NATIONAL FEDERATION OF SEA ANGLERS LIMITED

(NFSA) RULES

These rules define the way the NFSA will conduct it’s business on a day to day basis. In the event there is any conflict between these rules and the Articles of Association of the NFSA the Articles will take precedence.

Rule 1. About the Rules.

1.1 NAME The name of the organisation is the National Federation of Sea Anglers Limited (NFSA) and it is recognised as the governing body for sea anglers in England by Her Majesty’s Government through Sport England.

1.2 Effective Date. These Rules, as referred to in the Articles of the NFSA, come into force on XX January 2006 and all previous NFSA Rules are null and void.

1.3 Alteration. These Rules may only be amended by the Board of the NFSA after due consultation with the Standing Committee and the Membership. (Note. The annexed rules covering Competitions and specimen fish awards are subject to different levels of approval.)

1.4 Copyright. These Rules, and any NFSA Reports or Publications, are the copyright of the NFSA and may not be reproduced in whole or part without its consent in writing.

1.5 Text. Throughout the Rules, where the context so admits, the singular includes the plural and vice-versa, and the masculine includes the feminine.

1.6 ABBREVIATIONS & DEFINITIONS. The following definitions apply to the Rules.

Standing Committee (SC). See Rule 4.2

Division. A division of the NFSA. See Rule 4.4

Affiliated Club (AC). A club of Sea Anglers that has applied to become affiliated to the NFSA and been accepted under the criteria defined in rule 3c.

Associate Member (AM). Any bona fide organisation as defined in rule 3d which has applied for and been accepted as an Associate Member of the NFSA

Code of Conduct. The code defined in Rule 5 which all Board Directors and NFSA Committee members are required to conform to.

Counter. A person appointed by the Chairman to count votes at an AGM or EGM.

Chief Executive.(CE) The Chief Executive of the NFSA.

NFSA Insurance. The insurance cover provided by the NFSA to those Members with membership criteria that include it or clubs and AM’s who have purchased it separately.

Sea Angler. Is a person who takes fish from the sea by means of a rod and line or pole. The NFSA does not approve of any of its members, other than those who are also Commercial Fishermen, using trawls, trammel or gill nets for commercial use, or in the selling of their catch. AC’s may expel members so engaged.

The Board The Board of Directors of the NFSA.

Member A person who has applied and been accepted to join the NFSA under one of the membership categories defined in Rule 3 and is up to date with subscription payments.

Honorary Life Member. A person who has been awarded honorary life membership by the Board.

Life Member. A person who has applied and been accepted under the terms of the NFSA life membership scheme.

JUNIOR. An individual under the age of 16.

Rule 2 OBJECTS & DUTIES. The objects and duties of the NFSA as defined in the Articles of the Company are to:

(a) Promote the sport of sea angling with rod and line or pole.

(b) Propose rules governing the sport of sea angling, particularly for competitive sea angling.

(c) Encourage affiliation of all similar sea angling organisations to the NFSA so that the interests of these and their members may be protected.

(d) Encourage fair angling.

(e) Encourage anglers in the conservation of all fish species and the protection of the marine ecology.

(f) Monitor commercial sea fisheries in connection with relevant matters and make representation in the interests of sea anglers to the appropriate authorities where necessary.

(g) Challenge any intrusion against the liberties of sea anglers in connection with the marine environment and its ecology, and make representation to the appropriate authorities. (eg. pollution, dumping, extractions, attempts to restrict access & associated byelaw making)

(h) Liaise with the appropriate authorities in connection with the keeping of British Sea Fish Records from boat and shore. If it becomes necessary, take over the responsibilities of maintaining such Records.

(i) Particularly encourage juniors, ladies and the disabled to participate in sea angling.

(j) Co-operate or associate with any other organisations with similar aims, where necessary.

(k) Serve the demands and needs of the NFSA nationally and internationally.

(l) Select, and seek sponsorship for, the England official sea angling teams and representatives for national and international championships.

(m) Encourage and sponsor safety in relation to sea angling.

(n) That children and vulnerable adults will find sea angling a safe environment in which to have fun, learn and develop by promoting the NFSA Child Protection Policy Guidelines Document.

(o) Ensure an ongoing commitment to treating people fairly. No participant, volunteer, job applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment on grounds of gender, marital status, social class, colour, race, ethnic origin, creed or disability, or will be disadvantaged by conditions or requirements that cannot be shown to be relevant to performance.

Rule 3 MEMBERSHIP. The NFSA membership shall comprise of:

(a) Members . Individuals who have applied for and been granted membership under the Rules in place at the time and have paid the appropriate fee. Members will receive an annual NFSA Handbook, regular NFSA newsletters and can receive further information via email if so registered. A Member will be covered by the NFSA Insurance.

(b) Junior Member. An Junior under the age of 16 who has applied and been accepted for NFSA junior membership under the criteria in place at the time.

(c) Affiliated Clubs, (AC) A properly constituted sea angling organisation, having not less than ten members which has been approved by the Board, by way of registering with the NFSA, providing a full list of names and addresses of its angling members and paying the appropriate fee. AC’s will receive 2 copies of NFSA Handbook and Newsletter and will be eligible for NFSA Insurance upon paying the appropriate fee.

(d) Associate Member (AM) Any bona fide organisation that wishes to belong to, align itself with, or support the NFSA in its endeavours to protect sea anglers and their sport, can apply to become an AM. Once approved by the Board they will have access to information but they will not receive benefits or services that have been evolved solely for a Member, AC’s and Divisions. All fully paid up AM’s are entitled to send an elected delegate, at their expense, to NFSA committee meetings, and to speak on all matters that are of national importance to the sport of sea angling. A delegate from an AM may be co-opted by the Board to serve on a NFSA sub-committee where it is deemed to be expedient to the work of that sub-committee.

(e) Life Members. A person can apply to become a Life Member of the NFSA. Once the application has been approved and the appropriate fee paid, that Life member will receive for life the entitlement of a Member, understanding that this entitlement may vary from time to time.

(f) Honorary Life Member. The Board may, at its’ discretion, grant one Honorary Life Membership a year to a deserving individual. Once granted, the recipient will receive for life the same entitlement as a Life member.

Rule 4 GOVERNANCE. The Governance of the NFSA shall be in accordance with the Articles of the Company via the following.

4.1. Directors.

4.1.1 Directors Board meetings. Will be held regularly on a formal basis with agendas, minutes and regular reporting on key areas such as finance and membership. Director appointments to the Board will be made on the following basis.

4.1.2 Director Appointments The Directors shall be appointed as follows.

a) The Chief Executive of the Company will be appointed a Director at the first meeting of the board following his or her employment in the position.

b) The person appointed Honorary Treasurer will be appointed a Director at the first meeting of the Board following his or her appointment.

c) The Chairman will be appointed a Director at the first meeting of the Board following his or her appointment.

d) Four Directors will be nominated by a meeting of the Standing Committee and appointed by the Board at the first meeting of the Board following their nomination.

e) Additional Directors may be appointed by the Board as it sees fit to ensure Director numbers defined in this document are maintained.

4.1.3 There will be a minimum of 8, maximum of 10 Directors. A quorum is at least 5 Directors, of which 2 are nominations of the Standing Committee.

4.1.4. The Board will be responsible for day to day running of the NFSA, either directly or through specialist sub –groups, in particular Competition and Conservation.

4.1.5 The Board may invite any person it sees fit to join the meetings of the Board to assist in the day to day running of the NFSA however non Directors will not have the right to vote in significant matters. These additional attendees will normally include Chairmen of the Conservation and Competition Groups and the Administration Officer if they are not already Directors.

4.1.5. Administration Officer (AO). The Board may at its’ discretion appoint a person to the role of Administration Officer to assist with minute taking and matters of an administrative nature arising at Board and SC meetings. The person appointed to the position will not automatically become a Director but may be so appointed by the Board if it so desires.

4.1.6 Code of Conduct. In accepting the position of Director of the NFSA all Directors agree to abide by the NFSA Code of Conduct.

4.2 Standing Committee.

4.2.1 Role. The primary role of the SC is to act as a 2 way communications channel between the NFSA HO and Board and the divisional membership, acting as a consultation and guidance body to the board and a communications and activity driver for the divisions. They will also make decisions on the NFSA Specimen Fish Award scheme, comment on applications for AM and AC and manage the Festival Programme.

4.2.2 Membership. The SC will comprise one person appointed by each division to represent their interests at the SC or their agreed deputy, Chairman, CE and treasurer of the Board and a representative from each of the specialist sub groups. In addition the SC may co-opt a person to serve on the SC If it considers that it will be beneficial to the working of the SC.

4.2.3 Standing Committee Administration. The SC will be chaired by the NFSA Chairman or his deputy and administration of meetings will be managed by NFSA HQ

4.2.4 Quorum. A quorum shall be Eight.

4.2.5 Attendance. An attendance register will be kept, and if any elected member is absent from two consecutive meetings, he shall be asked for an explanation. If this explanation is not satisfactory to the SC, he shall be deemed to have resigned.

4.2.6 Meetings. The SC shall meet as often as may be necessary, but not less than three times each year; these meetings shall be called by the Chairman, Vice-Chairman or CE.

4.2.7 Notice of Meetings. Not less than fourteen days notice of SC meetings shall be sent to all members of the SC, together with draft agenda, minutes from the last meeting and any available papers.

4.2.8. Code of Conduct. In accepting a position on the Standing Committee SC members agree to abide by the NFSA Code of Conduct.

4.3. Sub Committees. The Board may from time to time create Sub Committees to deal with specific topics. Such sub committees will conform to the following guidelines.

(i) Once created through initial Board appointments appoint a Chairman to co-ordinate activities, report back to the Board on a regular basis and attend Board meetings if requested.

(ii) Establish a regular meeting schedule to meet the objectives of the group.

(iii) Produce regular reports to the Board on progress.

At the time of the issue of these Rules the following groups were appointed.

(a) National Teams and Competition Group. (NT&CG). The NT&CG shall meet to select all the England official sea angling teams as directed by the SC, and deal with all matters in connection with Competitions, Festivals and their Rules.

(b) Education and Training Group (E&TG). The E&TG shall meet as necessary to discuss any matters relevant to Education and Training.

(c) Conservation and Access Group (C&AG). The C&AG shall meet as necessary to discuss any matters relevant to Conservation and Access.

4.3.1 The Chairman, Vice Chairman and CE shall be ex-officio members on all sub committees and Groups but shall not have a vote unless they are chair of that sub committee.

4.4 DIVISIONS.

(i) Purpose of a Division. The function of a Division is to uphold and protect the interests of the NFSA and to promote its activities. In particular the Division must seek to arrange activities that encourage recruitment and benefit its existing membership of clubs and individuals within it’s territory. It is expected that Divisions shall be self financing and they should hold the necessary fund raising events to enable this. A small annual grant may be paid by the NFSA to help with administration, and this amount is to be agreed by the Board at its first meeting in each year and will be calculated on the previous years Divisional membership.

(ii) Administration. The operation of a Division is vested in the Delegates, or a Management Committee elected from the Delegates, from the AC’s within its area.

(iii) Management of a Division. The approved methods of management are either:

(a) By Delegates’ Meetings consisting of Divisional Officers, who have the right to vote, and one voting Delegate, one Deputy (non-voting) from each AC and any Members who wish to attend. In the absence of the Delegate, his Deputy has the right to vote. In the case of a Division of less than 30 AC’s, voting members may be in proportion to the number of its members in each AC, or;

(b) By a Management Committee comprising a Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, and other Officers as deemed necessary, plus a maximum of 15, and minimum of 6, Committee Members who shall all be elected at a Divisional AGM from the AC’s’ delegates present.

SC members residing within the Divisional area can attend, but cannot vote, unless they are an elected Divisional Officer.

In either case the Division has a responsibility to ensure that individuals as well as clubs are included in the decision making process, If necessary by appointed representatives.

(iv) Sub-Division. A Sub-Division of Management within a Divisional area, to improve efficiency of administration, can be formed, with the agreement of the SC.

(v) Meetings. The Delegates’ Meeting or Management Committee within the Division will meet not less than four times per year and each AC or Committee Member shall receive not less than fourteen days notice of such meetings. A copy of the minutes of these meetings must be forwarded to the CE as soon as possible.

(vi) Divisional AGM. Every Division shall hold an AGM.

(vii) Notice to be Given. A Divisional AGM will be held as early as practicable in each year; the date, time and place of the AGM shall be fixed by the Delegates Meeting or Management Committee. An agenda and audited accounts shall be sent to the CE and to each AC within the Divisional area, at least 14 days before the AGM.

(viii) Voting. Any number of members from AC’s not in arrears with their fees may attend an AGM, but only one Delegate from each AC will be a voting member. Fully paid up Members may attend and vote. A Delegate representing more than one AC shall be entitled to vote as directed by the AC he represents and such a Delegate shall be in possession of a letter of authority for each of the AC(s) he represents. The number of votes an AC may cast is determined by dividing their association fee by a members fee rounded up.

(ix) Minutes. A copy of the minutes of the AGM must be forwarded to the CE within three months of the meeting.

(x) Quorum. A quorum shall be 10 members entitled to vote.

(xi) Finance. The Divisional accounts shall be handled by the Treasurer through a Bank or Building Society Account and all cheques are to be signed by not less than two Officers. All monies collected and not spent on legitimate requirements for the Division remain the property of the NFSA as will all records and equipment held by the Division in the name of the NFSA.

(xii) Complaints. The Division shall deal with any claim or complaint made by an Officer or member of any AC, either on behalf of itself or any of its members, but this does not remove the right of appeal to the Board.

(xiii) Membership. Membership shall be open to all Members within the Divisional areas. Any Member wishing to be registered in another Division may do so on application to the Board through the CE and with consent of both Divisions concerned. However, if that consent is not forthcoming, the AC has the right to appeal to the Board

(xiv) Matters of National Importance. All matters which concern the NFSA and local matters with National connotations, must be reported to the CE immediately, and confirmed in writing, to receive his advice and assistance if required. The CE will then, as soon as possible, discuss the matter with the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Board.

(xv) General. The aforementioned rules respecting Divisions are for guidance only, and nothing in the Rules prevents any Division from formulating its own rules and regulations. However, the Board points out that the above rules and recommendations have proved to be appropriate in the majority of cases and any variation must be with the agreement of the Board. Copies of the Divisional Rules and any amendments formulated should be forwarded to the CE.

(xvi) Procedure for Forming a New Division. The CE, on receipt of an application to form a Division supported by the names of not less than 10 AC’s within the area will seek approval from the Board to create such a Division. If given the CE will then:

(a) Call a meeting of the Members within the area to discuss the application.

(b) On a resolution from that meeting to establish a Division, a Steering Committee will be formed for the drafting of the proposed rules.

(c) Supply, to the Steering Committee, a copy of the guidance rules relative to Divisional operations to help them formulate the new Division’s proposed draft rules. In addition, he will supply copies of local rules relative to Divisions as a supplementary guide-line.

(d) Once finalised, circulate the proposed rules to the Members within the area and, if agreed, submit them to the Board for ratification.

(e) Once ratified, in conjunction with the Steering Committee Secretary, convene the first General Meeting of the new Division.

The initial meetings and the first General Meeting will be chaired by the Chairman of the NFSA or, in his absence, one of the other Officers.

4.5. AGM and EGM. In accordance with the Articles of the NFSA AGM’s will be held yearly and EGM’s as called for.

4.5.1. AGM. The AGM will be held each year on a date determined by the Board that best meets the needs of the NFSA and will adopt the following guidelines as defined in the Articles.

(i) The AGM will normally be held in May or June each year.

(ii) At least 5 weeks notice in writing will be given to all entitled to attend.

(iii) No business shall be transacted at any meeting unless a quorum is present at the commencement of the business. The quorum shall consist of Members or their duly authorised representatives present in person or duly authorised proxies received at the registered offices on or before the prescribed date that exceed seventy five votes.

(iv) In the event there is no quorum 30 minutes after the start of the meeting the AGM will be postponed for 28 days.

(v) The Chairman, or failing his presence, the Vice-Chairman, or failing his presence any Director who shall be appointed for the purpose by Directors, shall preside as Chairman of the AGM

(vi) At the AGM each Member shall have one vote and each Affiliated Club shall have the number of votes determined by dividing their association fee by a members fee rounded up. At registration each Member and AC representative will be given a card clearly indicating the number of votes they can cast. Each and every question shall be determined by a show of hands from each Member and the raising of cards by AC’s. The Chairman will appoint an official Counter to count and record the votes.

(vii) Votes may be given at any AGM by a member in person or by a representative duly authorised in writing or by proxy votes.

(viii) In the case of an equality of votes the Chairman of the meeting at which the equality vote occurs shall be entitled to a second or casting vote.

(ix) A majority vote decides all matters except alterations to the Articles which require sixty five % majority for approval.

4.5.2. EGM. An EGM may be called by the Directors as they see fit or by a request from 6 or more AC’s or 100 members and will adopt the following guidelines.

(i) At least 14 days notice must be given in writing.

(ii) In the event the EGM is called in response to a legitimate request from AC’s or members it must be called within 40 days of the request being received.

(iii) Rules 4.5.1. (iii) to (ix) also apply to the running of the EGM.

5. Code of Conduct. Every NFSA Director and any person appointed to any NFSA Committee shall be required to abide by this code of conduct. Failure to observe this rule shall be grounds for a Member in breach of the rule being suspended from the Board or Committee on which he sits. This code of conduct, which may be altered at any time solely by a majority vote of the Board, but not enforced retrospectively if so altered, is as follows:

All persons bound by this Code of Conduct must:

(i) Agree to represent the best interests of sea angling and all members of the NFSA, and not to represent any particular AC, AM, Division or other interest in any matter that may be contrary to the best interests for the sport.

(ii) Outside meetings they will support, and not criticise, any decision properly arrived at in those meetings even if they were not fully in agreement therewith. They will of course be entitled to express their views fully at NFSA meetings, but once a democratic decision has been reached that matter should not be raised again unless circumstances are deemed to have changed.

(iii) No Member shall publicise through the media any NFSA policy matter until the same has been considered and decided upon by the Board. Once a decision has been reached they will be bound by (ii) hereof. This shall not prevent members expressing their own views at private meetings, but they should make it clear that these are personal opinions and will not necessarily become official NFSA policy.

(iv) Any person who feels at any time that they are unable to comply with this code of conduct should consult the Chairman or another director in an attempt to resolve any problem. If this fails, the case shall be brought to the Board for a decision. In the event they are unable to find a favorable solution, the member shall resign.

Annexe A.

NFSA Festival, Specimen Fish and Competition Rules and Guidelines.

In the event there is conflict between NFSA Rules and these rules and guidelines the NFSA Rules will prevail.

Amendments. Amendments to the Specimen Fish and Festival guidelines will be proposed and approved by the SC after consultation with the Board and interested Sub Groups of the NFSA.

Amendments to the Competition Rules must be proposed by the Competition Sub group and issued to the Board, SC and sub groups. Providing no objection is lodged within 6 weeks the Competition Group will approve the proposed amendments. In the event of concerns being raised the Competition Group must review those concerns and seek to overcome them.

Rule A1 NFSA FESTIVALS, OTHER FESTIVALS & OPEN COMPETITIONS.

A1.1 NFSA Festivals. The NFSA shall normally hold, each year, National Boat Festivals, National Pier/Shore Festivals, a National Junior Pier/Shore Festival and any other National Festivals it may consider appropriate. These National Festivals can be held in conjunction with a Festival operated by an AC. Dispensation to hold the Boat and Pier/Shore events on the same date can be given by the SC.

A1.1.1 Dates & Venues. Not later than 30th September in each year, the SC shall fix the dates and venues of the NFSA Festivals for the following year and all AC’s and Divisions shall be informed by within 2 weeks. Individual members should be informed as soon as is practical. No AC or Division should fix a festival date so that it coincides with a NFSA Festival date with the exception that a Pier/Shore Festival may be held on the same day as the NFSA Boat Festival or vice versa.

A1.2 Other Festivals & Open Competitions. The NFSA recognises the following other Festivals and Open Competitions:

(a) AC’s, AM’s & Divisions. Those held by ACs, AMs, groups of ACs or AMs, and Divisions.

(b) Non AC’s. Those held by other bona fide organisations, who are not affiliated to the NFSA, with the proviso that the NFSA Festival Rules are observed.

A1.3 Festival Planning. Each Division should hold a Festival Delegates Meeting in October of each year. Each AC resident in that Divisional area, or connected to it by request, shall inform the Secretary of the Division of the proposed date, venue and address of the Festival Secretary or any Festival or Open Competition they intend to organise. The Secretary of the Division should forward to the CE, by not later than the 31st October, a complete list of Festivals and Open Competitions registered with that Division. Each AC not resident in a fully operational Divisional area or connected to one by request, and intending to hold a Festival or Open Competition, should inform the CE in writing by the 31st October the proposed date, venue and address of the Festival Secretary.

A1.3.1 The SC will consider the Festival and Open Competition fixture list at the first SC meeting after 31st October.

A1.4 Delegation of Powers. The organising committee may, at its discretion, delegate all or any of its powers to Judges, Stewards and Other Officials.

A1.5 Accidents. Under no circumstances shall a Competitor hold the organising Committee, any of its members, or officials, responsible for any accident or loss that they may sustain during any event.

A1.6 Results. Every AC and Division shall forward to the CE the results of its NFSA competitions within 28 days.

A1.7 Festival Heaviest Fish/Specimen Medal. AC’s and Divisional Festivals & Open Competitions registered, and subsequently published in the NFSA Fixture List, will be entitled to receive one Bronze Medal. If an AC or Division is organising more than one event in any one year, application may be made to the CE for a second medal, the award of which will be at the discretion of the CE.

Rule A2 TROPHIES AND AWARDS. A list of NFSA Trophies appears in the NFSA Handbook and is also available from the NFSA Head Office. (The word ‘trophy’ also implies cups, medals, shields etc.)

A2.1 Awards Of Prizes. The decision of the Organisers on the award/presentation of trophies and prizes, shall be final. In the event of bad weather, the Organisers have the power to make awards on the results of one or two days' fishing only.

A2.2 Challenge Trophies. The winner of any challenge trophy shall give a guarantee to the Organisers as to its safe custody, provide a £50 returnable deposit and shall return it within 12 months or at least one month before the following year's Festival. If this is not carried out the AC from which the winner enters will be informed, and asked for the return of these in good order complete with plinths, cases and keys.

A2.3 Team Trophy. If a team trophy is offered, all team members and reserves shall be nominated before the commencement of the event.

A2.4 Cash Prizes. Cash prizes may be awarded where the rules of the organising club permit.

A2.5 Ties. In NFSA Festivals, competitors who tie for any trophy shall hold it for an equal period, and duplicate medals or replicas shall be awarded. This can apply in AC/AM competitions or other Festivals, unless an alternative method is specified.

A2.6 NFSA Festivals. In NFSA Festivals, no competitor shall take more than one trophy, in addition to any team trophies, with the accompanying awards or prizes.

Rule A3 MISCELLANEOUS RULES.

A3.1 Insurance. The NFSA strongly recommends that all competition organisers should ensure that they are insured against any third party public liability claim.

A3.2 Charter Boats. The NFSA recommends that all competition organisers should ensure that all boats that they charter are registered and insured.

A3.3 Change Of Registered Addresses. All members of the SC, Divisional Secretaries, individual Members and Secretaries of AC’s and AM’s must inform the CE of a change of address within four weeks.

A3.4 Privileges. All NFSA members are entitled to the privileges of the NFSA, including competitions for trophies and prizes offered by the NFSA. Members may enter any AC Festival or open competition on an equal basis with all competitors. AM’s may enter NFSA Festivals, but they are not eligible to take any of the Festival trophies.

A3.5 Overseas Residents. Anglers not resident in the UK may not take NFSA trophies out of the country and, in consequence, overseas members winning competitions will be presented with a suitable memento.

Rule A4 FESTIVAL AND COMPETITION RULES.

These NFSA Festival and Competition rules set guidance for competitions and organisers, and they are in four sections: General (G); Shore (S); Boat (B); and Minimum Sizes (M). Please note that sections (S) and (B) are designed as a set of rules which can stand alone and be used as Competition Sheets by organisers. Therefore, there will be a majority of items that are common to both, although it does not necessarily mean that the same wording has been used. The wording considered to be most appropriate to each application has been used.

GENERAL (G)

G 1 DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS.

G 1.1 The name of the organisation is the National Federation of Sea Anglers Ltd (NFSA).

G 1.2 A club is a properly constituted sea angling organisation having not less than ten fully paid up members.

G 1.3 An Affiliated Club means a club affiliated to the NFSA (AC).

G 1.4 An Associate Member means an associate member of the NFSA (AM).

G 1.5 A Division means an approved Division of the NFSA.

G 1.6 A Festival is the major competition of the year at which anglers compete for a Club’s or Division’s major trophies. Within these rules, for simplicity, the term Competition also implies Festival or Championship.

G 1.7 The Committee means: in the case of the NFSA, the Standing Committee (SC); in the case of AC’s/AM’s, the Committee of the AC/AM; and in other cases the Committee in charge of the Festival.

G 1.8 For the purposes of the Rules, events held on piers, harbour walls, breakwaters (including pontoons and marina pontoons) and shore, are all termed shore competitions.

G 1.9 Throughout the Rules, where the context so admits the singular includes the plural and vice-versa and the masculine includes the feminine.

G 1.10 Chief Executive (CE) The Chief Executive of the NFSA Ltd.

G.1.11 The Organisers means the Competition Organisers which should be a Committee.

G 2 APPLICATION. These Rules came into force on the 1^st January 1998. As from that date, all previous Festival and Competition Rules became null and void.

G 3 FESTIVALS, COMPETITIONS, INFORMATION, OBLIGATIONS & GUIDANCE.

G 3.1 Festivals. The dates of all AC, AM and Divisional Festivals and Open Competitions shall be fixed in accordance with Rule A1. When such dates are fixed, no other AC, AM or Division shall hold its own event at the same venue on the same date excepting:

a. Pier and Shore events may be staged on the same day and venue as a boat event and vice versa.

b. A ‘lesser’ club event may take place at the same time and venue providing that those taking part are also taking part in the main Festival or Open competition.

G 3.2 Competitions. ACs, AMs or Divisions are encouraged to arrange their own Competitions and attempt to avoid fixture clashes.

G 3.3 Designated Matches. The NFSA is dedicated to the development of performance and excellence in competition angling. In conjunction with all AC’s, AM’s and other sea angling organisations, the NFSA is committed to the provision of ‘Designated Matches’, at which a competitor will compete within an approved match format of an approved Organisation. The results of the ‘Designated Matches’ will be made available to the CE by the Organisers and passed on to the NTCG for information. Match organisers from such AC’s, AM’s and other sea angling organisations can apply to host such events that will require formal approval from the SC via the CE.

G 3.4 Competition Match Pack. If any AC/AM or Division requires further information about running a competition, or requires advice on recommended match formats, they should contact the CE who can provide guidance and further information, including the following:

(a) Master Zone Sheets [A3] and an A4-sized copy of these Rules and Size Limits for photocopying purposes. The size limits as recommended by the NFSA, or as appropriate to accommodate geographical area (i.e. dispensation taken up), should be provided at all matches with rule sheets.

(b) Advice sheets on measuring fish, weigh-in procedures, measure and return matches and organising competitions.

(d) Copies, as required, on codes of safety for organisers of small dinghy competitions, Do’s and Don’ts at Sea, and the current match list.

G 4 COMPETITIONS GENERAL.

G 4.1 Entry Conditions. When competition entries are pre-booked, entry forms, together with applicable entry fees, shall be submitted by the specified date to the Organisers. After the acceptance of the entrant, the Organisers have no obligation to return the entry fee or in the event of a bait-supplied match, bait money, should the entrant wish to withdraw from the competition. If entry cannot be accepted because of lack of space the entrant shall be notified and the entry fee returned.

G 4.2 Right to Refuse Entry. The Organisers reserve the right to refuse entry without explanation and shall in such a case return all entry fees.

G 4.3 Late Entries. Late entries may be accepted; however, this will be at the discretion of the Organisers and may incur extra fees.

G 4.4 Abandonment. In the event of bad weather and/or in the interests of safety, the Organisers shall have the power to abandon the competition. In such a case, entry fees, less any legitimate competition expenses such as boat or other hire charges and printing costs etc. which may have been incurred, will be returned to the Competitors.

G 4.5 Duration. The duration of each competition will be fixed by the Organisers.

G 4.6 Weigh-in. If a competitor is disqualified for fishing, or arriving ashore after time, they shall, if practicable, be notified before their catch is weighed-in. Every competitor who has not been previously disqualified must weigh-in their catch when required or, if they have caught nothing, report accordingly. Failure to comply without adequate cause on any occasion may, at the discretion of the Organisers, lead to disqualification for the whole event.

G 4.7 Eligible Species. Skate and Rays are classified scientifically as "round" fish and therefore they are barred from any class for "flat" fish. Octopus, Crustacea, Squid and Cuttlefish are ineligible. However, the competition organisers may also bar the catching of other species of fish. The Mako, Porbeagle, Thresher, Hammerhead and Blue Sharks are ineligible except in a Shark Festival; but if there is a special class for them, they can be weighed-in for that class only.

G 4.8 Licensed Angling Boats. Licensed angling boats must not have more persons on board than the boat’s licence dictates.

G 5 ENCOURAGEMENT AND DISPENSATION FOR THE DISABLED.

G 5.1 Use of Electric Reels and Winches. Electric reels and winches are not permitted in competitions unless dispensation is given by the Organisers to accommodate a disabled angler who otherwise would not be able to compete.

G 5.2 Close/Easy Access Pegs. The Organisers have the right to provide close or easily accessible pegs to accommodate disabled anglers who otherwise would not be able to compete.

G 5.3 Casting Assistance. A competitor may cast for another angler who is deemed incapable of casting due to physical disability provided that such an arrangement is requested from the Organisers, and agreed, prior to the commencement of the competition.

G 6 CONSERVATION AND SCOPE FOR COMPETITION ORGANISERS. These Rules set guidance for competitions and minimum size limits. Organisers of competitions where fish are retained may vary the Rules by raising size limits, or indeed seek dispensation for reduction, provided that they are equal to, or above minimum legal limits. The NFSA actively supports catch and return events and urges anglers to return as many fish as possible alive to the sea. Organisers may introduce a points system for catch and return competitions where fish are weighed, measured or awarded fixed points. In this case fish under the Minimum Retention Size may be recorded provided that they are kept in a bucket of fresh sea water before weighing or measuring and returned immediately to the sea. However, notification to this effect must however be given to the competitors and approval sought from the local DEFRA representative.

SHORE COMPETITION RULES (S)

S 1 Duration. The start and finish of a competition will be signaled by the Organisers. Anglers are permitted to wet their line with a plain lead up to 20 minutes prior to the commencement of the match.

S 2 Equipment. An angler is permitted to have up to three rods set up with reels, lines and traces attached but can use no more than two rods with a combined total of three single hooks or two pennel mounted baits, one on each rod at any one time, so constructed that the measurement between the eyes of the two hooks does not exceed 10 cm" (shore angling). However during one rod competitions a pennel rig will be deemed as two hooks. Reels must be operated by hand (Subject to Rule G 5.1, Electric Reels); and reels designed to be cranked by both hands at the same time are prohibited. The use of fishing poles is permitted.

S 3 Terminal Tackle. Spare baited traces are allowed and no more than three hooks may be attached to any trace. A treble hook counts as one hook but no more than one treble hook and two single hooks may be used in a rig, with the exception of plug type spinning lures which are permissible when used alone.

S 4 Baits. All baits, feathers and / or lures may be used, unless notified otherwise by the Organisers.

S 5 Restrictions. Organisers may draft rules prohibiting the use of any tackle or method that is likely to cause danger, damage or discomfort to any competitor or other persons. Such rules must be submitted to the SC for approval after which they must be notified to all participants.

S 6 Casting. Anglers wishing to use ‘power casting’ styles should use a minimum of 50lb breaking strain shock leader. Furthermore, it is recommended that the breaking strain of shock leader should be a minimum shock leader of 10lbs per oz of weight being used. In the interests of safety competitors are advised that any form of dangerous casting is prohibited. Anglers are permitted to cast immediately after landing a fish. However, in pegged matches, the retrieval of this cast is not permitted until the angler’s catch is recorded by the steward or adjacent angler on the official bag label if issued.

S 7 Assistance. Assistance may be given to land a fish but no-one other than the competitor may handle the rod. In pier competitions, assistance to land fish with a drop net is permitted, as is hand-lining the fish up the pier or promenade wall, provided that it can be lifted clear of the surface and not pulled through the water towards the competitor.

S 8 Hooked Fish. The deliberate foul hooking of fish is not permitted; however, accidental foul hooked fish are allowed at the discretion of the Organisers, if specified before the start of the competition. In the event of fish being hooked by two or more competitors the fish will be awarded to the competitor who’s hook is in the fish’s mouth. If both competitors have a hook in the fish’s mouth or the fish is on a lost trace it will not count towards either angler’s score.

S 9 Undersized Fish. It is each angler’s responsibility to ensure all undersized fish are returned immediately to the water. A competitor’s fish may be kept in water but any physical attempt to extend their length will lead to disqualification.

S 10 Minimum Sizes. The SC shall fix the Recommended Retention Size Limits (or weights) of fish eligible to be included