River fly fishing competition

 

Official Amendments to the Official Rules:

COMPETITION PROCESS:

1. The competition will consist of three (3) competition sessions(for a 2 day competition) or two (2) competition sessions (for one day competition).
2. Each competition session is comprised of three (3) hours of fishing.
3. This is a team competition. Each team is made up of two (2) competitors.
4. During each session one teammate is fishing and the other one is the observer/controller.
5. The teams’ rotation is set by the Rotation System and the draw.
6.  The order of the teammates’ rotation is set by the team at the beginning of the competition.

 RIVER FISHING

7.  Wading is allowed. Life jackets are recommended.
8.  A competitor may only cast their flies within the marked boundaries of their beat.
9. Netting of fish must be performed solely by the competitor who caught and wishes to score the fish.
10. Only fish hooked in the mouth area or in front of the rear edge of the gill cover, will be eligible for the scoring of points.
11. The controller may remove the hook, and must revive the fish and release it, taking care not to damage the fish.
12. The use of hand-signals, written and verbal communication or radios, phones, and other electronic communication devices are permitted during competition sessions
13. Competitors are responsible for carrying and protecting their own equipment.

FLIES:

14. The use of maximum one fly is permitted In Grand River Competition and a maximum of three (3) flies are permitted in Thames River Competition. No length restrictions.
15. All flies must be dressed on hooks that are either barbless, de-barbed, or have the barb squeezed down flat.
16. A single visible bead may be used on each fly, but may be not more than 4 mm in its maximum dimension. No fly length restrictions.
17. All flies must be attached to the leader in such a way that they do not move or slide (loop knots are not permitted and are considered to be illegal).

 FLY LINE SETUP:

18. Sinking or floating devices may be added to fly lines (bobbers, split-shot or other weights are permitted)
19. Leaders may be knotted or knotless, and tapered or level, and must be continuous for its entire length (tying leader to the bend of the hook is not permitted)
20. A single loop of max. 10cm length may only be used to connect leader to fly line. Shooting heads are not permitted.
21. A single monofilament leader, tippet included, may be used, no maximum length.

 GEAR:

22. Competitors may have spare fly rods with them rigged and ready to go, but use only one at the time.
23. Mandatory competition nets for landing the fish.

SCORING POINTS:

24. Eligible fish species: all
25. 18 centimeters has been set as the minimum length for the scoring of points.
26. For measuring purposes; the length will be from the tip of the nose to the tip in the tail.
27. Competitors are awarded one hundred (100) points for an eligible fish (over 18cm) and will also receive twenty (20) points per centimeter of length of each eligible fish

– i.e.: 20cm fish equals 500 points.

Over 18cm eligible fish = 100 points

20cm x 20points = 400 points

TOTAL = 500 points

28. Fish hooked during a competition session is eligible if it is landed not more than 5 minutes after the session ends.

 CONTROLLERS:

29. Controllers will be responsible for accurately recording on the competitor’s score card. All unused portions of the scoring section must be crossed out by the controller at the end of the session.
30. Controllers are allowed to enter the water during a competition session only if the competitor ask them and/or for safety reasons.
31. Controllers are not allowed to disturb the water.
32. Controllers will be responsible for warning competitors if any breach of the Competition Rules and their Modifications appears probable.
33. Controllers must record any infraction of the Competition Rules and their Modifications and report to the Competition Committee.

 OBLIGATIONS:

34. It is the responsibility of each competitor to provide and wear their own eye protection.
35. Each participant is responsible for checking the accuracy of their scorecard, ensuring that their fellow competitor/controller has crossed out the unused part of the scorecard and confirming this by signing it at the end of each period.
36. Each participant is responsible for their own travel to and from all official events and during the practice and competition sessions.
37. All scorecards must be handed to the sector judge immediately after the session ends(missing or late cards will be disqualified).
38. Competitor is responsible for his equipment.

PROHIBITIONS:

39. No swimming.
40. Lack of sportsmanship towards competitors, organizers or officials.
41. The use by a team member of a fish/depth finder during a session.

42. Use of any prohibited substance(s) constituting doping, according to the anti-doping regulations set.
43. Use of any live bait or fish attractant is prohibited.

PENALTIES:

44. If a fellow competitor or competition official determines that a competitor has negligently injured a fish, that fish will not be scored, and the competitor will be penalized the number of points attributable to a fish of minimum valid length (a -500 point penalty)
45. At the conclusion of the session, any fish that are hooked while the flies are in the water or as they’re being retrieved back to the boat, are NOT eligible for scoring points.
46. Disciplinary measures are:

– Warning

– Censure

– Disallowing all or part of a competitor’s catch

– Disqualification of a team or individual

 

 

 

 

Adapted from the 2012 Competition Rules of FFC

(Fly Fishing Canada)

and

Adapted from the 2013 Competition Rules of FIPS

(Federation Internationale de Peche Sportive Mouche)