YOUTH/HIGH SCHOOL – The Bass Federation of Kansas

TBD

2026 High School Official Rules Download

TBFKS 2026 Junior State Qualifier Entry Form

April 25^th, 2026 at Melvern Lake

Eisenhower State Park, East Ramp

State events are open to all eligible TBF junior members who have not completed the 8^th grade prior to the state tournament (April 25^th, 2026).

Both the boater and co-angler MUST have a KS Black Bass Pass. Also, your vehicle MUST have a Kansas State Park Pass.

BOATER NAME: _______________________________________________________

AGE AS OF AUGUST 31^st: _______________

ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________

CITY: _____________________________ STATE: _________ ZIP: _______

HOME PHONE: _________________________ CELL: __________________________

E-MAIL ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________

CO ANGLER NAME: _____________________________________________________

AGE AS OF AUGUST 31^st: _______________

ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________________

CITY: _____________________________ STATE: _________ ZIP: ________

HOME PHONE: _________________________ CELL: __________________________

E-MAIL ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________

BOAT CAPTAIN NAME: __________________________________________________

ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________________

CITY: _____________________________ STATE: _________ ZIP: ________

HOME PHONE: _________________________ CELL: __________________________

E-MAIL ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________

$25.00 check from both the boater and co-angler ($50 total)

Mail to:

TBFKS Youth Tournament Director

ATTN: Bill Horvath

3118 Lakeview Circle

Leavenworth, Ks 66048

913-306-1110

All entrants must sign the liability waiver below. If under the age of 18 must be signed by a parent or adult guardian

PARTICIPANT RELEASE OF LIABILITY

READ BEFORE SIGNING

In consideration for permission to voluntarily participate in tournaments, events, programs, and related activities conducted by The Bass Federation, (doing business as TBF) and\or FLW, either jointly or separately, I acknowledge, appreciate, and agree that: The risk of injury, disability, death, loss or damage to my person or property from the activities involved in this program is significant, including the potential for permanent paralysis and death, and while particular rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious injury does exist; AND,I have been advised by TBF and\or FLW Outdoors, and have had the opportunity to seek legal counsel with respect to the legal effect of this document; AND,I KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL RISKS REFERRED TO ABOVE, BOTH KNOWN AND UNKNOWN, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE BASS FEDERATION, INC. and\or OPERATION BASS, INC., THEIR OFFICERS, OFFICIALS, DIRECTORS, SHAREHOLDERS, AGENTS, AND/OR EMPLOYEES, OTHER PARTICIPANTS, AND SPONSORING AGENCIES, SPONSORS, ADVERTISERS, THEIR PARENT AND AFFILAITE COMPANIES AND, IF APPLICABLE, OWNERS AND LESSORS OF PREMISES AND PROPERTY USED TO CONDUCT THE EVENT (“RELEASEES”) OR OTHERS, AND ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR RISKS ARISING FROM MY PARTICIPATION; AND,I willingly agree to comply with the terms and conditions for participation. If, however, I observe any unusual significant hazard during my presence or participation, I will remove myself from participation and bring such to the immediate attention of the nearest official; ANDI, FOR MYSELF AND ON BEHALF OF MY HEIRS, ASSIGNS, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES AND NEXT OF KIN, HEREBY RELEASE, INDEMNIFY, AND HOLD HARMLESS RELEASEES, WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, OR LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PERSON OR PROPERTY, WHICH I SUFFER OR WHICH I AM FOUND TO HAVE CAUSED IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY MY NEGLIGENCE OR INTENTIONAL MISCONDUCT, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES, OR OTHERWISE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW.I agree to submit, by signature on this document, to a polygraph or voice stress analysis examination. Hereinafter known as a truth verification test, and abide by its conclusion. Truth verification test(s) will be used at TBF’s sole discretion, and administered by TBF or its agents. I understand that failure to pass the examination as determined by TBF will result in disqualification. I certify that the number shown on these forms is my correct taxpayer identification number. Having fully acquainted myself with the tournament rules, I have completed this application and submit it for my entry. In signing this application, and by my presence at the event, I hereby agree to be bound by and comply with all tournament rules, participant release of liability and safety regulations. I expressly assume all risks associated with the tournament. If I am using a boat during the official practice or the event, I certify that I now have, or will obtain prior to the event, property damage\ watercraft liability insurance having a reasonable limit. Said insurance must cover injury and/or damage incurred in connection with the event. Upon request, I will provide satisfactory evidence of said insurance. I hereby wave my rights of privacy or publicity with regard to the unconditional right to use my name, voice, photographic likeness, video and biographical information and fishing tips and instructions in connection with any reproduction of same, video\audio productions and\or articles and press releases by TBF, FLW, their parent or affiliate companies, and those acting under their permission, anywhere at any time, through any medium or media. I shall not be entitled to receive any royalties or other compensation in connection with such use. I further understand and agree that the tournament officials reserve the right to reject my application for any reason whatsoever. The Participant(s) signifies by their signature below that they have read and understands the foregoing provisions.

Angler A Date: _______ Age: _______ Signed: __________________________________

Angler B Date________ Age: _______ Signed: __________________________________

Boat Captain Date: ______ Age: _______ Signed: __________________________________

FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS OF MINORITY AGE PARTICIPANTS

(UNDER AGE 18 AT TIME OF REGISTRATION)

This is to certify that I, as parent/guardian with legal responsibility for this participant, do consent and agree to his/her release as provided above of all the Releasees, and, for myself, my heirs, assigns, and next of kin, I release and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Releasees from any and all liabilities incident to my minor child’s involvement or participation in these programs as provided above, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Angler A Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________________________________

Emergency Phone #: ___________________________________ Date: __________________

Angler B Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________________________________

Emergency Phone #: ___________________________________ Date: __________________

2026 High School Official Rules

TBF/SAF expect strict adherence to the following rules by all contestants. In the event of an emergency, please call 911 first and then notify the tournament director.

2025-2026 SAF High School Fishing State Championship, Open and Challenge Event Rules:

1. INTERPRETATION & ENFORCEMENT • These rules will remain unchanged during the High School Fishing season. Interpretation and enforcement of these rules will be left exclusively to the tournament director. Decisions of the tournament director are final in all matters and are not subject to appeal. Each contestant, coach and boat captain agree to report any suspected rule violation to the tournament director immediately upon discovery. Failure to report a violation may be cause for disqualification. The violation of a tournament rule may result in, but is not limited to, disqualification from the event, weight loss (in whole or in part, for part of a day or for one or more days, for a heaviest bag, single fish or largest fish, or any combination thereof) or ineligibility to participate in future tournaments. Protests and/or alleged rule violations are to be documented in writing by a witness or boat captain within 30 minutes of the check-in time of the final flight of each tournament day. Tournament officials, in their sole discretion, reserve the right to consider rule violations reported or discovered at any time for any reason, by any persons, before or after a tournament has ended and assess penalties for any past or future event including denying entry to compete.

2. PARTICIPATION & ELIGIBILITY • Participation is open to all ninth, 10th, 11th and 12th grade high school students.

Participation by one (1) seventh or eighth grade student per team is permitted. Each team will consist of two contestants and one coach. Pursuant to federal law guidelines under the Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017, there MUST be three people to a boat at all times. No exceptions. No angler may register or plan to fish alone. In the case of a verifiable, unplanned emergency, where one partner is unable to attend and no time is left to find another partner, only then may a tournament official, at their sole discretion, allow an observer in the boat in place of a fishing partner. The observer may not fish. If this benefit is approved, however, it can only be used once per season, including any championships and regardless of reason. For state championships, each team must compete in the state in which their school is located. Teams from all states can participate in open tournaments and challenge events. If a contestant fishes multiple qualifying events, only the first paired team that qualifies will advance to the National Championship. A contestant cannot qualify for the National Championship as a member of two different teams. With prior approval from the tournament director and mutual consent by both members of a team, a team may forfeit their entry into the National Championship and try to requalify. Contestants must be Student Angler Federation members. There is no entry fee to participate for SAF members. Contestants registering onsite, however, will be charged a $20 late fee. Contestants must have the signature of a parent or legal guardian in the provided space on the entry form. Contestants must have in their possession a valid fishing license for the waters they fish if required by law and a current student identification card from the school they represent or other proof of grade level. Random checks will be conducted at each tournament. Failure to provide proof of a valid fishing license within a reasonable amount of time when requested will result in disqualification for that day and any preceding days in which the license was required for the tournament. Contestants are required to follow all applicable federal, state and local regulations and laws. Any violation of such regulations and laws may result in disqualification. Entries for state championships and challenge events should be made at highschoolfishing.org or by calling TBF at 580.765.9031. Please do not make entry by more than one method. TBF / SAF reserve the right to review team names and reject any names that are deemed inappropriate for any reason. There is no limit to the number of teams accepted into a tournament from each school or club. Accepted teams will be confirmed and notified via e-mail prior to each tournament. Tournament officials reserve the right to reject any application to compete for any reason whatsoever.

3. PURCHASING OF INFORMATION • The purchasing of, or bartering for, information about locating or catching fish on tournament waters, including but not limited to GPS waypoints (other than through commercially available sources) and the hiring of fishing guide services is not permitted by contestants, coaches, boat captains or anyone working on a team’s behalf within 10 days of the start of any tournament. Violation of this rule may result in disqualification. A team may not pay a boat captain for their services. A team may reimburse a boat captain for actual fuel and travel expenses related to the tournament. However, a team or anyone acting on a team’s behalf, may NOT pay or “hire” a Boat Captain for their time or knowledge. Contestants, coaches, boat captains, parents (anyone acting on a team’s behalf) may not buy or barter a fishing location from anyone.

4. OFF-LIMITS, PRACTICE & COMPETITION • There is no practice period or off-limits period prior to the start of onsite registration. There are, however, specific rules defined below that govern practice within 10 days of each tournament. Contestants, coaches and boat captains may be on tournament waters until the start of onsite registration. Contestants, coaches and boat captains may not enter tournament waters to locate bass or potential fishing waters or sightsee after the start of onsite registration except during tournament hours. Testing equipment on tournament waters after the start of onsite registration is permitted only with prior approval from the tournament director. Within 10 days of the tournament no contestant, coach or boat captain may practice with, hire, barter for, or engage in services with, for the purposes of locating or catching bass on the tournament waters, any person who has been a bass guide for hire on the tournament waters within the last 12 months unless such person is the parent or documented permanent legal guardian of a contestant on a team in the event. Written proof of permanent legal guardianship to the satisfaction of tournament officials may be required. Within 10 days of the tournament contestants may only practice with another SAF member that is confirmed in the tournament, their coach, their boat captain or an immediate family member (mother, father, brother, sister or grandparent) who also meets the above criteria concerning guides or be a registered active participant in a another TBF or MLF sanctioned event during this time frame. Nobody else, except a media representative or official approved by the tournament director, is allowed in the boat. Within 10 days of the tournament and extending through competition, contestants, coaches and boat captains may not solicit and/or receive information about locating or catching fish on tournament waters from anyone except contestants, coaches and boat captains confirmed in the tournament and through publicly available sources. Unsolicited information received at MLF and/or TBF weigh-ins is considered a publicly available source. Quasi-public websites, blogs and/or social media pages, including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Periscope, set up for the specific purpose of sharing information with individuals or a small group of individuals are not publicly available sources. Within 10 days of the tournament and extending through competition, contestants, coaches and boat captains may not follow a non-contestant’s boat or participate in the placing of markers, brush or other physical fish attractors by non-contestants or the practice of “hole sitting” by anyone. During competition days, contestants, coaches and boat captains may not place brush or other physical fish attractors, including chum of any kind, in tournament waters. Flights over tournament waters, including drones, for the express purpose of locating fish or fishing locations are not permitted on competition days. Violation of this rule may result in disqualification.

5. REGISTRATION & PRETOURNAMENT MEETING • Unless prior approval is received from tournament officials, both contestants comprising a team and their coach or boat captain must register and check-in at the designated registration site at the times listed in the tournament confirmation. Contestants and/or coaches or boat captains who fail to notify the tournament director and are more than 15 minutes late for registration check-in may not be entered in the tournament. It is mandatory that all contestants and their coaches or boat captains attend the pretournament meeting at the time and place set forth in the tournament confirmation unless prior approval is received from the tournament director. Contestants and/or coaches or boat captains not present for the pretournament meeting may not be entered in the tournament. Virtual pretournament meetings may be held in place of in-person meetings when such meetings are not possible.

6. BOAT ASSIGNMENTS • Takeoff order (boat number) is determined by tournament officials. Most events are random draw. Some events may be based on date and time of entry. Onsite entries may receive the last available boat numbers. Each team must be accompanied on the water by a coach or boat captain who will supply a boat but is not permitted to fish.

7. SAFETY • Safe boating must be observed at all times. Each contestant, coach and boat captain on the water is required to wear a fastened U.S. Coast Guard-approved chest-type personal flotation device anytime the combustion engine is running from boat

check until weigh-in each day of the tournament. All boats must be equipped with an emergency ignition-shutoff device that must be securely attached to the driver’s body whenever the combustion engine is running. All persons in a tournament boat shall remain seated in a manufacturer-recommended on-plane seating location with a driver behind the steering wheel or at the tiller in full control of the boat whenever it is on plane or the combustion engine is running and in gear. Sitting on pedestal seats while the combustion engine is in operation and in gear is not permitted. Contestants are not permitted to drive the boat when the combustion engine is running. Safe boat conduct must be observed at all times by contestants, coaches and boat captains. At the discretion of the tournament director, tournament days may be shortened, postponed or canceled due to unsafe weather or water conditions. Contestants, coaches and boat captains may leave their boat and seek shelter in bad weather or when danger is imminent. Violation of this rule may result in disqualification.

8. SPORTSMANSHIP • All contestants, coaches and boat captains are required to follow high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy and conservation and to conduct themselves in a manner that will be a credit to themselves, TBF, SAF, tournaments sponsors, the school the team is representing, the sport of fishing, and our combined efforts to promote the sport. Conduct not complying with these standards includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Violation of, or failure to comply with, any of the rules for the current High School Fishing season.

• Consumption and/or possession of alcoholic beverages or cannabis products or any kind of mind-altering substance during registration, the pretournament meeting or during tournament hours extending through the weigh-in procedure.

• Abuse of, or addiction to, mind-altering substances.

• Conviction of a felony within the past 36 months.

• Suspension/disqualification, probation or ban from any tournament or fishing organization.

• Boat operation in an unsafe or unsportsmanlike manner.

• Violation of a posted no-wake area.

• Publicly criticizing or questioning the integrity of TBF/SAF or their officials, including but not limited to any rules, policies and procedures.

• Dissemination of disparaging content or content that one should reasonably know would harm the reputation of TBF/SAF companies, officials and sponsors.

• Any other words, conduct or actions reflecting unfavorably upon efforts to promote safety, sportsmanship, fair competition and compliance with tournament rules, or which fail to comply with the standards set forth in the first sentence of paragraph 8.

In case of any conduct not complying with the standards outlined above, tournament officials have the right to refuse an application to compete, to deny a confirmed application to compete, to disqualify a contestant or impose any penalty outlined herein.

9. BOAT OPERATION • Coaches will supply and drive boats for their teams or arrange boat captains to supply and drive boats for their teams. To qualify as a coach or boat captain, the person or persons accompanying a team must be at least 19 years old and reside in the same state as the students comprising the team or be an immediate family member (mother, father, brother, sister or grandparent) that is at least 19 years old regardless of residence. For students living near state boarders, coaches or boat captains may reside in a neighboring state so long as they reside within 60 miles of one of the students comprising the team. In the event of boat or engine failure after a team is onsite for a tournament, the tournament director may, at his sole discretion, arrange for a volunteer boat captain to assist a team. Bass guides who operate or have operated for hire at any time during the previous 12months from the tournament date on the designated tournament waters are not permitted as coaches or boat captains unless they are the parent or documented permanent legal guardian of one of the contestants on a team in the event. A guide is defined as anyone who is paid for their time and knowledge to take someone fishing. Written proof of permanent legal guardianship to the satisfaction of the tournament director may be required. The use of a guide as defined above will result in disqualification. Contestants may operate the trolling motor. Coaches and boat captains may provide assistance, including information about locating and catching fish, but are not permitted to fish on competition days. Contestants, coaches and boat captains may not use mobile communication devices of any kind, including but not limited to, phones, tablets, radios, etc., to communicate with anyone about locating or catching fish on tournament waters during tournament hours. Mobile communication devices may be used during tournament hours to communicate with lockmasters about locking, or to communicate with designated tournament officials. Contestants, coaches and boat captains may use smart phones and/or tablets during tournament hours for GPS, mapping, weather, power generation, barge traffic updates, tidal charts, personal fishing notes and related data. At no time during tournament hours may contestants, coaches and boat captains read or discuss social media posts from other contestants. If a special circumstance arises that inhibits a contestant’s ability to compete, the tournament director may allow the contestant to withdraw from competition and maintain the weight caught to that point.

10. BOAT & HORSEPOWER REGULATION • All boats must be propeller-driven and a minimum of 16 feet in length. No barges or similarly cumbersome craft will be permitted. Pontoon and tritoon boats that meet all other requirements under this rule are permitted. Each boat must have all required U.S. Coast Guard safety equipment. Boats must contain a properly aerated livewell space to maintain alive a limit catch of bass. Maximum horsepower for all outboards used in tournament competition shall not exceed the horsepower capacity set forth on the “Maximum Capacities” placard described below. Each boat must have a clearly legible “Maximum Capacities” (or comparably titled) placard that includes a maximum horsepower rating affixed to the boat by the manufacturer. The horsepower of the outboard engine must not exceed the maximum horsepower capacity specified on this placard. By signing the entry form, contestants, coaches and boat captains agree to submit their boat and/or motor to an inspection by tournament officials. Falsifying information on entry forms or altering the horsepower numbers on the motor or rating placard will be cause for disqualification from the tournament and may result in ineligibility to compete in future High School Fishing tournaments. Fishing platforms must be factory-installed equipment or commercially available aftermarket equipment that is permanently installed in the boat. No portable platforms may be used in tournament competition. Fuel may be carried only in factory-installed (built-in) fuel tanks or auxiliary fuel tanks that are securely strapped or otherwise fastened to the boat. Any additional fuel used during the tournament day must be purchased from a retail facility open to the public and pumped through a hose with a nozzle. The use of generators, other than solar or wind-powered generators, is prohibited in contestant boats during tournament hours.

11. PERMITTED FISHING METHODS • Fishing is defined as having a lure attached to a line and a rod and reel with the rod in hand. All bass must be caught alive in a conventional sporting manner. All lures must adhere to state regulations. Only artificial lures may be used, with the exception of pork trailers and biodegradable soft baits. Alabama rigs and similar umbrella-type rigs will follow applicable state regulations. Only ONE fishing rod may be used at a time. Trolling as a method of fishing is strictly prohibited. Trolling is defined as operating any combustion engine to extend a cast or lengthen a retrieve or using any mechanical propulsion device to move the boat as the sole means of imparting action to the lure. When fishing for bass you can see with the naked eye, with glasses, flogger or via visual aids such as electronics, all bass must be hooked inside the mouth and must be verified by your partner before being unhooked to be counted as a legal catch.

12. PERMITTED FISHING LOCATIONS & BOUNDARIES • Teams may fish anywhere on tournament waters within the boundaries defined by the tournament director that are available to the public and accessible by boat except areas designated as “off-limits,” “no boats,” “keep out,” “restricted,” “no trespassing” or “no fishing” (or similar language or markings intended to restrict public access) by tournament officials, commercial property owners and/or local, state or federal officials, or within 50 yards of a contestant’s boat that was first anchored. An anchored boat is a boat held in a stable position by a line attached to a weight or by a shallow water anchor with the trolling motor in the up position. All fishing must be conducted from the boat. At no time may a contestant leave the boat to land a fish or to make the boat more accessible to fishing waters. The cutting of trees, bushes and/or logs after the start of onsite registration and/or the removal of official commercial, local, state or federal barricades at any time to make an area more accessible by boat or gain access for fishing is strictly prohibited and may result in disqualification from the tournament. The use of cables, ropes, chains or any type of block and tackle system to maneuver a boat into fishing waters is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification from the tournament. Teams must leave and return to the check-in by boat. The boat must remain in the tournament waters during the tournament day. No tournament boat may be loaded on a trailer before the team using the boat presents their catch for weigh-in, except with the permission of the tournament director. In the event of equipment failure or emergency, the tournament director must be notified as soon as it is safe to do so. There are then three permitted methods of returning to the check-in:

(1) by both contestants remaining in their boat and being towed by water,

(2) with permission from the tournament director, by one contestant entering the boat of another team or

(3) both contestants entering a rescue boat so designated by the tournament director.

Under these three conditions the team’s catch may be counted without a penalty (except for late penalties, dead-fish penalties or other penalties pertaining to other tournament rules) provided each team’s fish are adequately marked or separated so as to provide clear distinction of each catch to the tournament director. Teams that elect to return to the check-in by any other means than cited above will forfeit their day’s catch to that point in time of the tournament day. Abandoning a boat and leaving it adrift without proper tie-off or anchoring after a mechanical failure may result in disqualification of that day’s weight. Any team returning to the check-in point will be eligible to restart and resume competition under the supervision of the tournament director or his designated tournament official. It is the sole responsibility of teams to locate the tournament director to request a restart. Teams must remain together at all times and within sight of their coach or boat captain

until check-in. The momentary condition of being out of sight of each other for restroom breaks is permitted. Violation of this rule may result in disqualification.

13. CHECKPOINTS • There will be only one checkpoint for boat check in the morning and one check-in point in the afternoon. Failure to go through boat check and checkout in the morning or failure to check in at the check-in point will result in disqualification. All fishing must cease upon check-in.

14. LATE PENALTY • Teams that are not at the designated afternoon checkpoint at the appointed time will be penalized 1 pound per minute, deducted from the total weight. Teams more than 15 minutes late will lose credit for that day’s weight.

15. LIVE FISH • Every effort must be made to keep bass alive through the use of a properly aerated livewell. Eight ounces will be deducted from the total weight for each dead bass presented for weigh-in.

16. SCORING • Scoring is determined by the pounds and ounces of each team’s catch during each tournament. Only largemouth, spotted, redeye, shoal or smallmouth bass are accepted species. No regurgitated forage or other foreign matter may be placed in a bass. The daily limit will be five bass per team unless conditions dictate a reduced limit or the state or lake limit is less than five, in which case those limits will prevail. After possessing the daily limit, teams must cull immediately upon their next catch. Teams possessing more than the daily limit must notify the tournament director immediately upon discovery of the infraction and reduce their catch to the daily limit by releasing live bass. At no time shall a competitor have in possession more than the tournament limit. Officials will conduct checks for violations of this provision, and in the event a competitor has in their possession more than the stated limit, shall cull, starting with the largest bass first, etc., down to the stated limit. The minimum length limit for bass will be 12 inches unless the state or lake limit is more than 12 inches or tournament officials set a longer limit for a specific tournament, in which case, the state or lake limit or longer limit set by tournament officials for the tournament will prevail. Bass presented for weigh-in that fail to measure the prescribed length limit will be penalized at the rate of 1 pound for each short bass presented. Bass presented for weigh-in with weight clips attached will be penalized at the rate of 4 ounces for each clip. After competitors check in at the official checkpoint, they must present all fish in possession that meet the tournament size limit to tournament officials to be counted, measured and weighed. Once a team’s catch has been presented to tournament officials, that day’s catch is final. No one may return to a boat to retrieve a bass mistakenly left behind. After being weighed, each team’s catch must be turned over to tournament officials unless otherwise instructed. Each team’s catch must be presented in an official weigh-in bag. The winning team is determined by the day’s heaviest catch. The top 10 percent of teams in each state championship and open tournament advance to the High School Fishing National Championship. Tournaments. All participating SAF teams automatically qualify to compete in the High School Fishing World Finals the National Championship runs concurrently with the World Finals and has a separate prize pool. Tournaments held on or prior to the second Sunday of June each season will advance qualifiers to that same years National Championship also held in June. Any teams qualifying after the second Sunday of June each season will advance to the following years National Championship if age and grade eligible.

17. TIES • In case of a tie for champions, awards, prizes or cut positions the following tie-breakers will be used in order: Total number of fish for the tournament, followed by the total number of live fish. If a tie remains, it will be broken by earliest entry for the tournament. Any further ties shall be resolved by means selected by the Tournament Director.

18. LOGO DISPLAY & MEDIA COVERAGE • Contestants, coaches and boat captains may wear their own apparel. Tournament officials reserve the right, in their sole discretion, to prohibit any contestant, coach or boat captain’s apparel that is determined to be offensive.

19. ALCOHOL & TOBACCO • During all days of competition any and all alcohol and tobacco logos are prohibited and may not be worn or displayed. Contestants, coaches and boat captains may not smoke or use tobacco products during tournament hours, including weigh-in, at any event.

20. TRUTH VERIFICATION TEST • Each contestant and coach agree to submit, by signature on the tournament entry form, to a polygraph or voice stress analysis examination and to abide by its conclusion. Failure to pass an examination will result in disqualification from the tournament. Truth verification tests will be used at the sole discretion of tournament officials, and the determination of the meaning of the results will be made solely by tournament officials.

21. INSURANCE • Liability insurance with coverage in reasonable amounts is required on all boats used in High School Fishing tournaments. Proof of insurance must be with the boat being used and must cover all passengers in the boat. Random checks will be conducted. Failure to provide proof of insurance when requested by the tournament director may result in disqualification.

22. CAPTIONS • The captions at the beginning of each paragraph are intended to facilitate convenience in referring to the various rules. The captions are not part of the substance of the paragraph and should not be used in construction of any paragraph or of this overall set of rules.

All entrants must sign the liability waiver below. If under the age of 18 must be signed by a parent or adult guardian. Bring a copy to registration.

PARTICIPANT RELEASE OF LIABILITY

READ BEFORE SIGNING

Angler A Date: _______ Age: _______ Signed: __________________________________

Angler B Date________ Age: _______ Signed: __________________________________

Boat Captain Date: ______ Age: _______ Signed: _______________________________

FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS OF MINORITY AGE PARTICIPANTS

(UNDER AGE 18 AT TIME OF REGISTRATION)

Angler A Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________________________________

Emergency Phone #: ___________________________ Date: __________________

Angler B Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________________________________

Emergency Phone #: ______________________________ Date: __________________

2026 Junior Official Rules Download

2026 TBF Kansas Junior Official Rules

OFFICIAL RULES & SAFETY REGULATIONS: The Official Rules and safety regulations are “time tested” over years of SAF federation history, interpretation and enforcement of these rules shall be left exclusively to the Tournament Officials. In the event of a rule violation, the officials may impose such sanctions, as they deem appropriate, including, without limitation, disqualification, forfeiture of prizes and prohibition from participation in any future tournaments. Protests and/or alleged rule violations are to be documented in writing by a witness or boat captain within 30 minutes of the check-in time of the final flight OR within 10 minutes of the last fish weighed in each day whichever is later. Decisions of the Tournament officials shall be final in all matters.
PARTICIPANTS AND ELIGIBILITY: Participation in the TBF JUNIOR program is through sanctioned junior programs only and are open to all eligible TBF junior members who are in 8 th grade or less the day of their last qualifying event but had not started the 9 th grade yet are eligible to qualify so long as they will NOT have started the 9th grade before they were to compete in the Junior World Championship as that event is 8 th grade and under only. Proof of age and eligibility is required if requested All participants must have in their possession a valid fishing license covering the waters to be fished, where required by law. A PROPERLY COMPLETED AND SIGNED ENTRY FORM MUST BE RECEIVED BY TBF ON OR BEFORE THE DEADLINE DATE. The Tournament Director reserves the right to discontinue acceptance of applications prior to deadline and also the right to extend the acceptance date. As a participant in a TBF sanctioned event, you agree that while participating in an event, to use any and all official products and equipment so specified and provided by TBF. Officials reserve the right to reject an application for any reason. Each contestant agrees to report, in a timely manner, to the Tournament Director any violation or infraction of these Tournament Rules. The failure to report violations or suggestion to violate these Rules, or false verification of weigh-in forms will be cause for disqualification.
PRE-TOURNAMENT PRACTICE: Check with the TBF sanctioned Junior program you are fishing on their pre-practice rules.
REGISTRATION: This is a “team” event consisting of two Junior anglers and one (1) non-fishing boat captain\coach, single anglers CANNOT register for this event pursuant to the Federal Safe Sports Act there MUST be 3 people in each boat. NO exceptions. Each team, participant and boat captain is required to pre-register as a team and return completed entry forms and a copy of your birth certificate and
proof of grade level to TBF on or before the deadline date. Upon arrival at the event, each participant must check-in at registration and obtain a registration packet. Failure to register in person during the prescribed hours may result in a $25.00 monetary fine or possible forfeiture of participation. It shall be the participant’s responsibility to check the schedule of events for official registration time and location or obtain times from Tournament officials.
SAFETY: In compliance with the Federal YOUTH Safe Sports Act (that applies to all YOUTH events, etc. of any kind.) No youth angler may participate ALONE with an adult in a designated youth event, ALWAYS 3 people to a boat during a tournament, NO exceptions. In the event of an emergency, competitors should call 911 first and then notify tournament officials. During defined tournament hours and from take-off through weigh-in all participants must be in full compliance with these rules. Safe boat conduct must be observed at all times by tournament contenders, observers and boat captains. All persons in a tournament boat shall remain seated in a recommended on-plane seating location when the combustion engine is running. Sitting on pedestal seats while the combustion engine is in operation is not permitted. Student Anglers are NOT permitted to operate the main engine or drive the boat except in an emergency. Each boat passenger must wear a US Coast Guard- approved chest-type life preserver fully zippered, strapped and snapped securely anytime the combustion engine is running. Inflatable PFD indicators should be checked daily. Inflatable PFDs are allowed if U.S. Coast Guard regulations are met. NEW as of 2025 – Depending on the type and model of inflatable the Coast Guard now requires that Inflatable PFDs be always worn to be counted and cannot be taken-off, unless there is an equal number of non-inflatable Coast Guard approved PFDs on board readily accessible. Therefore, all boats must carry a minimum of three (3) Coast Guard always approved chest-type NON inflatable life preservers on board to be legal in case someone in the boat takes off an inflatable PFD they are wearing, even momentarily. Federal law now requires any vessel under 26 feet to have an operational engine shut off device and that it be attached to the driver when the vessel is on plane. Violation of this rule shall be reason for disqualification. Tournament officials have the right to delay, shorten or cancel the start of an official tournament day because of bad weather or other factors that would endanger the safety of the competitors, if a delay is required additional time will NOT be added to that day’s flight and check in times. Tournament waters may also be restricted at any time because of bad weather. We reserve the right to impose speed limits on any or all events. Whether or not to impose a speed limit, area covered by the speed limit and/or the actual speed limit imposed shall be left exclusively to the discretion of the Tournament Director.
SPORTSMANSHIP: Contenders in and Junior tournament are expected to follow high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy, safety and conservation. Any infraction of these fundamental sporting principles may be deemed cause for disqualification. Use of or possession in the boat of alcohol or marijuana/cannabis products, (“medical” or otherwise) or any drugs (other than those purchased over the counter or prescribed by a licensed physician) by any participant during the official event or tournament days or in our weigh-in process area will not be tolerated and shall be cause for disqualification. Maximum courtesy must be practiced at all times, especially with regard to boating and angling in the vicinity of non-competitors who may be on tournament waters. Any act of a competitor which reflects unfavorably upon efforts to promote fisheries conservation, clean waters, and courtesy shall be reason for disqualification. All contenders are bound by the prevailing statutes and regulations of the various states within which they fish. Chemical substance addiction or abuse, conviction of a felony or other crimes involving moral turpitude, or other conduct reflecting unfavorably upon efforts to promote safety, sportsmanship, fair competition and compliance with tournament rules shall be grounds for rejecting any application for participation and for disqualification. Any disqualification or suspension from, or other disciplinary action regarding any tournament or fishing organization, shall be grounds for rejecting any application for participation and for disqualification.
TACKLE AND EQUIPMENT: Only artificial lures may be used. No “live bait” or prepared bait will be permitted, with the exception of pork strips, rinds, etc. Only one casting, spin casting, or spinning rod (8 ft. max. length from butt of handle to rod tip) and reel may be used at any one time. All other types prohibited. Only one rod and reel outfit as described is permitted in use per angler at any given time. All bass must be caught alive and in a conventional sporting manner. Anyone guilty of snatching
or snagging visible fish will have their day’s catch disqualified. When visually fishing for bass, to be counted as legal fish all bass must be hooked inside the mouth and must be verified by your adult Boat Captain before being unhooked. Gaffs may not be used to boat bass nor be permitted in the boat at any time. The use of grippers in landing bass is prohibited. Dip nets will be allowed.
BOAT AND MOTOR: Each team is to provide their own boat and adult boat captain\coach to operate it that is at least 19 years of age. To qualify as a coach, (see Rule 22). For the safety of all participants, boats must be equipped with some type of ignition\engine stop\shutoff devise. The engine stop switch device must be attached to the boat captain’s body any time the combustion engine is operating. Anytime the combustion engine is operating and in gear, the boat captain must be the driver in the driver’s seat in full control of the boat. A small electric
trolling motor may be used for slow maneuvering; however, trolling as a method of fishing is prohibited. All boats must be propeller driven, a minimum of 16 feet in overall length. No barges or similar cumbersome crafts will be permitted without approval of the tournament director. Each boat must have all required U.S. Coast Guard safety equipment. Boats must contain a properly aerated livewell space to maintain alive a limit catch of bass by both contestants. Maximum horsepower for all outboards is not to exceed the horsepower capacity set forth on the “Maximum Capacities” (or comparably titled) plate that includes a maximum horsepower rating affixed to the boat by the manufacturer. The horsepower of the outboard engine must not exceed the maximum horsepower capacity specified on this plate or any Horsepower limit set by tournament officials. By signing the entry form, each contestant agrees to submit his/her boat and/or motor to an inspection by tournament officials or manufacturers personnel. Falsifying information on entry forms or altering the horsepower numbers on the motor or rating plate will be cause for disqualification from the tournament and may result in ineligibility to compete in future TBF sanctioned events. Fishing platforms must be factory-installed equipment. No portable platforms may be used in tournament competition. Fuel may be carried only in factory-installed and or recommended fuel tanks. Any additional fuel used during the tournament day must be purchased from a retail facility open to the public.
BASIC BOAT EQUIPMENT: Every boat must have all required safety equipment. In addition, it must have a functional bilge pump and livewell space, properly aerated, to adequately maintain alive a limit catch of bass by both competitors using the boat. TBF recommends the use of livewell additives to promote a healthy release of all fish to their natural habitat. Further TBF recommends the use of ICE to cool livewell water and improve oxygen levels during “summer” months. Leave your aerators on “recirculate” and running. Tournament officials shall have the sole responsibility for determining whether aeration and capacity is “proper and adequate.” Each boat MUST be given, prior to each day’s start, a livewell and SAFETY INSPECTION check by a tournament official, also a boat marker, which MUST remain in the boat and turned in during check-in at the end of each day. A boat is officially checked-in when the number is logged in.
BOAT OPERATION: Boat Captains/Coaches will supply and drive boats for their teams. To qualify as a boat captain/ coach, SEE RULE 22. In the event that neither Junior angler cannot nor wishes not to run the trolling motor the boat captain may run it for them. The boat captain has sole discretion to veto any selected location for safety reasons.
PERMITTED FISHING LOCATIONS: Tournament waters shall be established by the Tournament Director for each event. Each competitor
must obtain this information from Officials. Any water within these boundaries posted Off-Limits or No Fishing by state or federal agencies will be OFF-LIMITS. Also, any live bass-release area established by the Tournament Director will be OFF-LIMITS and will be announced at the Tournament Briefing. Only that water open to ALL public fishing will be considered tournament waters. All angling must be done from the boat.
PARTICIPANTS MUST REMAIN IN BOAT: Participants and boat captain must not depart the boat to land fish or to make the boat more accessible to fishing waters. Boats must remain in tournament waters during tournament days. Participants must leave and return to official checkpoint by boat. Participants must remain in boat at all times except in case of dire emergency. In such an emergency, both competitors may be removed from their boat to: A BOAT OPERATED BY OTHER COMPETITORS OR A RESCUE BOAT so designated by the Tournament Director. Partners must remain together at all times, in sight of each other and each other’s catch under the conditions cited above, in order for their catch of that day to be counted. The momentary condition of being out of sight of each other for a restroom break is permitted, however ALL FISHING MUST CEASE, until partners are back together. If a competitor must violate any of the above conditions (to use a phone to report an emergency or breakdown) both competitors must cease fishing at this point, and their catch must be verified by a tournament official in order to be counted in the tournament. If after the emergency situation is resolved by tournament officials and enough time is left to resume fishing, a RESTART will be allowed and the competitors will continue and their catch will be counted. This applies only to dire emergency situations. Trailering of boats during tournament hours is prohibited, except by the direction of the Tournament Director.
OFFICIAL CHECKPOINT: There shall be an official checkpoint for checkout in the morning and check-in in the afternoon and this point shall be designated at the tournament briefing. At the time of check-out all competitors and their boats shall be in full conformance with all Safety and Tournament rules set forth by the Tournament Director; at check-in all boats shall identify themselves and proceed immediately to the designated weigh-in area. Partners must stay together, through check-in and weigh-in, until weigh-in slips have been signed. YOU MUST CHECK-IN EVEN IF YOU DON’T HAVE ANY FISH.
SCORING: Tournament standing, awards and final standings shall be determined by a method of scoring set forth, and announced in the pre-tournament briefing, INCLUDING ANY BONUES EARNED. Only Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted, Red Eye or Shoal Bass will be weighed. The limit shall be 5 of the above species and varieties per day, unless the prevailing state limit is less than 5, or a special limit is established for a particular tournament by the tournament director, in
which case the state limit or special limit shall be the tournament limit. At no time shall a competitor have in possession more than the tournament limit. Tournament Officials will conduct checks for violations of this provision, and in the event a competitor has in their possession more than the stated limit, shall cull, starting with the largest bass first, etc., down to the stated limit. The official length for bass shall be decided by Tournament Officials and announced at the tournament briefing. Only bass which measure the official length or more on the longest straight line, shall be weighed-in. Bass presented for weigh-in which fail to measure the official length shall not be weighed and will accrue penalties at the rate of one pound for each non-legal fish. This penalty shall be deducted from the total score of the competitor. Any bass that appears to have been mangled, mashed, mauled, or otherwise altered will be weighed and credited only at the discretion of tournament officials. After competitors check in at the official checkpoint they MUST
present all LEGAL fish in possession to a tournament official to be counted, measured and weighed. Once a team’s catch has been measured, counted or verified by a tournament official, that team may not return to his boat until his catch has been weighed and recorded. Bass must not be stringered at any time during the tournament. This restriction includes livewell stringer systems used for culling, which are also prohibited. Each team’s catch must be presented in an official weigh-in bag, which is specially designed and controlled to increase survival rate will be furnished by the Tournament Officials.
CATCH-&-RELEASE: If it becomes necessary for a team to cull their catch. They must cull themselves but the boat captain may assist. Every effort must be made by the competitors to handle their own fish.
DON’T KILL YOUR CATCH: Each competitor is expected to keep their bass alive by the proper use of the boat’s livewell system, livewell additive and ice. For each legal dead bass presented to weigh-in officials, the competitor shall be penalized eight (8) ounces of weight, to be deducted from their daily score. The Tournament Officials shall have sole authority for accessing penalty points.
LATE PENALTY: Competitors who are not in the official checkpoint area as described in Rule 13 at the appointed time shall be penalized at the rate of 1 pound per minute, to be deducted from the total weight of their catch that day for each 1 minute they are late. Any competitor more than 15 minutes late shall lose all credit for that day’s catch. There shall be no excuse for tardiness, and in no case shall a competitor be allowed to make up “lost time.” After proper recognition at the check-in point, competitors will be allowed ample time to proceed to the weigh-in site; however, all fishing must cease upon check-in. After the tournament begins, fishing the tournament waters is prohibited except during tournament hours. Exact starting and check-in times will be announced
at the Tournament Briefing. It is the angler’s responsibility to confirm check-in times each day on the daily pairings.
TIES: In case of a tie for champions, awards, prizes or cut positions the following tie-breakers will be used in order: 1) The team with the largest number of legal fish weighed in during the official event: 2) The team with the largest number of legal LIVE fish weighed in during the event. 3.) Heaviest single days catch 4,) Previous day’s standings and/or cut position. In the event that individuals remain tied after these tiebreakers are employed, the tie shall be resolved by means selected by the Tournament Director. Ties for lesser positions shall be resolved by means selected by the Tournament Director.
PAIRING OF CONTESTANTS: It is REQUIRED by the Safe Sports Act of 2017 that 3 people are in the boat – (2) two-person team of contestants will be in each boat, with one boat captain. If, due to an emergency, only one contestant is available to go with a boat captain, an observer will be assigned to ride in that boat with them if available otherwise they will NOT go out that day. A contestant must not allow any bass not legally caught by their team to be counted in their weight. In such cases, both contestants and the boat captain will be disqualified from this and all future TBF sanctioned events.
TOURNAMENT OFFICIALS: None of the above rules shall prohibit a properly designated tournament official from approaching or boarding any competitor’s boat at any time during the event.
PATCHES AND/OR SIGNAGE: Anglers are encouraged to wear their own clothing, which may have patches, logos and other signage promoting the anglers’ sponsors. Officials may, however, restrict the use of patches, logos, signage, etc. that promote or advertise products which are in TBF’s sole judgment, in competition with the products or services of official TBF sponsors or which are, in TBF’s sole judgment, in poor taste. TBF will provide as much advance notice as possible to the competitors in such instances. By signing this document, each contestant agrees to wear, if provided by TBF, any ancillary clothing or products (such as life vests, team jerseys, etc.) bearing the logos of TBF or of official sponsors of same, each competitor shall wear such clothing or utilize such products in a manner requested by TBF.
BOAT CAPTAINS\Coaches: AS HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE CASE, TEAMS ARE SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITED FROM RECRUITING A “LOCAL” BOAT CAPTAIN JUST FOR THIS EVENT. TBF AND/OR TOURNAMENT OFFICIALS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY BOAT CAPTAIN.
EVERY team must bring its own boat and boat captain. Officials will not plan to provide a boat or boat captain except in an onsite emergency or extreme circumstance, and only in very limited fashion. Providing a volunteer boat and boat captain is solely at the desecration of tournament officials. If a boat\captain is supplied by officials via a volunteer, the volunteer will drive the boat for the team, and the team’s coach will NOT be allowed on the water.
To qualify as a boat captain/ coach, the adult accompanying a team must be:
a.) From the same state as the Juniors comprising the team, OR an immediate family member (mother, father, brother, sister or grandparent) that is at least 19 years old regardless of residence OR, in the limited case of boarder states and boarder-state clubs, the boat captain must reside within 60 miles of one member of the team. b.) Boat captains CANNOT have been a bass guide for hire on the tournament waters within the last 12 months unless such person is the parent or documented permanent legal guardian of a contestant on the registered team he or she will be accompanying on the water in the event. (Written proof of permanent legal guardianship to the satisfaction of tournament officials required).
Boat Captains\Coaches will serve as “officials” in the event and will not be allowed to fish on actual tournament days. They are there to act as boat captains, mentors, coaches and observers. They may ASSIST the Junior Anglers in a manner as to coach or mentor them ONLY. They may suggest fishing areas or techniques, baits, etc., but the final decision, as long as safety is not a factor, on where to fish or fishing methods will rest with the Junior Anglers. The boat captains MAY NOT tie knots, cast lines or lures, set the hook, or play fish to the boat on tournament competition days. They may use the dip net if they so choose. Boat Captains have complete control of the boat and outboard engine at all time. The Junior Anglers may not drive the boat, except for loading and unloading and in case of an emergency. Junior Anglers can\should run the trolling motor; however, the Boat Captain has the right to take control of the trolling motor at any time if safety or equipment is at risk. Boat captains are subject to the same rules as the anglers, and penalties if any can be applied to the team in your boat. Boat Captains are subject to polygraph tests or truth verification tests the same as the Junior anglers. A completed entry form and event wavier must also be submitted.

2026 HS Fact SheetDownload

FACT SHEET – 2026 Kansas State Championship

Osage City, KS – Melvern Lake

Saturday, April 25^th, 2026

Tournament Director Hotline: 913-306-1110

Director Randy Sullivan: 580-716-4261

Check-in/Rules Meeting Location: Eisenhower East Ramp 29810 S. Fairlawn Rd. Osage City, KS 66523 Date: Saturday, April 25^th, 2026 Check-in Times: 5:30a.m. – 6:30 a.m. *6:30 a.m. – Mandatory rules briefing begins.* No teams are allowed to be on the water after the start of check-in, until the tournament begins.	Launch/Weigh-In Launch Location: Eisenhower East Ramp 29810 S. Fairlawn Rd. Osage City, KS 66523 Take-off will begin at 7:00 a.m. or first safe light thereafter. Weigh-in begins: 2:30 p.m. KS BASS PASS IS REQUIRED FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS (DOES NOT INCLUDE BOAT CAPTAINS) DAILY KANSAS STATE PARK USAGE FEES APPLY	Required Items and Safety Equipment It is the responsibility of each participant to have ALL required state and federal safety equipment on board as well as, ALL permits’ licenses, passes or stamps, etc. required. At time of inspection each morning, be prepared to properly display 1 life jacket for each angler; 1 throwable PFD; and, demonstrate functioning kill switch. Inspection will be held during lineup for takeoff. Live wells must be empty. Anglers are required to have a valid KS 15 and older fishing license/ permit, if applicable by law.
Fish Limits Large, smallmouth, and spotted Bass 15″ inches and over. Anglers are allowed to weigh a limit of five (5) fish per team unless otherwise required by law or tournament officials. Fish presented which fails to measure the official length limits shall accrue penalties at the rate of one (1) pound for each nonlegal fish plus loss of the fish. An 8-ounce deduction will be made for each fish presented that is determined to be non-releasable.	Tournament Director Bill Horvath 913-306-1110 whorvath44@gmail.com	Boundaries Melvern Lake. Any waters within these boundaries posted “off limits” or “no fishing” by state or federal agencies will be off limits. Any live release areas established by the Tournament Director will be off limits. That as well as any additional off limits will be announced at the pre-tournament briefing. Only that water open to all public fishing will be considered tournament waters. Any waters closed to public fishing will be closed to this tournament’s contestants. All local, state and federal regulations apply.
CLEAN DRAIN & DRY YOUR BOATS BEFORE LEAVING HOME & AFTER EACH EVENT! HELP STOP AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES. Sign up for the FREE Newsletter at: HighSchoolFishing.org	Each team must bring a completed & signed liability waiver to the pre-tournament registration meeting. Liability Release Form Rules	Please read the Official school year HSF State, Open & Challenges Rules carefully!

Student Angler Federation – A Federation Of The Bass Federation (TBF), 5998 N. Pleasant View Rd., Ponca City, OK. 74601, Phone: (580)765-9031; Fax: (580)765-2890; Email: info@HighSchoolFishing.org www.HighSchoolFishing.org

Below is a map of weigh in route to take. Please form a single line with vehicle/trailer. We will approach you to take your fish, weigh, hand you your weigh in slip and return your fish to you.