GUIDE TO TOURNAMENT FLY AND BAIT CASTING RULES
AMERICAN CASTING ASSOCIATION
The complete text of the rules may be found at LONG BEACH CASTING CLUB
Following is a brief description of ACA casting events.
Single Handed Distance
Rod not over 9'9" long with an attached reel. This is a shooting head event with the shooting head not over 49'3" and weighing no more than 650 grains. The leader is 6 to12 feet long with an official ACA distance fly.
Angler's Fly Distance
Rod no longer than 9' with attached reel. The shooting head is 28-31 feet long, weighing no more than 310 grains (ten weight) with j9-12 foot leader and official distance fly
Doublehanded
Rod no more than 17 feet long with shooting head of any length but weighing no more than 1855 grains.
These events are conducted on a field large enough to permit the caster to use 180 degrees of direction in order to take advantage of any wind. The caster can make as many casts as desired within the time limit, 5 minutes for the single handed events and 7 minutes for the double handed. The long cast is scored and the second longest is recorded for tie breaking purposes.
Plug Distance Events
There are three plug distance events, 1/4 and 5/8 oz. revolving spool reel singlehanded rod and 5/8 oz. fixed spool (spinning reel) double handed rod. Three casts are allowed in each event with the long cast scoring and the second longest breaking any tie. The 1/4 oz. rod shall be no longer than 8'2" but there are no restrictions on the rods in the other two events.
Accuracy Fly Casting
There are five accuracy fly events: Trout Fly, Dry Fly, Bass Bug, Skish and Wet Fly. In all of these the targets are 30" rings floating on water at distances between 20 and 70 feet from the casting box.
Trout fly requires three rounds of casting to five targets set from 20' to 50' from the box. The first round commences with the fly in hand and no more than 2' of fly line outside the tip top with the line all on the reel. The caster casts to the five targets from nearest to farthest with as many false casts as desired releasing line or stripping in line in the air. Upon completion of the first round, the dry fly round, the caster starts again with fly in hand and no more than 2 ' of fly line outside the tip top and casts to the nearest target with as many false casts as desired. Thereafter the contestant casts to the next four targets from nearest to farthest, with but one false cast per target. Upon finishing this round the caster strips in line on the water until the fly is near the first target and roll casts to the five targets, using no more than 15 roll casts to reach all the targets.
Score is kept by awarding the caster 100 points to start and subracting demerits - one point off the score of 100 for every miss of a foot or less and demerits for any miss greater than a foot.
Dry fly is two rounds of casting to the same five targets with unlimited false casting and a specified order of targets to be hit with one demerit for every foot the fly misses the 30 inch ring. Two demerits are charged for each target not hit within 15 roll casts.
Bass bug uses a 1/2" diameter cork bass bug and involves casting to the same five targets plus a sixth which is placed 70 feet out. There are unlimited false casts to the nearest target and then 2 false casts on the first round and one false cast on the second round for the remaining five targest, in order from nearest to farthest.
Skish involves three rounds of casting to the five targets. The first, or dry fly round, requires three final casts to each target with five points being awarded for scoring a perfect (fly landing in or on the target ring}on the first final cast, three points for a perfect on the second final cast and one point for a perfect on the third. This allows as many as ten points scored on each target. The second, or roll cast round requires roll casting to all five targets within 1 1/2 minutes with five points scored for each target hit.
The third round is the wet fly round consisting of ten final casts to the five targets, two to each ring. The caster shall make measuring casts to the first ring and, whe
n satisfied, shall then deliver two final casts to each ring, in order, without false casts. The caster is awarded 3 points for a perfect on the first cast and 2 points for a perfect on the second cast to any target.
The skish game is also played with plugs.
The last fly rod accuracy event is called Wet Fly. Five targets are fixed in a straight line five feet apart, from 35 to 55 feet from the casting box. The caster makes as many casts and lay downs as desired to the nearest target. When satisfied the caster calls "score" and thereupon make ten successive final casts without any false casts, two to each target, in order. The caster is awarded 100 points to start and is penalized one demerit for every foot the fly misses each target.
Plug accuracy events consist of ten casts to targets placed from 40 to 80 feet out with demerit scoring. The caster starts with 100 points and loses one point for every foot the plug misses any target ring.
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INTERNATIONAL
RULES
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INTERNATIONAL CASTING TOURNAMENT RULES For the International Casting Federation (ICF). Edition 1997. The associated organisations FCS of the CIPS and ICF organise World and Continental Championships as well as international competitions for Men, Ladies and Juniors according to the International Casting Tournament Rules. A junior is a caster up to and including the calendar year in which he or she passes 18 years of age. II: EVENTS as from 1st January 1994 Men's division Event 1 Fly Accuracy Event 2 Fly Distance Single Handed Event 3 Spinning Accuracy Arenberg Target Event 4 Spinning Accuracy Event 5 Spinning Distance Single Handed Event 6 Fly Distance Double Handed Event 7 Spinning Distance Double Handed Event 8 Multiplier Accuracy Event 9 Multiplier Distance Double Handed Ladies division Event 1 Fly Accuracy Event 2 Fly Distance Single Handed Event 3 Spinning Accuracy Arenberg Target Event 4 Spinning Accuracy Event 5 Spinning Distance Single Handed Event 8 Multiplier Accuracy Event 9 Multiplier Distance Double Handed Boys division Event 1 Fly Accuracy Event 2 Fly Distance Single Handed Event 3 Spinning Accuracy Arenberg Target Event 4 Spinning Accuracy Event 5 Spinning Distance Single Handed Girls division Event 1 Fly Accuracy Event 2 Fly Distance Single Handed Event 3 Spinning Accuracy Arenberg Target Event 4 Spinning Accuracy Event 5 Spinning Distance Single Handed Rod: Ordinary fishing rod maximum length 3.00 metres. Standard flyrod rings or guides. Reel: Standard fly fishing reel, or self-made real corresponding to standard. Reel fastened to rod, line fastened to the reel. Reel to carry all backing, the whole fly line including the leader. Line: Standard fly fishing line or similar line, minimum length 13.5 metres. Backing unrestricted. (XVI 2g, XVII) Metal and similar inlays prohibited. Leader: Minimum length 1.80 metres. (XVI 2b) Fly: Standard tournament fly, size 10, without hock. Hackle diameters 16-20mm, to be tied in approved dry-fly style, to be furnished by the arranging organisation in white, yellow or red. No trimming of the flies allowed. An unrestricted number of flies could be used by loss. Platform: Minimum length 1.50 metres long and 1.20 metres wide, 0.50 metres high over the ground. Targets: 5 hollow discs, 0.60 metres diameters, made from plastic or metal, with turned edge 3 cm high. Colour: dark - black, green, blue or brown, filled with water. Court: Disk no 1. to the left of the caster. 8 metres from the upper middle front edge of the platform. Disk no 5. to the right, 13 metres from the upper middle front edge of the platform. Disc 2,3 and 4 on a straight line between no 1. and no 5. Disc no 3. always placed directly in front of the platform. All distances to the targets to be measured from the upper middle front edge of the platform to the centres of the target discs. Distance between the centres of the target discs to be 1.80 metres. Dry Fly Round: Caster must start with fly in hand and rod-length fly-line,(no loose fly-line at reel) leader not included. Dry fly casting one try at time on each target in the following order. 3 - 1 - 4 - 2 - 5 - 3 - 1 - 4 - 2 - 5. At least one false cast shall be made between each score or lay of the fly. All ten targets to be cast to in the consecutive order given, or as many as time permits. Fly line may only be shortened or lengthened during false casting, with rod in motion, no stripping of the line from the reel allowed when rod is not in casting motion. Improper strip or shortened of the line shall make the next cast non-scoring. Wet Fly Round: Having completed the dry fly round, the caster pulls the fly line back into level with disc no 1. then the caster makes two rounds, one wet fly cast at a time on each target in consecutive order 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5. Line may be pulled in to shorten length between targets no 5. and no 1., but no blind or false casting allowed between casts on targets. Casting: Casting contrary to regulations (such as repeatedly touching the ground with the leader or the fly line) the Caster will be warned and by ignorance the caster can expect to be scored zero. Should the fly, caused by bad floor or grass conditions, during wetfly round, hang, is it up to the international judge to decide if the caster should be given one more try. (XVI 1, 2a,b,c,e,f,g,h,i,j, 3; 4b,c) Time: Time limit 5 minutes and 30 seconds (XVI 3a,c,4d;XVIII 1c; 2c) Score: Each hit in target scores 5 points. Maximum score is100 points. (X 1; XVI 4) Edge of the discs to be counted as the target. General: During dry fly- and wet fly-rounds the caster shall stand with at least one foot directly adjacent to the front of the platform. (XVI 2i,j) EVENT 2 – FLY DISTANCE SINGLE HANDED Rod: Maximum length 3.00 metres. Reel: Any reel. Reel fastened to rod, line fastened to the reel. Reel to carry all backing, the whole fly line including the leader. Line: Any line, in whole or spliced from separate bits. Metal or similar inlays prohibited. (XVII) Men and Boys: Minimum length 15.00 metres. Maximum weight 38 gram. Ladies and Girls: Minimum length 13.50 metres. Maximum weight 34 gram. Leader: Minimum length 1.80 metres. Maximum length 3.00 metres. (XVI 2b) Fly: Same as event no 1. Platform: Same as event no 1. Court: At 100 metres distance, the court is 50 metres wide, measured at a right angle to the perpendicular axis from the centre of the platform. Time: Time limit 6 minutes. (XVI 3a,c,4d;XVIII 1c; 2c) Score: Longest cast to win the event, two longest casts added to score for combination. 1.00 metre = 1 point. (X 3) General: The line may be pulled out outside the court during the casting of the previous caster. (XVI 1; 2a,d,h; 3) EVENT 3 – SPINNING ACCURACY ARENBERG TARGET Rod: Single handed minimum length 1.37 metres, maximum length 2.50 metres, at least 3 rod rings and a tip ring. Maximum diameters inside bottom ring 50 mm, tip ring 10 mm. Handle not to exceed 1/4 of rod length. Reel: Open-faced spinning reel, standard spool or same type. Reels with changed gear are allowed. Line: Unrestricted, but the same diameters in the whole length. Minimum length 20 metres. Plug: 7.5 gr plastic, drop-shaped. Length excluding eye 53.0 mm plus/minus 0.3 mm. Diameters of the head 18.5 mm plus/minus 0.3 mm. Weight of the plug 7.5 gr, plus/minus 0.15gr including eye. Colour white. (XVII) Court: Arenberg target of green coloured ground-cloth or plastic, with 5 concentric rings marked white, maximum 2 cm., of diameters, res. 0.75 - 1-35 - 1.95 - 2.55 - 3.15 metres. The centre to be a flat disc of 0.75 metres diameters, maximum thickness 10mm., and black. 5 casting stations to be arranged round the target at 90 degrees. The first and last station to be at a straight line from the centre of the target over the target corner. The other three stations to be placed between the first and last station. The farthest if possible with the wind from behind the caster. Each station marked with a starting board, 1.00 metre long and 10 cm high. Colour, white. Casting: From each station 2 casts. The Caster has to start with the plug in his hand. Station 1: Underhand pendulous cast. Distance 10 metres. Station 2: Right-hand side cast. Distance 12 metres. Station 3: Over-head cast. Distance 18 metres. Station 4: Left-hand cast. Distance 14 metres. Station 5: Optional style cast. Distance 16 metres. Distances to be measured from centre of target and station to be cast from left to right. (XV 1b; 2a,e,f,g,h,j; 3; 4e,f) Under-hand pendulous cast: This is properly executed when the plug is under the rod by delivery. Minimum length of overhang 50 cm to the eye of the plug. Any posture of the caster is allowed. Right-hand side cast: This is properly executed if the rod and the casting hand are to the right of the casting direction, which is the line between the centre of the caster and the target centre. The rod tip shall not travel higher than the horizontal plane when delivering the cast. Any posture of the caster is allowed, no matter if the rod is in front or behind the starting board. Length overhang is maximum 40 cm to the eye of the plug. Dragging of the plug on the ground is prohibited and scores 0 points. Over-head cast: This is properly executed when the rod tip before the delivery is over the head of the caster. The rod has to be propelled between the horizontal and the vertical plane. Any length of overhang. Any posture of the caster is allowed. Left-hand side cast: This is properly executed if the rod is to the left of the casting direction, which is the line between the centre of the caster and the target centre. The rod tip shall not travel higher than the horizontal plane when delivering the cast. Any posture of the caster is allowed, no matter if the rod is in front or behind the starting board. Length overhang is maximum 40 cm to the eye of the plug. Dragging of the plug on the ground is prohibited and scores 0 points. Time: Time limit 5 minutes in all, moving between stations included. (XV 3; 4e;XVIII 1c; 2c) Score: From centre 10 - 8 - 6 - 4 - 2 points. Maximum score 100 points. (X 1) Rod: Same as event no. 3 Reel: Same as event no. 3. Line: Same as event no 3 Plug: Same as event no 3. Targets: 5 inclined discs, diameters 0.76 metres, maximum thickness 10 mm. Colour, yellow. Foremost edge 5 cm above ground and the backrest edge 17 cm above the ground. Court: 5 casting stations, beginning from the left shortest distance 10 metres to centre of target, then increasing to the last target at right 18 metres to centre of target. Disc no. 2, 3 and 4 placed on a straight line between 1 and 5. Starting boards as for event no. 3. Discs to be placed and distance measured on the perpendicular from the middle of each starting board. Distance between middle of starting boards 1.50 metres. Casting: From each of the 5 casting stations to one target from each, casting two casts from each station. The caster goes through to court twice. In all 20 casts. Casting style free, catapult cast prohibited. (XV 1a; 2a,e,f,g,h,j;3; 4e,f) Time: Time limit 8 minutes in all, moving between stations included. (XV 3; 4e; XVIII 1c; 2c) Score: All hits score 5 points each. Maximum score 100 points. (X 1) EVENT 5 – SPINNING DISTANCE SINGLE HANDED Rod: Same as event no. 3. Reel: Same as event no. 3. Line: Minimum diameters 0.18 mm, no minus tolerance allowed, but with the same diameters in the whole length. Leader prohibited. Plug: Same as event no. 3. Court: At 100 metres distance, the court is 50 metres wide, measured at a right angle to the perpendicular axis from the centre of the platform. Starting board, 1 .50 metres long and 10 cm high. Colour, white. Casting: Each caster to have 3 casts, one in each round in numerical order. (XV 1,2; 3; 4e,f;) Time: Every cast must, after the court is declared free by the starter, be delivered within 60 seconds. (XV 2c; XVIII 1c; 2c;) Score: Longest cast to win. 1 metre = 1.5 points. (X 2; XV 4a,b,c,d) General: The run for the caster is guaranteed to be maximum 5 metres. (XV 2c) EVENT 6 FLY DISTANCE DOUBLE HANDED Rod: Maximum length 5.20 metres. Reel: Same as event no. 2. Line: Any line, maximum weight 120 gr, in whole or spliced from separate bits. Metal or similar inlays are prohibited. (XVII) Minimum length 15.00 metres. Leader: Minimum length 1.80 metres. Maximum length 5.20 metres. (XVI 2b) Fly: Same as event no. 1. Platform: Same as event no. 1. Court: Same as event no. 2. Time: Time limit 7 minutes. (XVI 3a,c;4c; XVIII 1c;2c) Score: Same as event no. 2. General: Same as event no. 2. EVENT 7 - SPINNING DISTANCE DOUBLE HANDED Rod: Any rod Reel: Any open-faced spinning reel. Line: Minimum diameters 0.25 mm, no minus tolerance allowed, but with the same diameters in the whole length. Leader minimum diameters 0.35 mm, no minus tolerance allowed. Minimum length of the leader, at least one complete turn on the reel when ready to cast. Plug: 18 gr plastic, drop-shaped. Length excluding eye 68 mm plus/minus 0.3 mm. Diameters of the head 22 mm plus/minus 0.3 mm. Weight of the plug 18gr, plus/minus 0.3gr. Colour white. (XVII) Court: Same as event no. 5. Casting: Same as event no. 5. Time: Same as event no. 5. Score: Same as event no. 5. General: Same as event no. 5. Rod: Any single handed rod. Reel: Multiplying reel with standard spool. Line: Unrestricted, but the same diameters in the whole length. Minimum length 22 metres. Plug: Same as event no. 7. Targets: Same as event no. 4. Court: Same as event no. 4, but beginning from the left shortest distance 12 metres to centre of target, increasing to the last target at the right 20 metres to centre of target. Casting: Same as event no. 4. Time: Time limit 10 minutes in all, moving between stations included (XV 3; 4e; XVIII 1c; 2c) Score: All hits score 5 points each. Maximum score 100 points. (X 1) EVENT 9 MULTIPLIER DISTANCE DOUBLE HANDED Rod: Any rod. Reel: Same as event no.8. Line: Minimum diameters 0.25 mm, no minus tolerance allowed, but the same diameters in the whole length. Leader prohibited. Plug: Same as event no. 7. Court: Same as event no. 5. Casting: Same as event no. 7. Time: Same as event no. 5. Score: Same as event no. 5. General: Same as event no. 5. Caster has to leave the starting point within 2 minutes from the finished cast. Otherwise the cast will score zero. All National Organisations in good standing organised in the FCS or the ICF may take part in International Tournaments, Continental- and World Championships. Excluded are organisations who have lost their membership. Application and notice of participation to Continental- and World Championships may take place up to 3 months before the Championships, such notice to carry copy of receipt for paid yearly dues to the head organisation (FCS/I.C.F.). Names of the participators to be given at least 4 weeks before the Championships. Final name list to be tendered at least 24 hours before start of the tournament. Changes because of sudden sickness have to be tendered with written notice and a physician's statement to the Tournament Committee before 1 hour in advance of Tournament Opening. (o'clock as stated in the invitation) All nations and participants are obliged to follow the doping Rules set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Result determines a Title. At all Continental- and World Championships each nation may have maximum 6 men in the events 1 to 7, and 3 ladies in events 1 to 5. Of this number of participants 4 men and 2 ladies are to be designated for Team Competition. For the events 8 and 9 additionally 3 men and 2 ladies per nation may take part. Also in these events the maximum of casters is 6 men and 3 ladies per nation. At all Continental- and World Championships each nation may have maximum 6 boys in the events 1 to 5 and 3 girls in events 1 to 5. Of this number of participants 4 boys and 2 girls are to be designated for Team Competition. The highest number of participants at Continental- and World Championships pro national organisation is 9 men, 6 boys, 5 ladies and 3 girls. Reserves are allowed. If a caster is unable to attend, the reserve may be entered by written notice to the Tournament Committee before 1 hour in advance of start. Continental- and World Championships are only held for events where at least 6 nations participate for men and 4 nations for boys/ladies/girls. As defined by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). VI: RULES FOR INDIVIDUAL, COMBINATIONS AND TEAMS SCORING. At any Continental- and World Championships, the following combinations to be scored individually respectively for teams. Individual score: Men Single events 1 to 9 Pentathlon events 1 to 5 Heptathlon events 1 to 7 All round events 1 to 9 Individual score: Ladies Single events 1 to 5 plus 8 and 9 Pentathlon events 1 to 5 All round events 1 to 5 plus 8 and 9 Individual score: Boys Single events 1 to 5 Pentathlon events 1 to 5 Individual score: Girls Single events 1 to 5 Pentathlon events 1 to 5 Team scores: Men events 1 to 5 (4 men) Ladies events 1 to 5 (2 ladies) Boys events 1 to 5 (4 boys) Girls events 1 to 5 (2 girls) x VII: RULES FOR TEAM COMPETITION 1. At all World- and Continental Championships, team competitions shall be held. 2. Team competitions take place in Pentathlon (events no. 1 to 5). 3. Teams consist of respectively 4 Men/Boys or 2 Ladies/Girls. 4. Names of team members to be finally given at least 24 hours before the start, to the tournament administration. 1. The winner is the caster who achieves the highest points score in an individual event or combination of events. 2. If two or more casters have the same points score: a) In all individual events the winner is determined by cast-offs in particular event. The result of the cast-offs determine the numerical order of the winners, but the original result is scored for the event. b) In the events 1, 3, 4 and 8 the cast-off is decided by the best score in the shortest time. In distance events the casters make another cast. In fly distance events the casters must deliver the cast within 1 minute from start. c) Casting order in the cast-off is decided by lot. All cast-offs to be cast at the same time and in the same conditions. If there are more casters than courts in any event, the available courts are drawn out to groups with the same number of casters. In all cast-offs the scores must not be announced before all the casters have finished their cast-offs. d) If two or more casters have the same number of points in any combination, the first respectively, second and third place is shared by the casters. The same Rules applies for teams. IX: DETERMINING THE WINNERS OF THE TEAM 1. For the team competition the results of the events no. 1 to 5 (Pentathlon) decide the team result. The team result is the sum of the added points achieved by each member of the team in each of the 5 events. 2. Winner of the team competition is the team whose members together have achieved the highest number of points. X: EVALUATION OF THE SEPARATE EVENTS 1. In all accuracy events points achieved = points 2. In all plug distance events points achieved x 1.5 = points 3. In all fly distance events, the best cast counts for the event and the sum of the two best casts for the combination. Distance x 1.0 = points. 4. In all combinations the points scored in the separate events are added together. Sum of points decides. 1. Individual events. In each event 3 winners, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. 2. Combinations Men. Pentathlon, 3 winners. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Heptathlon 3 winners, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. All-round, 3 winners, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. 3. Combination Ladies. Pentathlon, 3 winners. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. All-round, 3 winners, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. 4. Combination Boys. Pentathlon, 3 winners. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. 5. Combination Girls. Pentathlon, 3 winners. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. 6. Team evaluation. The best team of men, ladies, boys and girls are the winners and receive the Trophy of Nations. All members including trainers of the teams are designated winners. 7. In all events and combinations cast, the winners receive gold respectively silver and bronze medals and diplomas. 1. In all championships the winner is designated champion of that particular event or combination of events. 2. Every starting caster, all according to achieved results, is entitled to a possible Continental- respectively World- Championship title. 3. The title to be given is: Continental- respectively World Champion of the event, or the combination of events, or the team combination, with particulars of the event or the combinations and the result added. 1. Display of the National Flags. The sport's tournaments are subject to the Olympic Idea and are brought forward through the principle of Friendship between Nations. To express this thought, the National Flags of the participating nations are displayed at all important international tournaments. If necessary the arranging organisation may ask participating nations to bring the required flags and national anthems. 2. The winners receive in formal manner the medals in gold, respectively silver and bronze and the diplomas, showing their achieved title or place. By all events the national anthem or the winning nation is played in connection with the gold medal, when the medals have been given. The national flags of the first three winners are displayed together. 1. World records can only be registered at registered International Tournaments, Continental- and World Championships. A foreign international judge must be present. 2. If a new record has been cast, the tackle should immediately be controlled if it is according to the Rules. This control has to be managed by an international judge. The time (o'clock) to be ascertained and marked in the caster's starting book, the international judge countersigning. A foreign international judge must approve the correctness. 3. In all distance events no records can be registered if the wind velocity exceeds 3 metres/second. Wind velocity to be measured at the time when the record cast was made. The measuring instrument to be placed in all courts for distance where the jury decides. Measuring judges must be able to see if wind velocity is exceeded. 4. A protocol signed by the controlling functionaries, has to be forwarded to the Rules Committee by FCS/ICF to get the new record recognised. 5. Records may be cast also in cast-offs. 6. At registered International Tournaments, Continental- and World Championships, the present world records have to be marked off in the court in an easily recognisable manner. 7. Continental records and world records are recognised in these events: a) Event no. 2 Ladies and Men Event no. 5 Ladies and Men Event no. 6 Ladies and Men Event no. 7 Ladies and Men Event no. 9 Ladies and Men b) Pentathlon Ladies and Men Heptathlon Men All-round Ladies and Men XV: GENERAL RULES FOR SPINNING AND MULTIPLIER EVENTS 1. Casting Techniques If no restrictions in the specified Rules for the event, any sporting casting techniques are allowed. Generally prohibited are so-called catapult casts, as per definition. a) A catapult cast is a cast in which the caster flexes the his rod by holding on the plug, releasing the rod power by letting go of the plug. b) Any attempt to cast in concurrence with a release of the line, counts as a cast. 2. Illegal casts A cast is illegal, and scores zero points. a) If the caster, during the flight of the plug, oversteps the starting board with one or both feet, or touches the ground in front of the starting board with one or both hands or any other part of his body. Or if the caster, in accuracy events, with at least one foot is standing not directly adjacent to the starting board. b) If the caster is re-winding the line or passing over the starting board before the cast is marked in the court or the caster is told by the judge. c) If in spinning or multiplier distance, the caster, having entered the starting box or area, fails to deliver his cast before 60 seconds after the court is declared free by the starter. If this limit is exceeded, the cast counts for number of casts allowed in the event, but scores zero. d) If the caster, in spinning- and multiplier distance events, oversteps the maximum 5 metres run. e) If the plug touches the ground inside the court or in front of the starting board or the imaginary line lengthened to both sides of the starting board, even if no cast is delivered. f) If a cast is delivered, the caster having forgotten to snap over the bailing wire or line guide in spinning events, or the releasing of spool in multiplying events, even if no ground is touched. g) If the bailing wire or line guide snaps to during delivery in spinning events, or the spool is accidentally re-coupled in the multiplying events, even if no ground is touched. h) If the line parts during the flight of the plug. i) If in distance events the plug goes outside the court, or in accuracy events hits outside the target. j) If the casting technique used is not in conformity with regulations. Each illegal cast counts for the number of casts allowed. Hits or distances achieved by illegal casts are non-scoring. If any tackle, not in conformity with regulations are being used, the caster will be disqualified for the whole event. 3. Broken or faulty tackle During line tangles, the caster may have assistance, from one person only at a time. If the tackle is broken or faulty, in parts or altogether, the caster may use another set of tackle in conformity with regulations for the rest of the event. Such defects to be referred to the judge of the court. In both accuracy and the distance events, the caster is allowed a repairing time of ten minutes to right the fault or change the tackle. By such an event the time is stopped. The remaining time can, with a changed new tackle, still be used, but only within the same round. With broken or faulty tackle, or parts thereof are understood: Broken rod or reel, and by a broken spring. No such time if a rod ring gets loose or the line gets under the spool. Each caster is personally responsible for using correct tackle for each event. 4. Determining results a) In all distance events the measuring is done from the centre point of the starting board to where the plug is finally resting. In accuracy events a hit on the actual target or circle is scored as a hit on the target area inside. b) The judges should publish the achieved best distance of the caster immediately after the cast. c) Measuring of the casts take place for each event after the event is finished. Undetermined distances to be marked as a 2nd or 3rd. d) In distance events the best cast of the caster is measured directly from the centre of the starting board to the farthest point of the plug and determined in metres and centimetres. e) Last cast must be finished before time is up, i.e. the plug must have touched target or ground. (Events 3,4 and 8) f) Casts may be repeated if they are unduly influenced through the fault of other persons. This is to be decided by the head judge after advice from the court judge. The Rules for Casting Techniques, Illegal casts, Broken or faulty tackle as well as determining results are valid for all events. XVI: GENERAL RULES FOR FLY-CASTING EVENTS 1. Casting Techniques According to the specific Rules for each event, the flyrod has to be used by one respectively two hands. It is allowed to achieve a fulcrum by putting the rod against the under-arm, but no fastening is allowed. All other technical aids are prohibited. 2. Illegal casts A cast is illegal, and scores zero points. a) If the rod is not handled according to the Rules. (In the Fly Distance Events the whole fly line must be in the air while false casting) b) If by the delivery the fly or the leader is missing. (If by a leader tangle the leader should be under a required minimum of 1.80 metres, the cast is scored if otherwise correct). c) If during the fly accuracy the fly touches the water inside the target during false casting, when final cast to score has not been delivered. d) If the fly by distance events the fly settles outside of court. e) If the line is marked, or is measured along the rod by the caster. f) If a broken fly line tip for event no. 1 is replaced by more than a rod length. Replacements only allowed by the same material in the same colour. g) If the line is pulled from the real in event no. 1 before start is allowed by the starter. h) If the caster, during the flight of the fly, touches the ground on any side of the platform with one or both feet, his hands or any other part of the body, before the fly touches the ground or the target. i) If the caster during the fly accuracy rounds, not is standing with at least one foot directly adjacent to the front of the platform. j) If the caster thus a first warning, repeats touching the ground with his leader, the next touch will be scored as an illegal cast. Each illegal cast counts for the number of casts allowed. Hits or distances achieved by illegal casts are non-scoring. If any tackle, not in conformity with regulations are being used the caster will be disqualified for the whole event. 3. Broken or faulty tackle a) If the fly or the leader is lost, caster my be assisted by one person at a time, to replace the fly or the leader. Distances and hits before the incident count. If the hackle of the fly is separated from the hook, subject to decision of the judge, the time is stopped off, and the caster or his assistant may put on a new fly. Time starts again as soon as the fly has been replaced, and the line must be pulled in after this. Unrestricted number of flies can be used. b) Assistance from one person at a time is allowed in order to stretch out the line or clear line tangle. c) If the tackle is broken or faulty, in parts or altogether, the same Rules apply as for the spinning and multiplier events, but the time up to the incident is stopped off. The rest of the time allotted in that particular event, the caster may use the replaced tackle, but only continuing in proper way according to the Rules for the event. Each caster is personally responsible for using correct tackle for each event. 4. Determining results a) The first time the fly hits the target in accuracy event has to be scored for each try. In distance events the cast is measured where fly comes to rest. b) Casts may be repeated if there is undue influence through the fault of other persons. Decisions to be taken by the chief judge after consulting the judge of the court. c) Should the fly, caused by bad floor or grass conditions, during wetfly round, hang, is it up to the international judge to decide if the caster should be given one more try. d) Time in fly events starts when the caster is ready and the starter has allowed the start. Before time is up the fly must be resting or having touched the ground or the target. XVII: DEVIATIONS LINES & PLUGS Lines: Event 1 Fly Accuracy free Event 2 Fly Distance Single Handed plus 0.2 gr deviation Event 6 Fly Distance Double Handed plus 0.2 gr deviation Event 5 Spinning Distance Single Handed no minus deviation Event 7 Spinning Distance Double Handed no minus deviation Event 7 The leader 0.35 mm no minus deviation Event 9 Multiplier Distance Double Handed no minus deviation Plugs: Plastic 7.5 gr plus/minus 0.15 gr Plastic 18 gr plus/minus 0.30 gr By Continental- and World Championships only plugs procured and controlled by FCS/I.C.F. are allowed. These plugs to be distributed before the start and specially marked by the arranging organisation. 1. Conduct of the caster a) The standing of the FCS/ICF is increased according to achievements of the casters at tournaments, like showing discipline, sporting manners and high performance. One element is the uniform attire of the athletes. It is compulsory for each caster to act in a sporting and friendly manner and follow all advice from judges and administration. Unsporting demeanour detracts from the standing of the organisation and will be punished. Each caster is responsible for the correctness of his tackle according to the Rules. Disciplines, which are cast without time limits, do not allow loitering to get better conditions. Continuity in the casting is demanded from each caster. b) Training at the tournament site is allowed, if this is of no hindrance to the orderly conduct of the tournament. Any caster ignoring training when told to, must be prepared to be disqualified. c) Each caster has to appear at the starting place on first call. All casting to begin within 1 minute after start is free. If the caster is not present on second call, 1 minutes after the first, time begins to run 30 seconds after last call. If in event 1 the line is longer than rod length by start, the starter should warn the caster. If the line is not shortened after two warnings, the caster will be disqualified for the event. d) Each caster is obliged to follow the doping control and drug policy in accordance with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Regulations. 2. Conduct of the judges a) In all Continental- and World Championships, one international judge will, in addition to the national judges, officiate at each court. b) All functionaries (starters, judges, secretaries etc.) are required to act correctly and without prejudice. They should be furnished with at least armbands or some token of their task. c) In all events with time limits, the starters should advice the caster of the time still left, at suitable intervals. The judges have to call the achieved results loud and clear. When the starter has declared ready, the starter signals the start free. At "free" time begins to run. If the time allowed is exceeded, the stop watch may be shown to the caster on his demand. d) The judge has to call the best cast of the caster immediately after each cast. e). The judging of hits or misses on targets is final and is decided by the international judge at the court. f) The judges are required to control the tackle according to the Rules. g) The chief judge decides, together with the judges at the court, if a cast may be repeated because of undue influence by third persons. h) The chief judge is entitled to give warnings because of disciplinary misdemeanours, such warnings to be set down in the tournament protocol. 3. Conduct of trainers and followers It is forbidden for trainers, followers and all other persons ( casters or audience), to keep close to the targets and correct the casters by signs or calls, and distracting other casters. The trainer may only give advice between events or before starting time, except for distance events. Only by fly distance is one assistant allowed, outside the court during actual casting. Any misconduct may be punished by disciplinary action by the tournament administration or the chief judge, lead by sporting principles a) A jury should officiate at all international tournaments. The jury shall have 5 members, all members of FCS/ICF, none of them to cast in the tournament. The jury will: a) Decide upon protests founded upon violations of the tournaments Rules, or the Rules for the conduct of the tournament. b) The jury is to be called immediately after receiving the protest and has to decide in the shortest possible time. c) The country lodging a protest is entitled to be present at the jury meeting, up to the moment of voting. d) Votes to be counted by simple plurality. e) Decisions by the jury are final. f) Before decisions, the chief judge and the judge of the specific event has to give evidence. Other witnesses may be called. g) A written protocol is to be kept about each protest and jury meeting. The original to be sent to the Rules committee of FCS/ICF. h) The tournament officials are to be informed about the handling and decisions of protest. i) The jury has exclusive right, after discussing the matter with trainers and team captains, to stop casting of an event if weather conditions are severely adverse, such as lightning's, and order a new start. a) Every caster participating has the right to appeal decisions of the judges through a protest. The Protest must be in written and signed by the team captain respectively trainer or caster. b) Protest have to be delivered in writing immediately after the incident. Time limit for protests in 30 minutes after the incident has come to knowledge of the person or persons entitled to protest. XXI: TOURNAMENT ADMINISTRATION a) Continental- and World Championships are administrated through FCS/ICF. b) The FCS/ICF has full responsibility for the proper organisation and administration of the world championships, according to the acknowledge basis of the competition to take place. c) The World Championships are officially completed, when the tournament administration and the jury receive discharge by FCS/ICF. d) The FCS/ICF as organisations are represented by the international chief judge during the tournament. This person is assigned his tasks by FCS/ICF and is responsible to the FCS/ICF. The international judges are acting under him or her. e) The tournament administrator or director, is named by the country arranging the tournament. f) The tournament committee is to have at least 5 members, 4 to be named by the country arranging the tournament and should include the chief judge. The tournament committee is responsible for: a) The technical preparations and the conduct of the events and is accountable to FCS/ICF. b) The training and abilities of the judges. c) The conduct of the tournament according to the tournament Rules. d) The forming of groups, when groups are indicated. e) Opening of the courts under the direction of the international chief judge who will acknowledge the proper conditions of the court 10 minutes before start and advice to the tournament administration. f) Instructions to group leaders. g) Providing facilities for training before the tournament. h) Correct scoring of results and records. XXII: GROUPS AND GROUPS LEADERS a) The forming of groups will aid the organisation of tournament and accelerate the running of them. The caster will be able to concentrate on competition and better his result. b) The forming of groups is the responsibility of the tournament committee of the arranging organisation. The Groups should be given a number. c) No caster may cast outside his group. Starting order for the groups is regulated in start- and timetables. Starting order for each caster inside his group should vary, according to each group agreement, but each group has to cast on the appointed court. The group leader is responsible for following these Rules. d) Each group has a group leader who is always from the arranging country. The group leader accompanies his group from start to start. He keeps the starting booklets and delivers them to the starter before each event. After the event is finished, he takes the booklets back. He is responsible for correct scores being entered in the booklets and after the tournament he returns the booklets to casters. The group leader is responsible for his group. e) Every caster in a group is personally responsible for his presence at the start. He should therefore report to the group leader before the group on any occasion is left. XXIII: OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ARRANGING ORGANISATION a) Every invitation to International Tournaments, Continental- or World Championships should include a guarantee that the tournament Rules and statues of FCS/ICF will be followed. b) Events should if possible be cast in numerical order. Any other numerical order should be approved by FCS/ICF. Medals should be stowed on the winner in the same order as the events are cast. c) By all International Tournaments, Continental- or World Championships, arranging organisation has the responsibility that all casters will cast every event in the same time period and under the same conditions. d) Casting events are only allowed on grass, the grass should not be higher than 3 centimetres. 5 centimetres is allowed during spinning and multiplier distance events. e) All side lines should be resting at the ground. f) To give out starting numbers, to be carried by the casters on their person. g) All courts should, if possible, be placed with the wind from the back 1. Starting booklets a) The arranging organisation prepares an identical starting booklet for each caster. This booklet should contain the name of the caster, his nationality and the events he is going to cast. b) The duplicates of the result sheet of the booklet, should be sorted after evaluation, bound together and kept together with the score sheets until the next Continental- or World Championships. c) Errors in numbers or scores have to be marked through so they are still readable and new numbers correctly marked. Any such change should be signed by the chief judge. By Continental- or World Championships, the change should be countersigned by a judge. d) The duplicates are basis for decisions if the original is lost. 2. Insurance a) Every caster should be careful during the casting. The courts should be safe guarded so no accident may occur to the casters or spectators. Spectators and casters not at the start, may not traffic in the courts. b) To be safe guarded against claims by accidents of the casters or third persons, the arranging organisation should carry insurance against accidents. At all International Tournaments, Continental- or World Championships first help (medical) personnel and a doctor have to be present or arranged for. For all active casters, a starting fee for each event should be paid and each national team a booking fee, by Continental- and World Championships. The amount to be decided by FCS/ICF together with the arranging organisation. These fees are among other things to cover the costs for the international judges named for Continental and World Championships by the Rules committee by FCS/ICF. Every, by Continental- and World Championships, participating country are obliged upon demand by the arranging organisation to participate with one International Judge. The travelling costs to be covered by the nation and the accommodation costs by the arranging organisation. XXV. CHANGING THE NATIONALITY OF THE CASTER Casters, changing their national organisation, are barred from International Tournaments, Continental- or World Championships for 1 year. The change must be reported to the Rules committee by FCS/ICF in each case. New admittance may be applied for, by the Rules committee FCS/ICF when the year has passed, such new admittance being possible only if the caster has obtained his new nationality or applied for it officially. BERLIN, GERMANY, JANUARY 29, 1994 Revised DüBENDORF, SWITZERLAND, JANUARY 21, 1995 Revised NOVE ZAMKY, SLOVAKIA, JANUARY 14, 1996 Revised STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, JANUARY 26, 1997 top of page | federation home | worldsport.com home © 2000 Worldsport Networks Ltd |