TBNHSY Tournament Rules

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It is the responsibility of each ANGLER and Boat Captain to read and understand these rules before the start of the tournament.  Anglers and Boat Captains are subject to TBN State/Trail rules as well as Bassmaster LLC, organization rules.   If you have questions, the time to obtain clarification is PRIOR to the start of the tournament.   Tournament Director has final say.  All rules will be enforced equally without regard to who or where the participants are from.

It is a requirement of Tennessee BASS Nation and TBN HSY, that ALL Anglers age 12 and above and ALL Boat Captains (regardless of age) to complete and pass the TWRA Safe Boater Course or equivalent course.   Contact your team coach for scheduling a course, if needed.

The NUMBER ONE JOB of the Boat Captain and Anglers is Safety!  Please follow this pledge at ALL Times!

Boat/Vessel Operation Safety Pledge!

1. When above or below any dam, if the dam initiates spilling operations vacate the area within 400 yards or to the Spilling operation Off-Limits of the dam, whichever is the furthest distance. 

2. If while you are on the water, a weather event such as a lightning storm or high winds develop, seek shelter and take actions to ensure the safety of the occupants and vessel.

3. While on the water, if low visibility conditions develop or are encountered take actions to make the vessel and all occupants remain safe. If you are traveling and encounter low visibility such as a fog bank DO NOT travel through the fog.  Instead, make your way to the nearest bank and keep all occupants safe. 

4. When the main motor of the vessel is in operation, all occupants of the vessel MUST wear and have fully secured to their body a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation device. 

5. When the main motor of the vessel is in operation/in gear moving, No occupants of the vessel shall be positioned on the front or rear decks of the vessel.

6. I understand that the navigational device installed on my vessel is NOT a radar device.  I acknowledge that the navigational device DOES NOT display other vessels, logs, Navigational markers displayed are NOT reliable icons on the navigational units and that depths of water are unreliable as well. Do Not rely upon these units alone for safe navigation.

7. When using inflatable floatation devices, I understand that these devices must be serviced every two years, and the inflation device/triggering mechanism must be changed every two years. Write the date you change the cartridge out on the inside of the inflatable. At no time will any occupant under the age of 16 be allowed to wear an inflatable personal floatation device.

8. All personal floatation Device MUST be serviceable and of the proper size and fix for the person wearing the device. If a buckle or zipper is broken or the device has holes or tears or is rotted the device is Unserviceable/Unusable and must be repaired or disposed of.

9. I/We will practice fish like I/we are fishing a tournament and follow these simple guideline so that I/we may return home unharmed.