pro ams

[fishman08]

I know its early but last year at this time we knew about some of the new rules...just wondering if anyone has heard anything yet?

can't wait until Niagara!

[Paul Czarnecki]

Things are being finalized Matt. We should have the unified Rules posted within a few days.

Paul

[fishman08]

sounds good paul

[waterlogged]

Paul,

Will there be changes or are they standing pretty "Pat" from last year??

Thanks,

[Time Out]

Any news yet?

[spoonfed-1]

We are also anxiously waiting.

Glen

[Paul Czarnecki]

The Rules are finalized guys. We are working on some website issues right now so posting them there might take some time but I can give you a preview of what has been done.

No major changes for the Pro Division. It worked well for last year so no reason to change things.

AM Division changes:

--6 fish, one of which may be a lake trout. The first six legal fish boated must be kept. NO CULLING.

--AMs may fish with two team members but must buy the observer a license in order to fish 6 rods.

--Observers are not "required" to have licenses (except in the case above).

General Rule changes:

--all ports will have a "departure point". In some ports you may be allowed to leave your dock prior to the start and gather at the "starting point".

--the Committee is adopting a "zero tolerance" policy for rule violations. For example, there is no longer a "point penalty" for being late. If you are late you are disqualified for the day.

--Competitors should make EVERY EFFORT to ensure that the Observer they use is "competent", literate, and of "reasonable health" to ensure his/her safety on another boat and not put that burden on the other team. We have had some real "winners" in the past and it seems to be becoming a "strategy" of some teams to use observers that weigh 400#, have to use the head 12 times a day, drink or do drugs heavily the night before, etc.

TRY TO BE CONSIDERATE OF YOUR FELLOW COMPETITORS!

Sponsors:

--because of the economy sponsorship is a little weak this year. In the tournaments that have no problem meeting the 38 boat minimums there will be very little change in payouts. However, in the smaller, less supported tournaments the payouts "may" be affected.

--the Committee has decided to "spread the wealth" a little further in the AM Division. Cash payouts will be spread further down through the field and will be bigger than in years past. For example, instead of a $5000 prize going to the first place team it "might" be $2500 with more of the money going to 5th through 15th. Of course, all this depends on AM Division support. The more entrants--the bigger the payout but we will see MORE teams get paid than in years before.

That's about it in a nutshell guys. The Committees worked REALLY hard to make these changes for YOU in response to YOUR suggestions and comments. Show your appreciation by entering the tournaments and telling your friends to enter as well. The more support the tournaments recieve the better they will be and the more sponsors we will be able to get for next year.

See you at the Captain's meeting.

Paul

[Time Out]

Thanks Paul, rules look good. See you in a couple months.