WCC Rules

All fishing must be conducted respectfully and in keeping with the spirit and tradition of an international event. Any activity deemed to be in breach of the competition rules, or conducted in a disruptive or disrespectful manner, may result in disqualification and a ban from the competition at the organisers’ discretion.

• The competition is open to competitors aged 14 and over, provided competitors under 18 are accompanied by a guardian (see rule J01 for use of boat).
• Entry is permitted either as a pair (2 anglers) or a trio (3 anglers), with a maximum total of 6 rods.
• The organisers (Angling Spirit Ltd) shall have full authority and sole discretion over the competition, its rules, and its terms and conditions.
• The organisers reserve the right to amend any part of the rules and terms and conditions at any time.
• The World Carp Classic rules incorporate and comply with all relevant local regulations and have been reviewed and authorised by the appropriate local authorities.
• Where any WCC rule conflicts with local law, venue regulations or an instruction issued by the appropriate authorities for safety or environmental reasons, the local requirement or official instruction will take precedence.
• As a condition of entry, all competitors and helpers must provide the organisers with all required documentation, including valid insurance documents, fishing permits and boat registration.
• All competitors and Helpers must sign a registration form to include an event disclaimer to confirm acceptance of the full and final event rules, terms & conditions.
• Competition rules also include the T&Cs.
• All offences reported to the organisers will be dealt with according to their seriousness and may result in penalties or disqualification.
• Organisers have the right to use images of competitors and helpers at their discretion on any support material they deem appropriate at the time of the event and in the future.
• The official itinerary is published on the event website. All times given refer to local time.
• English is the Official Language of the World Carp Classic.
• The official currency of the World Carp Classic is the Pound Sterling (£ GBP).
• WCC rules/T&Cs are the property of World Carp Classic and cannot be used or copied even partially without prior written consent from the organisers.

A01- At registration, all persons bivvying on the bank must sign a disclaimer accepting the Rules and T&Cs. Failure to comply will result in refusal of access to the competition swim. Helpers must provide proof of public liability insurance, as it is included for all participants in their Spanish fishing permit. Boat and equipment insurance is strongly recommended but not compulsory.
A02-All members of a pair/trio, including any helper, must register together at one of the designated registration times. Each competitor and helper must present an official identification document and present all required documentation. Incomplete or missing documentation will result in the pair/trio forfeiting their turn during registration.
A03- All information and documentation provided to the organisers or Event Officials must be accurate and truthful. Deliberately providing false or misleading information may result in refusal of entry, disqualification and/or a ban from future events.
A04- Any competitor under the age of 18 must be accompanied throughout the event by a parent or legal guardian, who must be registered with the entry as either a competitor or Helper.
A05- Once all documents are in order, including any outstanding payment balance paid, party members will be provided with a colour-coded identity bracelet which must be worn throughout the competition, including the prize giving.
A06- Once a colour-coded identity bracelet has been issued, no competitor may be replaced or substituted. If a competitor is forced to withdraw, the remaining registered competitor(s) may continue, provided they comply with all competition and safety Rules. A single angler may never continue competing alone, even if accompanied by a registered Helper.
A07 – Any pair/trio withdrawing from the competition must notify Event HQ or their Section Marshal before leaving the venue and return all event-issued equipment, including GPS trackers.
A08- As part of the registration process, each pair/trio will draw a ticket indicating a section number and a swim number between 1 and 14. During the Wheel of Fortune Draw on Sunday, the section allocation will be determined, which will then identify the competitors’ designated peg for the event.
A09- Anyone who fails to register within the official registration times may be excluded from the competition and forfeit their entry fee, unless prior notice has been given to the organisers by email. The organisers will review each case individually, and their decision will be final.
A10- Any entry granted permission for late registration must be fully registered by 09:00 on Monday and be at their swim by 12:00, or they will be excluded and forfeit their entry fee.

B01- The official group picture will take place as scheduled in the official event itinerary published on the website.
B02- All competitors (including helpers) are required to be present with their national flag.
B03- Following the official picture, the peg draw will take place. Competitors will only then be informed of their allocated peg. No competitor may access their peg before the official start of the swim set-up period.
B04- The World Carp Classic peg draw uses the Wheel of Fortune format. With a single spin, each entry will be allocated its section. The peg number will be the number drawn at registration.

C01- Captains must complete an online Self Boat Check Form for each boat and bait boat to be used in the competition before arriving for on-site registration, allowing the Organisers sufficient time to review and approve the information provided.
C02- All boats, bait boats, floating retention slings, sacks and landing nets & mats being used during the event must pass through the official disinfection station, where they will be securely tagged by event officials. Only officially tagged items may be used during the competition.
C03- Except as permitted under C04, no baiting, feature finding, boating activity or placement of lines in the water is permitted before the official start of the competition. This restriction also applies to bait boats.
C04- During the setup time (when competitors are moving to their swims and setting up), the use of boats is only permitted for moving personnel and equipment to their pegs.

The prize table will be allocated based on:
D01- At the organisers’ discretion, prize allocations may be adjusted on a pro-rata basis if the maximum number of entries shown on the official published entry list is not reached.
D02- Participants may win only one prize in the main competition. If an entry wins more than one category, they may claim only the prize of the highest value. This does not apply to Biggest Fish Overall, Event Record, or any side competitions with their own entry fee and prize table, such as the Team Event, Legacy, and any sweepstakes.
D03- The competition placing will be determined by the cumulative weight of the 3 biggest carp caught per pair/trio, with the pair/trio having the combined greatest weight being declared the winners.
D04- In the event of a tie on total weight, the winner will be determined by:
* The largest of the three scoring fish. If these are equal, the second-largest fish will be compared, followed by the third-largest if necessary.
* If still tied, the time of the team’s first officially recorded fish, regardless of weight.
* If still tied, the times of each team’s three scoring fish will be compared on a countback basis.
Manual adjustment to final results shown on the App may be made if necessary.
D05- Prizes will only be awarded to competitors present at the prize-giving. Competitors not in attendance will have their prizes donated to Spirit OF Angling initiatives. Cash alternatives will not be offered, and cash prizes will not be awarded.
D06- In the event of a blank section, there will be a draw for prizes, though cash prizes will not be awarded.
D07- In the unlikely event that no fish are caught during the competition, only section prizes will be drawn. Cash prizes will not be awarded.

E01- Only competitors, marshals and registered helpers may bivvy up on the banks. Visitors are only allowed on pegs between 10:00 and 18:00.
E02- Each entry must set up rods and accommodation within 5 metres of their peg marker, or as close as reasonably possible. Fishing must remain within the swim boundaries provided at registration and available online. Any dispute must be reported to a marshal, who may refer it to Event HQ and require rods to be repositioned. Rods set up in the water must never be placed deeper than waist height.
E03- Competitors must cast or place and bait their own rods. They must also play, land, and unhook their own fish. No assistance from any other person, other than their fishing partner(s), is permitted (see Helper Rules). Receiving such assistance may result in immediate disqualification.
E04- Competitors must report by SMS to their section Marshal as soon as possible any fish they wish to have officially checked and recorded.
E05- Competitors must have at least four (4) floating retaining slings and 2 Carp sacks with 20 meters of rope. These are not provided by the organisers.
E06- The organisers reserve the right to search competitors’ tackle and vehicles to prevent cheating or rule violations. Anyone found cheating, or refusing a search, may be banned for life from the competition.
E07- Competitors may enter the water only up to thigh depth for casting and landing fish. Going beyond thigh depth is prohibited and may result in a penalty. Swimming is strictly prohibited by all and at all times.
E08- Competitors must cooperate with official WCC film crews and photographers regarding media coverage, except when landing a fish. Competing media personnel will only be granted media access to their own swim.
E09- If both anglers in a pair leave their swim, all rods must be reeled in and baited hooks removed from the water. In a trio, the third angler may remain to supervise the rods but must not go afloat. Helpers are never permitted to supervise the rods.
E10- Permanent markers can be dropped by boat and left in the fishing sector during the match but must be removed at the end of the competition.
E11- No more than SIX(6) permanent markers can be used at any one time within the swim.
E12- Low-intensity lights may be used on permanent markers. If a marker light is considered excessively bright or disruptive, the Head Marshal may require it to be reduced or removed. The Head Marshal’s decision is final.
E13- The placing of baited rigs and the baiting of swims must remain strictly within the designated GPS boundary limits of the swim at all times.
E14- Anyone found fishing outside their designated swim boundaries will receive a yellow card and a 12-hour ban. Any boundary disputes must be resolved within the first three hours of the competition. The Head Marshal’s decision is final.
E15- If a swim becomes unsafe or genuinely unfishable due to circumstances beyond the competitors’ control, competitors must immediately comply with any instructions issued by the Head Marshal or Event Officials.
E16- In an emergency, Rule E03 shall not apply where assistance is necessary to protect life, prevent injury or respond to an emergency. Any such assistance must be reported to a Marshal as soon as reasonably possible.

F01- The official start of the competition on Monday will be signalled by a rocket, relayed by marshals sounding their horns.
F02- Only Common, Mirror, Linear and Leather Carp (Cyprinus carpio) weighing 8 kg or more will count towards the competition.
F03- Each line may only have one single hook attached.
F04- Permitted baiting methods, including bait boats, may be used subject to these Rules and the restrictions in Section K.
F05- No live baiting is permitted.
F06- For conservation purposes only, barbless or micro-barb hooks are to be used. At all times, an unhooking mat must be used (not provided by WCC).
F07- Each pair/trio may have a maximum of six rods with baited hooks in the water at any time. Two additional rods may be kept ready for use provided they remain broken down. More than six baited rods in the water will result in immediate disqualification.
F08- Plumbing and spodding rods are permitted in addition to baited rods but may only be used for their intended purpose.
F09- Hooked fish must be landed without interfering with other competitors’ lines. Any dispute involving tangled lines must be reported immediately. The judges will decide whether the fish is accepted in the results.
F10- Where possible, fish must be landed within the boundaries of the competitor’s swim. Any breach will be considered on its individual merits.
F11- Fish not hooked by the mouth will be disqualified.
F12- Any fish hooked before the final rocket must be landed within 20 minutes of the competition ending to count towards the final results.
F13- The end of the competition on Saturday will be signalled by a rocket, relayed by marshals sounding their horns.
F14- Lead weights are strictly prohibited as this is a lead-free event. Random checks will be conducted throughout the competition. First offence: yellow card and 12-hour fishing ban.
F15- GPS trackers will be provided for all boats and bait boats used in the competition. Refer to the Competitors’ Pack and dedicated web page for further details.
F16- The organisers may temporarily suspend all or part of the competition where necessary for safety, environmental reasons, an emergency or on instruction from the local authorities. All competitors must immediately comply with any instructions issued.

Official Fish Weighing Hours: 07:00–22:00

Important Rule Notice: Once a team’s first three fish have been officially recorded by an Event Marshal, competitors may weigh subsequent catches themselves. If a fish exceeds the weight of any of their three recorded fish, the Marshal must be notified by SMS to attend and officially record the catch to count towards the official result. This will be done during official fish weighing hours.

G01- Once the official catch recording procedure has been completed, the fish must be returned to the water immediately.
G02- Each fish must be witnessed by either two Marshals or by one Marshal and, when possible, accompanied by one competitor from another swim. 
G03- Only one fish may be retained in each floating retaining sling.
G04- All fish submitted for official recording must be weighed using the official scales and weigh sling held by the Event Marshals and the competitor’s own tripod. Any fish not weighed with the official equipment will be excluded from the results.
G05- Competitors must immediately notify their Event Marshal by SMS of any qualifying catch requiring official weighing, including at night. Fish awaiting weighing must be held individually in a floating retaining sling.
G06- The Marshal’s official log sheet is the competition’s official record. Competitors must ensure all details are correct and that they have taken their own required photographs before signing.
Details to be filled include:
. Name of the participant who caught the fish.
. Peg number & section.
. Time of the catch being weighed.
. Weight of the catch in kg.
. Type of Carp.
G07- Competitors must ensure the following are clearly shown in the official photographs taken by the Marshal and must take the same photographs for their own records:
* Picture of the official catch board on its own.
* Picture of competitor holding the fish showing its left flank along with Official Catch Board with Peg Board in sight (fish head in competitor right hand).
Competitors’ own photographs must not delay the safe return of the fish.
G08- Additional photographs may be required for marketing purposes. Official WCC media crews must be given priority and allowed to complete their requirements without hindrance. Competitors, helpers and others may take their own photographs afterwards.
G09- Fish welfare is paramount. Where a fish shows signs of distress, injury or poor condition, the Marshal may require its immediate release regardless of any photography or media requirements. All fish must be released as directed and seen to swim away in the Marshal’s presence.
G10- Only once the official Marshal’s record sheet has been signed by all parties may the Marshal submit the official photograph and enter the catch details into the WCC Leaderboard App.
G11- A fish will only be fully validated once the Marshal’s official record sheet has been returned to the Event Results Desk for final verification.
G12- Any fish that dies or is seriously injured while in a competitor’s care must be reported immediately to the Head Marshal. The circumstances will be investigated and the Head Marshal will determine any resulting action or sanction.

H01- One helper is allowed per pair/trio identifiable by their colour-coded bracelets.
H02- Any helper must register with their pair/trio during the designated registration times, having completed a Disclaimer Form, paid the required entry fee to allow them to bivvy on the bank, and hold valid personal Public Liability Insurance.
H03- Once identified by a coloured bracelet at registration, a helper can at no stage be promoted to competitor status.
H04- A helper may bivvy with the pair/trio and assist only with non-fishing activities and errands.
H05- An entry may be disqualified if their helper assists with fishing in any way, including landing fish, baiting or making boilies, setting up rods, using bait boats, supervising rods in the competitors’ absence, or acting as a lookout while competitors are afloat (see J07).
H06- A helper is NEVER permitted aboard a competitor’s boat during the competition.
H07- A helper cannot act as the official witness for a catch made by the team they are registered with.

BOAT SPECIFICATION
I01 – All boats used during the competition must comply with local regulations and World Carp Classic requirements, as outlined below:
Boat type: Boats must be suitable for fishing and be at least 2.3 metres and no more than 5 metres in length. Inflatable boats must have at least two separate chambers; single-chamber boats are prohibited.
Propulsion: Petrol and electric engines may be used throughout the competition. The use of a foot-powered kayak is not authorised.

BOAT SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Failure to comply with the following will result in the use of the boat being denied.
I02 – Each boat must be equipped with:
. Two (2)  oars and rowlocks.
. A minimum of two life jackets, each fitted with a securely attached whistle and luminous stick.
. A bailer securely attached to the boat.
. An appropriate anchor/weight securely attached to a minimum of 24 metres of rope (taking into account the 1/3 rule).
. A towing rope (which may also be the anchor rope) and a fixed towing ring.
. A fog horn securely fitted to the boat.
I03 – Each life jacket must be CE certified, conform to European Standard EN395, and be fitted with a securely attached whistle and luminous stick.

BOAT REGISTRATION & COMPLIANCE
Failure to comply with the following may result in the boat being prohibited from use and/or a penalty being issued.
I04- A pair/trio may register up to two boats, which must be presented for checking at the same time.
I05- All boats and bait boats must have completed the pre-event Self Boat Check procedure detailed in Section C.
I06 – Spot checks of boats and life jackets will be conducted throughout the competition. Local authorities may also carry out checks and enforce local laws, including fines or confiscation of non-compliant boats. Competitors whose boat fails a safety check will receive an immediate penalty, with repeat offences potentially leading to disqualification.

J01- No one under the age of 18 is allowed at any time to use boats.
J02- Helpers are prohibited from using or travelling aboard competitors’ boats (see Section H) during the competition.
J03- Use of boats is entirely at the competitors’ own risk, discretion and responsibility. The World Carp Classic accepts no liability for any accident, injury, loss or damage resulting from their use. In an emergency, the appropriate local authorities must be contacted using the numbers provided at on-site registration.
IMPORTANT: All competitors must read the “Procedure in Case of a Problem While Afloat” in the Participants’ Pack.
J04-Life jackets must be worn and securely fastened at all times while on board.
J05- All types of waders are strictly prohibited when afloat; only boots may be worn. A securely fastened life jacket must be worn when wading to land a fish and before boarding a boat.
J06- In a pair, only one angler may be afloat at any time. In a trio, two anglers may be afloat simultaneously, either one per boat or 2 in one boat.
J07- No angler may go afloat unless their fishing partner(s) are awake, present at the swim and ready to raise the alarm. A HELPER cannot fulfil this role as they are not a competing member.
J08- When not in use, boats must be removed from the water or securely moored. Any unattended boat or bait boat found adrift will result in a penalty.
J09- Sleeping in a boat is strictly prohibited, whether afloat or moored at the swim.
J10- Only boats fitted with an official GPS tracker may be used during the competition. Fishing from a boat without its official GPS tracker will result in a Yellow Card, 12-hour ban and disqualification of all fish caught up to that time. Tampering with or removing a tracker will result in immediate disqualification. GPS trackers will be allocated on Monday morning.
J11- Any loss, damage or malfunction of a GPS tracker must be reported immediately to Event HQ or a Marshal. The boat or bait boat must not be used until authorised by an official.
J12- No competitor may operate or use a boat while impaired by alcohol, drugs, medication or any other substance that could affect their ability to do so safely.
J13- Any Marshal may prohibit the use of a boat if the boat or angler is deemed unfit to go afloat. Penalty: 12-hour boat-use ban with all rods reeled in.
J14- During rough weather, the Head Marshal may prohibit all boat use across the entire lake. Failure to comply will result in a penalty.
J15- A suitably sized unhooking mat must be carried on board when landing fish from a boat.
J16- Competitors are responsible for monitoring official event communications throughout the competition. Any safety notice, rule update or instruction issued by Event HQ or the Head Marshal must be followed immediately.
J17- Any accident, injury, collision, fire, environmental incident or other serious safety incident must be reported to Event HQ or a Marshal as soon as reasonably possible.

K01- Bait boats are classed as fishing equipment and may only be used by competing anglers. Helpers or any other persons must not use or handle bait boats at any time during the competition.
K02- Bait boats may only be used within the designated GPS boundaries of the swim.
K03- Electronic echo sounders may be used from a boat or bait boat.
K04- Hook baits and baiting up may be placed using a bait boat.
K05- Bait boats may be used throughout the competition.

L01- Any offence committed from the start of registration until the final swim inspection by WCC Marshals may result in a penalty, Yellow Card or immediate disqualification.
L02- Marshals may issue Yellow Cards. All other penalties, Red Cards, disqualifications and event bans may only be imposed or confirmed by the Head Marshal.
L03- A second Yellow Card will be referred to the Head Marshal. If confirmed, it will become a Red Card resulting in immediate disqualification. The Head Marshal may, at their sole discretion, impose an alternative penalty instead.
L04- Penalties may include a fishing ban or boat-use ban of up to 24 hours.
L05- Depending on the seriousness of the offence, the Head Marshal may impose an additional ban of 1 to 3 years or, in serious cases, a lifetime ban.
L06- Failure to comply with any official health, sanitary or safety measures imposed by the authorities or venue may result in immediate disqualification.
L07- The organisers reserve the right to publish details of penalties and cards issued during the competition.
L08 – All event-issued equipment, including GPS trackers, must be returned safely and in good condition as instructed by the organisers. Competitors are responsible for the safe care and return of all equipment issued to them. Lost, deliberately damaged or unreturned equipment may result in the loss of the relevant deposit and/or a ban from future World Carp Classic events.

M01-The World Carp Classic has been granted permission to stage the event provided all participants comply with local rules and regulations. It is the responsibility of every competitor to read, understand and comply with them.
M02- The World Carp Classic has been granted access to areas of the venue normally closed to carp fishing. Anyone fishing before or after the event must only fish within areas officially authorised at that time.
M03- Camping at competition swims is permitted provided that:
– Competitors respect the environment and take all rubbish to the designated collection points.
– Only off-ground gas cookers may be used and strictly for their intended purpose. Open fires, charcoal BBQs, fire pits and other naked-flame cooking or heating devices are prohibited. A bucket of water must be kept beside the cooking area at all times. The use of gas cookers may be suspended or prohibited at any time by the organisers, venue or local authorities due to weather conditions or fire risk.
M04 – Petrol must be stored in approved fuel containers and kept a safe distance from all cooking equipment, heat sources and ignition sources. Refuelling must be carried out safely and without risk of fuel entering the lake or surrounding environment.
M05- Competitors must take all reasonable steps to contain any spill of fuel, oil, chemicals or other pollutants into or near the lake until assistance is provided. Any spill must be reported immediately to a Marshal or Event HQ. Deliberate disposal of any pollutant into the lake or surrounding environment is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate disqualification and a lifetime ban from the World Carp Classic. The offence may also be reported to the appropriate local authorities and published in accordance with Rule L07.
M06- All competitors must hold the required fishing permits and boat registration documents. All boats, bait boats, floating retention slings, sacks and landing nets & mats must comply with the official disinfection requirements.
M07- The venue operates a strict NO KILL policy. Mutilating, transporting or selling any catch is strictly prohibited. Offenders may receive a lifetime WCC ban and be reported to the appropriate local authorities.
M08- Organisers have provided parking as close as reasonably possible to the pegs. Competitors must follow all parking instructions and use designated areas only. All vehicles are parked entirely at the owner’s risk.
M09- FRIENDS OF EMBALSE DE ORELLANA – KEEP THE LAKE CLEAN.
* Competitors are strongly encouraged to avoid bringing glass containers onto the banks.
* Competitors must remove ALL rubbish from their swim at the end of the event and take it to the designated collection points.
Marshals will inspect and photograph every swim. Rubbish left behind may result in fines from the local authorities and WCC sanctions, including a minimum three-year ban.
M10- Competitors must comply with the event’s designated sanitation and waste-disposal procedures. Human waste, toilet chemicals, wastewater or other waste must never be discharged into the lake.
M11- Competitors must not cut, remove or deliberately damage trees, reeds, vegetation or other natural features, or intentionally disturb wildlife, without express permission from an Event Official or the appropriate local authority.
M12- Pets are permitted but must be kept under control at all times.
M13- The use of drones by competitors and helpers is strictly prohibited from the start of registration until the conclusion of the Prize-Giving Ceremony on all sites used by the competition. Only officially accredited WCC drone operators are authorised to operate drones during this period. The organisers will use drone detection equipment.