PERCHMANIA EVENT RULES  (The organisers reserve the right to alter these rules ahead of the 2020 event to reflect feedback from the 2019 competitors)

Fishing must be carried out respecting the spirit and traditions of an international event.

• The organisers, Perchmania, 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 T&C at any time.
• Perchmania rules abide by and include all relevant local rules.
• All competitors understand that they have to provide organisers with all required documents & their Rod License as a condition to their entry in the event.
• All competitors will be required to sign a registration form to confirm acceptance of the full and final event rules and terms & conditions.
• All competitors to sign event disclaimer.
• 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/Sponsors will use competitors image at their sole discretion on any support material they deem appropriate at any the time from acceptance of entry in the event.
• English is the official language of Perchmania.
• Official time format is 24 hours and all times mentioned are local times
• Official measurement is centimetres (cm)

EVENT DETAILS

• Competition open to all from the age of 18 (under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult)
• Run as a strict Catch & Release competition.
• Competitors will be provided with a map where the fishing arena will be clearly marked.
• Longest six Perch caught over two days per boat to count in the competition.
• Results are based on length of fish validated by photographs.

COMPULSARY CONDITION OF ENTRY

• All participants must hold a valid EA fishing license.

REGISTRATION

• Competitor to register at one of the designated times (see Event Itinerary) and provide organisers with all required documents
• Anyone not registering within the official registration times could be excluded from the competition and their entry fee forfeited, unless prior notice is given. If competitors have a valid reason for being late they can contact the organisers by email at riverguide@live.co.uk. A decision will be made by the organisers and this will be final.

OFFICIAL BOAT BRIEFING & PICTURE 

• Boat Captains only are required to attend briefing on Saturday
• All rules queries received by Event Team will be compiled and be re-addressed during competitors meeting. Answers given during this meeting will be final and supersedes any others given previously.

ALLOCATION OF THE PRIZES

The prize table will be allocated based as follows;

• Prizes will only be given to competitors present at prize giving – If competitors are not there to receive their prizes, then they will be drawn for.
• Awarded prizes cannot be exchanged for cash.
• Organisers reserve the right to exchange advertised prizes for any alternative to the same or greater value of the one first mentioned.
• Once awarded prizes become the winners sole responsibility and appropriate arrangement are to be made to ensure their security.

BOAT RULES

• No one under the age of 18 can take part in Perchmana unless accompanied by an adult.
• The use of boats in all circumstances throughout the entire competition is entirely at the competitors’ own risk and responsibility. Perchmania are not liable for any damage/accidents resulting from the use of boats by competitors

INSURANCE AND WAIVERS
To be allowed to fish from a boat in the competition, anglers must abide by the following;

• To sign Perchmania disclaimer as well as an agreement of understanding of the rules and to abide by them (this includes Perchmania Terms and Conditions).

LIFE JACKETS

• Competitor IS REQUIRED to wear a life jacket (PFD) properly fastened at all times when onboard or on the landing stages.
• Life Jacket (PFD) will be checked and must meet the following requirements: – Must be CE certified and conform to European standard of at least EN395. – Be fitted with a whistle.

SECURITY CHECKS

• Prior to event start each boat, it’s equipment and life jacket will be checked
• Security Spot Check: Organisers, Perchmania Marshals and Local Authorities have sole discretion to conduct Spot Checks at any time during the competition
• If a boat is found non-compliant, competitors are to immediately return to start point and take action as necessary. They will need to go through a complete security check before being allowed to return to the competition. Depending on the severity of the non-compliance, the event organisers have the right to issue a yellow or red card.

USE OF BOATS DURING THE COMPETITION

• Local, National, European and International boating rules apply in this order. Perchmania will endeavour to provide any local angling rules relevant to the good running of the event but it is the boat angler’s sole responsibility to manoeuvre their boat appropriately and safely.
• Competitors will be supplied with a map of the zone to be used – will also include any forbidden zones – marina and 50 metres around harbour entrances and the towers are excluded from competition.
• During the competition, boats are required to keep a minimum distance of 50 metres from other competing boats and 50 metres from non-competing anglers.
• Competition Head Marshal may disqualify a boat from use if boat or anglers are deemed unfit to go afloat.
• During rough weather, Competition Head Marshal may issue via Boat Marshal an acoustic signal to order anglers to seek nearest shelter as marked on map. Competitors to follow marshal’s orders. This must be complied with immediately.
• In the event of thunder anglers are to stop fishing immediately without awaiting for Head Marshal acoustic order and seek safe nearest shelter.
• Competitors to report any queries to Competition Communication Centre using number provided.

PROCEDURE IN CASE OF A PROBLEM WHILE AFLOAT

• Anglers are to raise the alarm immediately if a problem arises by phoning one of the numbers provided or Competition HQ.
• Fog horn also to be used to raise Marshals and other competitors’ attention. Neighbouring competing boats must maintain a 15 metre safety distance while assessing the gravity of the situation.
• If the situation is not life threatening, competing rescue anglers to remain close until arrival of a Marshals’ boat. They can resume with competition as soon as they are being given the go ahead by Marshal’s boat.
• In case of a more serious situation competing rescue boat allowed to approach boat in difficulty. Having their own safety in mind, they are allowed to assist competitor while awaiting Marshals’ assistance. They can resume with competition as soon as they are being given the go ahead by Marshal’s boat.

START AND END OF COMPETITION DAY
Start of competition daily procedure;
– Captains to register with Event Official to be handed their Competitors’ Event Bag.

– All storage compartments/items to be opened for boat inspection by event organisers.

• Boats Start of competition Boat Zone in front of harbour.F03- It is competitor’s sole responsibility to be on Zone by the start of the competition which will be marked on the day by the blowing of a long fog-horn signal 
• It is again the competitor’s responsibility to be back at the starting zone when marshals will signal with two blasts of foghorn the end of the competition. Any boats not in area on time will be penalised (see sanctions section)
• Upon return to shore it is the competitor’s responsibility to return their Competitor’s Event Bag as detailed in section G along with their Daily Catch Card dully filled and signed.
• Failing to return Competitors Event Bag and/or Daily Catch Report signed will carry a penalty.
• Signed Catch Report will act as Angler’s safe return clocking card.
• Any Catch Report not returned one hour after event finish will automatically activate a location search.

COMPETITORS EVENT BAG
For the good running of the event organisers will supply each competing boat with a Competitors Event Bag. Items contained in the bag are lent and will have to be returned as follows:

• Measuring Ruler, Pen, Bag, Map, Catch Card/Day Card

Competitors are liable for the loss or damage of lent items as detailed in Competitors’ information package.

FISHING RULES
The act of fishing must be carried as follows;

• Fishing is allowed by conventional anchor with weight chain and rope (No Anchoring in restricted zones)
• GPS anchor allowed.
• Competitors are not allowed to come back to shore/ coupled with another vessel/ or tie to a buoy or tower unless dictated by a medical or mechanical emergency.
• Fishing to be done exclusively within the limits of Zone.
• Only artificial lures meeting local waters requirements are allowed (see section L). Strictly forbidden any live or dead bait as well as any kind of substances thrown overboard aimed at attracting fish.
• Trolling with a motor is not allowed Trolling with paddles/oars is permitted ( for clarification we are stating that trolling is moving forward under power whilst having a lure in the water)
• Rules detailing lure sizes and use of leaders are dictated by Grafham Water.

ZONE CHECK POINT & MARSHALS

At all times during the competition there will be a marshal on the water.

SPORTSMANSHIP

• Anglers agree that the fishing must be carried out respecting the spirit and traditions of an international event.
• To fish the competition on a no-kill catch and release basis with fish welfare a primary importance at all times.
• Competitors are also required to adopt a respectful conduct, at all times of the competition, and behave in a manner that will be a credit to themselves and to Perchmania including sponsors, third parties, host venue and community (swearing, obscene gestures but also excess drinking and the taking of illegal substances are prohibited).
• To comply with event rules at all times and to take part in the event without intention of cheating. The organisers’ retain the right to search all competitors’ tackle and boat to combat any form of cheating or rule breaking.
• Competitors must comply with requests from Official Perchmania film crews & 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 granted media access to other competitors.

CATCH VALIDATION

• Competition is fished over two days
• Boat anglers must use their own camera to take pictures
• To count fish must be measured using “Official Measuring Tapes” verified by the organisers before the start of the competition and follow procedure as detailed below.
• Only fish caught by the mouth and measuring above the minimum length for the host water will count. Perch: 22 cm Fish below the minimum size should be immediately released with great care.
• To count the catch must meet strict validation process as follow:
• Minimum length for the species attained.
• Measured using approved ruler with the fish right flank with lips touching the stand, tail flat whilst fish is being measured. Pictures with bloodstained, incomplete, poor exposure, showing a dead fish etc. will disqualify the catch.
• Correct use of fish tag labels & submission of Daily Catch Card.
• Data has to be given to Boat Results Official accompanied only by one (1) picture, of the fish on measuring board. Fish returned to water alive – though this is done in good faith & honourable sportsmanship.
• If any one of the above is not followed, the catch will automatically become invalid and therefore will not be taken into account.
• Only full centimetres will be recorded if the fish is over the length marker the next full centimetre number will be recorded
• It is the competitors’ responsibility should they wish to gain assistance from marshals to record a catch to make contact by SMS and start travelling towards marshal in order for the fish to be kept a minimal time.

RESULTS & ALLOCATION PROCEDURE
Results will be done in order of the following procedure;

• At the end of the two days the length of best 6 Perch is compiled in centimetres.
• Once length has been calculated any penalties received during that day are then deducted.
• In the event of a tie the boat with the less penalties on the day automatically wins
• If there is still a tie the boat with the less cumulative penalties since the start of the competition automatically wins

SANCTIONS & REPORTING OF MISCONDUCT
Any reporting of cheating, misbehaviour is to be reported immediately to Event HQ to be recorded and investigated.

• Delayed claims will only be taken into account if sustained by pictures and or other proof.
• All penalties, Yellow and Red cards given will be posted on website with explanation.

ISSUE OF SANCTIONS

• Marshals are allowed to issue Yellow cards
• Issued Yellow cards remain valid for the whole duration of the event.
• Yellow card will automatically be accompanied by an additional penalty as detailed below;
  Two Yellow cards issued to the same boat will result automatically to a red card which means the competitors are disqualified from the competition and required to leave the water immediately.
• Red Card matters will be relayed by Marshals to Perchmania Head Marshal who may call upon witnesses to discuss the matter. Perchmania decision is final.
  Red cards may carry additional penalty as detailed below.

PENALTIES

• Failing to be in right location at Boat Zone on-time either at the start or the end of the day’s competition. 5cm deduction each time and a further 1cm per additional minute after 5 minutes.
  Infringement on other competitors’ water. 25 cm deduction each time
• Catch Card not signed or handed to Results Officials by stated times will void any catch that day.
  

YELLOW CARD
–Any issue of a Yellow card entails the automatic disqualification of the longest fish caught on the day by the competitors.
-Not being able to return to port by their own means (rule E06 – at organiser’s discretion).
-Daily morning security boat check not completed correctly.
-Infringement on No Man’s land, fishing within 50M of other competitors, Towers, Marina etc.
–Not complying with Marshal’s instructions – will be relayed to Head Marshal who has the right to take further action
-Life Jacket not worn from leaving the berth (rule E07) – Penalty: immediate return to Competition HQ and no further fishing that day

RED CARD
– A red card can be the result of two yellow cards being issued (see above) or given immediately as detailed below. Event organizers have the right if a Red card is issued to have this accompanied by a lifetime ban.
– Deliberate act of cheating with proof/witness – with lifetime ban
– Any acts of deliberate pollution (i.e. rubbish etc.) of the water or on land – with lifetime ban
– Any fishing outside competition hours
– Go ashore during competition without permission (Rule H03)

LOCAL RULES

• Local authorities have granted Perchmania the rights to organise the competition on the basis that fish welfare will be observed at all times. Perchmania is a strictly catch and release NO KILL competition where it is prohibited to mutilate, transport or sell any catch.
• Perchmania in association with “Grafham Water” – Environmental Keep the water and banks clean.

FISHERY RULES

• The check, clean, dry policy must be adhered to before and after fishing by all anglers.
• All anglers must hold a valid rod licence.
• No trolling under power.
• All pike, perch and zander must be returned to the water alive.
• Any trout caught must be returned to the water immediately, if a trout is badly hooked and has to be killed it must be handed to the fishery staff.
• Fluorocarbon can be used, but only with single or double barbless hook lures.
• Where treble hooks are used, a wire trace is compulsory.
• Lure size is at the angler’s discretion but must be barbless. If regularly catching trout, increase lure size or move away from that area. (Trout are not to be actively targeted).
• A maximum of ONE rod can be fished per angler you may have as many rods as you wish on board. Please ensure that all lures are removed before launch and removed on return before leaving your boat

Boat un-hooking mats and appropriate sized nets must be used.