Awards Program Rules

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For 2008, points will be awarded for all eligible fish caught on or after January 1, 2008 thru December 31, 2008.  The angler or boat owner must be a member in good standing on the date of the catch.  Renewing members must have renewal paid by the March 1, 2008 renewal deadline to receive points for fish caught prior to that date.

• Swordfish, White Marlin, Striped Marlin, Sailfish and Spearfish will count only toward release points.   These species will not be weighed.  In the Texas Division weighed Blue Marlin are eligible only if caught, weighed and counted in one of the recognized tournaments set out in rules.
  
  
• Any Texas Division Blue Marlin release requires a date/time stamped photo.  Points will be awarded based on the highest species identified in the photo.  No date/time stamped photo required for International Billfish Division.
  
  
• A boat is eligible for boat points only if the owner is a member in good standing.  Angler points will be awarded to members regardless of the boat owner’s membership status.
  
  
• Any guest (non-member) catching a fish on a member boat will not be eligible for individual awards; however, the boat will be credited boat points for that fish.
• IGFA rules govern, except, a junior angler may receive assistance getting the rod to the chair.  This exception is not to supercede sanctioned tournament rules.
  
  
• Boats must leave from a Texas port and return to a Texas port for Texas Division.  Departure from or return to any port outside Texas is considered International. 
  
  
• A junior member must be 18 years old or younger on the date of catch or release.
  
  
• On weighed fish, points will only be awarded if a verification form is turned in and includes the signature of the weighmaster.  All weights will be verified by the committee from the tournament/s involved.  Weighed fish must be weighed on a certified scale.
  
  
• A legal Billfish release is by standard measure:  The mate touching the leader, or wind-on leader to the rod tip.  Tagging is encouraged but is not required.
  
  
• A verification form must be submitted by mail or fax to the club, a committee member or club board member for each fish within 30 days of capture or release.  No verification form, no points.
  
  
• Pictures of fish in boat will NOT count for any points.
  
  
• In case of tie on total points, the first angler or boat to reach that total wins.  This will be determined by the time/date of last reported catch on the verification form.