WCC Rules

Fishing must be carried out respecting the spirit and traditions of an international event.
• The competition is open to competitors from the age of 14 if accompanied by a guardian – No one under the age of 18 is allowed to use boats at any time during the competition.
•  Entry can be either a Pair (2 anglers) or a Trio (3 anglers) total number of  rods 4.
• Use of boat strongly recommended.
• The organisers, Angling Spirit Ltd, will have absolute control and discretion over the competition, rules and terms and conditions.
• The organisers reserve the right to modify all or part of the rules and T&C at any time.
• World Carp Classic rules abide by and include all relevant local rules, and have been reviewed and authorized by appropriate local authorities.
• All competitors and Helpers understand that they have to provide organisers will all required documents & insurance documents as part of a condition to their entry in the event.
• All competitors and Helpers will be required to sign a registration form to confirm acceptance of the full and final event rules and terms & conditions.
• All competitors and Helpers to sign event disclaimer.
• Competition rules also include the terms & conditions.
• All offences will be reported to the organisers and dealt with in accordance with their seriousness and may lead to disqualification.
• Organisers may use competitors and Helpers image at their sole discretion on any support material they deem appropriate at the time of the event and in the future.
• Wherever reference to significant proceedings is made throughout the following documentation, the following dates apply:

Registration – Friday 14th September to Sunday the 16th September
Official Flag Parade – 16:00 – Sunday 16th September 
Opening Ceremony – 17:15 – Sunday 16th September
Setting up in swims – 07.00 – Monday 17th September
Start of competition – 14.00 – Monday 17th September
End of competition – 08:00 – Saturday 22nd September 
Prize giving – 13:00 – Saturday 22nd September

• English is the Official Language of the World Carp Classic.
• Official currency of the World Carp Classic is the Pound Sterling (£).
• All time given refer to local time (Prague, Czech Republic)
• WCC rules/term & conditions are the property of World Carp Classic and cannot be used or copied even partially, without prior written consent from the organisers.

SECTION A – REGISTRATION
A01- All members of a Pair/Trio including Helper must register together at one of the designated times (see Event Itinerary) and provide the organisers with all required documents (read carefully Registration Process in your competitors’ pack – Incomplete documentation will mean you will forfeit your turn during registration).
A02- 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 through out the competition including the Prize Giving.
A03- As part of on-site Registration process, a member of the party will be invited to draw a number. This number will decide in which order the Pair/Trio will be invited onto the stage to proceed with the actual peg draw.
A04- Any one not registering within the official registration times could be excluded from the competition and their entry fee will be forfeited, unless prior notice is given in advance or the competitors have a valid reason for being late and organisers are made aware by an mail at info@worldcarpclassic.com. The organisers will make the decision and this will be final. (See rules A04 & A05 for consequences on the draw).
A05- Any late registration granted implies that automatically the Pair/Trio will be last to draw on stage. In the event of several similar cases competitors will be invited to come on stage in their order of arrival on-site and making themselves known to an Admin Manager.
A06- If a Pair/Trio can’t arrive before the end of the official draw, their entry is at the entire discretion of the organisers.
A07- In the event that a Pair/Trio “misses their call” to come on stage, the draw will proceed in order, without them. It is the Pair/Trio’s responsibility to follow the draw and come on stage according to their “Draw Order Number”. The “miss call” Pair/Trio will then be recalled to the stage after the draw has been completed and prior to any possible late arrivals/registrations (A04&A05).

SECTION B – OFFICIAL PICTURE & PEG DRAW
B01- The official group picture will take place at the end of the Flag Parade (planned to be done around 17:00).
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 and only then would competitor know where they fish. Competitors will be forbidden from accessing their peg before Monday 07:00.
B04- World Carp Classic 2017 peg draw format is a straight draw. Ticket drawn will state Section and Peg Number.

SECTION C – BOAT CHECK – USE OF BOAT ON MONDAY
C01- To ensure that all boats/security equipment to be used during the competition have been checked and approved by organisers and local authorities, all competitors must arrange to have their boat ready to be checked on Monday morning between 07:30 and 13:30. Competitors will be given on-site comprehensive instructions regarding parking and Boat Check depending on peg drawn.
C02- After being checked and only if all has been approved competitors will receive a boat pass which will be securely attached by the Marshal to the boat.
C03- On Monday, between the times of 07:00 and 13:30 (when competitors are moving to their swims and setting up) the use of boats is only permitted for moving personnel and equipment to their swims. NO baiting up, feature finding or any other boating activities may take place until the rocket has signalled the start of the competition.

SECTION D – ALLOCATION OF THE PRIZES
The prize table will be allocated based on:
D01- At the organisers’ discretion, pro-rata could be applied if the maximum of 100 entries is not reached.
D02- Participants can only win one prize in the competition – In the event of a Pair/Trio winning more than one category; they can only claim the prize with the greatest value. This stipulation does not include the Team event prizes, Biggest Fish overall, Event Record or side competitions.
D03- The competition placing’s 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- If the result is tied, the Pair/Trio catching the biggest fish will be declared the winner – If there is still a tie, the biggest fish (weight) on a count back will be declared the winner. Ultimately if there is still a tie, time of the fish in weight order (weight) and on a count back basis.
D05- Prizes will only be given to competitors present at Prize Giving – If competitors are not there to receive their prizes, then they will be drawn for, though 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 for. Any cash prizes including overalls and section prizes will not be awarded.

SECTION E – FISHING RULES
E01- Only competitors, marshals and registered Helpers are allowed to bivvy up on the banks. Visitors only allowed on pegs between 06:00 and 23:00 pm.
E02- Each Pair/Trio must set up their rods and accommodation no further than three meters from the peg marker (if not possible then to the nearest possible) – Competitors must not cast outside the limits of their swim, such limits to be marked by an imaginary line marking the middle distance between his and his neighbours peg marker. Any disputes as to the competitors fishing outside this area must be reported immediately to the marshals. Marshals have the discretion to request that competitors reposition their rods as and when directed. In a very few areas, due to marginal reeds, competitors may be limited to fish straight out toward the lake from the peg marker. In that event, the setting up of rods in the water cannot be any deeper than waist deep.
E03- Competitors must cast/place and bait their own rods, and play, land and unhook their own fish. No assistance from any other person (excluding partner) whatsoever is allowed (see Helper rules). Immediate disqualification could result if assistance is obtained.
E04- It is the responsibility of the competitors to ensure that all fish caught are reported as soon as possible to the marshals in their section.
E05- Competitors are required to possess their own carp sacks as, in the event of a multiple capture sacks will be required to hold fish until weighing. Sacks will not be provided by the organisers.
E06- The organisers retain the right to search all competitors’ tackle or vehicles to combat any form of cheating or rule breaking. Anglers found cheating will be reported to the organisers and banned for life from the competition.
E07- Any Pair/Trio with more than four baited rods in the water at any one time will be immediately disqualified from the competition.
E08- Entering the water is only permitted to thigh depth to allow casting and the landing of fish. Penalties will be issued for anyone who wades deeper than lower waist.
E09- Competitors must comply with requests from Official WCC film crews & photographers at all times regarding media coverage, except if they are in the process of landing a fish. Members of the media who are competing will not be awarded media access to other competitors.
E10- If both competitors in a Pair wish to leave their swim for any reason whatsoever their rods must be reeled in and their baited hooks removed from the water. A 3rd Angler in a Trio may remain to look after the rods but is forbidden to go afloat.  A Helper IS NEVER allowed to look after the rods.
E11- 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. A permanent marker will have a radius of 50 meters around it that another competing team cannot encroach. Where the permanent marker is closer than 50 meters to the swim boundaries, the boundary will be the limit of the allocated water within the competitors swim.
E12- No more than SIX(6) permanent markers can be used at any one time within the swim.
E13- A low light-emitting light sources can be used on any permanent marker, but where discretion falls over lake illumination from a permanent marker, the Head Marshals’ decision will be final.
E14- The placing of baited rigs and the baiting of swims must not exceed the maximum distance of 300 meters from the participants peg identified by the official marker buoy. In the event there is a swim opposite anglers can fish to the maximum of the center point as marked by the buoys and NOT 300m.
E15- Anyone found to be encroaching upon others water could be penalised. Any boundary differences must be finalised before the match begins. The Head Marshal’s decision will be final on all boundary disputes. Where a suitable outcome has not been found the Head Marshal will divide the pegs equally with an imaginary line marked between the competitors swims.
E16 – Any attempt to corrupt marshals or officials will lead to immediate actions, which will include a public name and shame in addition a life time ban.
E17 – Any queries regarding the rules have to be put forward before the start of the event and no later than the draw.

SECTION F – MATCH RULES
F01- The official start of the competition will be signalled by the firing of a rocket & sounding of horns on Monday at 14:00hrs.
F02- Only Leather, Common, Mirror Carp, Linear (CYPRINUS CARPIO) will count in the competition fish of  4 kg and over.
F03- Each line may only have one single hook attached.
F04- Any baiting methods including bait boats are allowed.
F05- No Live Baiting.
F06- For conservation purposes only barbless or micro-barb hooks are to be used. At all times an un-hooking mat must be used (not provided by WCC).
F07- Each Pair/Trio is allowed to use four rods with baited hooks in the water at any one time and two further rods in reserve may be set up ready for use, so long as it is broken down.
F08- Plumbing and spodding rods are allowed in addition to the baited rods but only for plumbing & spodding.
F09- Hooked fish should be landed without interfering with other competitor’s lines. If lines become tangled a formal complaint should be made immediately. The judges will make a decision as to whether to allow that fish to count in the final results.
F10- If possible fish must be landed within the defined area of the competitor’s swim. Any transgression of this rule will be considered on its merits.
F11- Fish not hooked by the mouth will be disqualified.
F12- Any fish hooked before the final rocket sounds must be landed within 20 minutes of the end of the competition or it will be excluded from the final results.
F13- The firing of a rocket at 08:00hr local time on Saturday will signify the end of the competition.

SECTION G – RECORDING A CATCH
Important rule notice Competitors after having their first three fish being recorded by an event marshall are now allowed to weigh new catches on their own equipment. If they feel the fish is of a greater weight than their three recorded fish, they then need to make a contact with Event Marshals and proceed with normal Catch Record procedure to ensure the fish is officially recorded.

G01- Fish to be weighed by officials and returned immediately at all times unless otherwise instructed by competition HQ
G02- Each fish must be witnessed by at least two marshals or by one marshal and one competitor other than, the captor or a member of his party.
G03- If a Marshal is not immediately available to record a fish, carp MUST be retained in a carp sack until such a time as a Marshal becomes available. Only once the marshal has been notified that a fish is awaiting to be recorded can the angler replace the rod to the water. Only one carp should be placed in each sack.
G04- Recorded fish to be weighed exclusively with official equipment held by the marshals or it will be excluded from the results.
G05- Competitors to ensure officials are at all time notified immediately. Carp to be kept individually in carp sacks until weighed by officials. Carp sacks are not supplied by Organisers. It is recommended that each Pair/Trio has a minimum of 4 carp sacks.
G06- Marshal’s Official Log Sheet is the official document by which the competition is being run. Competitors responsibility to ensure that all details are correctly entered and that the 2 official pictures have been correctly taken before signing official record sheet
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 to check following official pictures are being taken by Marshals – we strongly advise competitors to do the same for their own record
* 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).
G08- As part of the procedure, several other photographs may have to be taken for marketing purposes. Please allow Official WCC media crew to carry out their requirements without hindrance. Competitors, Helpers and others are only then welcome to take their own photos.
G09- Fish welfare is paramount therefore fish must be returned safely to water at Marshal’s decision despite any media requirements. Fish to be release and swim off in presence of marshals.
G10- Only once Official Marshal’s Record Sheet has been dully signed by all parties can the marshal SMS the Official picture and key in catch details in Official WCC Live Leaderboard App.
G11- Fish as normal will only be fully validated upon return of Marshal Official Record log sheet to Event Result Desk.

SECTION H – HELPER
H01- One Helper is allowed per Pair/Trio identifiable by their colour coded bracelets.
H02- Helper have to register with his/her Pair/Trio within the designated registration times – pay the required fee to allow him/her to bivvy on be bank and have a personal Public Liability.
H03- A Pair/Trio will face disqualification if their Helper is found helping with the fishing in any way, including landing a fish, baiting (including the making of boilies), setting up rods, using bait boats, looking after rods in absence of competitors, etc.
H04-  Helper can’t witness a catch for any pair
H05- A  Helper is usually identified as a media person, a translator, a spouse or an under age person.
H06- The  Helper is solely allowed to bivvy with and run errands for the Pair/Trio. Helpers are not allowed to help in any way with the fishing (H03) or with the steering of the boat.
H07-  Helper can only assist with general logistic such as collecting food & drinks
H08-  Helper is NEVER allowed on a boat other than ones managed by World Carp Classic Officials during the hours of the competition.
H09-  Once identified by its coloured bracelet at registration, a Helper can at no stage be promoted to competitor status

SECTION I – BOAT RULES BOAT SPECIFICATION
I01- All boats used during the competition must conform to Lac de Madine and World Carp Classic requirements, which in the broad outline are as follows:
Boat type: to accommodate a maximum of six persons and no more than 5 meters including inflatables –no single chamber allowed.
Only kayak powered by feet power are allowed.
Propulsion: ONLY electric – maximum speed: 15 km/hour

BOAT & SAFETY MEASURES
Failure to comply with the following will result in the use of the boat being denied
I02- Each boat is to be fitted with:
* 2 oars and rowlocks
* A minimum of two life-jackets fully equipped with whistle and luminous stick securely attached.
* A bailer properly secured to the boat.
* An appropriate anchor/weight properly secured to the boat secured to a minimum 24 meters of rope (this takes in account the 1/3 rule).
* A towing rope (can be the same one as the anchor) and a fixed towing ring.
* A fog horn securely fitted to the boat.
I03- Each life-jacket is to be CE certified and conform to European standard EN395 and to be fitted with a whistle and a luminous stick properly secured to the life-jacket.
I04- No swimming at any time is allowed by competitors and Helpers.
I05- Life-jackets must be worn and securely fastened at all time while onboard.

SECURITY CHECK
Failure to comply with the following will result with an immediate penalty which could lead to disqualification at the Head Marshal’s discretion
I06- Each boat, its life-jackets and equipment will be checked prior to the start of the competition by marshals/local authorities. If the boat, life-jackets and equipment does not comply with above requirements, competitors will be able to fish the competition, but will not be able to use their boat until it complies with all required safety measures.
I07- During registration, competitors will have to produce appropriate Public Liability insurance for each person bivvying on the bank and sign a disclaimer including their acceptance to the rules and Terms & Conditions and to abide by them. Failure to comply will result in refusal to use a boat on venue. Boat insurance not compulsory but strongly advisable.
I08- No one under the age of 18 will be allowed at any time during the time of the competition to use boats.
I09- Spot checks of boats and life jackets will be conducted by Marshals throughout the competition. Local Authorities may also conduct their own checks. If a boat is found to be non-compliant by Local Authorities, it is at their sole discretion to impose local laws, which could include a fine or confiscation of unsuitable boats. Pairs/Trios not following boat safety measures will face instant penalty. Repeat offences may lead to disqualification.
I10- The Head Marshal may disqualify a boat from use if boat or anglers are deemed unfit to go afloat.
I11- During rough weather, the Head Marshal may issue an order to forbid boats from leaving the shore and the order will be valid for the whole lake.
I12- Competitors are welcome to contact Officials via HQ phone number, marked on waterproof Emergency Card securely attached to their bivvy, to check Officials’ decisions.