INTRODUCTION:

The following rules shall apply to all Anglers Insight Marketing, LLCTM (hereafter AIM) Pro Walleye SeriesTM events except that (i) rules for special tournaments may differ from those contained herein and (ii) these rules may be changed immediately upon notice by AIM to its Members, which notice may be published on the AIM Internet site at www.aimfishing.com

The words “Pro” or “Pro-Angler” going forward shall mean “Pro-Team” as it applies to the Oconto Pro Partner Draw (Team Challenge) event.

 

1. ENFORCEMENT OF RULES:

A. All participants in AIM sanctioned tournaments will be required to execute an official AIM Angler Participation Form which constitutes agreement to abide by the following AIM Rules, Code of Conduct, and local regulations. Interpretation and enforcement of these rules shall be left exclusively to the Tournament Director, and the decision of the Tournament Director shall be final in all matters.

B. Penalties for rules violations may include the following:
(I) Reduction of competition hours as determined by the Tournament Director.
(II) Loss of catch for the day of the violation.
(III) Disqualification from the tournament in question, and forfeiture of entry fees.
(IV) Forfeiture of prizes.
(V) Disqualification from a specific number of future AIM events, or for a specific period of time, or may be a lifetime disqualification.
(VI) Any different or additional penalties determined by the Tournament Director including but not limited to monetary fines.

C. Each competitor agrees to report to the Tournament Director any violation or infraction of any Tournament Rules. Reports of rules violations must be submitted in writing to the Tournament Director. Failure to report violations, or suggestions to another competitor that they violate these rules, or false verification of weigh-in Official Scorecards will be cause for disqualification.

D. By entry into the AIM Pro Walleye Series, each competitor agrees to submit to a polygraph examination if necessary, and abide by its conclusion should he/she wish to dispute the rules enforcement decision of the AIM Tournament Director. The AIM Tournament Director shall be responsible for selecting an independent expert to administer and interpret the results and establishing, in consultation with the expert administrator, the scope of the questions which may be asked during the polygraph examination. The AIM Tournament Director shall attempt to have the location of such polygraph examination as close in proximity to the angler’s permanent address or such other mutually convenient location as possible. The competitor shall make himself/herself available at the location selected by the Tournament Director and shall cooperate in all respects with such examination. Anglers taking a polygraph examination may be responsible for any and all costs incurred.

 

2. PARTICIPANTS AND ELIGIBILITY:

A. AIM does not discriminate based on race, creed, color or gender. We specifically reserve the right to refuse participation or entry to anyone for any reason. Each participant must complete, sign or submit on-line an AIM Pro Walleye SeriesTM Official Entry Form along with the correct entry fee or deposit fee to Anglers Insight Marketing LLC. Upon acceptance by AIM, applicants will be entered into the tournament field, or placed on a waiting list if the event is full.

B. AIM reserves the right to set a maximum number of boats for each event.

C. Participation is limited to persons who are 14 years of age or older on the first day of the event. Any person 17 years of age or younger must be teamed with a parent or legal guardian. Proof of age to the satisfaction of tournament officials is the responsibility of the potential competitor.

D. All participants – Pro Anglers and Co-Anglers – must possess valid fishing licenses for the tournament waters being fished.

E. Any candidate for competition who, in the judgment of the Tournament Director, is disabled in such a manner as to unfairly hinder his/her partner, or endanger the safety and well-being of their partner or themselves shall not be eligible and will be replaced.

F. As a condition of participation in each tournament, each competitor must execute a Release of Liability. The release indemnifies Anglers Insight Marketing, LLCTM, the Pro-Angler, and the host location.

G. As a condition of participation in each tournament, each competitor must sign a Publicity Release. This release allows the use of the angler’s likeness and being in all AIM marketing efforts.

 

3. PROFESSIONAL APPLICATION:
A. The Pro Angler Entry Fee is $1,200 per event. A deposit is required with each entry and the balance must be

paid before the entry deadline for each event. (Refer to the AIM Pro Walleye SeriesTM Official Entry Form.)

B. The Pro Angler registration deadline will be seven (7) calendar days prior to the official competition day. Entries must be received by AIM prior to the deadline and NO entries will be accepted after the deadline. Tournament registration is available online at www.aimfishing.com

C. Pro Anglers must provide documented proof of boat owner’s liability insurance for a boat being used in an Anglers Insight Marketing, LLCTM event. This insurance policy must provide coverage for watercraft liability at a minimum of $300,000 (per occurrence) in the event of an accident. Proof of insurance must be provided to AIM a minimum of seven (7) days prior to the event.

D. Pro Angler entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable regardless of date of cancellation. A waiting list for Pro Anglers will be maintained by AIM if needed. In the event of a cancellation, the next person on the Pro Angler waiting list will be notified. If a fully paid Pro Angler alternate fills the opening prior to the entry deadline, the Pro angler who canceled and was replaced will be eligible for a 50% refund. If a Pro Angler on the waiting list does not get entered into the field, 100% of the entry fee paid will be refunded.

E. Pro Angler/Co-Angler Pairing. Pro Angler entries must be paired up with Co-Angler entries to secure entry into the event. If Pro Anglers would like to guarantee a spot in the tournament, and if spots are still available up to the maximum for that event, Pro Anglers may designate a Co-Angler on the Pro Angler Entry form. If no Co-Angler is designated, the Co-Angler entries will be assigned to Pro Angler entries in sequential order. Once a Co-Angler is paired with a Pro Angler the spot in the tournament is secure and they will be informed by e-mail. Pro-Anglers will remain on the waiting list until a Co-Angler is paired with them. This “pairing of entries” does not mean the Pro Angler and Co-Angler will be fishing together. A random draw for each tournament day will determine Pro Angler and Co-Angler boat partners.

F. To secure entry a Pro Angler must pay the entry fee in full or pay a deposit. The balance of each entry fee is due not less than 7 days prior to each event.

G. While a Pro Angler may withdraw from an event in case of a dire emergency, entry fees for the
AIM Pro Walleye SeriesTM must be paid on schedule in full and there will be no refund for a missed event (see 3D.)

 

4. CO-ANGLER APPLICATION:

A. Each Co-Angler must provide a properly completed and signed AIM Pro Walleye SeriesTM Official Co-Angler Entry Form, and each entry must include payment in full.

B. Co-Angler positions will be filled in order of receipt of payment. Entries will be accepted until the pre- tournament Rules Meeting. The number of Co-Angler entries cannot exceed the number of Pro Angler entries. A waiting list for Co-Anglers will be maintained by AIM if necessary. In the event of a Co- Angler cancellation (or the addition of a Pro Angler, up to the maximum full field), the next person on the Co-Angler waiting list will be notified. If a Co- Angler on the waiting list does not get entered into the field, 100% of the entry fee paid will be refunded.

C. Co-Anglers can be designated in the Pro Angler entry form to ensure an entry into the event (until the maximum full field is reached). See 3E.

D. The Tournament Director will have the authority to fill vacancies in the Co-Angler field and in the case of illness or other contingencies.

E. Co-Angler entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable regardless of date of cancellation. No refunds will be issued for Co-Angler cancellations.

 

5. ANGLER CODE OF CONDUCT:

Anglers participating in any AIM sanctioned event shall observe this Code of Conduct and the applicable local rules for the specific event in which they are participating.

Anglers shall, at all times, conduct themselves in a manner becoming a professional angler and take no actions that reflect unfavorably on Anglers Insight Marketing, LLCTM, its members, officers or representatives, tournament locations or sponsors. To this end, anglers shall use their best efforts to demonstrate professionalism and integrity in support of the sport of professional fishing. Any angler who violates any of the provisions of this Angler Code of Conduct may be subject to fines, forfeiture of tournament winnings, suspension from competing in individual AIM sanctioned events, permanent ban from competition, or any combination thereof deemed appropriate by Anglers Insight Marketing, LLCTM.

SPORTSMANSHIP:

A. Competitors in AIM 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.

B. Use of alcohol or drugs (other than those purchased over-the-counter or prescribed by a licensed physician) by any competitor during the tournament will not be tolerated and shall be cause for automatic disqualification from this and all future AIM tournaments. No alcoholic beverages shall be allowed in the designated weigh-in area, which consists of the weigh-in stage and immediate angler staging area. Alcoholic beverages may be permitted outside of the weigh-in area, subject to local regulations.

C. Maximum courtesy must be practiced at all times, especially with regard to boating and angling in the vicinity of non-competitors who may be on tournament waters. Any act of a competitor which reflects unfavorably upon efforts to promote fisheries conservation, clean waters and courtesy shall be reason for disqualification.

D. All competitors are bound by the prevailing federal, state and local statutes and regulations pertaining to the tournament locations. It is the responsibility of all anglers to comply with these regulations (including posted speed limits.) Violations will result in disqualification for the tournament day or the entire event, at the discretion of the Tournament Director.

E. Chemical substance addiction or abuse, conviction of a felony or crimes involving moral turpitude, or other conduct reflecting unfavorably upon efforts to promote safety, sportsmanship, fair competition and compliance with tournament rules shall be grounds for rejecting any application for participation and/or for disqualification

after circumstances are reviewed by the Tournament Director. Any disqualification suspension from, or other disciplinary action regarding any tournament or fishing organization shall be grounds for rejecting any application for participation in an AIM tournament and/or disqualification from an AIM tournament after circumstances are reviewed by the Tournament Director.

MEDIA COMMENTS, PUBLIC ATTACKS

The favorable public reputation of AIM as a sanctioning organization in the sport of fishing, the integrity of its officials, and the reputation of its media properties are valuable assets and tangible benefits for AIM. Accordingly, it is an obligation of competitors to refrain from comments to the news media that unreasonably attack or disparage the integrity of tournaments, tournament officials, sponsors, fellow members, fellow anglers or the AIM organization. Competitors are encouraged to express themselves and have the right to question the rules officials. Responsible expressions of legitimate disagreement with AIM policies and constructive suggestions are encouraged. However, public comments that may harm the reputation of AIM, AIM officials or sponsors shall be considered conduct unbecoming a professional angler and will result in disciplinary action.

 

6. PRE-TOURNAMENT PRACTICE AND REGISTRATION:

A. There will be no official practice period or off-limits period prior to the official pre-tournament Rules Meeting.

B. Each competitor must register in person at the tournament location with official AIM staff at the time and place designated in the tournament Schedule of Events. Failure to register in person prior to the start of the Rules Meeting will result in disqualification from the tournament and forfeiture of the entry fee. NO EXCEPTIONS. All official times are specific to the local host community’s time zone. It shall be each competitor’s responsibility to check the Schedule of Events for registration time and location.

 

7. RULES MEETING:

A. The Rules Meeting is mandatory for ALL Pro Anglers and Co-Anglers.

B. A Co-Angler will be assigned to each Pro boat for each competition day. Announcement of fishing pairings shall be made at the Rules Meeting. It shall be the responsibility of each party to appear at a mutually agreed upon location with sufficient time remaining to start on time. Tournament Officials shall have no responsibility for finding missing partners. The start time will not be delayed for missing partners.

C. The Tournament Director may reassign partners prior to the morning take-off. The Tournament
Director will have the authority to fill vacancies in the Co-Angler field in the case of illness or other contingencies. The Co-Angler field may also be reduced due to attrition of the Pro Angler field due to illness, injury, or mechanical breakdown.

 

8. COMPETITION:

A. AIM Pro Anglers agree to use any and all official equipment provided by or required by the AIM Pro Walleye SeriesTM. This equipment may include official AIM rulers and cameras. Such equipment may need to be purchased at an additional cost from AIM or a designated vendor as needed in advance of each event.

B. AIM Pro Anglers must provide and use a camera during competition that utilizes Secure Digital (SD) format memory cards. Additionally, the camera must feature a standard, rectilinear type lens (no fisheye lenses allowed.)

C. After the start of the official pre-tournament Rules Meeting, contestants may not enter tournament waters to navigate, locate fish, or find potential fishing waters. AIM contestants are allowed to fish in tournament waters ONLY during tournament fishing hours.

D. If travel by water is allowed by the Tournament Director- anglers traveling by water to the official launch site must proceed directly to and from their lodging facilities, launch or slip location.

E. On-the-water testing of engines or equipment after the pre-tournament rules meeting is allowed only with permission from the Tournament Director. No Exceptions.

F. Tournament water boundaries shall be established by the Tournament Director in advance of each event and will be designated in the Schedule of Events. Any water within these boundaries posted “Off-Limits” or “No Fishing” by state or federal agencies will be OFF-LIMITS. Only water open to ALL public fishing will be considered tournament waters. All angling must be done from the boat.

G. After the start of the pre-tournament Rules Meeting, AIM Co-Anglers are prohibited from sharing fishing information, including fishing spots, methods, or fishing tackle, with AIM Pro Anglers until the completion of the tournament. Violations will result in the disqualification of the Co-Angler and Pro Anglers who use this information. NO EXCEPTIONS.

H. At the pre-tournament Rules Meeting, each boat will be given a numbered “boat board” which remains with the boat for the duration of the event. This boat board has a number which must be displayed upon the request of tournament officials and at each take-off and check-in.

I. Prior to each day’s start, each boat MUST be available for an inspection by an AIM Official.
This inspection will include operable marine band radio and operable kill switch. All competitors and their boats shall be in full conformity with all rules set forth by the Tournament Director. Takeoff for individual Pro Anglers will be delayed or denied for any rules violations.

J. Pro Anglers must make their boats accessible for placement of AIM equipment (including AIM Pro TrackTM systems) and for boarding by AIM photographers.

K. There shall be only one official point for take-off in the morning and check-in in the afternoon.
This Start/Finish checkpoint shall be designated in the Schedule of Events. Competitors must leave from and return to the official Start/Finish checkpoint by boat.

L. Prior to take-off, all boats must be positioned in order by boat number as specified by the Tournament Director for that day. Take-off will occur on schedule. Any boat that is out of order or delaying the start of the field will be held to the end of the line.

M. All competitors must remain in contact with the boat at all times. Allowed exceptions to this rule are: In case of an emergency, competitors may be removed from their boat to a rescue boat including any boat operated by non- competitors; and in case of a mechanical breakdown. (see Rule 10)

N. Partners must remain in sight of each other, except in the event of a needed restroom break or fuel stop. If a contestant leaves the boat, all fishing must cease until all partners are back together in the boat.

O. During tournament fishing hours, AIM contestants (Pro Anglers and Co-Anglers) must not solicit, share, or receive fishing information pertaining to method or type of presentations being used, lure selection or color, and location of fish or type of water being fished, with other AIM contestants, or other non-contestants, excluding permitted communications with their boat partner for the day.

P. No one is allowed to “hold” a fishing location for an AIM contestant under any circumstance.

Q. The number of permitted fishing rods and lures is dependent on the local and state regulations. In no instance will more than two lines or two lures per angler be permitted. A lure is defined as having one or more hooks, and does NOT include weights (snap weights, trolling weights, bottom bouncers, etc.) Unless state regulations are more restrictive, a lure can be no longer than 12 inches long.

R. All fish must be caught live on a hook and line in a conventional sporting manner. Anyone guilty of snatching or snagging fish (that is, not hooked in the head per state regulations) will have their entire daily catch disqualified.

S. AIM encourages and promotes the educational aspects of a Co-Angler being paired with a Pro Angler. During competition, all Co-Anglers must be given an equal opportunity to fish, catch fish and participate in all fishing related activities – the same as the other anglers in the boat. If a Co-Angler feels they were not given an equal opportunity they should NOT sign the score card and discuss the situation with the Tournament Directors upon returning to the weigh in site at the end of the fishing day. If, in the Tournament Directors opinion the Co-Angler was not given equal opportunity, then weight penalties and or disqualification for the day, or event may be imposed on the Pro Angler.

T. AIM Co-Anglers are NOT permitted to bring any fishing tackle, GPS, or other locational tracking equipment into the Pro Angler’s boat. Comfort and safety items are permitted.

U. During competition hours, Pro Anglers will have the ultimate responsibility for the operation of the boat. Each Pro must observe safe boat conduct, no wake zones, and all navigation rules. All AIM participants must demonstrate boating courtesy at all times.

V. Co-Anglers are allowed to operate the boat on a temporary basis – at the direction of the Pro
Angler – while netting fish, fighting fish, or handling fish, in emergency situations, and in the process of loading and unloading from trailers.

W. Towing a boat on a trailer during tournament hours is prohibited, except in the event of a mechanical breakdown and at the direction of AIM Officials.

X. During competition hours, a contestant may NOT use a CB radio, VHF marine-band radio, cellular phone, text messaging, instant messaging, or any other form of communication or boat tracking device for any reason (except in the case of emergency), and in particular for the purpose of locating or catching fish or locating other fishermen. Competitors are permitted to transmit by radio or telephone only in the event of an emergency. Contestants should monitor Channel 16 for weather updates and alerts. In the case of emergency, call 911 first, and then notify AIM Officials!

Y. Active radar may only be used in emergencies for navigating. No binoculars are permitted in boats during competition hours.

Z. AIM Officials must be granted access to the Pro Angler’s boat at any time during the competition days. Failure to grant such access may result in immediate disqualification.

AA. Exact check-in location and check-in times will be announced at the Rules Meeting. It is the Pro Angler’s responsibility to confirm check-in times for their flight each day on the daily pairings. Any boat which is not off- plane and in line at the official check-in point at the appointed time, shall forfeit all credit for that day’s catch. There shall be no excuse for tardiness, and in no case shall a competitor be allowed to make up “lost time.”

BB. All boats are required to check-in with AIM officials at the end of each day. Boats shall be identified by means of their boat board. After proper recognition at the check-in point, competitors will be allowed ample time to proceed to the weigh-in site. All fishing must cease upon check-in. Pro Anglers and Co-Anglers must stay together until the Official Score card (and any other material required) are turned in at the end of the day. All contestants must attend the weigh-in.

CC. If a question arises about conformation to the Tournament Rules, contact an AIM Official.

 

9. NO WAKE ZONES

A. Top speed for traveling in any and all No Wake Zones is 4MPH.
B. There is no passing of another competitor’s boat within a No Wake Zone.

 

10. MECHANICAL BREAKDOWNS:

A. In the event of a mechanical breakdown, the Pro Angler should attempt to make contact with AIM Officials.

B. In the event of a mechanical breakdown, it is permissible for the Co-Angler from the disabled boat to transfer to another competitor’s boat for transport to the check-in point with the official camera/memory card AND Official Scorecard. The Co-Angler must still arrive at the check-in point on time or face disqualification.

C. Any boat that comes to the aid of a competitor OR another boat may be exempted from late penalties at the discretion of the Tournament Director. The assisting Pro Angler must note the time and GPS position where assistance was given.

D. If a mechanical breakdown occurs, it is permissible to navigate to the nearest shore, marina, or other landing – BUT the official camera/memory card and the Official Scorecard must arrive at the official check-in location, by water and on time in order to avoid disqualification.

E. Running out of gas is NOT considered a mechanical breakdown, and the boat will NOT be exempted from late penalty disqualification.

 

11. SAFETY:

A. Safe boat conduct must be observed at all times by competitors. During competition, each participant must wear a Coast Guard-approved chest-type personal flotation device (PFD) at all times the main combustion engine is operating above no-wake speed. This PFD must be buckled, snapped or zippered securely and maintained in that condition until the boat slows to no-wake speed. Violation of this rule shall be reason for daily disqualification.

B. Tournament Officials have the right to delay, shorten or cancel the start of an official tournament day due to dangerous weather conditions. Tournament boundaries may also be restricted at any time because of bad weather. A tournament day may be cancelled (even after that day has started) because of bad weather or other factors that would endanger the safety of the competitors.

C. If a cancellation occurs during any part of a tournament day there will be NO weigh-in. In the case of a cancellation, tournament days will not be rescheduled.

D. AIM reserves the right to impose boat speed limits during any or all tournaments. Whether or not to impose a speed limit, the area covered by the speed limit and/or the actual speed limit imposed shall be left exclusively to the discretion of the Tournament Director.

E. IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, COMPETITORS SHOULD CALL 911 FIRST AND THEN NOTIFY AIM OFFICIALS.

F. Competitors are allowed to leave the boat and seek safe shelter in bad weather when danger may be imminent.

 

12. BOAT AND MOTOR:

A. Maximum horsepower for all outboard motor boats used in tournament competition cannot exceed the limitations set by the U.S. Coast Guard. Each boat must have a U.S. Coast Guard horsepower-rating plate attached to the boat by the manufacturer. Each competitor agrees to submit, by his signature on the Official Entry Form, the boat and outboard motor used in the tournament to an inspection by factory-trained personnel. Normal maintenance of engines is allowed. Changing or altering standard factory parts of a competitor’s engine to increase the horsepower over the factory horsepower rating is forbidden, and will result in event disqualification.

Falsifying information on Official Entry Forms or altering the horsepower-rating numbers on the engine is also cause for immediate disqualification from AIM tournaments.

B. For the safety of all competitors, all boats must be equipped with an approved operable ignition kill switch and lanyard. The lanyard must be attached to the driver’s body any time the main combustion engine is operating above no wake speed. Any time the main combustion engine is operating and in gear above no-wake speed, there must be a driver in the driver’s seat in full control of the boat.

C. During competition, a secure boat seat and grab handle must be available for Co-Anglers

D. During competition, every boat must have all U.S. Coast Guard-required safety equipment, including a functional bilge pump. Each boat must be equipped with a functional marine band VHF two-way radio. Handheld VHF radios are allowed, but recommended as back-ups.

E. Only boats that are 17 feet or more in length may be used in competition.

F. Refueling during tournament hours is permitted ONLY at publicly accessible, retail locations.
Refueling must be accomplished ONLY directly into an approved tank through a hose with a nozzle. Refueling from loose cans is expressly prohibited.

 

13. AIM CATCH-RECORD-RELEASE FORMAT:

A. AIM events are designed for “weigh-in” through a photo and scorecard process, referred to as Catch-Record- ReleaseTM (“CRR”.) No fish will be brought to the “weigh-in stage”.

B. Only Walleye, Sauger, or Saugeye will be weighed – depending on local regulations – and subject to announcement in the Schedule of Events.

C. Pro Anglers and Co-Anglers MUST work together to measure, photograph, and record their catch.
The Catch-Record-ReleaseTM procedures will be reviewed at each Rules Meeting. The CRR procedures are as follows:

• One of the anglers holds the fish on the official AIM ruler. The belly of the fish will face the person measuring the fish. The mouth of the fish must touch the bump plate on the ruler to the LEFT (Head to Left), and the tail is extended back to its maximum length on the RIGHT end of the ruler (Tail to the Right).

• The Pro Angler and Co-Angler agree on the length of the fish to 1/4th inch accuracy. If the tail fin touches or crosses a graduation on the ruler, the official length may be rounded UP to the nearest one quarter (1/4th) of an inch.

• While the fish is being held on the ruler, a photo must be taken of the fish validating the agreed upon length, and showing BOTH the head and tail of the fish clearly. The photograph must be taken of the left side of the fish ONLY (belly towards the angler holding the fish, head to the left). A photo taken of the wrong side of the fish will NOT be scored.

• One additional photo is taken of the fish being held by an angler. These photos may be used on stage during the weigh-in process.

• The fish is immediately released by the angler holding the fish.
• An angler records the length on the Official Scorecard.
• The Pro Angler and Co-Angler validate the length recorded on the Official Scorecard.

• In the instance when two or more fish are caught at the same time, the CRR process requires that one fish at a time must be measured, photographed, released and recorded as quickly as possible.

• NO fish are to be placed in the livewell. It is NOT permissible to hold fish in water using nets, lines, stringers, etc. Delays in releasing fish may be grounds for disqualification.

D. In order to speed up the CRR process, while a fish is in the boat, anglers will NOT be allowed to reset or place any fishing lines in the water. After all fish are processed and released, normal angling may resume.

E. The Co-Angler must be involved with the CRR process. They must agree to the length of the fish when it is on the Official Ruler and they must agree to the length written on the Official Scorecard. If a Co-Angler feels that they are not fully involved in the CRR process as described above, they should not sign the score card and discuss the situation with the Tournament Directors upon returning to the weigh in site at the end of the fishing day. If, in the Tournament Directors opinion the Co-Angler was not involved in the CRR process as described above, then weight penalties or disqualification for the day or event may be imposed on the Pro Angler.

F. AIM Officials may allow the placing of non-releasable fish in coolers (NOT livewells) to comply with local regulations.

 

14. SCORING:

A. At the completion of the tournament day, the Pro-Angler will select SEVEN (7) fish to be counted towards their daily weight, and mark these fish on the Official Scorecard. The length of each of the SEVEN designated fish will be converted to digital weights using a standardized formula.

B. BOTH the Pro-Angler and Co-Angler are REQUIRED to sign the Official Scorecard to certify their catch and conduct in the boat for the day. Failure of the Co-Angler to sign the Official Scorecard shall indicate a discrepancy in the recorded lengths, or a concern about the CRR process, or a concern about equal opportunity for a Co- Angler, or a rules violation. Any concerns or discrepancies may result in disqualification of the fish in question or the entire limit, at the discretion of the Tournament Director. Repeated concerns or discrepancies will result in disqualification from the event. In no case shall failure to sign the Official Scorecard by a Co-Angler result in loss of their fishing privileges in an event.

C. At the daily check-in, the camera/memory card and Official Scorecard will be turned in to a tournament official. The photos of each fish will be used for confirmation of lengths and for display at the weigh-in and the AIM website. However, in ALL cases the Official Scorecard shall be official record. Loss of the Official Scorecard will result in the forfeiture of all weight that day.

D. Tournament standings, contingency awards and final winners shall be determined by the converted weight of each Pro Angler’s daily “limit” and the total cumulative weights.

E. The official minimum length will be 12.25 inches; the tail must touch at least the 12 inch mark on the ruler. If a fish recorded on the Official Scorecard has an associated fish photo the does not meet the minimum length, it shall result in the entire daily weight being disqualified.

F. Any fish that appears to have been mangled, mashed, mauled, or otherwise altered will be credited only at the discretion of AIM Officials. At the discretion of the Tournament Director, fish that are deemed altered by an angler may result in Pro Angler disqualification for the day or event.

 

15. TIES:

In the case of a tie in the converted weights of the Pro Anglers, all ties will be broken in the following manner: • First by the largest converted weight of the Day Three Limits.
• Second, if necessary, by the largest converted weight of the Day Two Limits.
• Third, if necessary, by the largest converted weight of the Day One Limits.

 

• Finally, if necessary, by the largest converted single fish.

 

16. AWARDS:

A. Payouts are based on the number of Pro Angler entries. AIM Pro Anglers will be provided a payment schedule based on the number of registered entrants at the Rules Meeting. In no case will the payouts be less than 100% of paid Pro Angler entries.

B. Cash awards will be mailed to Pro Anglers after the completion of the tournament and CRR measurements are validated.

C. Anglers are responsible for all applicable taxes on both cash and merchandise awards. D. Co-Anglers must be present to collect any prizes or they will be forfeited.

 

17. CONTINGENCY PROGRAMS:

Contingency programs are sponsor-based programs developed to reward competitors based on a predefined set of criteria per event and/or overall season performance. Participation in contingency programs is at the anglers’ discretion and will not be regulated by AIM.

 

18. UNIFORMS, WRAPPED BOATS, ETC.:

A. Anglers are encouraged to wear their own clothing which may bear patches, logos and other signage promoting each angler’s sponsors. AIM may restrict the use of patches, logos, signage, etc. that promote or advertise products which are, in AIM’s sole judgment, in poor taste. AIM will provide as much advance notice as possible to the competitors in such instances. Pro Anglers are required to “dress professionally” (that is, tournament shirts and clean pants) during official functions – pre-event Rules Meetings, interviews, and weigh-ins. Professional attire is strongly recommended during ALL tournament hours. In case of inclement weather, appropriate raingear may be worn onstage.

B. AIM reserves the right to require the addition and placement of AIM corporate-sponsor logos on Pro-Angler clothing, boats, and/or tow vehicles at AIM’s expense.

©2014 Anglers Insight Marketing, LLCTM
All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of any material in these rules prohibited except by written permission of AIM.

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