LITTLE CREEK BASS ANGLERS

OF VIRGINIA

2008

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

I. CONSTITUTION

Article 1. NAME AND PURPOSE

     Section 1. Name

     Section 2. Purpose

Article 2. METHOD OF AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

      Section 1. Amendments

      Section 2. Procedures

Article 3. CHAPTER OFFICER ELECTIONS

      Section 1. Elections

      Section 2. Eligibility to Vote

      Section 3. Term of Office

      Section 4. Vacancies

      Section 5. Eligibility to Hold Office

Article 4. OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES

      Section 1. President

      Section 2. Vice-President

      Section 3. Secretary

      Section 4. Treasurer

      Section 5. Tournament Director

Article 5. MEMBERSHIP

      Section 1. Requirements for Membership

      Section 2. Acceptance

      Section 3. Membership Dues

      Section 4. Leave of Absence

      Section 5. Removal of Membership

Article 6. AFFILIATION

      Section 1. FLW Outdoors (FLW)

      Section 2. The Bass Federation

      Section 3. Virginia BASS Federation (State Federation)

      Section 4. Chapter Roster

      Section 5. Chapter Agent

Article 7. MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES

      Section 1. Meetings

      Section 2. Committees

           Section 2.1 Tournament Committee

            Section 2.2 Conservation/Special Projects Committees

            Section 2.3 Awards Committee

            Section 2.4 Nominating Committee

                                                                                                           II. BY-LAWS

Article 1. BOATING SAFETY

      Section 1. Coast Guard Requirements

      Section 2. Kill Switch Device

      Section 3. Floatation Device

      Section 4. Alcoholic Beverages

      Section 5. Horsepower Rating

      Section 6. Liability Insurance

      Section 7. Compliance Mandatory

      Section 8. Site Conditions

Article 2. TOURNAMENT RULES

      Section 1. Tournament Sites/Dates

      Section 2. Tournaments

      Section 3. Fish Limits

      Section 4. Live Bait

            Section 4.1 Fishing Tackle

      Section 5. Chapter Tournament Records

      Section 6. Livewells

      Section 7. Tournament Prizes

      Section 8. Weigh-in Officials

      Section 9. Live Fish Release

      Section 10. Scoring

      Section 11. Problems during Tournaments Hours

      Section 12. Penalties

            Section 12.1 Late For Blast-Off

            Section 12.2 Late For Weigh-In

            Section 12.3 Dead Fish

            Section 12.4 Short Fish or Fish That Violate Slot Limits

            Section 12.5 Creel Limits

            Section 12.6 Fishing License

Article 3. AWARDS

      Section 1. Trophies and Plaques

      Section 2. Award Selection and Cost

      Section 3. Mr. Bass Tournament

      Section 4. Chapter Team Tournament

      Section 5. Top Fisherman of the Year

      Section 6. Inability to Participate

Article 1. NAME AND PURPOSE

Section 1. Name.

This Chapter shall be called LITTLE CREEK BASS ANGLERS OF VIRGINIA.

Section 2. Purpose.

To stimulate public awareness of bass fishing as a major sport; to offer our State Conservation Department organized moral and political support and encouragement; to promote full adherence to all conservation standards; to detect any polluter and call public and political attention to his crime; to improve our skills as bass anglers through fellowship, a love for the sport and friendly exchange of expert catching techniques and ideas; to function as a dynamic and effective link with other chapters.

Article 2. METHOD OF AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

Section 1. Amendments.

The Constitution and By-Laws may be amended only during the month of January at a regularly held Chapter meeting. Amendments will be decided by a majority vote of the members present. Administrative or typographic errors may be corrected at any time. Region, Virginia Bass Federation (State Federation), The Bass Federation (TBF) or FLW Outdoors regulation changes, which affect the Chapter Constitution and By-Laws, are included under "Administrative Changes".

Section 2. Procedures.

In writing, submit the proposed changes to the Chairman of the Constitution and By-Laws Committee on or before the first meeting in December, clearly indicate to what article and section the amendment refers and include a short discussion of why the change is desired.

Article 3. CHAPTER OFFICER ELECTIONS

Section 1. Elections.

Nominations for new officers will be determined by the Nominating Committee as outlined in Article 7, Section 2.D. and presented to the Chapter annually at the last meeting in November of each year. Elections shall be by a majority vote at the first meeting in December. Elections for each office shall be held in the order listed in Article 4.

Section 2. Eligibility to Vote.

Each member present during a regular business meeting will be entitled to one vote. Members absent will be entitled to vote by absentee ballot for the election of officers for the following year.

Section 3. Term of Office.

The term of office is one year, which shall begin on February 1 and will end on January 31 or until the successor assumes office.

Section 4. Vacancies.

In the event of an office becoming vacant, nominations shall be solicited and an election held to fill the unexpired term of the individual vacating office. In the case of the President, the Vice-President will assume the office and the office vacated by the Vice-President will be filled.

Section 5. Eligibility to Hold Office.

Must be a paid, active member.

Article 4. OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES

Section 1. President.

Presides over meetings and all committees as necessary to conduct the business of the Chapter.

Section 2. Vice-President.

Acts as programs chairman, assists the President in his duties and presides in the absence of the President.

Section 3. Secretary.

Maintains/reports accurate minutes of all meetings. Maintains regular liaison between the Chapter and FLW Outdoors, The Bass Federation (TBF) and the State Federation.

Section 4. Treasurer.

Maintains accurate financial records for the Chapter and each Chapter member. Collects funds at each Chapter event where required, pays established payout fees, and deposits/disburses funds from the Chapter's treasury. Provides a complete financial report at each meeting. Reports the current amount in the Chapter Classic Pot as part of the financial report. Maintains a permanent list of former members who resigned from the club owing dues, etc. and the amount owed.

Section 5. Tournament Director.

Supervises the Tournament Committee in performing their duties as specified in Constitution Article 7, Section 2, paragraph A. Determines order of finish and points awarded for each tournament. Maintains records of each tournament and overall point standings. Responsible for overall safety at each tournament.

Article 5. MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Requirements for Membership.

Chapter membership will be governed by the following requirements:

A. The membership shall be unlimited, except that at no time will a prospective non-boater be introduced for membership when his election to the Chapter would cause the boater/non-boater ratio to exceed 50/50 minus 2 (i.e., there will always be 2 more boaters than non-boaters in the Chapter).

B. Express a genuine interest in the Chapter.

C. Hold a current membership in FLW Outdoors, The Bass Federation (TBF) and the Virginia Bass Federation or agree to become a member within sixty (60) days of acceptance in the Chapter.

D. Each member shall be required to participate in at least one (1) of the regular scheduled Region Seven events each year. Fishing at least one Region Seven tournament or working one of several youth events scheduled throughout the year can fulfill this requirement. Failure to meet this requirement will result in loss of eligibility to fish Mr. Bass and Chapter Team, if otherwise qualified.

E. A prospective member will:

1. Attend minimum of two Chapter functions (one {1} of which may be a tournament fishing as a guest). Prior to being voted on by the membership, a prospective member must have fished at least once (fun fishing or tournament acceptable) with an active member of the chapter.

2. Submit a membership application and initial dues equal to the membership dues cited in Section 3, Membership Dues, Paragraph A. or C., as applicable, to his sponsor. The sponsor will present the application before the Chapter at the next meeting for acceptance. If accepted, the initial dues amount will be turned over to the Treasurer. If not accepted, the initial dues amount will be returned to the applicant.

3. Persons who were previous members of the Chapter shall pay all dues accrued during their previous membership that were left unpaid.

Section 2. Acceptance.

Approval of a membership application will be decided by a majority vote of the Chapter members present. Membership applications will be voted on only during regularly scheduled Chapter meetings.

Section 3. Membership Dues.

Dues will be assessed according to the following:

A. Twenty dollars payable at the first meeting of each month. The Treasurer will set the sum of three dollars per person per month aside in a special pot for the Chapter Classic Tournament. In addition, State Federation dues and The Bass Federation (TBF) dues will be payable at the first Chapter meeting in December. These dues will be paid before a member's name will be added to the State Federation and TBF rosters. Upon acceptance to the Chapter, new members are required to pay an initial fee equal to the sum of current Chapter, State Federation, and TBF dues, except as outlined in Paragraph C. below.

B. There will be no refund to a member who elects to resign or dissolve his affiliation with the Chapter.

C. A person who joins the Chapter after 01 October will not be required to pay the initial fee for that calendar year. He will be required to become a member of State Federation and TBF within 60 days of acceptance, and will be required to pay $20.00 monthly club dues.

D. A member who is on leave of absence will be required to pay monthly dues of $2.50 for the duration of his leave of absence. Members on Leave of Absence are required to pay State Federation and TBF dues.

Section 4. Leave of Absence.

Leaves of absence will be granted subject to the following:

A. A member will notify the Chapter Officers verbally or in writing when leaving the area for an extended period of time. Members on leave of absence will be ineligible for participation in Chapter tournaments.

B. A leave of absence will commence at the beginning of the first month following the request to be placed on leave of absence status, unless the request is submitted prior to the second regularly scheduled meeting of the month in which the request is submitted. In that case, the leave of absence will commence at the beginning of the month in which the request is submitted. If a member requests that the leave of absence start the following month (to fish a tournament, etc.), the member will be required to pay a full month's membership dues. Leave of absence will terminate the first full month the member is removed from the leave of absence status. If a member wants his leave of absence terminated earlier (to fish a tournament, etc,); the member will be required to pay a full month's membership dues.

C. A member carried in a leave of absence status is considered an active member with all rights and privileges; however, they will not be considered in determining a quorum.

Section 5. Removal of Membership.

A member of the Chapter may be removed from the Chapter roster by a majority vote of the members present at a regularly scheduled Chapter meeting (secret ballot) for any of the following reasons:

A. Failure to pay membership dues.

B. Any action which reflects dishonor on this Chapter.

C. Failure to attend two consecutive meetings without previously notifying the membership the reason therefore.

D. Failure to participate in two consecutive Chapter tournaments without previously notifying the Tournament Director or any other Officer of the Chapter of the reason therefore.

E. Failure to pay tournament fair share as set forth in the By-Laws, Article 2, Section 2.

Article 6. AFFILIATION

Section 1. FLW Outdoors

This Chapter will maintain a 100% membership in FLW Outdoors.

Section 1. The Bass Federation Inc.

This Chapter will maintain a 100% membership in The Bass Federation Inc. (TBF).

Section 2. Virginia Bass Federation.

This Chapter will maintain a 100% membership in the Virginia Bass Federation.

Section 3. Chapter Roster.

The Chapter Secretary will submit a current Chapter membership roster to The Bass Federation (TBF) and Virginia Bass Federation, at least every six months or as otherwise directed by those organizations. This roster will include names, complete addresses, membership numbers, and other pertinent data as required (telephone numbers, etc.). In addition, roster changes will be reported to the Region Seven Director as those changes occur and a full update shall be submitted not later than Jan 31^st and June 30^th of each calendar year.

Section 5. Chapter Agent.

Shall be the Chapter President or, in his absence, as designated by him. He will attend Region/State Federation meetings as appropriate and report the results to the Chapter membership at a regularly scheduled meeting.

Article 7. MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES

Section 1. Meetings.

Chapter meetings will be held in accordance with the following:

A. Regular meetings will be held at least twice monthly at a time and place decided upon by a majority vote of the members present at a preceding meeting. Results of such vote will be recorded in the meeting's minutes.

B. Special meetings shall be held as required to conduct Chapter business of an urgent or unusual nature that cannot be postponed until the next regularly scheduled meeting.

C. Roll call will be held by the Chapter Secretary at each scheduled meeting.

D. The minimum number of members required at a regular meeting which will constitute a quorum is one-third (1/3) of the active membership, of which at least one member must be a Chapter official.

E. Absolutely no alcoholic beverages may be consumed during official business meetings.

F. The President, at the last meeting of the year, shall appoint an Audit Committee to audit the Treasurer's books prior to the first meeting of the New Year. This committee shall consist of the incoming Treasurer and two other members. The outgoing Treasurer, unless re-elected to the Treasurer position for the new year, will not be a member of this committee, but will be present. If such re-election is the case, another Officer of the Chapter will participate in the three-member audit.

In addition to other committees appointed by the President to conduct the affairs of the Chapter, the following standing committees shall be appointed by the President to function during his term of office:

2.1 Tournament Committee. The Tournament Director, having been elected under the provisions of Constitution Article 3, will be the chairman of this committee. Three additional members will be appointed by the President for the purpose of:

A. Establishing a list of tournament dates/sites.

B. Act as tournament officials at each Chapter tournament. In this capacity, they will assist the Tournament Director in inspecting boats for safety (which is at the discretion of the Tournament Director for any Chapter Tournament or may have been previously announced by the Tournament Director), supervising the blastoff, the weighing-in and the recording of weights.

C. Assist the Tournament Director in providing the membership a comprehensive point standing at the meeting subsequent to each tournament as required.

D. Assist the Tournament Director in providing a tournament report at the meeting subsequent to each tournament.

2.2 Conservation/Special Projects Committees. Shall consist of a chairman and one additional member appointed by the President who will:

A. Periodically suggest projects and conservation recommendations to the Chapter.

B. Attend meetings of other interest groups, volunteering the assistance of the Chapter where needed.

2.3 Awards Committee. Shall consist of a Chairman and two additional members appointed by the president who will:

A. Conduct business as required for the good of the Chapter.

B. Provide periodic reports to the Chapter on the status of awards recommended and procured.

2.4 Nominating Committee. Shall consist of a Chairman and two additional members appointed by the president no later than the first meeting in October. The Nominating Committee will:

A. Contact all members to determine who will be willing to serve as a Chapter officer during the following year, and in which position(s) they would be willing to serve. Coordinate with the Chapter Secretary and Treasurer to determine the eligibility of potential candidates to hold office.

B. At the last meeting in November, present to the membership the slate of candidates.

C. Coordinate with and assist the Chapter Secretary in preparation of ballots.

D. Perform other election-related duties as deemed necessary by the Chapter President.

Article 1. BOATING SAFETY

Section 1. Coast Guard Requirements.

All boats must meet minimum Coast Guard requirements in the state in which the Chapter is fishing.

Section 2. Kill Switch Device.

Boats with engines of forty (40) horsepower or greater must have a kill switch device. This Kill Switch should be check prior to each tournament by the boat operator and may be randomly checked by the Tournament Director at anytime before blast-off at each official tournament site.

Section 3. Floatation Device.

While tournament fishing, all fishermen in the boat must have a Coast Guard approved life jacket on while the gasoline engine is running.

Section 4. Alcoholic Beverages.

No alcoholic beverages will be consumed during tournament hours.

Section 5. Horsepower Rating.

The maximum horsepower permitted for use in a Chapter tournament will not exceed the maximum horsepower rating on the label installed by the manufacturer of the boat.

Section 6. Liability Insurance.

All boat owners that are members of Little Creek Bass Anglers must have no less than $100,000.00 Liability Insurance on their boat. In order to use their boat for Little Creek Bass Anglers’ events, proof of insurance must be provided to Little Creek Bass Anglers President in the form of a copy of the effective policy. Penalty for not having boat insurance; member must fish as a non-boater until insurance is procured and proof provided to Little Creek Bass Anglers President.

Section 7. Boat Seaworthiness.

All boats used in Chapter Tournaments must be of size capable of SAFELY supporting two (2) adults, their fishing gear and related equipment. Each boat shall have aerated livewell(s) capable of supporting two (2) limits of fish. Determination of SAFELY supporting two (2) adults shall be at the discretion of Tournament Director and the Tournament Committee; under the coordination and supervision of the Chapter President, their decision shall be final.

Failure to comply with Sections 1 through 7 above constitutes grounds for disqualification.

Section 9. Site Conditions.

Should dangerous conditions exist at the tournament site, a majority of the boat owners will decide if the tournament should be fished or moved to an alternate site. Should dangerous conditions be predicted (example: Hurricane prediction) at the tournament site, the official board of elected officers and the tournament committee shall collectively decide if the tournament should be fished; cancelled and later re-scheduled; or moved to an alternate site. They shall make reasonable effort to notify the membership of their decision shortly after such a determination is made.

Article 2. TOURNAMENT RULES

Section 1. Tournament Sites/Dates.

The Tournament Schedule will be determined by the Tournament Committee at the beginning of the year, but no later than 28 February, and approved by a majority vote of eligible Chapter members. The approved Tournament Schedule will not be changed, except under the provisions of By-Laws Article 1, Section 7.

Section 2. Tournaments.

Will be individual or partners type. They will be conducted as follows:

A. The Chapter will fish ten (10) regular tournaments between the 1st of March and the 15th of November within the calendar year. Additionally, the Chapter will fish a Chapter Classic Tournament as defined in Section 1 above.

B. Partners are to be determined at the meeting before the tournament using the draw method. If at all possible, Non-boaters shall not be paired with the same boater partner more than two (2) times during the same tournament year. All boaters who do not gain a partner through the draw will have their choice whether to fish alone or with another boater. In the event a member does not attend the meeting or make his intentions known per the above, he may fish the subject tournament only after paying all Chapter dues up to and including the current month and a $20.00 late penalty. These fees shall be paid prior to the tournament payout and/or awarding of any points earned by the individual. (Note: This late fee will go directly into the Chapter treasury and will not be used to calculate the tournament payout.)

D. Once the draw for a given tournament is done, partners will not be changed, except in an emergency (breakdown of boat or tow vehicle, last minute change in work assignment, family emergency, etc.), and only if approved by the Tournament Director.

E. "Classic" eligibility is limited to those members who are current on Chapter dues and have been an active Chapter member for at least 60 days prior to the scheduled tournament date. Those members who have been active Chapter members for at least 60 days, but have not belonged to the Chapter for the entire year shall be required to pay an entry fee/dues equal to the amount that a member who has been a dues ($3.00 per month towards classic pot) paying member for the preceding twelve (12) months (i.e.: a total not to exceed $36.00). In short every member participating in the Classic must have contributed the same amount to the classic pot.

F. If a tournament is to be held for two consecutive days, partners will be the same for both days.

G. Non-boat owners will share equally with the boat owner the expenses for tow-vehicle gasoline, boat gasoline/oil, and ramp fees. In the event a non-boat owner fails to show up for the tournament, he will be responsible for his share of the expenses incurred by the boat owner unless his partner is paired with another contestant.

H. Region Seven tournaments are NOT considered regular Chapter tournaments. Regular Chapter tournaments will NOT be held in conjunction with a Region Seven Tournament. Chapter members' participation is highly encouraged.

I. No Chapter member will be allowed to participate in a Chapter or Region Seven Tournament if he is in a Leave of Absence status or owes dues in an amount equal to or greater than one month's dues.

J. From the Monday prior to the scheduled tournament date for the Classic, or from the day the site is voted on (whichever is later), those waters and adjacent waters that are within boating range are off-limits until blast-off the morning of the Classic. This shall include pleasure boat riding as well.

K. Boaters who did not participate in the draw for a tournament, but who wish to fish the tournament, will be added to the end of the blast-off order. Non-boaters who did not participate in the draw for a tournament, but who wish to fish the tournament, will be paired with boaters who do not have partners, starting at the end of the blast-off order. If possible, boaters and non-boaters who did not participate in the draw, but elect to fish the tournament, will not fish together.

L. Interpretation. The Tournament Rules are subject to interpretation only by the Tournament Committee under the coordination and supervision of the Chapter President. The Tournament Committee's decision shall be final on all matters of interpretation.

M. Protests. Participants who suspect that the tournament rules have been violated may protest to the tournament committee at any time during the tournament or within 15 minutes after arrival at the tournament site, followed by a written protest within 30 minutes after the scales have closed. The Tournament Committee, under the coordination and supervision of the Chapter President shall decide upon protest. The Tournament Committee's decision shall be final on all matters of protest.

Section 3. Fish Limits.

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass must be at least twelve (12) inches in length or longer as required by state law, except if holding a tournament on a lake that has a slot limit; the slot limit will be enforced. Fish length will be as determined by measurement on the official "Golden Rule" held by the Tournament Committee and as observed by the weigh-in official. No one may weigh in more than five fish.

Section 4. Live Bait.

No live bait may be used during a Chapter tournament.

Section 4.1 Fishing Tackle

Only conventional baitcasting and spinning tackle with rods 8 feet or less may be used in Chapter Tournaments (i.e.: no fly rods).

Section 5. Chapter Tournament Records.

Only fish caught during a Little Creek Bass Anglers tournament will be placed in the Chapter tournament records.

Section 6. Livewells.

All boats must be equipped with an aerated livewell that must be operational. Livewells should be check prior to each tournament by the boat operator and may be randomly checked by the Tournament Director for proper operation and to ensure they are empty of fish at anytime before blast-off at each official tournament site.

Section 7. Tournament Prizes.

Payout for the Chapter Classic will be determined and distributed as follows:

A. Determine the total value of the "Pot". During the meeting preceding the "Classic", the total value of the "Classic" pot can be increased by a majority vote of Chapter members.

B. The "Classic" pot will be awarded in the following manner:

Will be the Tournament Committee. The committee will maintain the official weight scale, stand and records. The committee is responsible for the accurate entry of each member's catch and points in the official tournament records.

The Tournament Committee will release all live fish, with the exception of trophy fish, after weigh-in.

The winner and each placeholder will be determined by the total pounds and ounces caught by each individual fishing the tournament.

EXAMPLE:

1st Place 10 lbs

2nd Place 9 lbs

3rd Place 8 lbs, etc. . . .,

A. In the event of a tie between two or more members' stringers, the following criteria for awards will be used:

1. Biggest fish weight.

2. Number of fish.

B. All positions affected below the tie will be adjusted accordingly.

C. End-of-the-Year standings will be determined by total pounds and ounces of fish caught by each member in all Chapter tournaments fished that year.

D. Ties for Mr. Bass and Chapter Team will be decided by the total combined weight for all regularly scheduled Chapter tournaments. In the unlikely event a tie should exist between two or more members, the following criteria will be used until the tie is broken:

1. Total number of fish caught for all regularly scheduled Chapter tournaments.

2. Biggest fish weight for all regularly scheduled Chapter tournaments.

3. Total number of regularly scheduled Chapter tournaments fished during the year.

A. If, during tournament hours, a contestant has any problem, his stringer plus his partner's stringer can be weighed in by another contestant, provided the other contestant has a partner or one of the contestants having the problems accompanies the contestant who brings in the fish.

B. If a Chapter boater encounters boat or other problems that dictate leaving the designated launch site prior to weigh in, they shall make reasonable effort to inform another Chapter member fishing in the tournament of their predicament and intentions for leaving the tournament early. A cell phone call to a Chapter Official or tournament committee member is preferred, but a note on a windshield of a Chapter member’s vehicle would be appreciated to preclude a search for a lost fisherman.

Penalties will be assessed before order of finish is determined for any Chapter Tournament. Penalties will be deducted from the total weight of the competitor's legal catch.

Competitors who are not in the official blast-off point area at the appointed time shall be disqualified from fishing until they have personally checked in (presented their boat for livewell and safety inspection) with at least one of the 5 board members or at least one of the official tournament committee members. Failure to check-in as prescribed shall result in automatic disqualification from the tournament by the tournament director and tournament committee.

12.2 Late For Weigh-In.

Competitors who are not in the official check point area at the appointed time shall be penalized at the rate of one pound (16 ounces) per minute to be deducted from their legal weight for the day. Any competitor more than fifteen (15) minutes late (as determined by the tournament officials) shall lose all credit for that day's catch, unless extenuating circumstances exist as determined by the Tournament Committee.

12.3 Dead Fish.

A penalty of four (4) ounces for each dead fish will be assessed.

12.4 Short Fish Or Fish That Violate Slot Limits.

Fish not meeting length requirements (either less than 12 inches long or falling "in the slot") will not be weighed. In addition, participants shall be penalized by the additional removal of the largest fish remaining in their possession. This procedure shall be applied to each fish that is in violation.

12.5 Creel Limits.

Any angler possessing more than the five fish legal limit, as established by Article 2, Section 3, Fish Limits, shall be disqualified from the tournament and shall not be allowed to weigh-in his catch. The member shall not be eligible for any lunker prize.

All anglers must posses a valid fishing license for the body of water being fished, failure to do so shall result in disqualification from the tournament and his catch shall not be scored. The member shall not be eligible for any lunker prize.

The winner of each regular Chapter tournament will be awarded a plaque, in addition to the prize listed in Article 2, Section 7. Trophies will be awarded to the end-of-year finishers in first through sixth places, and to the overall Lunker winner. These awards are subject to the restrictions of Section 2, below.

The total amount to be spent on the end-of-the-year awards shall be decided by the Chapter membership during the month of October each year. The type of awards to be presented shall be determined by an Awards Committee, based on inputs from those who might receive such an award. This committee shall be appointed in the month of October each year.

The top two fishermen of the previous year will represent the Chapter in the yearly "Mr. Bass" tournament. Entry, campsite/motel fees and seventy-five ($75.00) dollars per team (to defray boat and tow-vehicle gasoline), in that order of priority, will be paid for by the Chapter treasury. This is subject to availability of funds. All other expenses will be borne by the participants.

The top six fishermen of the previous year will represent the Chapter in the Virginia Bass Federation Chapter Team tournament. Entry, campsite/motel fees and seventy-five ($75.00) dollars per team (to defray boat and tow-vehicle gasoline), in that order of priority, will be paid for by the Chapter treasury. This is subject to availability of funds. All other expenses will be borne by the participants.

The top fisherman of the year will be awarded his Chapter dues (less Chapter Classic portion), Virginia State Federation and TBF dues, all regularly scheduled Chapter tournament fees, and the four (4) Region Seven tournament fees for the following year by the Chapter. Chapter Classic eligibility fees shall the responsibility of the individual and are due prior to the draw for the Chapter Classic.

Section 6. Inability to Participate.

If members are unable to participate in the Mr. Bass or Chapter Team tournaments, substitutes will be designated. Members will be afforded the opportunity to participate based on their overall standing in Chapter tournament competition for the preceding year.

END