Kayak Anglers of Missouri
Competition Rules Standard
Credits to: Kayak Bass Fishing aka KBF rules Competition Standard
 
KAMO
The terms and conditions presented in this document apply between Kayak Anglers of Missouri, (“KAMO”) and those persons registering for and participating in KAMO competitive Events (“Competitor”).   The pronouns “he,” “him,” “himself,” and “his” herein are used as generic, gender-neutral terms and do not restrict or confirm access based on sex.

Competition and Judging rules were adopted from KBF standard rules. Revisions have been made to aid in the adoption by KAMO Board of Directors to meet the standards of the KAMO organization. KAMO Board of Directors reserve the right to revise the Competition Rules Standards post season as deemed necessary and will post revisions in the members only page file for review prior to annual meeting.

For all events the Tournament Director (“TD”) contact will be made available in the KAMO Event Rules Addendum. Tournament Director has responsibility for interpretation and enforcement of the KAMO Competition rules and may amplify or clarify them to make them more relevant or complete. More information regarding TD responsibilities may be found in a separate attachment to the KAMO Rules Standards titled “Article I. A Tournament Director Role and Responsibilities”. Tournament Director decisions may be disputed, as described under Disputes and Appeals 1a.   

 KAMO Event Rules Addendum, located on the KAMO Facebook Event Page and TourneyX presents the remaining event-specific rules and details such as dates, locations, times, fishable waters, and local restrictions. Together, these two documents comprise the KAMO Competition Rules. As a condition of participation in any KAMO Competition, the participating angler (“Competitor”) agrees to read, understand, and comply with all KAMO Competition Rules. Failure to comply will result in penalty, which may range from points deductions to submission denial or disqualification.

 
Participation and Eligibility
 
Trail Series 
 KAMO trail series events are open to all members and non-members alike.  Anglers may sign up for membership throughout the year however will not begin        accumulating points for AOY until first tournament subsequent to member signup. Annual membership runs January 1st through December 31st.  and are not prorated.

Membership IS required for the following:  
  • Qualification for Angler of the Year
  • Qualification for KAMO Championship
  • Qualification for National Sanctioned Tournaments through KAMO
  • Discounted Tournament fees
  • Partnering sponsor discounts where applicable
  • Participation in the Members Only Monthly Challenge events


  3.  Anglers participating in a KAMO trail event will be competing for points which will result in prizes ad awards including but not limited to; Cash, sponsor merchandise, angler of the year and qualifications for  national tournament spots. A points system has been designed and is based on the event participation. 

Monthly Challenge Series
  1.  Monthly Challenge series events are open to members only. Anglers may sign up for membership throughout the year, however, will not be able to compete for points until first tournament subsequent to member signup. Annual membership runs January 1st through December 31st. and are not prorated.
  2.  Anglers participating in Monthly Challenge event will be competing for points which will result in a spot at the KAMO Classic Championship being awarded to the Top 10% and awards including but not limited to; Cash, Sponsorship Merchandise. A points system has been designed and is based on event participation.

Classic Championship
  1. To gain their place in the KAMO Championship held in October, angler must be an active member of KAMO and be in good standing. He/she must compete in a minimum of 3 KAMO Trail events, or unless stated otherwise during the active season by the KAMO BOARD and voted on by majority vote of its members.

General Participation and Eligibility
  1. KAMO tournaments are open to the general public age 18 years or older, with a signed liability waiver. Youth under the age of 18 can compete with KAMO membership, a signed Student and Parent liability waiver as well as parental consent and adult supervision on the water. Youth must also be able to follow and abide by all the KAMO Tournament Rules. Proof of age to the satisfaction of the KAMO tournament officials may be required at time of registration and is the responsibility of the potential competitor. Any candidate for competition who, in the judgment of the tournament director, is disabled in such a manner as to endanger the safety and well-being of themselves or others may be deemed ineligible for competition.
  2. Event Registration: All KAMO Competitions are conducted using the Tournament Management System (“TMS”). Each angler who wishes to participate in such events must create a TMS user account before the first day of a competition and must sign up and pay entry fee on the TMS as specified in the event rules addendum.
  3.  Waiver and Release of Liability form must be properly completed and signed before competitor will be allowed to compete in their first event. Form is good for one season only and must be renewed yearly. Form may be found on the KAMO website.
  4.  All competitors must complete a W-9 and when required a Form 590, or W-8 BEN provided by KAMO (onetime).
  5.  Tournament entry fees must be received by the KAMO Treasurer on or before the balance due date by registering for tournament through TourneyX. BALANCE DUE DATE WILL BE the day prior to DAY OF TOURNAMENT via TourneyX and registration end time will be announced at captains meeting and available on TourneyX prior to tournament.    The KAMO Board of Directors reserves the right to discontinue acceptance of applications prior to deadline. TOURNAMENT ENTRY FEE OR ANY BALANCE OF THE ENTRY FEE PAID WILL ONLY BE REFUNDED IF PROPER NOTIFICATION IS MADE TO THE KAMO Board of Directors.
  6.  Professional Fishing Guides may register and compete in Events providing they do not guide-for-pay on Eligible Water within 30 days prior to the Event’s start-of-competition date.
  7. Captains Meeting Attendance — Tournament Competitors are required to attend an on-site Captains Meeting or view a recorded “Virtual” Captains Meeting Webcast, as stipulated in the KAMO Event Rules Addendum. Failure to either view a Virtual Captains Meeting or attend an on-site Captains Meeting results in a Competitor’s disqualification from the Event.
 
ANGLER CODE OF CONDUCT
  1.  Anglers participating in any KAMO Sponsored events shall observe the KAMO code of conduct and all rules set forth which may be applicable to the event in which they are participating in. Anglers shall always, conduct themselves in a manner which is of professional in nature and one in which will not reflect unfavorably on KAMO, its officers, representatives, members, tournament or sponsors. Angler further agrees to conduct themselves in a manner that demonstrates the goal of KAMO: to foster camaraderie, integrity, conservation and preservation both in Missouri and throughout the kayak fishing community.
  2. Any angler who violates any of the provisions of the Angler Code of Conduct may be subject to fines, reduction of points, forfeiture of tournament winnings, suspension from competing in individual KAMO tournament events, permanent ban from completion and or membership with no refund, or any combination thereof deemed appropriate by the KAMO Board of Directors.

REGISTRATION
  1. All competitors must preregister online at www.tourneyx. Tournament entry fees must be received by the KAMO Treasurer on or before the balance due date by registering for tournament through TourneyX. BALANCE DUE DATE WILL BE 1 day prior to the DAY OF TOURNAMENT through TourneyX and registration end time will be announced at captains meeting and available on TourneyX prior to tournament.  

TOURNAMENT POINTS SYSTEM
  1. The following points scale will be used for KAMO trail series and all future events where points may be needed to determine AOY.  AOY for future events is at the discretion of the KAMO Tournament Director and the Tournament Committee.
  2. The winner of each tournament event will receive 400 points. The scale will decrease in five- point increments to last place. 
  3. Angler with biggest bass in each event will be awarded a 10-point bonus.
  4. For Trail Series events AOY is based on anglers best 6 out of 7 trail series tournaments. Angler with the most points at the end of the trail series will be awarded the trophy and title KAMO Angler of The Year.

SAFETY  
  1. During competition, every Competitor must have all required Coast Guard safety equipment, (e.g., light source, whistle or other audible signal device, Coast Guard-approved chest-type life preserver [PFD]).  See www.uscgboating.org/.
  2.  PFD Usage: Must be worn at all times , except as described below (Rule 4. PFD Wear Exceptions) while on the water during competition hours, Competitors must wear either an inherent-flotation or inflatable USCG-certified PFD, either vest-style or float jacket.
  3. A belt-style PFD, even one that deploys as a vest, is NOT permitted during Competition. The PFD must be properly positioned and adjusted to conform to USGC and manufacturers’ instructions. When an infraction, as described above, is verified by the Tournament Director, the competitor is disqualified from participation in the event.
  4. PFD Wear Exception: Competitor assumes responsibility for all consequences of removing his PFD. Competitor may cease competition and remove the PFD while his watercraft is beached, anchored or adrift only if doing so creates no unsafe condition. Competitor must put on and securely fasten the PFD before going underway or resuming competition. If all the following conditions exist, Competitor may briefly remove his PFD while (anchored or adrift) in order to change, add or remove articles of clothing:   If all the following conditions exist, Competitor may briefly remove his PFD while afloat in order to change, add or remove articles of clothing:
  • No fishing lines are in the water; and
  • The watercraft is not underway; and
  •  Weather and water conditions permit one to do so safely; and
  •  Competitor is over the age of 12. 
When finished changing his attire, Competitor must immediately put the PFD back on before going underway, fishing or engaging in any other competition-related activity.

Inclement Weather/Hazards
 
Tournament Director has the right to postpone or cancel the start of an official tournament day because of bad weather or other factors that would jeopardize Competitors’ safety. Tournament waters may also be restricted at any time because of bad weather.

  1.  In the event of weather emergencies that pose an imminent threat to Competitors, the    Tournament Director may terminate Competition before the scheduled end-of-competition time. An Early Termination Announcement with an adjusted end-of-competition time will be broadcast to Competitors via email and group text messaging and will also be posted on the TMS site and social media sites. The Announcement will also specify an adjusted report-in time and location. If safe to do so, upon receiving the Announcement, Competitor should make his way to the specified location at that time.
  2. Competitor is required to stop fishing as soon as he receives the Early Termination Announcement. No photos of fish caught after the adjusted end-of-competition time may be submitted for scoring.
  3.  In the event of an emergency, Competitor should call 911 first and then notify tournament officials as soon as possible

Use of alcohol or drugs

(Other than those purchased over-the-counter or prescribed by a licensed physician) by any Competitor during an Event will not be tolerated and will be cause for automatic disqualification from this and all future KAMO tournaments. No alcoholic beverages or other non-prescription stimulants or depressants shall be allowed in watercraft during competition days. 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/or for disqualification after circumstances are reviewed by the KAMO Board of Directors. Any disqualification, suspension from, or other disciplinary action regarding any tournament or fishing organization, shall be grounds for rejecting any application for participation in a KAMO tournament, and/or disqualification from a KAMO tournament, after circumstances are reviewed by the KAMO Board of Directors.

Competitor Conduct

Competitors participating in any KAMO sanctioned event must observe the applicable rules for the specific event in which they are participating and must conduct themselves at all times in a manner that reflects favorably on the sport of kayak bass fishing, KAMO, its members, officers or representatives, tournaments or sponsors. Competitors are expected to follow high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy, integrity, safety and conservation in support of the sport of kayak bass fishing, especially when in the vicinity of non-Competitors who may be on or beside Eligible Water. Any Competitor who violates these principles or behaves in ways the reflect unfavorably up KAMO efforts to promote fisheries conservation, clean waters and courtesy, may forfeit tournament winnings, face suspension from future KAMO sanctioned events, be permanently banned from competition, or any combination thereof deemed appropriate by KAMO.

Fishing Tackle, Equipment, and Methods
  1. All bass must be caught live, the Competitor using only equipment and legal methods that comply with all sport fishing statutes and regulations of the states and body of water in which they are taken. Competitors are responsible for research of and compliance with all applicable fishing and boating regulations. Snatching or snagging fish is not permitted. When visually fishing a bed for spawning bass, to be admissible all bass must be hooked inside the mouth. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.
  • Before and during the event, competitors may
  • Share gear, tackle and equipment
  •  Assist in photographing a fish for submission
  • Communicate with and fish in proximity to other people, including other Competitors (except     Professional Fishing Guides, as stipulated in Rule 6.B., above)
  • Competitors may not receive assistance in catching fish that are photographed and submitted for scoring, including boat positioning, casting, retrieving, hooking, playing, or landing a fish. Violation will result in Competitor’s disqualification from the Event.
  • Competitors may not submit photos of fish if, at any time from cast to landing of the fish, the competitor or watercraft was in physical contact with another person or watercraft. Violation will result in denial of the photo.
All bass must be caught on rod, reel, line and hook with artificial lures only. No traps, snares, set lines or other methods of fishing other than rod, reel and line are permissible, even if legal under state game laws. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.
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  1. Acceptable measuring boards include the Ketch Co Measuring Boards, Standard Ketch, The Ketch Karbonate and the Ketch X. Measuring boards may be shortened by removing inches from the upper end (opposite the fence) For example, one may cut a measuring board off at the 26-inch mark in order to fit crossways between a watercraft’s gunwales. However, it may not be broken, snapped, or cut apart and then reassembled at any point between the two ends. A crack that does not separate the measuring board into pieces and does not affect the measuring board’s accuracy may be repaired and reinforced for use. Violation will result in denial of photo.​ 

    4. Competitors may share measuring boards.
    5. A break of the measuring board’s fence may be mended for use if the repair is rigid, flat and at a right angle to the measuring surface. The mended    measuring board must be submitted to the Tournament Director, personally or by two or more emailed photographs that clearly show (I.) the mended area and (ii.) a side view of the measuring surface and the fence. Violation will result in denial of photo.
     6. Each competitor must use a mobile phone with camera and GPS for photo submissions
     7. When a Competitor’s whose smart phone becomes inoperable or is lost, he may share smart phones with other Competitors, provided each Competitor logs into his own TMS account in order to submit photos of fish he caught.  Violation will result in denial of photo.
     8. Only artificial lures and biodegradable artificial lures may be used. No live bait, preserved bait, or prepared bait will be permitted during competition, except for pork strips or rinds. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.
     9.  Only ONE casting, spin-casting, spinning, or fly rod and reel may be in use at any one time. A rod and reel are considered to be “in use” when a lure attached to it by a line is in or on the water. A hung lure (one snagged in an overhanging tree) that is not in or on the water is not considered in use and the attached rod and reel may be set aside while another is in use.
   10. Nets and grippers (e.g., Fish Grip, Boga-Grip) may be used for landing bass during tournament competition, but grippers must not remain attached to the fish in photos. Violation will result in denial or disqualification of the photo.
   11. If a Competitor breaks his line while setting the hook or retrieving a fish, he can try with the rod being used or by hand to secure the line and land the fish to be counted as legal. He may NOT hook the line with another lure, rod and reel, or other device. If a Competitor loses his rod and reel while landing a bass, he MAY use another rod and reel to retrieve the lost outfit. If after retrieval, the bass is still hooked, it may be landed, photographed, and submitted as a legal fish. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.

Watercraft & Propulsion
  1. Watercraft acceptable for use in KAMO Competition are:
  • Small, narrow, single-hull watercraft not exceeding 44 inches in hull width and 17 feet in hull length, or 18 feet in combined hull length plus attachments, and…
  •  That the manufacturer identifies and sells as a kayak, including inflatable kayaks and modular kayaks
  •  Stand-up paddleboards (SUP)
  •  Canoes
  • Other watercraft specifically approved as exceptions in advance of competition by KAMO Management. Exceptions for 2019 are:
  • Blue Sky Boatworks 360 Angler
  • Biyak
If unsure about the acceptability of a watercraft, contact KAMO Management in advance for eligibility determination.
Under no circumstance will the following watercraft be approved for use in competition:
  • Gas- or liquid-fueled motorized or hybrid fuel/electric powerboats or personal watercraft
  • Sailboats
  •  Jon boats
  •  Pirogues, coracles, and rowboats
  •  Dinghies and skiffs
  •  Float tubes, inflatable rafts, and rigid inflatable boats (e.g., Zodiac)
  •  Pontoon boats, pontoon-style pond boats, twin-hull watercraft, or similar.
Use of watercraft in competition other than those listed above will result in disqualification from the Event.
  1. Watercraft propulsion is restricted to paddle, pedal, pole, or electric motor.
  2. Unless specifically prohibited in the KAMO Event Rules Addendum, use of a single electric propulsion unit per  watercraft in KAMO-sanctioned competition is approved with the following restrictions:
  • Competitors must comply with all boating regulations pertaining to motorized kayak/electric-propulsion watercraft registration, use, and operating restrictions for the designated fishing area. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.
  • Electric motor used to propel a watercraft:
  • Must be attached to the kayak in a safe manner for operation.
  •  May not exceed the lesser of (a.) manufacturer’s labeled Maximum HP/Thrust Capacity, (b.) 3 HP, or (c.) 155 foot-pound thrust. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.
  1. Towing, transport or relocation assistance from another watercraft, including “mother shipping,” is NOT permitted except in cases of emergency, as when pulling a kayak from a danger zone or restricted area. Once the emergency has ended, the Competitor may resume fishing only if the watercraft was pulled no more than 100 yards from the danger zone. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.
  2.  Trolling (i.e., lure(s) attached to a single rod and towed behind a watercraft while underway) is permitted in KBF Competition.

Competition Area

Tournament waters shall be established by the KAMO Tournament Director and the KAMO Board of Directors for each tournament. It is the responsibility of the competitor to obtain this information from KAMO. Tournament waters and boundaries will be listed on the KAMO website events page as well as TourneyX. The following KBF rules have been adopted regarding competition area.

  1.  Competitive fishing is allowed only on publicly-accessible waters within the geographic area designated by the KBF Event Rules Addendum as “Eligible Water.”
  2.  (Eligible Water Criteria: KAMO classifies Eligible Water as fishing areas meeting four criteria: (a.) Open, that is, in-season and during access hours; (b.) within boundaries established for the competitive event; (c.) Unrestricted; equally accessible by everyone with non-discriminatory user requirements, and (d.) able to launch from any, “legal” access point.) Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.
  3.  Competitors may launch from any public-access shore directly onto Eligible Water or may then paddle or portage to Eligible Water. Crossing restricted property to reach Eligible Water is not permitted. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.
  4. Competitors are not restricted to fishing where they start out each day but are permitted to relocate to other Eligible Water during tournament hours.
  5.  Watercraft must not be anchored in such a position as to prevent or block access for other watercraft or powerboats. Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.
  6. Fish caught in eligible water while wading or walking on the shore are eligible for submission under  the following conditions:
  • Competitor’s watercraft must be launched before fishing from it or vacating it to catch and land fish while wading or walking on the shore or an ice field. “Launched” means placing the watercraft on liquid water, occupying it, and going underway.
  • Competitor must pedal, paddle, or power his watercraft to the fishing location.
  • Competitor must remain in sight of his watercraft at all times during competition, and the watercraft must be visible in every fish photo submitted. Any competitor who goes out of sight of his watercraft for any reason (e.g., restroom break, to seek or render aid, or to report an emergency) must cease competition fishing and resume it only after re-launching the watercraft
  1. Missouri Border lake permits are allowed. Angler must launch in Missouri. Anglers are allowed  to fish in a 1-mile radius of the Missouri State line when fishing in Arkansas water. Fish caught and submitted outside this area will be denied. Waters that apply to the Missouri Border Lakes Permit are Bull Shoals, Table rock and Norfork. Bordering state is Arkansas. 

Eligible Species
  1. For “Bass” KAMO Competitions, only “black bass” are eligible for scoring. That designation includes the three most common species (Largemouth Bass – Micropterus salmoides, Smallmouth Bass – Micropterus dolomineu, and Spotted or Kentucky Bass – Micropterus punctulatus) as well as other less well-known species or varieties: Mean mouth Bass
  2. Length—The minimum length of bass scored in KAMO competition is 8 inches. Photos of bass shorter than the minimum will be denied.
  3. KAMO Monthly Challenge Slot Competition:  the acceptable slot length will be noted on the KAMO Events Page and Rules addendum. Photos of bass shorter than minimum length will be denied.
  4. KBF Competition rules regarding RED Fish Series do NOT apply to the KAMO Rules Standard and are not recognized.

Competition Period
  1. Competition start and end dates and times are determined by the KAMO Tournament Director and KAMO Board of Directors. Any Competitor who begins fishing before the official Competition Start Time on any day of competition will be disqualified from the Event.
  2. Start and end dates and times are stated on the Event Page. Any Competitor who launches (i.e., places his watercraft on the water, occupies it, and goes under way) before the stated “Earliest Launch” time or begins fishing before the official Competition Start Time on any day of competition will be disqualified from the Event.
  3. When launch site congestion prevents others from launching safely, Competitors may place their watercraft in the water, occupy them, shove off and then stage (float, drift, or anchor) in the immediate area until the official “Earliest Launch,” at which time they may proceed under way. Under no circumstance will a fish photographed outside of the official Competition Start and End times be considered for scoring.
  4. Check-in — Tournament Competitors who have already submitted digital photos by upload to TourneyX must be in the Judges’ Check-in Line at Tournament HQ by the time specified by the Tournament Director. Failure to be in or through the Judges’ Check-in Line by that time will result in disqualification from the Event.
  5.  Early Check-in — Tournament Competitors who could not or did not upload their photo submissions to TourneyX must report to the Judges’ Check-in Line at an “Early Check-in Time” specified by the Tournament Director in order to receive help. No submissions will be accepted after the designated time.
Pre-fishing
  •  Practice in Eligible Water is permitted until the time specified in the KAMO Event Rules Addendum on the day prior to Competition.  If no pre-fishing deadline is stated in the Addendum, then practice may continue up until six hours prior to competition start time. There are no restrictions regarding areas, type of watercraft, or types of bait used in pre-fishing. Prefishing after the specified deadline will result in disqualification from the Event.
  • Pre-fishing with a professional fishing guide who received payment for services is prohibited.   Violation will result in disqualification from the Event.
     
​​​Photo Standards — Digital photographs of each bass submitted to judges for scoring must meet these criteria:
  • Unique. Each digital photo submitted by the same Competitor in each Event must be of a different bass. Subsequent digital photos of the same bass submitted by the Competitor in an Event will be denied.
  • Legible. Each photo must be in sharply focused and clear enough for a judge to:
  • Verify the correct Identifier Form and Event ID Code. Inability of the judge to verify will result in denial of photo.
  • Verify the bass’ condition. Violation will result in denial of photo.
  • Verify the bass’ length. Judge will score fish at the greatest length of which he is certain. Judges shall only change length of submitted fish for rules infraction.
  • Verify whether its jaw or lip is in contact with the measuring board fence. Inability of the judge to verify will result in a penalty of 1 inch.
  •  Centered. Camera lens positioned directly over the center of the bass’ body, which contributes to accurate measurement by judges. Photos taken at a low angle in order obscure an open mouth may be denied or penalized at the Tournament Director’s discretion.
  •  First-generation. Each digital photo must be a first-generation image (not a photo or screen-shot of another photo). Violation will result in denial of photo.
  •  Identifiable. Official KAMO Identifier Form above, below, or beside that bass (not covering any portion of the bass, unless attached to the Competitor’s hand or arm). Neither a hand-drawn form nor an image of the Identifier Form on a smart phone are permissible. Violation will result in denial of photo.
  • Background. Competitor’s watercraft clearly visible in the photograph. Violation will result in denial of photo.
  • Hand Position. Hand or finger(s) may be in contact with the caudal peduncle (fleshy, scaled part of the bass’ body at the base of the caudal fin) but not touching any portion of the caudal fin (tail fin). Entire caudal fin must be completely visible in photo whether it is being touched or not. IE. If competitor has fingers or hand on base of peduncle and by doing so obstructs the view of any portion of the caudal fin (the photo will be considered in violation of  rule. Violation will result in fish denial
  • KAMO  Monthly Online Challenge Slot,  Hand positioned in a way that appears to shorten length such as but not limited to, any portion of hands or fingers under body of fish or fleshy part of tail  is not allowed and  photo will be denied.
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  1. Not “In-possession.” In most states, though not all, unless a bass is secured by a restraint device or is placed in a holding container, state regulatory agencies do not consider it to be “in possession” by Competitors, so states’ minimum length regulations do not apply for photo submissions. If Event takes place in a state where photographing a fish constitutes “possession,” and a photo is submitted of a bass that does not comply with state size limits, the photo will be denied. 
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Scoring.
  1. Bass length is determined by its caudal fin (tail fin) touching or crossing the quarter-inch ridge/line on the measuring board. If it falls short of a 1/4-inch mark, the length is rounded down to the next lower 1/4-inch mark that the bass’ caudal fin touches or crosses.
  2. KAMO Monthly Challenge Slot Competition: Submitted photos in which the tip of a bass’s caudal fin (tail) touches the predetermined length line on an approved measuring board are of acceptable length. Those that fall short of the predetermined minimum length line or pass the maximum length line but do not actually touch the next ¼” line will be measured and scored at the length in which the caudal fin actually touches. IE: predetermined minimum length is 12” however fish falls short of 12” fish will be denied. Fish crosses predetermined maximum length of 18” however does not actually touch or cross the next ¼” mark fish measured and scored as 18” not 18.25” and will be accepted. 
  3. If a bass’ caudal fin extends off the measuring board, the length will be determined as the highest 1/4-inch measurement touched or crossed by the caudal fin on the Measuring Board. Any portion of the caudal fin extending off the Measuring Board is not considered in scoring.
  4. Tournament ranking, contingency awards, Angler of the Year Points, and Championship qualification shall be determined by the aggregate length of each Competitor’s photos remaining on the Leader Board when judging has concluded, and the Dispute Period has closed. Unless otherwise stipulated by KAMO Board of Directors
  5. In one-day tournaments the scores of the five longest bass on the Leader Board when judging is complete will be combined to determine the aggregate score.
  6.  In two-day tournaments, the scores of the five longest bass of Day 1 and the five longest bass on Day 2on the Leader Board when judging is complete will be combined to determine the aggregate score.
  7. If a Competitor’s photo is denied by a judge before end-of-competition, it may be automatically replaced by a previously submitted and auto-culled photo; however, no Competitor may submit a replacement photo after end-of-competition time.
  8. In the event of a tie in score, the tied competitors’ longest (highest-scored) bass are compared, and the tie breaks in favor of the competitor with the longest (highest-scoring) bass. If the longest bass are equal, the second-longest bass are compared and determine which competitor wins the tie. If the second-longest are identical, the third bass is compared, and if they, too, are identical, then the fourth bass breaks the tie. If all four of the tied competitors’ highest scoring bass are identical, then the tie breaks in favor of the competitor whose last Leader Board photo was uploaded earliest.
  9. KAMO judges apply the following scoring criteria to adjust measurements, approve or deny photos, and to penalize photos by deducting points (length) or disqualifying a Competitor.



Penalties
  1. In the event of a rule violation, the Tournament Director may impose such penalties as deemed appropriate, including without limitation, the following:
  2. Reduction of score (length) as described above or determined by the Tournament Director
  3.  Loss of catch for the day or up until the violation has been remedied
  4. Disqualification from the tournament in question
  5. Any additional penalties determined by the Tournament Director including but not limited to monetary fines and/or reduction of Angler of Year points.
  6. Subject to the appeal process set forth below, the Tournament Director’s decisions on violations are final.
  7. Following a review of evidence, a determination by KAMO Board of Directors of cheating or conviction of fraud will result in permanent revocation of KAMO Membership, suspension from all Kayak Anglers of Missouri competition and any qualifying participating Sanctioned affiliated Events, and series, and revocation of all KAMO Social Media privileges. The findings will be published on a password-protected KAMO Members-only web page and will be reported to all partnering affiliates.
  8. Competitor acknowledges that (I.) the use of polygraph tests may be necessary to verify compliance with rules and to settle disputes and (ii.) entry constitutes acceptance of this requirement and agreement to abide by its conclusion. Refusal by a Competitor to submit to a polygraph test is grounds for immediate disqualification from the KAMO Event and prohibition against future participation in any KAMO-affiliated Event. Results of a polygraph test will not be the sole determining factor in a KAMO Management Review of a Competitor’s eligibility for awards and qualification for future participation but may be one of several factors considered in such review.
Awarding of Prizes
  1. Prizes and numbers of positions paid out are determined per event by the Tournament Director and KAMO Board of Directors and are based on number of participating competitors. Amounts paid per rank are subject to change based on participation (lower value for fewer entries and higher value for more entries) and sponsor provision.
  2.  Prizes will be processed after all photos submitted for scoring have been judges, the results reviewed by a separate panel, and disputes have been resolved.
  3.  Product prizes (e.g. kayaks, paddles, propulsion units) may require additional processing or delivery time. This allows competitors some flexibility in selection of model, color or style. Product selection may be limited to specific features and models.
  4.  Taxes — Competitors are responsible for all applicable taxes on both cash and merchandise awards. Failure to meet those obligations may result in disqualification from all future KAMO events. All prize recipients must complete a W-9. Competitor must provide name, email, phone number and city and state of residence. Additional information may be required upon winning for prize verification.
  5. Sale of Prizes — No prizes won participating in KAMO Events may be advertised or promoted for sale on KAMO Facebook pages for a period of one full year. Violation of this rule will result in ineligibility for all future events and forfeiture of qualification status.
Disputes and Appeals
  1. If a Competitor wishes to dispute a rules violation penalty, a judge’s scoring decision, or other action that materially affected the Competitor’s ranking or prize eligibility, he must email a dispute with the Tournament Director within 24 hours (1 full day) following completion of Event judging. The dispute must include the following:
    1. Event title, location, and date
    2. Description or identification of penalty imposed, or condition being disputed
    3. Reference to pertinent rule
    4. Reason for dispute and requested action
  2. Except for situations involving fraud or other law violation, any disputes submitted after the 24-hour dispute deadline will be reviewed without affecting the outcome of an event. No change in rank or reward will result from disputes submitted after the deadline. Only Competitors in the Event where the disputed action occurred may submit disputes. Disputes must be handled privately. All parties directly involved will be provided a copy of the dispute. The Tournament Director will review the Competitor’s claims, thoroughly investigate the disputed decision, and issue a ruling.
  3. The Competitor who filed the dispute may appeal the Tournament Director’s ruling. Appeals of rulings must be presented to the KAMO Board of Directors via email within 24 hours from the time and date of ruling. KAMO Board of Directors will impanel an appeals committee comprised of Vice President of the Board, one Board member not involved directly in directing or judging the Event and two KAMO Members who were not Competitors in the Event. Appeals hearings shall take place within seven (7) business days from the date of receipt of the written appeal, and all parties must make themselves available at prescribed time of hearing. The appeals committee will submit its findings and recommendations to the President and the Executive Board whose decisions are final. If the President and Executive rules in the Competitor’s favor and reverses or nullifies the ruling, then the entire Appeal Processing Fee will be refunded; however, if the ruling stands, then the Fee is forfeited.
Public Comments
  1. The favorable public reputation of KAMO as a sanctioning organization in the sport of kayak bass fishing, the integrity of its officials, and the reputation of its media channels are valuable assets and tangible benefits for KAMO. Accordingly, it is an obligation of Competitors to refrain from comments in public forums and social media or to the news media that unreasonably attack or disparage the integrity of KAMO tournaments, tournament officials, sponsors, fellow members, fellow Competitors or the KAMO organization. Competitors are encouraged to express themselves and have the right to question the rules officials. Responsible expressions of legitimate disagreement with KAMO policies are encouraged, as opposed to attacks upon the integrity of the rules or officials. However, public comments that a Competitor knows, or should reasonably know, will harm the reputation of Kayak Anglers of Missouri, Inc., KAMO officials, KAMO members or sponsors, may result in disciplinary action.
  2. Sponsor contributions will not be devalued by disputes or disagreements in public forums or social media platforms.
  3. Publicly disputing any judgment decisions by a Tournament Director, KAMO Board of Directors or judges will result in participants receiving one warning followed by disciplinary action up to permanent disqualification for repeated offenses. Any public dispute of final rulings, ongoing determination by judges or judging panel is grounds for immediate disqualification from the current Event and termination of any eligibility for future Events, even if previously qualified. This provision is not intended to discourage legitimate disputes but to ensure that a fair and unbiased approach is used, and the approved challenge and appeals processes are followed in determining the best possible outcome.
  4. Unavailability and Force Majeure — KAMO will use reasonable efforts to hold the Event; however, under no circumstances will KAMO be held responsible for unavailability caused by circumstances beyond KAMO’s control, including flood, fire, hurricanes, earthquakes or other “acts of God,” acts of government, civil unrest, acts of terror, strikes or labor problems nor will any Event Registration be cancelled, altered or amended once the Event has commenced on the basis of circumstances beyond KAMOs reasonable control.
  5. Compliance with Laws — This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Missouri. All rights and obligations of the KAMO and the Competitor under this Agreement are subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. These terms and conditions shall be deemed revised to conform to applicable statutes, rules and regulations. KAMO may modify the terms and conditions stated herein at any time in its sole and absolute discretion. Competitor shall be bound by the modified Agreement and agree that no other modifications shall be enforceable. This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements between the parties, whether written or oral. The invalidity or unenforceable  ability of any provision hereof shall not affect the validity or enforce-ability of any other provision. The waiver of any breach shall not constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach.
Waivers and Releases
  1. Name and Likeness Release — By registering for this Kayak Anglers of Missouri Event, the Competitor grants to Kayak Anglers of Missouri the right to use all photographs, likenesses, stories, interviews, and information pertinent to the Kayak Anglers of Missouri Event, as well as any video footage, photographs gathered at the Event, for marketing and promotional purposes. This release is granted without expectation for additional compensation upon submission of Event Registration.
  2. Waiver and Release of Liability — As a condition of participation in a Competition, and by virtue of registering for the Competition, each Competitor agrees to accept the terms and condition of the Kayak Anglers of Missouri Waiver and Release of Liability Agreement (below). This Agreement absolves Kayak Anglers of Missouri, Inc. its officers, staff, and volunteers from responsibility and threat of litigation in the case of injury, loss, or death sustained by a Competitor in the Event. A printed copy of the Kayak Anglers of Missouri Waiver and Release Form (below) is available on the KAMO website and may be submitted electronically   and must be signed and electronically submitted to Kayak Anglers of Missouri before a registrant is eligible to compete.
Approved: January 2018
Revised: January 24th, 2019
Revised: January 20, 2020
Revised: January 2021
©Anglers of Missouri 2018