Club Bylaws
South Austin Bass Club governance and tournament rules
Table of Contents
South Austin Bass Club Bylaws
Revised December 2024Article 1: Name and Purpose
1.1 Name
The name of this organization shall be the South Austin Bass Club (SABC).
1.2 Purpose
The purpose of this club is to:
- Promote bass fishing in the Austin area
- Provide fellowship among bass fishing enthusiasts
- Conduct organized bass fishing tournaments
- Support conservation of bass fishing resources
- Foster sportsmanship and ethical fishing practices
Article 2: Membership
2.1 Eligibility
Membership is open to all persons interested in bass fishing who agree to abide by these bylaws and club rules.
2.2 Types of Membership
2.2.1 Regular Members
- Full voting rights
- Eligible for all club tournaments and activities
- Eligible for annual awards
- Required to pay annual dues
2.2.2 Guest Anglers
- May participate in tournaments on a per-event basis
- No voting rights
- Not eligible for annual awards
- Pay tournament entry fees only
2.3 Dues
- Annual dues are set by the club membership
- Dues must be paid by March 31st of each year
- Non-payment of dues results in loss of membership privileges
Article 3: Officers and Duties
3.1 Officers
The club shall have the following officers:
- President
- Vice President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Tournament Director
- Technology Director
3.2 Elections
- Officers are elected annually by club membership
- Terms begin January 1st and end December 31st
- Nominations accepted from the floor at December meeting
- Elections held by secret ballot
Article 4: Meetings
Regular Meetings
- Club meetings are held monthly
- Meetings are held immediately after weigh-in of the current month's tournament
Article 5: Tournament Rules
5.1 Tournament Schedule
- Regular tournament season runs from January through October
- Monthly tournaments held on scheduled Sundays
- Tournament dates set by Tournament Director with officer approval
5.2 Tournament Format
Individual Tournaments
- Solo competition format
- Individual results determine placement
- Individual points awarded for Angler of the Year
Team Tournaments
- Two-person team format
- Combined team weight determines team placement
- Individual results still recorded for annual awards
- Team members may be any combination of members/guests
5.3 Tournament Rules
General Rules
- 5 fish limit per angler (live or dead)
- Safe boating practices required at all times
- Tournament hours: Typically 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Species: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass
- Minimum length: As per lake regulations or 14 inches, whichever is greater
Dead Fish Penalty
0.25 pounds penalty per dead fish will be deducted from total weight
5.4 Entry Fees and Payouts
Payout structure:
- 1st Place: 40% of entry fee pot
- 2nd Place: 30% of entry fee pot
- 3rd Place: 20% of entry fee pot
- Club fund: 10% of entry fee pot
Big Bass
Separate entry
Winner takes all
Article 6: Annual Awards
Angler of the Year
- Must fish minimum 6 tournaments
- Total points from all tournaments
- Tiebreaker: Total weight for year
Heavy Stringer
- Heaviest single tournament bag
- Open to members and guests
- Annual award recognition
Big Bass
- Largest bass during any tournament
- Minimum weight: 5.00 pounds
- Open to members and guests
Article 7: Conduct and Sportsmanship
Expected Conduct
- Members and guests must demonstrate good sportsmanship
- Honest and ethical behavior required at all times
- Respect for fellow anglers, tournament officials, and property
- Compliance with all fishing regulations and club rules
Article 8: Safety
Safety Requirements
- Life jackets required when boat engine is running
- Kill switch must be used when boat is in motion
- Emergency equipment recommended: first aid kit, emergency radio
- Weather awareness: Tournament may be cancelled for severe weather
Approved by South Austin Bass Club membership - December 2024