MUSKIES, INC. POLICIES, RESOLUTIONS, PROCEDURES, and GUIDELINES (PRPAG)

Transcription

1 MUSKIES, INC. POLICIES, RESOLUTIONS, PROCEDURES, and GUIDELINES (PRPAG) The Board and the Executive Committee are hereby authorized to make necessary corrections, revisions and general updating of the Muskies Inc. Policies, Resolutions, Procedures, and Guidelines. The Board shall ratify all Policies, Resolutions, Procedures, and Guidelines passed by the Executive Committee. TABLE OF CONTENTS MUSKIES, INC. POLICIES page 2 COMMITTEES GENERAL page 5 CHAPTER BENEFITS AND DUTIES page 6 PAY AND REIMBURSEMENTS page 10 GIL HAMM MEMORIAL CHAPTER CHALLUNGE page 13 GIL HAMM MEMORIAL FUND page 16 TOURNAMENTS page 17 MEMBERS FISH POLICIES, CONTEST RULES page 20 AND REGULATIONS MUSKIE MAGAZINE page 26 GUIDELINES FOR ADVOCACY & POLITICAL ACTIVITY page 32 APPENDIX - OFFICIAL FORMS page 35 1 P a g e A m e n d e d 5 / 3 /

2 MUSKIES, INC. POLICIES Motion procedure is as follows: A motion mover must be a member of the Board and prepare a proposed motion together with the rationale for the motion and the financial impact, if any. If the motion is an amendment to the Bylaws follow the instructions in the Bylaws (7.02.), If the motion is to amend other written MI documents such as Policies, also follow the procedures in Bylaws (7.02.) with respect to the use of strikethroughs and underlining. Once the motion is drafted, it is sent to the Muskies, Inc. President and he/she will have the Bylaws Committee do a review and possible revision. If the motion has a financial impact, it is also sent to the Finance Committee for review. Once the motion is in the appropriate format, it is sent to the Corporate Secretary who assigns it a number for identification purposes and forwards it to the Administrative Secretary for positing on the web site. At this point the motion is eligible to be included on the Board Meeting Agenda. At the Board Meeting, the mover shall state the motion and it must be seconded prior to any discussion and debate MOTION TO AMEND THE BYLAWS/POLICIES Motion No. *Motion by: *Second by: Move to amend the Bylaws. as follows: Rationale for Proposed Changes. Benefit of Proposed Changes. Financial Impact. Additional Comments. Implementation Date. Contacts: Name: Phone Number: Date Submitted 2 P a g e A m e n d e d 5 / 3 /

3 Annual Board Meeting to sell our membership list. With approval at the Annual Board Meeting to sell our membership list, we move that chapters have access to the membership list of other chapters for the exclusive purpose of promoting official Muskies, Inc. business. With approval of this motion, it shall be improper to share this information outside our organization without the express approval of the Board of Muskies, Inc We reserve the right statement on the Website Forum. Muskies, Muskie fishing and discussion of the policies and direction of M.I. are appropriate topics for the M.I. Forum. Postings will only be removed if they do not meet the criteria in (1) above, profanity, abusive language or contain commercial advertising. All postings should contain the writer s name, address and Chapter affiliation. As a courtesy to readers, posts should not be in all capital letters or full Bold face font. The M.I. Board is the final authority, responsible for the oversight of the M.I. Website Forum. The M.I Board shall establish a Website committee specifically charged with the oversight of policies and practices relating to the operation of the M.I. website and its use by M.I. members RESOLUTION Muskies, Inc. adopts the following policy regarding stocking of muskellunge: Whereas, Muskies, Inc. is an active, service oriented organization with a single focus of improving the sport of Muskie fishing for the nations anglers everywhere the fish are found and, whereas, a basic policy of Muskies, Inc. is to encourage our membership to release any healthy Muskie that is not a true trophy to the angler, it is not our policy to intimidate or pressure any angler or group of anglers into releasing muskies. We will lead by example and, whereas, selective introduction of muskies into new waters increases availability of quality fishing and is compatible with management of other native and non-native species and, whereas, the purposes and objective of Muskies, Inc. focuses on traditional outdoor recreational pursuits of sports fishing as an appropriate consumptive activity and, whereas, Muskies, Inc. believes that when conflicts arise between a group s traditional usage of a 3 P a g e A m e n d e d 5 / 3 /

4 resource, and the well-being of the resource, that the long term welfare of the resource should take precedence over the temporary or perceived needs of any group of people, and therefore, be it resolved that any efforts by federal agencies and/or others to use the Endangered Species Act as a means to reduce Muskie and other sports fishing opportunities through non-scientific inappropriate regulatory activities. This includes, but not limited to, anti- fishing, animal rights, environmental extremists groups and others whose objective is to eliminate stocking of non-native fish species or whose interest in preserving native fish include diminishing sports fishing opportunities without scientific basis raw data from our capture records will be made available to the public or governmental agencies only as approved by the Executive Committee and recognition to Muskies, Inc. will be received for providing this data Muskies, Inc. opposes the taking of muskellunge by any method other than sports fishing by hook, line and reel RESOLUTION Muskies, Inc. adopts the following policy regarding abatement of water pollution: Whereas, one of the purposes of Muskies, Inc. is to support the abatement of water pollution and, whereas, mining of metals has potential to release compounds into the ground and surface waters, exposing fish, wildlife and humans to acidification of water, heavy metals and carcinogens and, whereas, the mining of metals has the potential to destroy the fishery in some areas, therefore be it resolved, that Muskies, Inc. will oppose such mining operations until laws are enacted, that in our opinion, will adequately protect the fishery Establishment of a Legal Defense Fund. Muskies, Inc. establishes a Legal Defense Fund to defend the fishery in the courts from threats by any person or group. The fund is to be administered by the Executive Committee with approval by the full Board at the Annual Meeting Muskies, Inc. adopts the following policy: Muskies, Inc. opposes the spearing of any game fish on any lake that has Muskies in it Position on spearing and netting of Muskies as quoted. Muskies, Inc. opposes the taking of muskellunge by any method other than sports fishing by hook and line. 4 P a g e A m e n d e d 5 / 3 /

5 Adopts the following policy regarding rights to the Muskies fishery Muskies, Inc. feels that when conflicts arise between any group traditional usage of a resource and the well-being of the resource, ensuring the long term welfare of the resource, should take precedence over the temporary or perceived needs of any group of people. COMMITTEES GENERAL Revision to All Committees listed All Committees listed. Each Committee Chairman is required to submit a report to the Administrative Secretary forty-five (45) days prior to the Annual Board Meeting for the Agenda. Advertising Al Skaar Memorial Leadership Training Seminar Board of Governance Bylaws Communications and Marketing Ethics Finance/Audit Fisheries Fundraising Gil Hamm Memorial Chapter Challunge Hall of Fame History and Archives Internal Affairs Magazine (MUSKIE), Editorial Membership Merchandise MOFC Rules Programs Research Strategic Planning Symposium Tournament/Insurance Website Youth And other such committees as may be constituted from time to time 5 P a g e A m e n d e d 5 / 3 /

6 The Executive Committee shall inform the Board of all committees they have activated or have at the next Board meeting. This will include the names of the members and the mission of each committee. CHAPTER BENEFITS AND DUTIES OFFICIAL MATERIALS. Chapter Officers, when leaving office, for any reason, shall forward all records, properties and information related to Muskies, Inc. to their successor or the President within forty-five (45) days Establishes the Perry A. Smith Award. This establishes The Perry A. Smith Award that may be awarded, at the Annual Board Meeting, at the discretion and direction of the President. It will be awarded to the President of a Chapter for his/her sustained, outstanding leadership Muskies Inc. and its Chapters shall reserve the right to attend and or participate in any and all sport and fishing shows Leadership Training Seminar, Policy that occurs at the Annual Board meetings shall be in memory of Al Skaar To name the Leadership Training seminar that occurs at the Annual Board meetings in memory of Al Skaar to be known as: The Al Skaar Memorial Leadership Training Seminar The Muskies, Inc. logo may be used by any active member or member Chapters for personal (private) use. The Muskies, Inc. logo may be used by any active member or member Chapters for personal (private) use, i.e.: stationery, caps, jackets, T- shirts, banners, posters, etc. for sports shows and other activities. The logo may be used in concert with any state Department of Natural Resources or Divisions of Wildlife. The logo may be used in cooperation with any governmental or quasi-governmental agency (City, County or State) publication or signage. The Muskies, Inc. logo may not be used in the promotion of a for profit business or organization where the 6 P a g e A m e n d e d 5 / 3 /

7 appearance of the logo presumes endorsement or sponsorship, without the express written consent of Muskies, Inc. Board of Directors. Other appropriate uses of the Muskies, Inc. logo shall be considered and approved in concert with similar uses permitted under laws governing a registered trade mark Membership in a Chapter shall be free and no mandatory charge for meeting attendance or Chapter membership shall be permitted. Membership in a Chapter shall be free and no mandatory charge for meeting attendance or Chapter membership shall be permitted. Except, clearly stated voluntary contribution for meetings and charges for special events will be allowed Chapters wishing to solicit members of another Chapter through the U.S. Postal Service or by electronic means shall get written permission from that Chapter s President Minimum Standard to become a Chapter. We adopt a minimum standard for the information of a new Chapter in order to guide the Chapter through its phases. For the first period of a new Chapter s existence it shall be on a provisional status until it is voted full membership status by the Board or Executive Committee. Provisional status shall entail at a minimum, the Chapter submitting its phase reports of its progress, activities and meeting minutes to the Vice President Membership and Marketing or the Administrative Secretary who shall provide these updates to the Executive Committee revision Board to remove provisional status. Preliminary A group of five to ten anglers who plan to be active in the Chapter s operation for at least the first two years contact and coordinate with the Vice President of Membership and Marketing and the Administrative Secretary to discuss the forming of a Chapter in the particular area. They should become thoroughly familiar with how Muskies, Inc. and its Chapters function. Administrative Secretary shall submit a packet of information, copy of the Bylaws, Muskies, Inc. Policies, Resolutions, Procedures, and Guidelines and membership applications. Phase #1 The initial Board meeting shall be run by the preliminary group and is open to the public. This meeting should be announced to the Board for those who could possibly attend. Efforts should be made 7 P a g e A m e n d e d 5 / 3 /

8 to sign as many new members as possible that will support the new Chapter. Coordination with the Finance Committee and Vice President Finance/Treasurer for establishing accounts and supplies the organization s Federal ID number. Phase #2 Election of officers including President, Vice President (s), Treasurer, Secretary, Chapter Representative and at least four other Chapter board members. Establish the monthly meeting location and time. Develop plans for a fundraiser to build up the treasury. Once elections take place a Chapter Charter should be signed and submitted to the Administrative Secretary for Executive Committee approval at the following monthly meeting. Determine an agenda for monthly meetings for the rest of the year. With Executive Committee approval the Chapter name and number will be assigned. Phase #3 Membership drive continues. Chapter membership should reach a minimum of 15/25 by this time. Begin reporting Chapter activity in MUSKIE magazine. Executive Committee coordinates along with the Vice President Membership to assign a Big Brother with another Chapter to assist with the Chapter s development. Phase #4 Begin planning first major Chapter fundraising event. The Chapter Executive Committee meets expressly to read and review the Bylaws and the Muskies, Inc. Policies, Resolutions, Procedures, and Guidelines. Questions should be referred to the Muskie, Inc. President, Parliamentarian, Vice President Membership, or through coordination with the Administrative Secretary. Phase # 5 Membership drives should continue and progress on Chapter development should continue. Chapter Representative should attend the next Regional Meeting and report back to the Chapter. After following the provisional Phases in steps One (1) to # Five (5) above at the next Annual Board meeting the Board shall vote to remove the provisional status of the new Chapter if they have met all the above phase requirements. This will be the Official date of record for formation of the Chapter in Muskies, Inc. (revised ) Other requirements: Submit proper documentation on financials of phase # four (4) above of the Chapter to the Vice President Finance/Treasurer and/or Executive Accountant. Worked with the Big Brother assigned Chapter on the development and growth of the Chapter. Develop a strategy for continued growth and fundraising efforts. 8 P a g e A m e n d e d 5 / 3 /

9 Coordinate with the Senior Regional Representative to be part of the Regional meetings and events. Maintain communication with the Executive Committee through the Vice President Membership and the Administrative Secretary on Chapter progress and needs. Have plans to attend the next Annual Board Meeting to present updates and to gain approval for the removal from provisional status. Chapter to get approval of Board before joining any other association. Chapters are to obtain the approval of the Board or Executive Committee prior to joining any association or forming any outside affiliations. Chapter required to inform VPIA of all Tournaments Chapters are to inform the Vice President Internal Affairs of all tournaments they plan to sponsor the following year. This is to be done as a part of the Chapter information form that is transmitted by the Administrative Secretary in December. It is on the Website under Policies & Procedures then link Documents & Procedures to Chapter Charter Document All M.I. Tournaments. All M.I. tournament advertisements shall contain a clear statement as to how the proceeds will be used Chapter to file a Charter document annually. In order to remain a Chapter of Muskies, Inc. the Chapter must annually submit a full financial report and sign the Chapter Charter prior to February 15th of the following year. Submit to the Administrative Secretary. 9 P a g e A m e n d e d 5 / 3 /

10 PAY AND REIMBURSEMENTS Muskies, Inc. contracts for services including, but not limited to: website programming; database management; editorial services; administrative and accounting services. The agreed upon contracted amount for the contracts for Independent consulting services is determined by the Executive Committee with approval of the Board. All must have signed contracts filed with the Corporate Secretary except any Assistants; they work under their Independent consulting service member. The authorized Professional Consulting Services personnel may include: 1. Editor MUSKIE magazine 2. Administrative Secretary 3. Lunge Log Administrator 4. Executive Accountant 5. Webmaster All board members and all others attending and participating as requested by the Board at the Annual Board Meeting, not subsidized by their Chapter or Region, may be eligible for reimbursement of expenses to pay for travel, lodging and food. The amount up to a maximum for each member to be determined (this amount may vary due to each member s distance from the annual meeting site from year to year) and approved by the Finance Committee as part of the annual budgeting process. The Finance Committee recommends this change to the Executive Committee for approval, and recommends to the Board for approval during the annual Muskies, Inc budgeting process. Reimbursement must be submitted to the Executive Accountant within 30 days of the meeting. All claims must be accompanied by receipts. 10 P a g e A m e n d e d 5 / 3 /

11 Policy the Finance Committee& Bylaw 8.03 (Management Committee). The Finance Committee is to oversee and direct the corporate finances in accordance with Board policy. The purpose is to advise the Board and the Executive Committee regarding fiscal matters in a timely manner. It shall consist of nine (9) members or more if needed: Chairman is the Vice President Finance/Treasurer, M.I. President, Executive Accountant, and other members as appointed by the Chairman Membership dues are as follows: 1 year Regular Individual - $ Family Membership - $ years Regular Individual - $ Family Membership - $ years Regular Individual - $ Family Membership - $ Spouse or significant other membership (same household/no magazine). Add $12.50/year to primary membership. Includes all primary membership categories. Juniors (under 18) $30.00 For a Junior member to receive the monthly magazine his or her membership must include at least one adult member the new membership shall be called Affiliate Member. The additional annual cost for Affiliate Membership shall be $25.00 US and allocated as follows: $15.00 to the designated affiliate chapter and $10.00 to Muskies, Inc. to cover of administrative cost. The additional fee will be required for each additional affiliation membership requested. MOFC records will be recorded under the home Chapter s number for the member s only fish contest. A line item will be included on the annual dues notification with cost for the Affiliation Membership and the affiliation Chapter number(s). The Administrative Secretary will notify the designated Chapter of the new affiliate member so he or she may receive all the mailings and notifications of activities promptly. Monies due a chapter for Affiliate Members may be paid to the Chapters quarterly by the Executive Accountant to increase dues for future Canadian and other non- U.S. members by $16.00 per membership level to reflect the higher U.S. Postage cost to Muskies, Inc to create the new membership Active Military priced at Muskies, Inc. s cost of producing and mailing our monthly 11 P a g e A m e n d e d 5 / 3 /

12 magazine. (Currently approx. $28.50 per year) Any Chapter can submit active military members to the Administrative Secretary, with enlistment dates and address of member All Muskies, Inc. motions, activities or programs that have a potential to impact the finances of Muskies, Inc. must be submitted to the Vice President Finance/Treasurer, Chairman of the Finance Committee for review, and recommendation prior to implementation. Examples: Membership promotions, free advertisements in Muskies, contracts or any commitment having potential impact of Muskies, Inc. finances to require persons and/or organizations receiving research grants from Muskies, Inc. Board to sign an agreement allowing M.I. to have first rights to publish results of research findings. This shall exclude professional, scientific and/or state/federal journals To approve the following mark-up (profit %) on Muskies, Inc. logo merchandise: Cost + 10% on sales to Chapters Cost + 20% on sales to individual members Cost + 30% on sales to non-members (sports shows and website sales) the cost of General Liability Insurance for Chapters will be paid for by the Board. The cost is to be shared by each Chapter. The cost will be determined by dividing the number of active members for each chapter by the total cost of Liability Insurance in January of each year. Chapters must make payment within thirty (30) days of billing date. 12 P a g e A m e n d e d 5 / 3 /

13 The Board adopts the following guidelines relating to conducting its financial affairs: The Board shall henceforth operate under an annual budgetary type financial program. The fiscal year shall be the calendar year. Further the Board shall adopt the next year s budget at the Annual Board meeting. The Board of the Executive Committee and each operating committee shall be required to operate within the adopted budget, with a discretionary allowance of 10% that requires approval by the Finance Committee, before being committed unless additional funding is found. In emergency situations, the Board or committees can appeal to the Finance Committee for additional funding using the request for Funding/Budget Approval Form. See in forms, Appendix 1 Official Forms: Expense Requisition Report Form Muskie, Inc. Each Board committee and director shall submit a proposed budget for the next year to the Finance Committee by August 1. The committee budget shall include all miscellaneous expenditures, and programs planned for the following year. The initial budget of any newly created Board Committee is $ unless specifically budgeted otherwise The Board shall to self-insure for Errors and Omissions coverage Chapters are directed to follow the Safeguard accounting system in conducting all Chapter financial business. Forms and checks are to be acquired from the Executive Accountant of Muskies, Inc Muskies, Inc. will pay the travel expenses, as approved by the Executive Committee and within the M.I. Presidents budget, for the President to visit local Chapters It is a long-standing policy of Muskies, Inc. that no Director shall be paid. No committee or personal expenditure in excess of that budgeted can be had without prior approval of the Finance Committee and the Board. 13 P a g e A m e n d e d 5 / 3 /

14 GIL HAMM MEMORIAL CHAPTER CHALLUNGE Adoption of a set of guidelines and rules governing The Gil Hamm Memorial Chapter Challunge this is made part of this document The Chapter Challunge is renamed to The Gil Hamm Memorial Chapter Challunge a standing committee is established to write guidelines for the Chapter Challunge. The Gil Hamm Memorial Chapter Challunge and all M.I. sponsored tournaments and to create an advisory policy for chapters to use in their own tournaments. MUSKIE, INC. GIL HAMM MEMORIAL CHAPTER CHALLUNGE & CHAPTER OUTING GUIDELINES Statement of Purpose In order to promote camaraderie and inter-chapter competition, Muskies, Inc. establishes the Gil Hamm Memorial Chapter Challunge. Location The outing shall not be held on the same body of water more than once within a three-year span, with the exception of the following lakes; Lac- Suel, Lake of the Woods, Georgian Bay, and Lake St. Clair. Additional lakes may be added when recommended by the GHMCC Committee and approved by the Executive Committee. The outing waters shall be large enough to support the entrants without adversely affecting the local fishing population. 2.3 The host Chapter shall select the outing water for the following year with the help from the GHMCC Committee. The Chair of the GHMCC shall be the Vice President Internal Affairs. The GHMCC Committee will make each and every camp or resort in the selected area feel that they have been treated equally and are involved in and with Muskies, Inc. by allowing them to bid on reservations for the tournament. A form letter or will be used. Sufficient lodging facilities within a reasonable drive and with an adequate launching area shall be available for all anticipated participants. 14 P a g e A m e n d e d 5 / 3 /

15 A meeting area shall be available for the participants to gather nightly. Outing Hours The outing shall be two and a half days in length. The exact hours shall be determined by the host Chapter but not to exceed a starting and finishing time of sunrise to sunset. The hours shall be posted at the headquarters. The outing days should be scheduled by the host Chapter. Etiquette Normal rules of angling etiquette shall be observed at all times and administered by the host Chapter. Entrants shall be courteous to local residents and other nonparticipating anglers at all times. Outing participants are to be aware of final day checkout times if housed in a resort. Please do not infringe on your resort s new guests fishing time. Any killed fish in the outing are to be handled and/or displayed in a manner befitting the respect Muskies, Inc. feels toward the resource. Scoring Scoring shall be by length to the nearest inch. Scoring shall start at 30. Four points will be awarded for each qualifying fish with an additional point(s) added for lengths over the legal minimum. Another angler must witness all fish. Only released fish will count toward team s points. The winner will be the team that scores the most points during outing hours. The host Chapter shall determine the deadline for entries to be turned in at the outing headquarters. 15 P a g e A m e n d e d 5 / 3 /

16 Teams Each Chapter shall be permitted to send team(s) (as determined by the GHMCC Committee) appropriate for the body of water fished. Each Chapter shall determine how its team(s) is selected. Each team shall consist of up to six anglers in at most three boats; however the winning team shall determine how many boats and how many teams each Chapter may enter. Only non-entrants such as the press or agency observers shall be permitted in the team boats and they are not permitted to assist in angling in any way. All team members must be current members in good standing in Muskies, Inc. and the Chapter they represent. One or more smaller or distant Chapters or other M.I. committees may combine to form a single team and inform the host Chapter. Other Rules All boats shall carry the approved Coast Guard safety items and be in compliance with the governmental ordinances. The host chapter shall administer compliance with these rules. Boats in violation of these rules are automatically disqualified from the outing until the violation is corrected or in more serious matters, until a meeting of a majority of the team captains resolves the dispute. Entries are to be on Muskies, Inc. Annual Members Only Fishing Contest entry forms. Fish hooked before the end of the daily fishing hours but landed after time expires will be eligible. The Host Chapter shall adjudicate any legitimate problems or circumstances that arise. e.g.: late fish registration due to severe weather conditions. If allowed by organizers of any outing or tournament, live bait may be used but only if used in conjunction with quick strike rigs. Transporting of fish to be witnessed and then released is not allowed. A responsible representative of the host chapter shall be available at the outing headquarters during the entire outing. 16 P a g e A m e n d e d 5 / 3 /

17 A contribution from each participating chapter of $70.00 per team is required. All proceeds will be apportioned as follows: $ to the Host Chapter and $ to the appropriate fish management or research agency with the funds earmarked for the muskellunge fishery in that geographic area. The M.I. Host Chapter will administer this program. M.I. Host Chapter will submit the Income and Expenses of the Gill Hamm Memorial Chapter Challunge to the Vice President Finance/Treasurer and Executive Accountant within thirty (30) days of the Challunge. A team of Board members is encouraged. A team consisting of unaffiliated members will be permitted. Recommendations In the spirit that the Chapter Challunge was originated, it is suggested that the final half-day be voluntarily used to switch partners among participating Chapters. Fish caught by individual anglers would go in their own team totals. This is to be administered by the host Chapter. A Big Fish Pot is not a part of the Challunge. If the host Chapter wishes to have a Big Fish Pot or any other contest in conjunction with the Challunge, they must set the rules and administer them independently of the Challunge and M.I. In any case, such events shall not interfere with the fellowship and spirit of the outing at hand. GIL HAMM MEMORIAL FUND Withdrawals from the Gil Hamm Memorial Fund Withdrawals from the Gil Hamm Memorial Fund will stop after all prior commitments are taken care of. Up to 4% of the average portfolio balance over six (6) quarters can be used with a minimum of $ 100, average maintained in the portfolio Gil Hamm Memorial Fund Formula. Gil Hamm Memorial Fund funding is amended to read: 2% of all membership dues received during the prior calendar year and as donations are provided. 17 P a g e A m e n d e d 5 / 3 /

18 TOURNAMENTS Muskies Inc. recommends the use of a digital camera and bump boards instead of judge boats in Muskies Inc. tournaments. Tournament Policy Statement Whereas, Muskies, Inc. realizes that in addition to promoting friendship and camaraderie, tournaments can provide many benefits to the fishery such as public awareness of the tourist and sport value of the muskellunge and conversion of tournament profits into funds for stocking fish, habitat improvement and contributions to appropriate research and management programs. Now therefore, Muskies, Inc. supports Muskie tournaments sponsored by Muskies, Inc. Chapters that are release oriented, return profits to the fishery and generally conform to guidelines and rules adopted from time to time by the Board Non-Muskies, Inc. release tournaments; advertisements that follow the Muskies, Inc. established tournament guidelines will be accepted for publication in MUSKIE and noted as a paid advertisement Muskies, Inc. opposes the use of release pens in any tournament Policy and guidelines for Muskies, Inc. sponsored tournaments are established as follows MUSKIES. INC.TOURNAMENT GUIDELINES A tournament is a fishing competition in which an entry fee is required for anglers to vie for trophies and prizes. A tournament is any fishing competition where a fee or a donation is received and/or the Muskies, Inc. logo or Muskies, Inc. name is used. Guidelines are positions upon which tournaments and their rules should be based in order for Muskies, Inc. to consider sanctioning the tournament. The sanctioning of a tournament by Muskies, Inc. does not automatically permit the use of the M.I. logo by the organizers or the advertising of the tournament in MUSKIE magazine, Muskies, Inc. and/or its Board assumes no direct or indirect responsibility or liability regarding these tournaments or their operation. The tournaments shall in compliance with all applicable local, state and federal statutes, regulations and policies. Where practical the organizers shall attempt to obtain approval from local civic groups such as homeowners associations, Chambers of Commerce and resort associations. 18 P a g e A m e n d e d 5 / 3 /

19 The tournament shall obtain the approval of the appropriate governmental fish management agency in the locale in which it is held. The tournament organizers should determine the maximum allowable number of boats to prevent overcrowding on the tournament waters and at access areas. The tournament must be release oriented and it is recommended that no points, prizes or recognition be given for a killed fish but if a weight division exists a minimum qualifying length which would be considered a trophy for the tournament waters must be established. If allowed by organizers of any outing or tournament, live bait may be used but only if used in conjunction with quick strike rigs. The transportation of live fish for witnessing purposes is not allowed. Prior to Muskies Inc. sanctioning the tournament the organizers must submit to the Chairman of the Tournament Committee, Inc. the following: Tournament rules. Projected tournament budget including expenses, contributions and where the profits will be spent. A closing balance sheet including an itemization of all expenses from this event. All tournament advertising shall include the purposes for which the net profits will be used. Tournaments shall be designed to show a minimum profit of 10% and that profit (after expenses and prize distribution) shall be returned to the fishery. Tournament rules should be published at least thirty days in advance with no exceptions to the rules allowed. The rules of the tournament shall provide for the resolution of all conflicts and rule violations. The tournament rules shall anticipate and address all specific areas of competition such as tournament hours, fishing etiquette, allowable equipment, etc. Where practical, the use of on the water judges to supervise the anglers and witness the capture, measurement and proper release of back fish is recommended Chapters wishing to sponsor tournaments with cash prizes Muskies, Inc. Chapters wishing to sponsor tournaments with cash prizes must register and receive approval from the Muskies, Inc. Tournament Committee prior to scheduling their tournament. Permission to continue cash tournaments 19 P a g e A m e n d e d 5 / 3 /

20 will be granted to those Chapters that have followed the guidelines and provided the information and reports as requested The authority to hold and or sponsor Tournaments Muskies, Inc. has the authority to hold and or sponsor Tournaments for the purpose of providing revenue for the Gil Hamm, Kermit Benson, and Perry Smith Memorial funds. These tournaments must conform to guidelines and rules adopted from time to time by the Board. All entrants must conform to the daily starting and stopping time. For the duration of the tournament, tournament waters may only be fished during the designated hours. All occupants of the boat must be a registered paid contestant. Scoring is by length to the nearest ¼ inch. No fish will be measured after fishing hours unless a judge witnesses the fish being fought as the time elapses. Judges may inspect boats at any time during the tournament and all judge s decisions are final. A protest of rule violations must be submitted to the Tournament Committee in writing prior to the award ceremony. All decisions of the Tournament Committee are final. Violation of tournament rules and/or any cheating will result in disqualification of all parties in the offending boat and forfeiture of entry fees. A tournament judge must witness the measurement (and/or weighing) of all fish entered. Insurance Requirements In the official rules and regulations, the following statement is required: I am aware of the inherent risk associated with fishing and boating, including but not limited to the risks of collisions with other boats or stationary objects in and around the lake, including rocks, reefs or piers or other vehicles and trailers at landing areas. I am familiar with other risks up to and including death by drowning associated with rough weather, changing weather patterns, heavy winds and lightning storms. I expressly assume all risks associated with this tournament and I hereby release Muskies, Inc. (the local Chapter name) of Muskies, Inc., the host, sponsors and tournament officials from all claims of negligence resulting from injury and/or property damages incurred in connection with the tournament. 20 P a g e A m e n d e d 5 / 3 /

21 MEMBERS FISH POLICIES, CONTEST RULES AND REGULATIONS Rules governing the Members Only Fish Contest Fish must be caught on legal sports fishing tackle (hook and line) in the United States or Canada in strict compliance with all local, state or provincial laws. The fish must be hooked and played by only one person and only that person may enter the fish in the contest. Assistance in landing the fish is permitted. Entrant must be a member in good standing of Muskies, Inc. prior to catching the fish Membership is defined in the Bylaws CHAPTER II MEMBERSHIP, VOTING AND MEETINGS QUALIFICATIONS. Any individual may become a member of Muskies, Inc. with approval of a majority of the Muskies, Inc. Board of Directors (hereinafter Board ) and the payment of the appropriate dues. Fish submissions to the contest; if members chose to enter their own fish via the web site, they must enter them within 60 days of the catch (note rule for end of the year below). If they do not enter them then all entries must be mailed to the chapter contest chairperson and postmarked within 30 days of the date of the catch. The chapter chairperson will enter them on the Muskies, Inc. website within 60 days of the date of the catch or mail them to the Chairman postmarked within 60 days of the date of catch. The contest ends on December 31st each year and the Chairman must receive all entries by January 10th the following year. Release & Measurement A basic policy of Muskies, Inc. is to encourage our members to release any healthy Muskie that is not a true trophy to them. Accordingly, acknowledgment of the releases is available to the member by either a patch, a yearly summary of all catches or individual certifications for each fish (unless the member indicates that he or she does not want the patch or certificate sent). This process of selecting and receiving the awards is coordinated through the Chapter chairperson. Total length is measured from the tip of the lower jaw to the farthest tip of the tail. Released forms to record the information are available on the Muskies, Inc. website in the Lunge Log section under Lunge Log Entry at: Pictures of healthy released fish are encouraged. However, stress on the fish should be kept to the absolute minimum and the fish safely returned to its environment as soon as possible. Muskies Inc. does have suggested rules for the proper holding and handling of fish to be released, in both the MUSKIE magazine and the Website. 21 P a g e A m e n d e d 5 / 3 /

22 In order to qualify for the contest and be posted on the Lunge Log in the website, a fish must meet or exceed the 30 inch minimum length requirement in the release division. All Muskies released in the United States or Canada will qualify for the release division regardless of any size limit for a state or province. An individual chapter may require a specific size limit for the release division in the specific chapter contest. However, any released Muskie may be submitted and entered in the Muskies, Inc. website on the Lunge Log if it is at least 30 inches long. A Muskies, Inc. Members Only Fishing Contest Committee has been established to review all entered fish. They will arbitrate any disputes or questions and their decisions shall be accepted as final. At its discretion the committee may require additional documentation consisting of a photograph and/or a 2nd witness before any entry is accepted. A released fish cannot qualify for any weight division despite meeting all the specified requirements. Starting January 1, 2000 all entries must have a state and/or province listed for the body of water and at least a lure type and name of Lake or River; No Exceptions or they will not be entered on the website. All members are encouraged to list the specific body of water as the list of Muskies caught also serve as a research tool for the various departments of natural resources in the United States and Canada. All members are encouraged to list the specific lure name a Muskie was caught on. This allows members of Muskies, Inc. to share in the specific successes of fellow members. Category Requirements: Weight Division Weight Division Men s; Women s; Junior s; LOM (Lunker of the Month); Hybrid1. A clear, close-up photograph showing the angler and side view of the fish is required. A clear, close-up photograph showing the angler and side view of the fish is required. The fish must be weighed on a state or provincially certified scale and a record of the scale location and certification date must be included on the entry blanks. There must be two witnesses to the weighing of the fish other than the angler. One of these should be the person who does the actual weighing. Phone numbers of the witnesses are required. A tie in the weight division will be resolved by measurement of length, then girth. Junior division eligibility anglers who have not reached their 18th birthday by January 1st of the contest season will be eligible. Release Division Muskies, Inc. Lunker of the Month (LOM) 22 P a g e A m e n d e d 5 / 3 /

23 At least one witness is required for all releases that are to be eligible for the Lunker of the Month annual award. If no witness is available, you will still receive a patch and certification in recognition of your catch. In order to qualify for the contest a fish must meet or exceed the 30 inch minimum length requirement. Muskies Inc. Awards An Annual Awards System based on release points from the Lunge Log that will be based on all Members of Muskies, Inc. Release Points will be assigned and displayed on the Website in the Lunge Log section. 10 Awards for Men s Master 5 Awards for Women s Masters 10 Awards Men s 10 Awards Women s 5 Awards Fry (<12 with age based on age on January 1 of year of award) 5 Awards Fingerlings (age determined as noted above) 1 Award Longest Release Men s 1 Award Longest Release Junior s 1 Award Longest Release Women s 1 Award Longest Release Hybrid Release Points are based on 4 points for each release and 1 point for each inch or fraction of inches over 30 inches 12 Awards - Lunker of the Month Awards. One per month. Will include ties. 6 Awards Muskie Fly Fishing Men s Masters any male member of Muskies, Inc. that has a recorded 250 releases or more in the Lunge Log all time. Any male member that reaches 250 all-time releases during a calendar year will be put into the Master s when the records reflect that status. Women s Masters any female member of Muskie s, Inc. that has recorded 100 releases or more in the Lunge Log all time. Any female member that reaches 100 all-time releases during a calendar year will be put into the Women s Master s when the records reflect that status. Men s is any male member of Muskies, Inc. 18 years of age or older that has less than 250 all-time total releases. Women s is any female member of Muskie s Inc. 18 years of age or older that has less than 100 all-time releases. Juniors are any male or female member of Muskies Inc. 17 years of age or less on January 1st of a contest calendar year. Longest Release and replica for Men s combines Men s Masters and Men s Longest Release and replica for Women s combines Women s Master s and Women s. 23 P a g e A m e n d e d 5 / 3 /

24 Ties in the Longest Release for Men s, Women s, and Junior s Division for the replica are settled by a coin toss to be held each year at the February meeting of the Lunge Log Committee of Muskies Inc. Longest Fish Mount Replica can only be won one time by any member of Muskies, Inc. Muskies, Inc. Measurement Policy Muskie entries sent into the Lunge Log are recorded exactly as they are entered. Individuals are free to follow the stated policy of rounding off to the nearest inch for a typical catch. However, if the Muskie is approaching the area of a Muskies, Inc. Lunker of the Month, that being 45 inches or longer, we ask that all attempts to obtain an accurate measurement be taken. The significance of getting down to the exact measurement, that being a quarter of an inch for the majority of Muskie captures is a moot point. Please think of the Muskies well-being for these captures. During the season when we have very warm temperatures, the safety of the Muskie becomes much more important than closing in on the nearest quarter of an inch. The estimation of a Muskie s length without some mechanical measuring device is not accepted. The very experienced angler with many captures who thinks he can guess a Muskie s length while in the water is simply doing that, guessing. The measuring of a Muskie still in the water is not an exact science, however, in the interest of preservation of the Muskie, it is encourage and accepted. It is understood that most anglers that measure a Muskie, with integrity, still in the water will actually come up with a length shorter than the actual God given length. Consequently it is a common practice accepted by Muskies, Inc. Length Measurement - For the most accurate measurement of length for a Muskie it will have to be brought into the boat and laid flat on a proper surface. A proper surface is plastic or vinyl. The carpet in a typical boat is one of the worst surfaces to lay a Muskie on. Wood is not much better. The best measurement is one where the protective surface also contains the measurement device. The most accurate measurement is when the measurement device is on a flat surface with the Muskie laid on top on it. Line up the farthest tip of the jaw with zero, then measure to the farthest tip of the tail. Compressing the tail so that the tips come together to determine the longest point of any section of the tail is permitted. This is common practice by nearly all to the Departments of Natural Resources from around the country. This method is used during creel census and law enforcement issues. 24 P a g e A m e n d e d 5 / 3 /

25 The use of a soft tape (mentioned later for measuring girth) should not be used for the length measure as it follows the contour of the Muskies and will give a false increased measurement of the true overall measurement. Girth Measurement When a large Muskie has been captured, it is interest to the angler and all of Muskies, Inc. to determine the girth so that an estimation of weight may be determined. All Muskie anglers should purchase a simple soft tape or flexible tape for this purpose. It should be one that will easily follow the contour of a Muskies body to measure the largest distance around the Muskies body. To measure the girth with integrity, multiple measurements should be made to locate the longest measurement. Studies show the typical Muskie angler is so excited that often the time to find the longest measurement is not taken. Pull the soft tape firm but not to compress the body in any manner. The typical weight formula is: Length X Girth X Girth divided by 800. There are a number of individuals and experts who state this formula is short and not accurate for large beefed up fall Muskies. They are correct. However, this formula that Muskies, Inc. uses is one used as printed on the website for estimation of large Muskies. The Board will charge for the release patches previously administrated free as follows: Prices will be: Century Club Patch $ 4.00 Purple bar for Century Club $ Inch Release Patch $ 3.00 White stars for Century Club & 50 Inch Release Patch. $ 1.00 Release Patch $ 1.00 Certificates, Annual and Individual $ 0.15 Muskies Inc. Picture Use Policy This policy covers the use of images, photographs, or videos in both print and electronic formats. Examples include: MUSKIE magazine or other publications, fundraising items such as the calendar, the Muskies Inc. website or Facebook page, and any other physical, online, or social media uses. Images selected by Muskies Inc. for use should support the mission and best interests of the organization. Muskies Inc. will not use images that display activities or muskies in conditions or positions which are not compatible with these photo guidelines or which depict scenes that may present a detrimental public image of muskies or of Muskies Inc. Muskies Inc. promotes catch and release, and the majority of images featuring muskies should reinforce this catch and release philosophy: Images of muskies in the water are preferred. 25 P a g e A m e n d e d 5 / 3 /

26 Fish-friendly holds are required when a muskie is shown out of the water. This involves a horizontal or near-horizontal fish position with the weight fully supported. Fish should appear healthy, without heavy bleeding or other signs of high stress. Legally harvested muskies are permissible only if they are of historic significance. Images should feature only the activities of Muskies Inc. members and chapters. Pictures should be of Muskies Inc. members, or be taken by a Muskies Inc. member Reports and pictures of activities that go beyond fishing are encouraged. To encourage the use of the Lunge Log, images of fish that have been entered in the log will be favored over those that have not been entered in the log. Images submitted by non-member authors in support of articles in MUSKIE magazine are governed by the author agreement Members are encouraged to submit pictures for use by Muskies Inc. in order to highlight member and chapter activities, promote muskie fishing and Muskies Inc., and to share recent or interesting catches. Any member submitting an image agrees to allow Muskies Inc. to determine its best use. Due to the number of images received, not all photos submitted to Muskies Inc. will be used. Muskies Inc. staff will decide on which images are used on various platforms. Member submissions should be sent to: pictures@muskiesinc.org or submitted directly using the portal on the Muskies Inc. website. For quality purposes, submit the image in the highest possible resolution without shrinking, resizing, or editing/processing. If an electronic version of the picture is not available, contact pictures@muskiesinc.org for guidance in submitting a physical copy. The following information should be included with all submitted images: name and chapter affiliation of people in the picture (or of the person who took the picture) date of the catch or event size of the fish Lunge Log fish identification number, if entered brief description: lake or general region, lure, technique special notes such as: first muskie, personal best, chapter event, etc. 26 P a g e A m e n d e d 5 / 3 /