BY-LAWS:

THE NEW SOUTH WALES GAMEFISHING ASSOCIATION INC.

(NSWGFA)

• INSIGNIA
• A design approved by the Executive Committee shall be the insignia of the Association. Such insignia may be reproduced on the Association’s stationery and certificates and generally where considered suitable. Also this insignia may be produced as a metal badge and incorporated into the Association’s trophies where considered appropriate by the Committee.
• A President’s insignia shall be struck and flown at the masthead of a vessel when the President is onboard such vessel.
• The Association’s Insignia shall only be used by members representing the Association with the permission and approval of the Council or the Committee.
• NSWGFA official patches be made available to all NSW affiliated club members at a cost to be determined from time to time.

• RECORDS
• The Association shall maintain State Records as laid down in the Objects of the Association (Object g), for men, ladies, juniors & small fry and shall issue suitable NSW Record Certificates where appropriate.
• All applications for NSW Records must be accompanied by full substantiative certification (as required by GFAA for Australian Records) and such claims must be forwarded by the angler’s club to NSWGFA Office within two (2) months of the date of the capture. Claims received after two (2) months will only be considered at the discretion of the Association when a suitable explanation for the delay is furnished.
• Procedures for line testing and adjudication of NSW Records Claims shall be the same as those set out and used by GFAA from time to time.

• CAPTURE CERTIFICATES

The Association shall design and arrange for printing of Capture Certificates to be available for the use of all member clubs at nominal charge.

• ELIGIBLE SPECIES, POINT SCORE AND TOURNAMENT REGULATIONS
• Eligible Species & Category List

Note : certain conditions apply to some of the following listed *species.

MARLIN Black Blue Striped

SHARKS Blue Hammerhead (all) Mako (all)

Porbeagle Thresher (all) Tiger

Whaler (all)

OTHER GAME FISH

Other Billfish Sailfish *Broadbill Shortbill Spearfish

Tuna Bigeye Bluefin Southern Bluefin

Dogtooth Yellowfin Longtail

Albacore *Kawa Kawa *Striped Tuna

Wahoo Spanish Mackerel Cobia

Barracuda *Kingfish (Yellowtail) *Mahi Mahi

• Point Score System
• The Association shall determine and publish from time to time, line classes which may be used and a Point Score System for the use of all member clubs. This point score system shall be designed to compliment the methods and style of fishing (including tag and release) being practised by anglers in NSW waters from time to time and its use shall be mandatory by all member clubs when allocating points.

• Capture Points: Capture Points equal the weight of fish squared x factor, divided by line class. Factors are as follows:

4kg – 29.5; 6kg – 19.5; 8kg – 14.5; 10kg – 11.5; 15kg – 7.5; 24kg – 4.6;

37kg – 3; 60kg – 1.7.

• Marlin points be doubled as above factor system.
• *Broadbill points be doubled as above factor system.
• Other Gamefish ( exception Broadbill as above) points are trebled as above factor system.
• Shark points half except Blue Sharks, which are one-quarter of as above factor system.
• Note : no points shall be awarded for Shark captures on 4kg line class.
• Note : Maximum Points: all captures on line classes up to and including 10kg shall be maximum of 15,000 plus one point per kilo of fish weight. All captures on line classes 15kg and over shall be maximum 20,000 plus one point per kilo of fish weight.
• Note : *Striped Tuna & *Kawa Kawa are eligible species for JUNIOR PERSONNEL POINTSCORE & APPLICABLE TROPHIES ONLY in Club Competitions and Tournaments. Capture points are based on weight and line class as normal.

• Tag & Release Points

Following are the only tag and release points that may be used by NSWGFA affiliated member clubs.

Note: *Striped Tuna and *Kawa Kawa are eligible for JUNIOR PERSONAL POINTSCORE & APPLICABLE TROPHIES ONLY in Club Competitions and Tournaments.

Note: The maximum number of *Yellowtail Kingfish and *Mahi Mahi tagged and released by one angler be limited to five (5) of each species per day, with a maximum of ten (10) of each species per boat per day shall also apply.

B)Sanctioned Tournaments, Point Scores and Rules.

1. All sanctioned gamefishing tournaments and point score competitions held from NSWGFA must be fished/conducted under GFAA and NSWGFA rules including the following:

• The use of identifiable Marlin carcasses is prohibited for use as tethered burley.
• Burley secured under floats is prohibited.

2. In the event of multiple strike on separate lines being fished by a single angler, only the first fish fought will be eligible for all pointscores or records in NSW waters.

3. NSWGFA Anglers must use the “Billfish Tag” to tag all billfish species. This is the only tag that will be recognised for billfish in any tournament, competition, pointscore and trophy. The “Billfish Tag” is for billfish only point score (i.e. no other species).

4. That the declaration of a Gale Warning by the appropriate government weather authority will automatically require the cancellation of any tournament or event conducted under the auspices of the New South Wales Game Fishing Association and it’s member clubs. In the event of a declaration whilst vessels are at sea, such vessels are required to cease fishing immediately and return to port.

5. CIRCLE HOOKS ONLY are permitted to be used for livebaiting.

C)Minimum Weights

The Association shall determine and publish from time to time, mandatory minimum weights of gamefish species captured that may be recognised for any tournament, competition of trophy.

• Yellowfin Tuna: 15kg on line classes up to and including 15kg line, equal to line class for over 15kg line and for Junior Anglers equal to line class in all cases.
• Southern Bluefin Tuna: 15kg on line classes up to and including 15kg line, equal to line class for over 15kg line and for Junior Anglers equal to line class in all cases.
• Marlin: a minimum of 60kg on line classes to 10kg and a minimum of 80kg on 15kg line class and over.
• Sharks: a minimum of 60kg on line classes to 10kg; a minimum of 80kg on line classes 15kg to 37kg and 120kg on 60kg line class.
• Other Gamefish and Broadbill: minimum weight to be equal to line class.

Not withstanding the minimum weights specified in paragraph (C) above, a club may, with the approval of the Association given, at the time of sanctioning in accordance with paragraph E, specify a higher minimum weight for a marlin, shark or a tuna to qualify for a trophy for the heaviest marlin, shark or tuna only, provided that the weight specified is reasonable and obtainable in the circumstances. Clubs applying for sanction under this rule will supply a capture history for at least three years. Nothing in this clause will affect the minimum weight of marlin, shark or tuna to qualify for capture points in accordance with clause 4.2.

D)Tournaments and Point Score Competitions

All sanctioned tournaments and point score competitions shall have either two (2) separate categories when allocating points or (1) category i.e. capture and tag and release or tag and release only. Such separate categories to be mandatory and non-combinable for trophies/competitions.

E)Approval to Conduct Open Tournaments

(i) The Executive of the Association must be consulted by member clubs wishing to conduct “Open” or “Invitation” Tournaments to gain approval for such tournaments. The Executive shall also have the power to insist that any such tournaments hosted by member clubs be conducted in such fashion as is befitting the ethics of gamefishing, and for the maximum enjoyment of all participants. The application for such tournaments MUST be in the hands of the Secretary of the Association a minimum of three (3) months prior to the tournament date. All Sanctioned Tournaments must carry the NSWGFA Sanctioned Tournament emblem on the front of all tournament brochures and entry forms. A complete list of tournament trophies and prizes must be advised to competitors prior to the start of the tournament.

Additional trophies or prizes can be added after the tournament starts.

This By-law shall not apply where member clubs conduct competitions purely for the members of their own particular club.

ii) All sanctioned tournaments shall adopt the “Guidelines for Radio Skeds for Tournaments” published from time to time by the Association as the minimum radio procedure to be followed.

F)Participation in Non-Sanctioned Tournaments

• “If a vessel(s)/anglers(s) on the register of a member club is entered in a non-sanctioned gamefishing tournament conducted out of any port in NSW waters and the member club which this Non-Sanctioned Tournament directly affects, advises NSWGFA (Inc) that it objects to the Tournament being Sanctioned, provided that objection is found reasonable then the Member Club where vessel(s)/angler(s) are registered will take disciplinary action against that vessel(s)/angler(s). “If the member club where the

vessel(s)/angler(s) are registered fail to take action against these vessel(s)/angler(s), then NSWGFA (Inc) has the right to take disciplinary action against that member club under 3.07 Disciplining of Members – NSWGFA (Inc) Constitution.

• “Club member’s vessels which are registered commercial charter vessels and are chartered by non-member anglers for non-sanctioned tournaments shall be exempt from disciplinary action”.

G)Rules for Tag and Release

No tournament shall be approved, by a State Association, that awards points for free release for GFAA tag species.

No tag and release points shall be awarded in State Association approved tournaments unless GFAA approved tags are used.

• All angling rules and equipment regulations apply until fish is tagged and released.
• Tag poles must not exceed 4.47m (15ft) overall length.
• The tag pole or holding device must be in hand when the fish is tagged.
• One or more person, in addition to the person holding the leader, may assist in tagging and releasing the fish.
• A fish is considered tagged and released when the tag is secured to the fish and the fish is released back into the water alive.
• All billfish must be tagged with the Billfish Tag. This is the only tag that will be recognised for billfish in any tournament, competition, point score or trophy. The Billfish Tag is for billfish only point score (i.e. no other species).

Guidelines for Tag & Release

1) “The tag needle must not protrude more than 50mm from the end of the tag pole or tag holding device, nor shall it exceed 5mm in external diameter except for the NSW Fisheries “Billfish Only” tag, this needle must not protrude more than 76mm from the end of the tag pole or tag holding device, nor shall it exceed 8mm in diameter”.

The following acts will disqualify a tag and release :

• Failure to comply with NSWGFA tag and release rules, equipment regulations and angling rules.
• Failure to comply with all other regulations that disqualify a capture.
• Use of gaff (other than release/jaw gaff for the purpose of tagging).

H)NSW Coastal Waters Trophy

To qualify for NSW Coastal Waters Trophy the angler must be a full financial member of a NSWGFA affiliated club prior to the capture of the fish.

• WEIGHING OF GILLED AND GUTTED FISH

NSWGFA affiliated clubs weigh station accept gilled and gutted fish for trophy record and point score purposes.

• NON-CAPTURE & TAG & RELEASE SPECIES

White sharks are regarded as endangered species accordingly this species shall be deemed ineligible for points in any tournaments or club point score.

• EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES OF AFFILATED CLUBS

The facilities and equipment of member clubs shall not be used in the conduct of non-sanctioned or non-accredited gamefishing tournaments run by other than an affiliated gamefishing club.

• WEIGHING OF SHARKS

No sharks may be weighed with restrictive device on jaws. Sewing up of shark jaws will automatically disqualify capture. No Shark will be weighed with a choker in place.

• SALE OF FISH

Any fish weighed for NSWGFA trophies SHALL NOT BE SOLD. Such fish shall be ineligible for any trophies or awards of the Association.

• TROPHIES

NSWGFA Coastal Waters Trophy Forms MUST be in the hands of the NSWGFA Secretary by June 14, each year.

NSWGFA Annual Trophies

• During the year June 1 to May 31, competitions are held and trophies are presented for captures or tag and releases effected in waters off the NSW coast. Club trophies are available to clubs affiliated with NSWGFA. Boat trophies are available to boats registered with an affiliated club. Angler trophies are available to all registered members of clubs affiliated with NSWGFA. Junior anglers shall be under sixteen (16) years of age when capture is made. Decisions regarding the allocation of these trophies shall be the responsibility of the Executive Committee of the Association.
• Any Charter boat whilst under charter, is not eligible for boat tag & release points and boat capture points for NSWGFA Coastal Waters Trophies.

The trophies are :

• NSWGFA Southern Zone Trophy – for the heaviest gamefish (other than shark) captured on 4kg line.
• NSWGFA Trophy – for the heaviest gamefish (other than shark) captured on 6kg line.
• LES Downie Trophy – for the heaviest gamefish (other than shark) captured on 8kg line.
• Bob Dyer Cup – For the heaviest gamefish (other than shark) captured on 10kg line.
• Hayman Island Trophy – for the heaviest gamefish (other than shark) captured on 15kg line.
• Milton Kent Trophy – for the heaviest gamefish (other than shark) captured on 24kg line.
• Great Barrier Reef Trophy – for the heaviest gamefish (other than shark) captured on 37kg line.
• Bruce Downie Trophy – for the heaviest gamefish (other than shark) captured on 60kg line.
• WD & HO Wills Trophy – for the heaviest gamefish (other than shark) captured on any line class up to and including 60kg line.
• NSWGFA Trophy – for the heaviest shark captured on any line class up to and including 60kg line.
• Adrian and Margaret Crothers Trophy – for the heaviest tuna captured on any line class up to and including 60kg.
• Rebel Trophy – for the heaviest gamefish (other than shark) captured by an adult lady angler.
• Newcastle Port Stephens GFC 60 th Anniversary Trophy – for the heaviest broadbill swordfish captured on any line class up to and including 60kg line.
• Spindrift Trophy – for the highest pointscoring capture by an adult male angler.
• Dolly and Eva Gray Trophy – for the highest pointscoring capture by an adult lady angler.
• Peter Goadby Trophy – for the highest point scoring capture by a junior male angler.
• Sydney GFC Trophy – for the highest point scoring capture by a junior lady angler.
• Shoalhaven GFC Trophy – for the heaviest billfish captured by a junior angler.
• Tom Roche Trophy – for the heaviest shark captured by a junior angler.
• NSWGFA Junior Trophy – for the heaviest other gamefish by a junior angler.
• Tom Roche Trophy – for Champion small fry angler – capture.
• Peter Goadby Tag and Release Trophy – for the club scoring the highest total points for tag and release.
• Amatil Shield – for the boat scoring the highest total points for tag and release.
• NSWGFA Yellowfin Tuna Tag and Release Trophy – for the Club scoring the highest total points for tag and release of trophyin tuna.
• John O’Brien Tag and Release Trophy – for the male angler scoring the highest total points for tag and release.
• Wollongong GFC Tag and Release Trophy – for the lady angler scoring the highest total points for tag and release.
• Tom Roche Tag and Release Trophy – for the junior angler scoring the highest total points for tag and release.
• Peter Bennett Ambition Trophy – for the angler scoring the highest total points for tag and release of tuna.
• Bermagui Big Game Anglers Club Tag and Release Trophy – for the junior angler scoring the highest total points for tag and release of Tuna.
• Tom Roche Trophy – for the small fry angler scoring the highest total points for tag and release.
• Don Goswell Tag and Release Trophy – for the boat scoring the highest total points for tag and release of billfish.
• George Besoff Tag and Release Trophy – for the boat scoring the highest total points for tag and release of shark. (Donated by Peter Goadby).
• Grahame Williams Trophy – for the angler tagging and releasing the first marlin of the year.
• Bob Lowe Trophy – for the angler tagging and releasing the last marlin of the year.
• Geoffrey Woolley Memorial Trophy – for the senior angler with the most meritorious achievement in either capture or tag & release for the season as adjudicated by NSWGFA Executive.
• Tom Roche Memorial Trophy – for the junior angler with the most meritorious achievement in either capture or tag & release for the season as adjudicated by NSWGFA Executive.
• George Creamer “Sea Devil” Memorial Trophy – for the small fry angler with the most meritorious achievement in either capture or tag & release for the season as adjudicated by NSWGFA Executive.
• Chicken O’ the Walk Zone Challenge Trophy – Capture: for the zone scoring the highest total of points as calculated on the best five in each of the following eight categories (points allocated on 5-4-3-2-1 basis for Junior/Small Fry Angler captures in NSW waters) – heaviest marlin, highest pointscoring (ignore maximum point limit) marlin, heaviest shark, highest pointscoring (ignore maximum point limit) shark, heaviest tuna, highest pointscoring (ignore aximum point limit) tuna, heaviest other gamefish, highest pointscoring (ignore maximum point limit) other gamefish.

39) Chicken O’ the Walk Zone Challenge Trophy – Tag and Release: for the zone scoring the highest total points as calculated on the best five in each of the following four categories (points allocated on 5-4-3-2-1 basis for Junior Angler tag & release in NSW waters) highest junior/small fry pointscoring boat T&R billfish, highest junior/small fry pointscoring boat T&R shark, highest junior/small fry pointscoring boat T&R tuna, highest junior/small fry pointscoring boat T&R other gamefish.
40) Cock of the Walk Zone Challenge Trophy – Capture: for the zone scoring the highest total points as calculated on the best five in each of the following eight categories (points allocated on 5-4-3-2-1 basis for captures in NSW waters) – heaviest marlin, highest pointscoring (ignoring maximum point limit) marlin, heaviest shark, highest pointscoring (ignoring maximum point limit) shark, heaviest tuna, highest pointscoring (ignoring maximum point limit) tuna, heaviest other gamefish, highest pointscoring (ignoring maximum point limit) other game fish.
41) Cock of the Walk Zone Challenge Trophy – Tag and Release for the zone scoring the highest total points as calculated on the best five in each of the following four categories (points allocated on 5-4-3-2-1 basis for tag and release in NSW waters) – highest pointscoring boat T & R billfish, highest pointscoring boat T & R shark, highest pointscoring boat T & R tuna, highest pointscoring boat T & R other gamefish.

Note: NSWGFA Zone Trophies are awarded to each of the three zones (Northern, Central and Southern) for both captures and tag and releases effected in the zone and registered with a club in the zone.
a) The angler with the highest point scoring gamefish (other than shark)
b) The angler with the highest point score tag and release.

B) NSWGFA Interclub Competition Trophies
The Interclub Competition NSWGFA registered team and boat trophies are:
1) Interclub Shield – Champion Club Team (Capture) for the club team (five boats) scoring the highest aggregate number of points during the tournament. Perpetual trophy to the club and boat plaque to each of the boats in the winning team, and a plaque to every angler entered in the winning team.
2) Bill Southam Spoon – Runner-up Club Team (Capture) for the club team (five boats) scoring the second highest number of points for the tournament. Perpetual trophy to the club and boat plaque to each of the boats in the runner-up team.
3) Broken Bay Trophy – Champion Boat (Capture) Perpetual trophy and boat plaque to the boat scoring the highest points total for the competition. Plaque to each angler entered on the winning boat.
4) Ken Hanley Trophy – Runner-up Champion Boat (Capture): Perpetual trophy to boat scoring the second highest total points for the competition.
5) Golden Fleece Shield – Highest aggregate weight of marlin captured by a boat: Perpetual Trophy. (Retired 1997).
6) Bundabah Trophy – Champion Club Team (Tag and Release): Boat Plaque to each of the boats in the team (five boats) which scores the highest total points for tag and release in the competition and a plaque to every angler entered in the winning team.
7) Port Hacking GFC Tag and Release Trophy – Runner-up Club Team (Tag and Release): for the club team (five boats) scoring the second highest number of tag and release points for the competition. Perpetual trophy to the club and boat plaque to each of the boats in the runner-up team.
8) Marquis Shield – Champion Boat (Tag and Release): Perpetual trophy and boat plaque to the boat scoring the highest total points for tag and release during the competition. Plaque to each angler entered on the winning boat.
9) Sydney GFC Tag and Release Trophy – Runner-up Champion Boat (Tag and Release): Perpetual trophy to the boat scoring the second highest total of tag and release points during the competition.
10) Gloriana Shield – Perpetual trophy to the boat scoring the highest points for tag and release of billfish during the competition.
11) Barbara Bee Shield – Perpetual trophy to the boat scoring the highest points for tag and release of sharks during the competition.
12) Ricky Chan Trophy – Perpetual Trophy to the champion Club Team scoring the highest points for Tag & Release of sharks during the competition.
13) Gari Lee Shield – Perpetual trophy to the boat scoring the highest points for tag and release of other gamefish during the competition.

14) Champion Club (Capture) – Mustad Gold Hook Award.
15) Champion Club (Tag and Release) – Mustad Silver Hook Award.

The Interclub Competition NSWGFA registered angler trophies are:
1) Fred Toll Trophy – for the heaviest shark capture. Perpetual trophy.
2) Bob Dyer Trophy – for the heaviest marlin capture. Perpetual trophy.
3) Jay Ah Trophy – for the heaviest blue marlin capture. Perpetual trophy.
4) Impala Trophy – for the heaviest other gamefish. Perpetual trophy.
5) Peter Goadby Trophy – for the highest pointscoring capture by an adult male angler. Perpetual trophy.
6) George Besoff Trophy – for the highest pointscoring angler (capture) Perpetual trophy.
7) Tom Roche Trophy – for the highest pointscoring capture by an adult lady angler. Perpetual trophy.
8) Bill Heyward Trophy – for the highest pointscoring capture by a Junior angler. Perpetual trophy.
9) Botany Bay GFC Trophy – for the highest pointscoring junior overall (capture). Perpetual trophy.
10) Louis Ardilly Trophy – for the angler who tags and releases the most marlin. Perpetual trophy.
11) Port Macquarie GFC Trophy – for the angler who tags and releases the most sharks. Perpetual trophy.
12) Peter Bennett Trophy – for the most tag and release points by a Junior. Perpetual Trophy.
13) JAC III Trophy – for the most tag and release points by a male angler. Perpetual Trophy.
14) IC Frith & Associates Trophy – for the most tag and release points by a lady angler. Perpetual Trophy.
The Interclub Competition daily awards are:
Heaviest Marlin
Most Marlin tag and release
Heaviest Shark
Most Shark tag and release
Heaviest Other Gamefish
Most points tag and release Other Gamefish
Highest Pointscoring Boat Capture
Most Points Tag & Release Boat

Visiting Teams or Boats
Visiting teams or boats (ie: teams or boats not affiliated with NSWGFA clubs) are welcome to compete in the annual NSWGFA Interclub Competition but not for the trophies as listed in the above by-laws. The following trophies are to be available for visiting anglers at this competition.
1) Marcus Miller Memorial Trophy – for the visiting angler scoring the highest capture points.
2) NSWGFA Trophy – for the visiting team scoring the highest capture points.
3) Col Henderson Memorial Trophy – for visiting angler scoring the highest number of tagging points.
4) NSWGFA Trophy – for the visiting team scoring the highest number of tag points.
5) HEAVIEST MARLIN – captured by a Visiting Angler during the competition
6) HEAVIEST SHARK – captured by a Visiting Angler during the competition
7) HEAVIEST OGF – captured by a Visiting Angler during the competition
8) MOST MARLIN – tagged & released by a Visiting Angler during the competition
9) MOST SHARKS – tagged & released by a Visiting Angler during the competition
10) MOST POINTS OGF – tagged & released by a Visiting Angler during the competition

GUIDELINES FOR RADIO SKEDS FOR TOURNAMENTS

A. RADIO FREQUENCYS
It is recommended that all Tournaments operate Radio Skeds on two of the three frequencies available i.e.
i. 27 megahertz
ii. V.H.F.
iii. High Frequency
A dual frequency broadcast is desirable with the Radio Operator repeating each report. This allows all vessels to listen to the total sked.
It is understood that in some areas due to radio traffic and conditions that not all frequencies operate effectively.
e.g. in the Sydney area only High Frequency operates effectively.
It is also understood that some clubs do not have access to High Frequency radios.
B. SKED TIMES
Radio Skeds should be conducted at a maximum of TWO HOUR intervals.
C. GRID MAPS
All clubs and/or zones are to use a NSWGFA approved grid map for their local areas to be used in all tournaments and point score days, the inclusion of sponsors logos is permitted providing that logo does not obstruct the chart grid system alpha 1, bravo 2 etc.
D. REPORTING PROCEDURES
FIRST SKED
On the first sked each day vessels will report the following:
Number of persons on board
Position (in reference to grid map)
Fishing Activity (travelling, anchored, drifting, trolling)
Fishing Report (details of captures and tag/release)
FOLLOWING SKEDS
Report Position (must give grid reference)
Fishing Activity (as above)
Fishing Report (as above)
LAST SKED
Report Position (must give grid reference)
Fishing Activity (as above)
Fishing Report (as above)
E.T.A. (estimated time of arrival back in port)

E. FAILURE TO REPORT ON SKEDS
It is mandatory for all vessels to report on each sked.
Failure to report on two consecutive skeds will activate an emergency procedure.
It is recommended that Tournament Committees impose a suitable points penalty if a satisfactory explanation is not given.

F. EMERGENCY PROCEDURE
In the event of a vessel failing to report on TWO consecutive skeds the base operator will start the emergency procedure.
i. Issue a description of the vessel including all details by radio to tournament vessels.
ii. Instruct all vessels near the last known position to start a search of their area.

iii. After one hour of tournament vessels searching it is recommended that the Tournament Director notify the local Search and Rescue Authorities of the possible missing vessel and detail all actions taken. The overall responsibility for Search and Rescue in N.S.W. is the N.S.W. Police Service.
iv. If a club runs hourly skeds it is suggested that the time frame be shortened to two hours plus one hour search.

G. VESSEL RESPONSIBILITY
i. Vessels must answer each sked with the required details.
ii. If a vessel has radio failure and cannot contact radio base or relay through another vessel, it must return to port and notify Radio Base of their actions by other means (phone etc.).
Remember that if TWO skeds are not answered, the emergency procedure will be activated.
iii. It is a vessel’s responsibility to notify the Radio Base or the Tournament Director of their intention NOT to fish on any given day of the Tournament. If no notification is received and the vessel fails to report on two consecutive skeds the Base Operator will start the emergency procedure.
iv. If a vessels entry is accepted by the Host Club and that vessel is not fitted with the tournament frequencies to be used, it is the Host Clubs responsibility to have the sked report taken before the sked (by a prearranged vessel at sea) then the report relayed to the Radio Base on the next sked.

VESSEL SKIPPERS/OWNERS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT THE SAFETY OF THEIR VESSEL AND CREW IS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY.

H.SIGNING OFF
It is mandatory for every vessel to sign off with Radio Base on return to port. A vessel must wait for a reply from the Radio Base to confirm sign off or with the permission of the remaining vessel/s at sea may be transferred to the local V.M.R. base.

I.RADIO BASE RESPONSIBILITY
It is essential that the Radio Operator (be it on land or a vessel) has a copy of each vessels safety information on hand at all times for reference in case of an emergency.
It is the Host Clubs responsibility to have all required licences in place.
The Radio Base must stay active until all vessels have returned to port. An accurate record of each sked shall be kept (hard copy plus tape recording where possible).
It is recommended that if a vessel/s are still at sea fighting a fish after the last sked the base, when it is clear of sign offs, should contact the vessel/s hourly noting their position in longitude and latitude until signed off.

1. This policy statement has no application to record claims.

2. Definitions in this policy statement:
“Multifilament line” means any line which is not monofilament or Dacron and includes spider wire and gel spun lines.

“Competition” includes any open tournament or pointscore competition.

“Committee” means the tournament committee or, if there is no tournament committee, the committee of the club running the tournament or pointscore competition or any subcommittee having delegated authority.

Prize includes any trophy, prize (cash or goods) or points in any pointscore competition.

3. Application of policy
If an angler submits a capture/tag & release in any competition that has been taken on multifilament line the committee may at its absolute discretion:
a) accept the capture/tag & release; or
b) resolve that the line must be tested
If the committee resolves that the line be tested the following provisions shall apply to the competition:
a) if the capture/tag & release qualifies for any prize, that prize shall be provisional only and shall be withheld pending the result of the line test;
b) A sample of line shall be taken and prepared in the same manner as a sample required for a record claim and sent to the New South Wales Records Officer within fourteen (14) days. If the sample is not received by the NSW Records Officer within fourteen (14) days the line will not be tested and the capture will deemed to have been accepted;
c) If the line sample is received within fourteen (14) days the
New South Wales Records Officer shall with all due dispatch forward the line sample for testing in accordance with the usual procedure laid down for testing record claims;
d) If the line sample breaks under the prescribed line class, the committee will affirm the tournament results and award the prize. If the line breaks over the prescribed line class the capture/tag & release will be disqualified.
e) In the event the capture submitted is also the subject of a New South Wales, Australian or world record claim a separate line sample to that submitted with the claim will be taken and submitted to the New South Wales Records Officer in accordance with the above procedure.
f) The cost of the test shall be borne by the angler.

4. This policy shall remain in force until the New South Wales Game Fishing Association Executive determines that it appears that, generally, multifilament lines are breaking within the prescribed line class.

NSWGFA Media Policy

Any media release, policy or any major issue MUSTgo through the NSWGFA President, with respect to Club tournament results, the respective Zone Chairman or Club President can make comment but comments are to be of a general reporting nature i.e. not giving every single weight etc.