be allowed for preparation, boat and equipment inspection and departure to the check-out/start point. After draw is completed no changes can be made. All pairing will be done by a draw. It will be the responsibility of the non-boater partner to check with his boater partner the morning of tournament before arriving at ramp to be sure he is in route and on time, if not you need to call the tournament director or a club officer for instructions. It is the boater partner’s responsibility to let the non-boater partner, tournament director, or a club officer know as soon as he knows that he is going to be late or will not be at the tournament.
SCORING: Tournament winners, Tournament yearly standings, and auxiliary awards will be determined by the pounds and hundredths of pounds (or ounces) of weight of each competitor’s catch. Only Largemouth, Spotted, Red Eye, Shoal, or Smallmouth bass will be weighed. The limit shall be five (5) fish total of the above species and varieties per day, unless otherwise specified by tournament officials. The prevailing statutes and regulations of various states within which they fish bind all competitors. The Tournament Director will announce the length limits prior to the start of the tournament. At no time shall a competitor have in his/her possession more than the limit described above. When possession limit (5 fish) is reached the competitor will start culling with the next fish caught. CULLING OF DEAD FISH IS NOT ALLOWED. In the event a competitor has more than five fish in his/her possession at weigh-in the tournament officials shall cull the largest bass first down to the limit described. Fish shall be measured on a flat board on the longest straight line. Fish which fail to measure the minimum length shall accrue a penalty of one pound and all such fish shall be disallowed. Any time a short fish is protested the Tournament Director and 1 club officer will make the decision and the decision will be final. This penalty shall be deducted from the total score of the competitor. Anyone attempting to alter a fish shall be subject to disqualification. Any bass that appears to have been mangled, mashed, mauled or otherwise altered shall be weighted and credited only at the discretion of weigh-in officials. Each competitor must present his/her catch to the weigh-in officials. Contestants must not allow any bass they catch to be counted on the score of another contestant. In such a case, both contestants shall be disqualified from this tournament. After the competitor has delivered his/her catch to the weigh master, he/she may not touch said catch until the weigh-in procedure is completed. The bass caught must not be stringered together at any time. Individual identification markers are allowed. Competitors will transport their catch from the boat to the weigh-in line in water filled plastic bags provided by the Lake Oconee Bass Club.
DON’T KILL YOUR CATCH: Each competitor is expected to keep his bass alive by use of a properly aerated live well. Do not clip fins as a means of identification.
DEAD FISH PENTALTY: For each legal bass weighed in dead the competitor shall be penalized .25 hundredths of a pound (1/4 lb.) of weight. The Tournament Director and his designated appointees have the sole authority for issuing penalties. All live fish shall be returned to the fishing water except for a trophy fish (minimum 5 lb), which may be kept for mounting.
LATE PENALTY: Any competitor who is not at the official check-in point as described in rule 11 at the appointed time shall be penalized at the rate of one pound per minute late to be deducted from the total weight of his/her catch that day, including any weight to be counted toward a “BIG BASS” award. Any competitor more than 15 minutes late shall lose all credit for the day’s catch. There shall be no excuse for tardiness and if you are not at the MORNING check point at start time you will be disqualified in no case shall a competitor be allowed to make up “lost time”. All fishing must cease upon check-in.
TIES: Incase of a tie for any place, the tie breakers will be as follows: A – The contestant with the largest, if known. B – The contestant with the greater number of live fish. C – The contestant with the greater number of fish. D – A flip of the coin will resolve any yet unbroken ties, the next position down will be awarded to the person eliminated by the tiebreakers.
COMMUNICATIONS: There will be no communications, visually, vocally, or electronically between contestants and non-contestants during the competition hours concerning the fishing conditions, locations, situations, etc.
PROTEST: Any protest must be submitted to the Tournament Director no later than 30 minutes after the protester has weighed his fish.
PAY OUT: 1^st Place - $100 2^nd Place - $65.00 3^rd Place - $35
OPTIONAL BIG FISH AWARD: An optional yearly big fish pot will be maintained by the club, for members who wish to participate. To gain admission a member must pay the yearly fee of $30.00 at the beginning of the tournament year. A member can also gain admission any time of the year if they pay the $30.00 fee before catching a bass 5 lbs or more. The angler catching the largest bass (minimum) 5 lbs.) of the tournament year will be awarder the big fish pot. If a Bass of at leas 5 lbs is not caught during the tournament year, the pot will carry over to the next year. No payments will be made to any member who has not paid the yearly fee.
NO FISH CAUGHT: If no fish are weighed in at a club tournament $15.00 of the $30.00 entry fee of each angler that fished that day will be applied towards their next tournament.
TOURNAMENTS: All tournaments shall be at least 8 hour in length. Tournament schedules cannot be changed except in case of dire emergency (Dangerous lake conditions, hazardous traveling conditions, tornado, etc.). The start time for a tournament can be delayed for up to 2 hours due to bad weather. The delay time will be added to the end of tournament to allow for the 8 hour tournament rule (safe light permitting). After a 2 hour delay the tournament will be canceled and rescheduled. A tournament may be canceled due to dangerous weather conditions by a majority vote of those members present and voting at a special election called by the Executive Board and Tournament Director at tournament start time. When the weather forecast project hazardous conditions for traveling to the tournament (roads iced over, snow, tornado, etc.) the Tournament Director for that tournament and Executive Board members fishing that tournament will make the decision to cancel the tournament 2 hours before travel time is scheduled to start or no later than 4:00 am. The Tournament Director and Board members fishing will call each member that is scheduled to fish and advise them of the decision to cancel the tournament.
QUALIFICATION FOR TOP SIX CLASSIC: Members will qualify for the Top Six Classic by being in the top 6 in the standing at the end of the regular tournament schedule. Members must have also attended 7 meetings and fished 7 tournaments during the year.
COURTESY MEASURE: A courtesy measure must be requested before bring fish to scales. Only 1 fish will be allowed a courtesy measure.

Revised: 05-17-2006

Revised: 11-01-2006

Revised: 11-07-2007
Revised: 11-05-2008

Lake Oconee Bassmasters, Inc.

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