HEADQUARTERS: Check in at boat ramp no later that 5:30 PM. Fishing times will be from 6:00 PM to 1:30 AM.

TACKLE AND EQUIPMENT: All types of bait are permitted. However, bait not brought to the Tournament must be acquired during Tournament hours. No chumming or fishing intentionally baited holes. Only 2 poles can be used by a contestant during the Tournament. The use of wire baskets is prohibited.

DEPARTURE: A contestant number will be drawn at the pre-tournament meeting. At least one member of each team must be present at the meeting. Departure will be in sequence number from a blind draw. The last boat number drawn will be responsible for announcing departure order. All live wells will be checked prior to take-off. All contestants must fish from the boat and should not leave the boat except in the case of an emergency. This is a buddy tournament. There must be 2 people per boat. Extra passengers require approval from the Tournament committee and will limit that boat to 4 poles only.

ENTRY FEE : The entry fee will be $50 per boat, which includes big fish pot. Once the entry fee is paid, contestants cannot leave the take-off area.

PAYBACK: Payback will be 80%. The remaining funds will be used for the prize fund, trophies and the banquet. Pay-out for the Tournament will be as follows:

20 boats or less	21 boats or more
50% 1st place	40% 1st place
30% 2ndplace	30% 2nd place
20% 3rd place	20% 3rd place
	10% 4th place

FISHING LOCATIONS: Fishing is permitted anywhere on the lake where fishing is allowed with the following exception:

Fishing is not allowed over the cable in the hot ditch. Tying your boat to the cable in the hot ditch will not be allowed.

SCORING : The total weight for 6 fish with a minimum size length of 14" will determine the winners. Catfish brought to the weigh in must have been taken during Tournament hours and with tackle regulated by Tournament rules. All fish must be alive. No more that 6 fish can be brought to the weigh in. Big fish will be determined by weight and will count towards total weight. This is a catch and release tournament.

WEIGH IN / PENALTY: Check in will be at the designated area no later the 1:30 AM. Failure to appear at the boat launch by 1:30 AM will result in disqualification. No culling of fish at the weigh in.

OFFICIAL CLOCK: Tournament Directors will hold and maintain the official clock. Contestants are responsible for synchronizing the official time.

PROTEST: Protests must to submitted, in writing, to the Tournament Committee before the conclusion of the weigh-in. All decisions made by the Committee are final.

SAFETY AND SPORTSMANSHIP: All fishing and boating rules and regulations governed by the State of Illinois and Lake Springfield will apply. Unruly behavior will not be tolerated.

LAKE SPRINGFIELD BOAT PERMIT: Contestants not having a Lake Springfield boat permit may obtain a Tournament Permit provided that a request is made to the Tournament Chairman, at 217-629-7915, a minimum of 7 days prior to the scheduled tournament date.

RESPONSIBILITY: All entrants are responsible for their own actions. The Tournament Committee will not in any way be held responsible for any accidents, injuries or problems that may result from this outing.

TOURNAMENT CANCELLATIONS: A decision will be made prior to departure of a Tournament cancellation. Once a Tournament starts it will count as an official Tournament. In the event of a cancellation a make up date will be determined that evening.

TOURNAMENT SERIES CHAMPIONS: Tournament Series Champions will be determined by taking the highest 3 out of 6 weights for the season. These tournaments must be fished by the same team in order to qualify. Prize money will be distributed to the top 5 places with trophies to the top 3 places.

BIG FISH CHAMPIONS: Big fish will be determined by the largest fish caught throughout the regular season and will receive trophies. A minimum of 3 tournaments must be fished by the same team in order to qualify.

WILLIE BUEDEL MEMORIAL CLASSIC TOURNAMENT: In order to qualify for this Classic, all contestants must have fished in at least 3 of the regular season Tournaments. There must be 2 contestants in a boat. The top 2 places will receive trophies. The enter fee for the Classic will be $50 with an optional $10 big fish pot. 100% payback.

BANQUET: A banquet will be held one week but no later than two weeks following the Classic. All prize money and trophies will be awarded at this time.

TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE: Willie, Tony, Joe, Jerry and Gary