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OFFICIAL RULES
•   Fishing must be carried out respecting the spirit and traditions of an international event.
•   The competition is open to competitors from the age of 18.
•   The organisers, World Catfish Classic Ltd, will have absolute control and discretion over the competition, rules and terms and conditions.
•   The organisers reserve the right to modify all or part of the rules and terms & conditions at any time.
•   World Catfish Classic rules abide by and include all relevant local rules, and have been reviewed and authorized by appropriate local authorities.
•   All competitors and team runners understand that they have to provide organisers with all required insurance documents as part of a condition to their entry in the event.
•   All competitors and team runners will be required to sign a registration form to confirm acceptance of the full and final event rules and terms & conditions.
•   Competition rules also include the terms & conditions.
•   All offences will be reported to the organisers and dealt with in accordance with their seriousness and may lead to disqualification.
•   Organisers may use competitors and Team Runners image at their sole discretion on any support material they deem appropriate at the time of the event and in the future.
•   Wherever reference to significant proceedings is made throughout the following documentation, the following dates apply:
Registration – Sunday 20th, Monday 21st, Tuesday 22nd - see Event Itinerary for details
Opening Ceremony - official picture – Tuesday 22nd - see Event Itinerary for details
Setting up in swims – 07.00 – Daily Weds, Thurs, Fri May 23rd, 24th & 25thÂ
Start of competition – Daily 09.00- 18.00
Results daily: 21:15
Draw on day 1 & 2: 21:30
•   English is the Official Language of the World Catfish Classic.
•   Official currency of the World Catfish Classic is the Pound Sterling (£).
•   WCC rules/term & conditions are the property of World Catfish Classic and cannot be used or copied even partially, without prior written consent from the organisers.
Section A - Registration
A01- You must register along with your Team Runner at designated times (see Event Itinerary), providing the organisers with your Registration Confirmation Sheet
A02- Anyone not registering within these times could be excluded from the competition and their entry fee will be forfeited, unless prior notice is given in advance or the competitors have a valid reason for being late and organisers are made aware by a phone call on the contact number provide by the organisers: +44 (0)2392 006 500.
Section B - Official Picture
B01- The official group picture will take place on Tuesday during the Opening Ceremony.
B02- All competitors are required to be present.
Section C – Boat Check – Registration & Peg Draw
C01- To ensure that all boats/security equipment to be used during the competition have been checked and approved by organisers and local authorities, all competitors must arrange to have their boat being checked at designated times (see Event Itinerary).
C02- After being checked and only if all has been approved, competitors will receive a form which will enable them to proceed with check-in. Please refer to the Itinerary.
C03- Participation now allows for Pairs (2 anglers) or Trios (3 anglers) entries which ever formation is chosen the number of rods remain a total of 4. Team Runners still welcome - please refer to section H.
C04-On Tuesday following the official picture, the peg draw will take place and only then would competitor know where they fish. All access to the competition area will be forbidden from 19.00 - 06.00 daily. Any competitors found in pegged areas during these times will be immediately disqualified from the competition.
C05- In the event where competitors are not present at the draw but have been allowed entry due to extenuating circumstances by the organisers, peg numbers will be drawn last by nominated impartial officials (boat and equipment still to be approved).
C06 – Competitors will draw one peg at the opening ceremony and this will decide their peg for the following day and their zone order for the following 2 days. IE if peg B15 is drawn on the for the Wednesday, the pair/trio will be fishing Zone C on the Thursday and Zone A on the Friday. Each evening following the daily results announcement at 21:15 a member of each pair/trio will be invited on stage to draw its peg number for the following day.
C07- On each day, between the times of 07.00 and 09.00 (when competitors are moving to their swims and setting up), the use of boats is not permitted. NO baiting up, feature finding or any other boating activities may take place until the rocket has signalled the start of the competition.
Section D - Allocation of the prizes
The prize table will be allocated based on:
D01- At the organisers’ discretion, pro-rata could be applied if the maximum of 60 entries is not reached.
D02- Prizes will only be given to competitors present at prize giving.
D03- In the unlikely event that no fish are caught during the competition only section prizes will be drawn for. Any cash prizes including overalls will not be awarded.
Section E - Fishing rules
E01- No overnight camping on the bank is permitted during the course of the event. All competitors must return to Bivvy City at the end of each day’s event and are not permitted to go to their pegs until the following morning after 07:00.
E02- Each pair must set up their rods and shelter no further than three meters from the peg marker (if not possible then to the nearest possible). - Competitors must not cast outside the limits of their swim, such limits to be marked by an imaginary line marking the middle distance between them and their neighbours peg marker. Any disputes as to any competitor fishing outside of this area must be reported immediately to the marshals. Marshals have the discretion to request that competitors reposition their rods as and when directed.
E03- Only competitors are allowed to cast or handle rods. No assistance from any other person (excluding partner) whatsoever is allowed (see Team Runner rules). Immediate disqualification could result if assistance is obtained.
E04- It is the responsibility of the competitors to ensure that all fish caught are reported as soon as possible to the marshals in their section before baits are repositioned.
E05- The organisers retain the right to search all competitors’ tackle or vehicles to combat any form of cheating or rule breaking. Anglers found cheating will be reported to the organisers and banned for life from the competition.
E06- The daily competition is decided on total weight with the pair having the greatest weight being declared the winners. The overall Champions will be the pair with the greatest weight over the three daily competitions combined. In the event of a tie for either the daily or overall competition, the pair with the most fish will be declared the winners. If the result is still tied, the pair catching the biggest fish will be declared the winners.
E07- Any pair with more than four baited rods in the water at any one time will be immediately disqualified from the competition. This also applies to Trios. 4 rods maximum at any one time.
E08- Due to the depth of water in some pegs, entering the water is only permitted to thigh depth to allow casting and the landing of fish. Any competitor who wades further than thigh depth could have that fish disqualified from the competition.
E09- Competitors must comply with requests from film crews and official photographers at all times regarding media coverage, except if they are in the process of landing a fish. Members of the media who are competing will not be awarded media access to other competitors during the competition.
E10- In Pairs should both competitors wish to leave their swim for any reason whatsoever their rods must be reeled in and their baited hooks removed from the water. By no means is the Team Runner allowed to look after the rods for them. In Trios, one angler can leave providing the other two anglers remain on their peg.
E11- Permanent markers can be dropped by boat and left in the fishing sector during the match but must be removed at the end of the day. A permanent marker will have a radius of 50 meters around it that another competing team cannot encroach upon. Where the marker is closer than 50 meters to the swim boundaries, the boundary will be the limit of the allocated water within the competitors swim.
E12- No more than four permanent markers can be used at any one time within the swim.
E13- The towing of baited rigs and the baiting of swims must not exceed 200 meters from the peg number board. The Head Marshal’s decision will be final upon any discrepancy that arises from an infringement from this rule.
E14- Any competing pair found to be deliberately encroaching upon any other competing pairs water could be disqualified. Any boundary differences must be finalised before the match begins. The Head Marshal’s decision will be final on all boundary disputes. Where a suitable outcome has not been found the Head Marshal will divide the pegs equally with an imaginary line marked between the competitors swims.
Section F - Match rules
F01- The official start of each daily competition will be signalled by the firing of a rocket at 09:00hrs.
F02- Only Wels Catfish (Silurus Glanis) will count in the competition over the weight of 10KG.
F03- Each line may only have one, or two single hooks attached. No treble hooks allowed at any time.
F04- For conservation purposes we would recommend barbless or micro-barb hooks. At all times a suitable un-hooking mat or surface must be used (not provided by WCF).
F05- Each Pair/Trio is allowed to use four rods with baited hooks in the water at any one time. Two further rods may be kept in reserve and may be set up so long as they are broken down.
F06- Hooked fish should be landed without interfering with other competitor’s lines or they may be omitted from the final result. Any competitor, who is aggrieved by another competitor’s hooked fish tangling his lines, must make a formal complaint immediately. The judges will make a decision as to whether to allow that fish to count in the final results which will be done in the good spirit of the event.
F07- If possible fish must be landed within the defined area of the competitor’s swim. Any transgression of this rule will be considered on its merits.
F08- Fish not hooked by the mouth will be disqualified.
F09- If a fish is snagged competitors can call the marshal and it may then be allowed for one of the anglers to go out in a boat to free the fish from the snag. The rod must stay on the bank at all times. The freed fish will count in the event.
F10- Any fish hooked before the final rocket sounds must be landed within 30 minutes of the end of the competition or it will be excluded from the final results.
F11- The firing of a rocket at 18:00hr each day will signify the end of the daily competition.
F12- Only pellets or boilies may be used in the competition.
F13- A maximum of 50Kgs of bait per day only, per competing Pair/Trio is allowed. Officials will proceed to a daily check prior to the start of the competition and have the right to proceed to spot check at all times. All bait to be used during each day's competition must be taken to the swim prior 09.00 and will be checked by marshals. Any unused bait may not be added to the next days allocation allowance.
F14- The 50 kg of bait can consist in totality or a combination of the following: squid, halibut pellets or boilies.
Section G - Procedure to record a catch
G01- Each fish must be witnessed by at least two persons comprising of a marshal, nominated WCFC official, or another pairs team runner.
G02- Fish to be weighed exclusively with official equipment held by the marshals or it will be excluded from the results.
G02- Competitors to ensure officials are at all times notified promptly.
G03- The marshal’s sheet is the official logbook of catches. Details to be filled in will include:
The name of the participant who caught the fish
The peg number
The time of the catch being weighed
The weight of the catch in kg
Signatures of the marshal & angler
An official picture taken by the marshals – fishermen with the fish along with the peg clearly displayed.
G04- Competitors to ensure that all details are correctly entered on catch reports and that a picture has been taken before signing official record sheets.
G05- All fish to be returned to the water in the presence of the marshal and witnessed swimming away.
Section H - Team Runner
H01- One Team Runner is allowed per pair.
H02- Each Team Runner has to register with his/hers team within the registration times. Once registered a Team Runner cannot change its status to become a Third Angler. Any change of status can only happen as per rule H07.
H03- Team Runners will be made clearly identifiable.
H04- A pair will automatically face disqualification if their Team Runner is found handling a rod at any time during the competition.
H05- Team Runner is allowed to go out in a boat to drop a baited rig and bait up. As mentioned above, if seen handling a fishing rod, the pair he is representing will be disqualified.
H06- Team Runner is allowed to row the boat, glove fish and assist with the weighing.
H07- In the event that one of the team members is unable to continue in the match (ie medical emergency) then at the organizers discretion the Team Runner may be promoted to full team member for the remainder of the competition. The original team member, however, will not be allowed to return to the competition in any capacity other than as spectator.
Section I – Boat Rules
Boat specification
I01- All boats used during the competition must conform to the River Ebro and World Catfish Classic requirements, which in the broad outline are as follows:
Boat type: to accommodate a maximum of six persons and no more than 5 meters. An inflatable boat is recommended–no single chamber allowed.
Propulsion: only rowing is allowed. Kayak powered by feet allowed.
Boat & safety measures
Failure to comply with the following will result in the use of the boat being denied in the competition.
I02- Each boat is to be fitted with:
2 oars and rowlocks
A minimum of two life-jackets fully equipped as outlined below
A bailer properly secured to the boat.
An appropriate anchor/weight properly secured to the boat secured to a minimum 25 meters of rope.
A towing rope (can be the same one as the anchor) and a fixed towing ring.
A fog horn.
I03- Each life-jacket is to be CE certified and conform to European standard EN395 and must be fitted with a whistle properly secured to the life-jacket and a luminous stick.
I04- No swimming at any time is allowed by anyone.
I05- Life-jackets must be worn and securely fastened at all times while onboard.
I06- All boats used in the competition will be disinfected against zebra mussels during the boat check. This is a local environmental requirement.
Security check
Failure to comply with the following may result in immediate disqualification:
I07- Each boat, its life-jackets and equipment will be checked prior to the start of the competition by marshals/local authorities. If the boat, life-jackets and equipment do not comply with above requirements, competitors will be able to fish the competition, but will not be able to use their boat until it complies with all required safety measures.
I08- During the registration process, competitors will have to produce appropriate documents: Public Liability (compulsory), Boar Liability advisable, a signed registration form to certify agreement to abide by the rules and T&C's as well as a disclaimer. Failure to comply will result in refusal to use a boat on the venue.
I09- Spot checks of boats and life-jackets will be conducted by marshals throughout the competition and duly recorded onto official score sheets. Local authorities may also conduct their own checks. If a boat is found to be non-compliant by local authorities, it is at their sole discretion to impose local laws which could include a fine or confiscation of unsuitable boats. In any case, pairs found guilty of not following the boat safety measures may face instant disqualification by the organisers.
I10- The Head Marshall can make a decision to refuse water entry if boat and/or anglers are deemed unfit to go afloat.
I11- During foul, rough inclement weather, the organisers have the right to ban boats being used. The use of boats in all circumstances throughout the entire duration of the competition is entirely at the competitors own risk and responsibility. World Catfish Classic will not be liable for any accidents/damage resulting from use of boats by competitors/Team Runner.
Section J – Use of boats during competition
Non compliance with the following could result in immediate disqualification and possible ban from ever entering the event again
General rules
J01- No person under the age of 18 is allowed at any time to use boats.
J02- One angler or team runner alone, is allowed to use the boat during the competition. Please refer to Team Runner section for details about what a Team Runner is allowed to do once on-board.
J03- No angler can go afloat upon the water without:
- Ensuring first that their fishing partner and or team runner is alerted and present at the swim ready to raise an alarm in the event of an emergency.
- Wearing a properly fastened life-jacket.
J04- When not in use, all boats must be removed from the water or securely moored. Any boat found to be adrift without occupancy could result in that boat being withdrawn from the competition and the pair facing disqualification.
J05- Chest waders are strictly forbidden when afloat, irrespective of the material in which they are constructed.
J06- Any attempt to corrupt marshals or officials will lead to immediate action, which could include a public name and shame.
J07- Any queries regarding the rules have to be put forward before the start of the event and no later than the draw.
Section K – Procedure in case of a problem while afloat
K01- Anyone on board/in water to immediately use whistle to alert partner on-shore.
K02- Partner on-shore must immediately advise in this order:
•   HQ if marshal(s) not already on-site (dedicated distress phone number provided)
•   Neighbouring swims.
•   Local authorities (emergency phone number provided)
Section L – Use of bait boats & Echo Sounder
L01- Bait boats are not allowed.
L02- Electronic echo sounders may be used from a boat.
Section M – Local rules
M01- Fishing on all pegs has been granted exceptionally for the event on the basis that competitors do not litter or damage the environment.
M02- Organisers have endeavoured to ensure parking as near as possible to the pegs. Competitors should respect official competition parking signs and park where assigned. Even in assigned parking areas, anglers still park at their own risks.
M03- The venue emphasise that it has a NO KILL policy at all times. Furthermore it is prohibited to mutilate, transport or sell any catch.
M04- All boats used in the comptition will be disinfected against zebra mussels during the boat check. This is a local environmental requirement (seeI06).
Points highlighted: are either new points or re-written point for better clarification.
Version 2.0 January 2012
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