Rules

[SFD3RNGR]

Director has final desision! At a recent USAC semi-pro event a team was disqualified, because they were said to have been on plain coming into a 5mph zone. Yes this is a safety violation of sorts, but to actually disqualify a person/team the DQ must be in writing prior to end of weigh-in. Also, it shouldn't be one person's word against another. Another factor could be weather, boats coming into an area at the same time or a boat sitting in the opening(russo's/pole area).

The issue is the director, who has a past hx of inconsistent practice when it comes to rules, conduct and sportsmanship/ethics. The semi-pro field is for learning, in hopes of moving up someday, but most important to have fun especially after putting up the money for the event, taking time off work and being away from family.

Stay consistent with the rules, gather the informantion, and give the benefit of the doubt, before hastily making a bogus decision. This might keep existing teams coming back, encourage others to participate and prevent the unnamed director (which is to late) from developing a bad reputation/circuit.

[crawdaddy]

So is it your contention that a team was disqualified for an infraction that they didn't commit? Or is it your contention that the TD enforced a known rule but has not DQ'd people for similar incidents? Were you a member of this team? Were you a witness to this event? Were you there when the complaint was filed with the TD? If you answered no to any of the last 3 questions then you are slandering somebody without all the facts. And doing it annonymously I might add. Did you talk to the TD? If not then you are showing no backbone by coming on here and whining. It sounds by your post like they did exceed the accepted speed in a no speed zone and you are trying to make excuses for that fact. There is no excuse. It is a rule and if the TD or the host marina has been getting greif from the docks about the speed of tournament boats in that area then it was time to send a message. It sounds like the TD made a decision that was well within his bounds and you didn't agree with it. Be a man and take it up with him personally.

[Phil]

I personally applaud any tournament director that finally has the b***s to enforce the "NO WAKE ONE" Sometime, watch at Don Pedro ...............comming into Fleming (WAKES) coming into BlueOaks ramo (WAKES) DANGEROUS ONES!!! Going into or coming out of Big Creek (WAKES) Rogers Creek (WAKES) Moccasin (WAKES) 49'r (WAKES) no one ever seems to say anything or inforce it. It's time !

[SFD3RNGR]

Craw, you sound like a TD with blinders. Listen Bro! There is no slandering going on here and I was a witness/team in the past. Several teams/individuals have taken these issue to the TD/face to face and the organization with no change, just false hopes.

I will be the first to jump in-your-face and but will also admit when I have made a mistake; This is not my first Rodeo.

[crawdaddy]

You mentioned a specific TD in a specific tournament and stated he is making "bogus" decisions. That is slander. Then you go on to state you have been involved in the past, I take that to mean you had no involvement in this particular incident. How can you judge something that you had no contact with? Now if you would like to discuss the incident in which you were directly involved that would be a different story. Sounds like you don't like the way this guy does business, join a different organization.

[SFD3RNGR]

The post is about being consistent, the rest of the organization has a lot going for it, and yes I was indirectly involved. I have moved on, but this is to make others aware, because I do not believe all is on the up and up. Follow the rules, give those who are learning a good foundation, but most of all lead by example, not by so-called reputation.

[crawdaddy]

Fair enough. Just realize that there have been some people with agendas on here discrediting others who didn't deserve it. That is why I, for one, take these type of posts a little harder than most. I am not a TD by the way, just a person who appreciates what the guys that put in the time make available for us. I have also never had a rules infraction called or enforced on me; If I had maybe I would feel differently.

[Guest]

I am not sure about this incident... but, if you are on plane in a 5.. you get DQ'd no matter who you are... what the reason for it... or whether you are Semi Pro or Pro or god himself. ITS A SAFETY ISSUE!

When it comes to your statement - "It's Semi Pro isn't it for learning" or some crap like that.... Its a simple rule that shouldn't take learning. If you don't know to go 5 mph in a 5 mph then you shouldn't be on the water at all - let alone fishing a tournament.

"Honest officer, I am just learning to drive.. I didn't know I couldn't go 90 in the Safeway Parking lot!"

As for this infraction... if the TD has enough proof to make a judgement on it then he certainly has the right to do it, and I applaud him for doing so. Trust me, its a lot easier to not DQ someone than it is to DQ someone.

As far as him being on the up and up... If that's not the pot calling the kettle black I don't know what is! Why don't you use our real name on this thing? Trust me, I can find out who you are either way... I have done it before and have no problem doing it again... It helps me keep my computer skills up to speed!

Lastly, as for the check in boat being down a bit from the 5's... That is for any number of reason.. 1 of which being safety for the check in boat... guys come flying in and don't throttle down early enough then he's eating their bow..... Come in with 30-90 seconds to idle to him and deal with it. I bet you wouldn't want to sit right on the edge of the 5 mph line with 30 plus boats barrelling down on you at 60 plus miles an hour!

[BIG DADDY BLUE RANGER]

OK if were talking about the 042207 Delta event, I fished that event but personally did not witness the violation so I can't comment on what actually occurred. I can say that the TD was very professional and made it very clear to everyone at weigh in that he had DQ'd a team for said violation and would be willing to DQ anyone, no matter who they are..or think they are,, if the rules are violated....having said that, I still don't know which team was DQ'd but I support the TD!

[Calistar]

whether you are Semi Pro or Pro or god himself. ITS A SAFETY ISSUE!

I dunno Tom....I don't think I'd have the nerve to DQ god.
but I agree with the rest of that stuff...

[SFD3RNGR]

Again, this is about being consistent, having the facts (not from one individual)and doing a little research. I have no problem posting my name, because I can back up what I say and have made and effort to clear up this problem. You do not see my name all over this page or any other, but this subject fires me up. Hey safety is safety, no doubt, but when confronted with one person's word against another, you had better dig deep and get the parties together. contact me anytime John Loverin (if someone can explain how to change my author name I would appreciate it).

[Guest]

Hey John.... Good to see you put your name on that! Means a lot when someone puts there name on a post... means they believe in it whole heartedly.

Have you spoken to the TD? I am not sure even which one it was.

Tom

[SFD3RNGR]

I have spoken with the TD on my issue as well as others in the field/sport who I respect, but this is probably not the right place to air my frustrations, ala Tony Stewart/Nascar. Good luck to all who are fishing the AC Pro-Am, I will not be (has nothing to do with this post). Take care John

[Guest]

No worries -- You can always call Mark Mendez directly or Danny Peluso. Their numbers on on the website..

[MIKE TREMONT]

Hey John, I don't know you but understand the point about consistensy. I've seen it a few times myself and a good friend got away from fishing tournaments for this reason.
If rules are put in place they should be followed, but...........
It's a crying shame, but it's reality. Lookat all the BS with our lawmakers inventing all these different laws to protect something or other, when if we just followed the laws on the books there wouldn't be an issue.
I can't comment on the said circumstance as I wasn't there. I just wanted to let you know at least I understood where you were coming from.
Good Luck