2022 Geelong & Bellarine Snapper Classic Fishing Competition

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1. The 2022 Bellarine Snapper Classic (“the competition” or "the event") is deemed to signify acceptance of and compliance with all terms, conditions and rules of this event. 
2. Acceptance of and compliance with all terms, conditions and rules of the competition deems the entrant eligible to compete and accept prizes where applicable.
3. All entrants must comply with the current marine safety, Victorian fishing and boating regulations and local waterway rules where applicable.
4. Any behaviour compromising the enjoyment of competitors during the competition, broadly, may result in disqualification.
5. Australian snapper, Chrysophrys auratus, is the only fish eligible for entry. 
6. If required, rules may be amended in the spirit of competition to improve the event as it evolves. Updates will be communicated to competitors by email / social media posts.
7. The competition is conducted with an emphasis on fun, fairness, participation, enjoyment, and sustainable fishing practices. Any participant who is deemed to compromise this may be disqualified or have their entry rejected, rendering the competitor ineligible for prizes.
8. This competition is open to AMATEUR recreational fisherpersons only, where a person who is involved in professional or commercial fishing with an increased skill level from those activities will NOT be eligible to enter. Any persons identified in point 8 are also      unable to assist eligible competitors by the risk of disqualification. 
9. All competitors, unless exempted under ‘‘Victorian Recreational Fishing Regulations’’ must have a current Victorian fishing license and are required to show a legal recreational fishing license on request by organisers for eligibility of prizes.
10. Fishing is restricted to the confines of Port Phillip Bay and Corio Bay. Snapper caught outside this area will not be eligible for the competition.
11. In the event of any disputes, the known facts will be reviewed and discussed between the competition committee and club president where a final decision will be reached. There will no further discussion with any dispute raised after the final decision. Any behaviour compromising the enjoyment of competitors during this decision making      process, broadly, may result in disqualification.
12. All fishing anomalies will be managed by the event organisers.
13. The event organisers may consist of the club president and the committee involved with organising the 2022 Bellarine Snapper Classic or Delegates
14. Observation of all marine, boating or fishing safety issues which may impact the participation in a way that threatens the safety of entrants, including weather conditions, is the responsibility of entrants - except where an authority (e.g. coast guard) overrides participant observations.
15. The competition may be cancelled on account of extreme weather conditions (determined by the coast guard, water police or relevant authority) or unforeseeable issues. 
16. If the event is cancelled in accordance with point 15, the competition will be rescheduled at a later date. Entry fees (only) will be refunded where required.
17. Prizes are only available to eligible competition entrants unless otherwise announced by competition organisers. This includes, but is not limited to, any raffles in the lead-up to the event to raise funds and awareness in the community. e.g. a non-competitor can buy a raffle ticket and be eligible for any prizes associated with it.
18. The competition will be judged on the length of the fish measured from the tip of the nose to the centre ‘fork’ in the tail (fork length) on a commercially available brag mat. 
19. The minimum entry fish length is 35cm ‘fork length’.
20. The measurements of the fish must be clearly visible and a photograph is to be uploaded via the tournament app selected for the event.
21. Measurements will be to the lower complete centimetre (i.e. 54.7cms will be 54cm) 
22. By registering for and entering the competition, you agree that your data will be provided to sponsors for marketing purposes as part of your support to the prize donors/sponsors for the competition and competitors.

PHOTO SUBMISSION RULES

1. “Catch and release” is encouraged and the utmost care should be taken to ensure a safe return to the water of captured fish.
2. Snapper must be photographed on a commercially available brag mat, which is to be placed or mounted on a flat rigid surface. 
3. Wrinkled/folded mats that, by opinion of judges, give the illusion of inaccurate measurement of the fish in the photo will result in that photo being rejected.
4. Fish length must be clearly visible in the photograph. If the fish's fork length is not clearly visible, the judges may reject the submission.
5. The smartphone or camera used to take any images of snapper submitted in the event may be inspected by organisers if requested. Failure to present camera or smartphone used to take the image as requested by the judges, event committee or delegate may result in disqualification from the event.
6. All submissions of photos give the event organisers permission to use photos on social media platforms and promotional material. 
7. All entries that do not meet these requirements or requests will not be considered. 

Tips to ensure your photo and fish are accepted

Clean the camera lens, position the camera directly above the fish and as close as possible to show the full length of the fish plus the brag mat measurements.

Make certain it is in focus.

Check the picture meets these requirements before you upload it.

Take the photo again if it is not suitable

Tag us in social media pics! #2022bellarinesnapperclassic

INDEMNITY

1. It is clearly understood that the entry is accepted on the condition that any person or persons participating in the contest do so at their own risk and any such person shall NOT make any claim against the Leopold Angling and Aquatic Club, the committee or any official or servant or other persons appointed by or acting on behalf of the said      organisers or in connection with the competition for any injuries or loss suffered by himself or herself or any other person to by any act omission or negligence on the part of the committee or any other sponsors or official servants as aforesaid. 
2. Every entrant taking part in the contest shall indemnify the said committee or other sponsors and the official servants and the other persons aforesaid against the claim by any other entrant or person whosoever or howsoever arising. 
3. The organisers may, at any time before the commencement or during the competition, refuse to accept and/or reject entry without assigning any reason thereof and without being in any way whatsoever liable to any person whatsoever for so doing. 
4. Participants will be bound by the regulations governing the competition and adhere to LAAC code of conduct. Refer below.