Our Family Tournament is a work in progress and we will keep everyone informed as we move into the 2008 tournament season. One change we have already made to the agenda is adding a “bank” tournament on Saturday. Family and friends of Hawg Hawlers members are eligible to fish this tournament at no charge. Entrants may fish from the bank for any species of fish. Attendance prizes and trophies for adults and youths participating in the bank tournament will be awarded at the campfire Saturday evening. This should work well for any members who have younger children that would not be able to stay out in a boat for long periods of time. Spouses, relatives or friends who do not bass fish are welcome to fish the bank tournament. Watch for more Family Tournament information to come.
The Officers have had several questions about the two rule changes under section F, SAFETY AND SPORTSMANSHIP numbers 2 and 3. These rule changes were made on the advice of our insurance agent.
In regard to the life jacket rule, we were told that the greatest chance for an accident is on take off and it is also the one time we can police this rule (we cannot police the rule when participants are out on the lake). The Missouri Boating Laws state “Life jackets must be available for every person on board a watercraft. Children under the age of seven must wear a life jacket at all times while on board a watercraft.” For member safety, Hawg Hawlers recommends that participants wear a life jacket whenever the gasoline engine is running and especially when your boat is on plane. Again, here is an explanation of the life jacket rule:
F-3 states that each boat will be checked for life jacket compliance (with kill switch attached if available) when idling up to the tournament directors boat for take off approval. Any boat that is not in compliance receives penalty #1 - forfeiture of team take off position for the day (bumped to last take off position). In other words, the tournament directors will not approve the boat for take off and that boat must drop back to last take off position. This gives the occupants time to get their life jackets on and be ready for take off when they idle past the tournament directors a second time. Any team that ignores a tournament director’s instruction to comply with this rule and takes off without approval will receive penalty #2 – team disqualification for the day. Because of changes to the life jacket rule, there has also been an addition to section H. INFRACTION AND PENALTY PROCEDURES. H-1- c. Infraction observed by tournament directors (for life jacket violation on take off only). Simply said, in regards to the life jacket rule ONLY, tournament directors can disqualify a boat if it is not in compliance with the life jacket rule.
There is also some confusion with the rule concerning drinking and non-prescribed drugs. This rule has not been removed. On the advice of our insurance agent this rule has been included under a much broader rule that places the responsibility for enforcing the laws in the hands of the US Coast Guard and Water Patrol. This rule change does not mean Hawg Hawlers approves of drinking during tournament hours. The Missouri Boating Laws state: “Operating a boat while intoxicated is a federal offense, subject to a $1,000.00 fine. In Missouri, it can cost up to $500.00 and 6 months in jail.” Know the laws and obey them. Article II, Section II of the Hawg Hawlers Bylaws addresses Removal from Membership for offenses such as flagrant disregard for boating safety as well as other issues so there are consequences. Again, here is an explanation of the safe boating conduct rule:
F-2 addresses safe boating conduct and rather than pointing to specific infractions, this rule covers all infractions in accordance with the rules and laws enforced by US Coast Guard, Water Patrol and any other laws set forth by governing bodies for the lakes Hawg Hawlers Bass Club fishes. Be sure you know all of the current rules and laws for safe boating. A citation for ANY reason is an automatic team disqualification for the day.
Here are ten tips from Water Patrol for safety on the water:
1. Be aware of those around you. Drive on the right side of the channel or cove.
Look before you turn. All boats have the responsibility to take whatever
action necessary to avoid a collision or accident.
2. Wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket while water skiing and while operating a personal watercraft. Small children or non-swimmers should wear life jackets at all times anywhere near or on the water.
3. Turn your lights on 30 minutes before sunset.
4. Operate your boat at a safe & prudent speed.
5. Newer boats have a safety cut off switch. Use it.
6. Upon refueling, check your engine compartment for spillage. Use your blower to expel fumes.
7. Get a voluntary inspection of your boat. The Water Patrol and the Coast Guard Auxiliary provides this free of charge.
8. Take a boating safety course. (Available through the Water Patrol, the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Power Squadron, and online at www.boated.com.) Remember, experience is not always the best teacher.
9. Consideration should be given to equipping your boat with a marine radio or cellular phone.
10. Don't drink and drive. A designated driver is as important on the water as on the land.
