Texas High School Bass Association, Boat Captain Criterion and Boat Regulations 2014 Welcome, Below are a number of questions and answers involved with someone who would like to volunteer as a boat captain for the THSBA Q: What is the minimum age a person can volunteer? A: 18 with current Boater Safety certification and Texas fishing license. Q: Do I have to be related to one of the high school team which is entered? A: No Q: What type of boat is permitted? What is required on board? Any boat that is least 16 foot and length and have outboard that does not exceed capacity plate. Jet Drives, Sailboats, Airboats, Stick Steer, or hand tiller steering boats are not permitted. Must be registered with current TX numbers. Must have working live well for all fish caught. Must be safety checked each tournament for working lights, kill switch, throw cushion and bilge pump. You must supply all students with Coast Guard rated PFD s. Must have adequate storage for student s rods, tackle and gear. Carry on gas tanks are permitted as long as they are stored under deck. No jet skis, kayaks, or home made water craft are acceptable. There is no maximum hp rating on out board as long as it does not exceed capacity plate. Need a working cell phone on board at all times. Maximum speed limit on the water is 60 mph. Q: Can Students operate the big engine? A: No. Students cannot operate the big engine during tournament day. However they may assist in Loading and Unloading the boat. Q: Do I have to carry liability insurance? A: Yes a minimum of $300,000.00 and have proof of this (binder) on board during tournament Q: Will I need a Back Ground Check? A: Yes. This will be done by the school club or organization that you will volunteer for. Q: Can a Captain fish during the tournament day? A: Yes. There may be a big bass side pot for boat captains at certain open events, however your catch can not be counted with the students catch. Q: Do I fill out a Waiver of Liability? A: Yes. See Wavier. It must be filled out completely and returned to the club or organization you are volunteering for. Q: What if a student needs tackle? A: Yes you can let student use your tackle if needed. Q: Can student run the trolling motor? A: Yes. If student is experienced and comfortable with operation of trolling motor. Q: Can I help net a fish? A: Yes. However students are to make ALL casts, hook sets, and reel bass in on their own with-out any Assistance from the captain. You may located fish, recommend different patterns, and techniques but you CANNOT catch the fish for your student anglers.
THSBA Boat Captains Safety Regulations 1.) You are the only person who will operate the big engine during the tournament day. 2.) Boats can be made of fiberglass or aluminum, 16 minimum, bow mounted trolling motor, with working bilge pump. Boats must have a live well with working aerator pump. No jet skis, sailboats, kayaks, jet drives, airboats, stick steer, or hand tiller steering boats are permitted. 3.) Boats must have TPWD registration and clearly legible Maximum Capacities on the boat. 4.) All parties of the boat are to have life jackets zipped and boat captain have kill switch attached. 5.) If students are found not to have life jackets on and zipped during big motor operation this will be grounds for disqualification. 6.) Contestants are to be seated in on manufacturer recommended on-plane seating are when engine is in gear. SITTING ON FISHING CHAIRS ON CASTING DECK IS NOT PERMITTED while big engine is in gear. 7.) Student may elect to wear jacket all day 8.) You may operate the trolling motor if students are not skilled. 9.) Boat captains may fish in some of our local opens. Boat captains are to help in locating, landing and advising students during day. 10.) Captains will have a Big Bass weighed in, that will NOT be included in the High School team s catch. Captains may decide on a side pot the morning of the tournament. 11.) Even though students are to have own tackle, captains may loan equipment if needed. 12.) Captains will provide life vests for all students aboard their boat. 13.) Boat captains are to take the SAFEST route to any location allowing for wind, stumps and obstructions. 60 mph is maximum top speed on water. 14.) Captains are to monitor weather conditions such as high wind or lightning in approaching storms and remove students from potential dangerous situations. You may put boat on trailer until conditions improve, continue fishing once storm has cleared. 15.) All Texas High School Bass Association tournaments allow trailering. Just allow for transit to arrive on time for weigh in. 16.) Captains are to keep a charged cell phone in the boat for safety concerns. 17.) Boat Captains are to carry liability insurance that will cover occupants during tournament competition. 18.) Students may assist in launching and retrieving boat. But they are NOT to operate engine during the tournament day. Big engine use is only for boat captains. Captains, these anglers are the future of our sport, be patient and Teach them Well
THSBA Texas High School Bass Association (Please make a copy, sign and return to your clubs advisor or coach) CAPTAINS RELEASE OF LIABILITY - READ BEFORE SIGNING In consideration for permission to voluntarily participate in tournaments, events, programs and related activities conducted by Texas High School Bass Association, I acknowledge, appreciate and agree that: 1. The risk of injury, disability, death, loss or damage to my person or property from the activities involved in this program is significant, including the potential for permanent paralysis and death, and while particular rules, equipment and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious injury does exist; and, 2. I have been advised by Texas High School Bass Association, and have had the opportunity to seek legal counsel with respect to the legal effect of this document; and, 3. I KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL RISKS REFERRED TO ABOVE, BOTH KNOWN AND UNKNOWN, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF Texas High School Bass Association, THEIR OFFICERS, OFFICIALS, DIRECTORS, SHAREHOLDERS, AGENTS, AND/OR EMPLOYEES, OTHER PARTICIPANTS, AND SPONSORING AGENCIES, SPONSORS, ADVERTISERS, AND, IF APPLICABLE, OWNERS AND LESSORS OF PREMISES AND PROPERTY USED TO CONDUCT THE EVENT ( RELEASEES ) OR OTHERS, AND ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR RISKS ARISING FROM MY PARTICIPATION; AND, 4. I willingly agree to comply with the terms and conditions for participation. If, however, I observe any unusual significant hazard during my presence or participation, I will remove myself from participation and bring such to the immediate attention of the nearest official; and, 5. I, FOR MYSELF AND ON BEHALF OF MY HEIRS, ASSIGNS, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES AND NEXT OF KIN, HEREBY RELEASE, INDEMNIFY, AND HOLD HARMLESS RELEASEES, WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, OR LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PERSON OR PROPERTY, WHICH I SUFFER OR WHICH I AM FOUND TO HAVE CAUSED IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY MY NEGLIGENCE OR INTENTIONAL MISCONDUCT, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES, OR OTHERWISE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. 6. I agree to submit to a truth verification test administered by Texas High School Bass Association and understand that failure to pass the examination as determined by Texas High School Bass Association will result in disqualification. 7. As the only authorized operator of the boat provided for all Texas High School Bass Association tournaments, I have inspected and acknowledge that the watercraft provided is sea worthy and meets all current U.S. Coast Guard safety requirements. Furthermore, I understand that the same watercraft provided must meet the minimum length limits, combustion engine design restrictions, hull design requirements, minimum and or maximum horsepower ratings, and be appropriately equipped to ensure the safety of any and all student anglers participating as outlined by the Texas High School Bass Association tournament rules and guidelines. I agree to have the watercraft inspected at any time by a designated Texas High School Bass Association Tournament Director for any and all tournaments. I further agree to provide acceptable limits of liability insurance on this same watercraft as determined by the Texas High School Bass Association and or any other high school fishing governing authority.
I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT AND THE ATTACHED RULES. I FULLY UNDERSTAND THE TERMS AND UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING THIS RELEASE, AND SIGN IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY. PUBLICITY: In consideration for permission to voluntarily participate in the tournaments, events, programs, and related activities conducted by Texas High School Bass Association, I ( Participant ) hereby grant to Texas High School Bass Association, their assignees and/or licenses (collectively Sponsors including television production companies contracted by Texas High School Bass Association, the unconditional right to use my name, voice, photographic likeness, biographical information, fishing tips and/or instructions in any medium whatsoever, including but not limited to video/audio productions, merchandising, promotions, articles, and/or press releases, in connection with Texas High School Bass Association tournaments, events, programs and related activities conducted by Texas High School Bass Association without restriction as to changes or alterations from time to time. I understand that I will not be entitled to receive any royalties or other compensation in connection with such use. If Participant wins any event, the Participant s name, likeness and biographical information may be used in connection with advertising and promotion. The Participant specifically consents and agrees to such use without restriction as to changes or alterations from time to time, and further understands and agrees that any use will be without payment of any royalties or any additional compensation to Participant. I UNDERSTAND THAT PRIOR TO BECOMING AN APPROVED BOAT CAPTAIN, I MUST PASS A BACKGROUND CHECK FROM THE RESPECTIVE HIGH SCHOOL WITH WHICH I PARTICIPATE. THIS BACKGROUND CHECK MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO THE PARTICIPATION DATE OF ANY TOURNAMENT. I WILLFULLY AGREE TO SUBMIT TO THIS BACKGROUND CHECK AND WILL ABIDE BY THE FINDINGS AND DECISIONS OF SCHOOL OFFICIALS WITH REGARD TO THE RESULTS. SHOULD I BE APPROVED AS A BOAT CAPTAIN, IF AT ANY TIME MY WORDS, ACTIONS, OR COMMENTS ARE DETERMINED TO BE UNACCEPTABLE BY THE STUDENT ANGLERS, PARENTS, SCHOOL OFFICIALS, OR THE TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL BASS ASSOCIATION OFFICIALS, I UNDERSTAND THAT I WILL BE REMOVED AS AN APPROVED BOAT CAPTAIN FOR ANY AND ALL FUTURE EVENTS. The Participant signifies by his/her signature below that he or she has read and understands the foregoing provisions. AGE: DATE: BOAT CAPTAIN SIGNATURE PRINT BOAT CAPTAIN NAME HERE ADDRESS EMERGENCY PHONE# (S) A background check was performed, reviewed, and approved by the following parties listed below. TEAM ADVISOR SIGNATURE DESIGNATED SCHOOL OFFICIAL SIGNATURE