MSSA / EBASS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
TOURNAMENT RULES 2025

Rule 1: Participation and Eligibility

1. Participation in this tournament is by invitation only and is restricted to current MSSA / EBASS affiliated trails and their members, who must also be duly registered MSSA / EBASS members.
2. Teams may consist of one or two anglers. Team members must represent the same team for the entire duration of the tournament.
3. No reserve angler will be permitted to compete in the MSSA / EBASS National Championships.
4. Both anglers in a team must be registered MASSA and EBASS members in good standing.
5. An official online entry form, duly completed, together with the entry fee of R2,800 per team, must be submitted to the EBASS committee on or before Wednesday, 05 November 2025.
6. Anglers under the age of 16 (juniors) must be accompanied by an adult skipper throughout the tournament.
7. Failure to comply with Rules 1.2, to 1.6 will result in automatic disqualification from the tournament.

Rule 2: Competition and Pre-Competition Cut-Off

1. The MSSA / EBASS National Championships will be held at Loskop Dam on 20, 21, and 22 November 2025, with a non-compulsory free practice day scheduled for Wednesday, 19 November 2025.
2. A pre-competition off-limit period will apply from 20h00 on Sunday, 09 November 2025, during which the following restrictions will be enforced:
   1. No fishing on the tournament waters.
   2. No scanning, mapping, or use of drone footage of the tournament waters.
   3. No receiving of fishing information from any third party, if such information was obtained on the tournament waters during the official off-limit period.
3. Any team found to be in violation of the pre-competition off-limit rules will be disqualified from the tournament.

Rule 3: Use of Electronic Fishing Devices

1. No team may compete in the MSSA / EBASS National Championships without having at least one electronic fishing device on board.
2. Such device must be capable of functions including but not limited to:
   1. Locating fish
   2. Identifying structure
   3. Providing electronic maps
   4. Any other function that may offer the team a competitive advantage during the tournament.
3. Failure to comply with this rule will result in automatic disqualification from the tournament.

Rule 4: Tournament Management

1. The National Championships will be managed and controlled by a Tournament Director, supported by a Tournament Committee consisting of one representative from each participating trail.
2. The Tournament Director shall be responsible for the overall running and management of the tournament.
3. The Tournament Committee shall assist the Tournament Director in all matters relating to protests, hearings, disciplinary actions, and the enforcement of rules. The Tournament Director shall convene any hearings and shall serve as the Chairperson thereof.

Rule 5: Truth Verification Tests

1. By signing the official tournament entry form, each competitor/team accepts that they may be required to undergo a truth verification (polygraph) test and agrees to abide by the outcome should they be accused of any rule violation. The Tournament Director, in consultation with the Tournament Committee, will decide if such a test is necessary.
2. The Tournament Director in consultation with the Committee will determine the location, date, and time of the test, with due consideration for all parties’ schedules and travel costs. Competitors/teams must make themselves available at the appointed location and fully cooperate with the process.
3. Random truth verification tests may be carried out onsite during the National Team Championships and may include, but are not limited to, the top five teams.

Rule 6: Live-Well Inspection

1. Before the start of each tournament day, all live-wells must be completely empty and inspected by the Weighmaster or an appointed official.
2. Hatches, coolers, and any other watertight compartments, regardless of their purpose, may also be opened for inspection.
3. It is the responsibility of each team to ensure their live-wells are inspected by the Weighmaster at least 30 minutes prior to the official start. Any team failing to comply will only be permitted to have their live-well inspected after all other boats have departed.
4. Failure to have a live-well inspected will result in the immediate disqualification of the team from that day’s fishing.
5. Tournament officials must be granted access to a competitor’s boat at any time during competition days. Refusal to grant such access may result in immediate disqualification from the tournament.

Rule 7: Skipper’s Briefing

1. A Skipper’s Briefing will be held on Wednesday, 19 November at 19h00, at the Elephant Hall of Forever Resorts Loskop Dam.
2. Each team must ensure that at least one team member is present at the Skipper’s Briefing.
3. Failure to attend the Skipper’s Briefing may result in disqualification from the tournament.

Rule 8: Starting Order and Procedures

1. On the first tournament day, the starting order of all teams will be determined by a draw. The draw will take place via a Facebook Live stream on the EBASS page on Monday, 17 November 2025 at 18h00.
2. On the second tournament day, the starting order will follow a reversed grid from Day 1.
3. On the final tournament day, the starting order will be determined by the team rankings at the conclusion of Day 2.
4. All teams/boats must be launched at least 30 minutes before the official start of each tournament day, after which the slipway will remain closed until the last boat has departed.

Rule 9: Weigh-In Procedures

1. The weigh station will remain open throughout tournament hours.
2. Should a team be required to weigh a fish during the day, or at tournament closing time, they must enter the weigh station area through the designated starting gate only and comply with the no-wake zone safety rule.
3. All fish to be weighed must be presented to the weighmaster in an approved weigh bag. No fish may be transported by hand or by direct physical contact between the team’s boat and the weigh station.
4. Any overinflated or ailing fish must be presented at the recovery tank immediately after weigh-in for treatment.
5. Any violation of the weigh-in rules and procedures will result in a 1-point score penalty being imposed on the transgressing team.

Rule 10: Fish Culling

1. No dead fish may be kept on any boat. Dead fish must be returned to the water immediately once it becomes evident.
2. No culling may take place within a 50m radius of the weigh station.
3. Violation of Rules 10.1 and 10.2 will result in a 1-point score penalty for the transgressing team.

Rule 11: Scoring and Eligible Fish

1. Only Bass may be weighed. Eligible species include Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass.
2. A minimum size limit of 30 cm per fish applies for all tournament days.
3. An eligible fish is defined as a live Bass measuring 30 cm or longer.
4. A fish that is gilling will be deemed alive, with the final decision resting with the Weighmaster.
5. A maximum of five (5) Bass may be weighed per team per tournament day (“bag limit”). Presenting more than five fish to the Weighmaster will result in immediate disqualification from that day’s fishing.
6. Scoring system:
   1. One (1) point per kilogram, or part thereof.
   2. Any dead or undersized fish will be excluded from the total bag weight and will carry a one-point (1 kg) penalty.
7. No fish may be swapped, traded, replaced, or transferred between boats/teams to increase bag weight or to fill a limit. Any such action will result in disqualification of all teams involved from that day’s fishing.
8. The total points scored over all three tournament days will determine each team’s overall tournament score. In the event of a tie, the team with the biggest bag weighed during the three tournament days will be declared the winner. If a tie still remains, the biggest fish weighed by any team member from the tied teams will serve as the final tiebreaker.
9. For the National Championship, the total daily points of the top six (6) scoring teams from each respective trail will be combined to determine the overall standings. In the event of a tie, the trail with the biggest bag weighed during the three tournament days will be declared the winner. If a tie still remains, the biggest fish weighed by any team member from the tied trails will serve as the final tiebreaker.
10. It is the responsibility of each team to ensure that their biggest fish is weighed and recorded separately, if they wish it to be considered for a tiebreaker. The weight must be noted on the official weigh-in/scoring slip.
11. Fish that have partially ingested prey will not be weighed until the protruding remains are safely removed, and such remains will not count toward the total weight.
12. The introduction of any foreign material or device to artificially increase a fish’s weight or mass will be considered fraud and will result in immediate disqualification from the tournament.

Rule 12: Permitted Fishing Methods

1. Only one line per angler may be in the water at any given time.
2. No more than one artificial lure may be attached to a line at one time.
3. An artificial lure is defined as a single man-made device designed to attract and/or catch one fish at a time.
4. The addition of trailer or treble hooks, plastic trailers, blades, or similar components to a single lure is permitted.
5. If multiple fish are caught on a single man-made lure during one cast, all fish will be considered legal and may be added to the daily catch.
6. The use of “live bait,” “dead bait,” or “prepared bait” is strictly prohibited, with the exception of pork strips or rinds.
7. Umbrella-type rigs, harnesses, or any other devices designed to hold more than one lure at a time—whether with or without hooks—are not permitted.
8. Twin-arm spinnerbaits, underspins, or buzzbaits are permitted.
9. Trailer hooks and plastic trailers must be attached to the main hook of the bait. Only spinner blades may be affixed to the arms.
10. Trolling is not allowed. For purposes of this rule, trolling is defined as having a line in the water while the main combustion engine is running.
11. No feeding areas may be prepared or manipulated to attract fish to a specific location within the tournament waters.
12. Any violation of Rules 12.1 to 12.11 will result in a two-point score penalty for the offending team.

Rule 13: Boat and Motor

1. For the safety of all competitors, every boat must be equipped with an approved, operable ignition kill switch and lanyard.
2. Only fishing boats measuring 3,6 meters or longer may be used during the tournament.
3. Each boat must carry all SAMSA-required safety equipment and must be fitted with a functional bilge pump.
4. Each boat must have a properly aerated live-well of sufficient capacity to keep alive a limit catch of five (5) Bass.
5. Tournament officials shall have sole discretion in determining whether a boat’s live-well aeration and capacity are adequate.
6. Any violation of Rules 13.1 to 13.5 will result in immediate disqualification of the team from that day’s fishing.

Rule 14: Safety

1. Safe boating conduct must be observed at all times by all competitors.
2. Each competitor must wear a chest-type life jacket whenever the combustion engine is in operation. The life jacket must be securely strapped, snapped, or zippered and remain fastened until the engine is switched off.
3. All boats must be fitted with an operable safety ignition kill switch, which must be attached to the skipper’s life jacket whenever the combustion engine is in operation.
4. In low-visibility conditions (e.g., fog, heavy rain), each skipper is personally responsible for operating their boat at a safe speed and in a safe manner. Failure to do so will result in disqualification from the tournament.
5. Standard safety rules and “rules of the road” for local waters must be observed at all times:
   1. Counter-clockwise rotation applies on the fishing waters (shore on the right-hand side), resulting in a counter-clockwise movement of boats at all times.
   2. When boats approach head-on, they must pass with the other boat to the left (port side) at a distance and speed that ensures no wake endangers other competitors.
   3. Overtaking boats must exercise caution, maintain their course until safely past, and should generally overtake on the deep-water side without endangering boats approaching head-on.
   4. At right-angle crossings, the starboard rule applies: the boat with the other on its port (left) side has the right of way. The other boat must alter course and/or reduce speed to pass safely astern.
   5. Powerboats must always give way to boats under sail or hand power, regardless of right of way.
6. Any violation of Rules 14.1 to 14.3 or 14.5 will result in disqualification of the transgressing team from that day’s fishing.
7. The Tournament Director has the authority to delay, shorten, or cancel the start of any official tournament day due to weather or other conditions that may endanger competitors.
8. If, in the judgment of the Tournament Director, a participant appears incapable of safely operating their boat, that participant may be disqualified from the tournament.
9. All captains must hold a valid Certificate of Competence and Certificate of Fitness for their boat. Failure to upload these documents during the online tournament registration process will result in automatic disqualification from the tournament.

Rule 15: Sportsmanship

1. Competitors are expected to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, courtesy, safety, and conservation. Any breach of these fundamental principles may result in disqualification from the tournament.
2. The use of alcohol or drugs (other than prescribed medication or approved over-the-counter remedies) by any competitor during the tournament is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification.
3. A minimum casting distance must be maintained between competing boats, unless both teams mutually agree to fish closer.
4. If one boat allows another team’s boat to enter within casting distance, all other boats are permitted to enter that area without needing to observe the casting distance rule.
5. To demonstrate that another boat has moved inside casting distance, an angler may cast across the bow or stern of the transgressing boat, provided the cast is made with the same rod and lure the angler was already using. Anglers may not change rods or lures to artificially extend casting distance.
6. Under no circumstances may an angler cast a lure, weight, or any other object directly onto another boat in an attempt to prove a casting distance violation. Such conduct is deemed dangerous and will result in disqualification from the day’s results.
7. A stationary boat may not block or deny passage to another boat in a river or narrow section, provided the entering boat has sufficient space to fish beyond the stationary boat while remaining outside casting distance. The entering boat must pass at idle speed (no wake), in a sportsmanlike manner, with no lines in the water. The stationary boat must allow safe passage.
8. Any violation of Rules 15.3, 15.4, 15.5, or 15.7 will result in a two-point score penalty for the transgressing team.

Rule 16: Anglers’ Conduct

1. Anglers must always conduct themselves in a professional manner that demonstrates integrity, honour, and respect toward fellow competitors, tournament staff, sponsors, and the general public. Conduct that reflects unfavourably on the National Championships, participating trails, their members, officers, or representatives will not be tolerated.
2. As anglers are often in the public eye, it is imperative that competitors demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times. Sportsmanship is defined as fair play, respect for opponents, and polite behaviour while competing.
3. The following are examples of unacceptable behaviour by competitors before, during, or after a National Championships event, each of which may result in penalties as outlined in this document:
   1. Heated public disagreements with tournament officials, competitors, fans, or volunteers during an event.
   2. Public attacks through media, including social media, on the integrity of tournament rules or officials.
   3. Public comments that an angler knows, or should reasonably know, could damage the reputation of MSSA /EBASS, tournament officials, or trail sponsors.
   4. Displays of anger or displeasure related to competition in the presence of spectators, other anglers, or media.
   5. Publicly questioning or criticizing a tournament official, decision, ruling, or penalty, except through official channels.
   6. Physical, verbal, threatening, or slanderous abuse of tournament officials, volunteers, competitors, or others connected with a National Championships event.
   7. Offensive or slanderous comments with racial, cultural, or sexual overtones directed at event officials, personnel, or fellow anglers.
   8. Intentionally interfering with another angler’s ability to compete.
4. Any angler who violates the provisions of section 16.1 to 16.3 above may be subject to penalties including, but not limited to: fines, reduction of points, forfeiture of tournament winnings, suspension from MSSA or EBASS-sanctioned events, permanent ban from competition, or any combination of these penalties as determined appropriate by the Tournament Committee.

Rule 17: Competitors Must Remain in Boat

1. Both competitors must remain in their boat at all times, except as provided in the exceptions below.
2. During competition, competitors may not leave the boat to land a fish or to gain access to fishing waters.
3. Competitors may leave the boat to retrieve a lure. All fishing by that competitor must cease until the competitor has re-entered the boat.
4. Competitors may leave the boat to relieve themselves or to seek safe shelter in the event of dangerous weather conditions. All fishing must cease until both competitors have re-entered the boat.
5. Any violation of Rules 17.1 will result in a 1-point score penalty for the transgressing team.

Rule 18: Tournament Waters

1. Tournament waters will be designated by the Tournament Director. Any area within these boundaries that is posted “Off-Limits” or “No Fishing” by provincial, conservation, or other relevant authorities, as well as any areas additionally designated by the Tournament Director, will be considered OFF-LIMITS. Such areas will be announced at the Skipper’s Briefing.
2. Fishing outside the designated tournament waters will result in disqualification from that day’s competition.

Rule 19: Protests

1. Protest forms will be available during the tournament at the weigh station.
2. All protests are subject to a R500 non-refundable protest fee.
3. A protesting team must complete a protest form, signed by all relevant witnesses.
4. The completed protest form, together with the R500 protest fee, must be submitted to the Tournament Director no later than 30 minutes after the tag board closes.
5. Failure by the protesting team to comply with Rules 19.2 – 19.4 will result in the protest being rejected by the Tournament Director.
6. All parties of interest must be made aware of the pending protest by the Tournament Director or an appointed designate.
7. Once received, all parties must attend a hearing at a place and time determined by the Tournament Director, who will convene the Tournament Committee for the protest hearing.
8. Once the outcome has been decided, any penalties or disqualifications will be imposed promptly by the Tournament Committee.