Whakatane Sportsfishing Club

Incorporated By-Laws.

GENERAL

The following By-Laws are authorised by the Constitution of the Whakatane Sportfishing Club (Inc) Rule 13 (c). Any financial member except affiliate and social members may request alteration to any of these By-Laws by submitting the proposed alteration, in writing, to the Secretary. The submission is to be signed by no less than three other financial members except affiliate and social members. The proposed alteration shall
then be considered by the Committee at the next meeting.

1. MEMBERSHIP

1.1 The members of the club shall be those persons who are enrolled as members, together with such other persons who, having made application in the manner prescribed by the committee, are accepted by the committee, and have paid the
appropriate fees.

1.2 The Classes of membership are:

a) LIFE MEMBERS
Shall be persons who have rendered special services to the Club over a period of years, shall be elected at an Annual General Meeting upon a recommendation from the Committee and shall be deemed to be financial members.
b) SENIOR MEMBERS
Shall be persons aged seventeen (17) and over on the 1st day of July in each year unless that person qualifies for student membership.
c) STUDENT MEMBERS
Shall be persons aged Seventeen (17) and who are under the age of twenty-three (23) on the 1st day of July of the current financial year and who are school pupils or enrolled in a full-time course of study at a Tertiary Institution. On leaving school or full-time study or reaching the age of Twenty-three (23) such
members will become senior members in the following year. Student members are eligible for senior awards and trophies etc.
d) JUNIOR MEMBERS
Shall be persons aged sixteen (16) and under on the 1st day of July in each year and shall be entitled to financial membership excluding voting rights. When a junior member becomes seventeen (17) their membership shall convert to Student or Senior membership as appropriate in the following year.
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e) HONORARY MEMBERS
Shall be persons who have rendered special services to the Club and shall be appointed by the Committee for one year only at a time and shall be deemed to be financial excluding voting rights.
f) AFFILIATE MEMBERS
Shall be persons who have paid a reduced membership, set annually, which entitles such members to restricted benefits as per the Constitution. An Affiliate member may become a day member as per (9) of this section.
g) SOCIAL MEMBERS
Shall be persons who have paid a reduced membership, set annually, which entitles such members to restricted benefits as per the Constitution. A Social member may become a day member as per (9) of this section.
h) SUMMER MEMBERS
Shall be persons who have paid a reduced membership, set annually, which entitles such members to restricted benefits as per the Constitution. A Summer Member may become a day member as per (9) of this section. Summer Membership shall begin on the 1st day of December and expire on the 31st day
of May.
i) DAY MEMBERS
Shall be persons who have paid such subscription as may be current and such membership shall be valid for the period from the date and time nominated by the applicant on the application form supplied by the Club.
j) FAMILY MEMBERS
Shall include a maximum of two Senior or Permanent members and their children who are Junior members

2. FINANCIAL MEMBERSHIP

2.1 Financial Members shall comprise all Life, and Honorary Members during the period of their appointment.
2.2 All Senior, Student, Junior, Family, Social and Affiliate Members who have paid their subscription within the membership year and deemed financial from the payment date of the subscription.
2.3 Only Life, Senior and Student members qualify to hold office in the Club and vote at meetings.
2.4 Financial members shall be entitled to equal rights and full benefits of Club membership except as provided under Rule 1(b).
2.5 Membership (excluding Day and Summer Membership) shall begin on the 1st day of August on any one year and expire on the 31st day of July the following year.

3. MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

3.1 Any person wishing to become a member of the club shall make application on the form provided from the club.

3.2 Every application must be signed by the financial proposer and seconder.
3.3 All such applications must be accompanied by the current dues of the club before they can be considered for acceptance.
3.4 The Committee shall retain the privilege to accept or decline any person making application for membership.

4. SUBSCRIPTIONS

(4.1 Subscriptions generally:
a) Subscriptions shall be paid in advance and shall become due for payment on the 1st day of August in each year.
b) Summer subscriptions shall be paid in advance and shall become due for payment on the 1st day of December each year

5. SUBSCRIPTION LAPSES

5.1 Members whose subscription has lapsed shall be deemed unfinancial and will not be eligible for any of the benefits of financial members.

6. FINANCIAL AND FISHING YEAR

6.1 The Club’s financial year shall begin on the 1st day of June on any one year and expire on the 31st day of May the following year.
6.2 The Club’s fishing year shall be from the 1st day of July on any one year and expire on the 30th day of June the following year.

7. DISCIPLINARY POWERS

7.1 All members shall be amenable to the Constitution and By-Laws of the club.

8. CLUB TROPHIES

(8.1 Only financial members except affiliate and social members are eligible for any club annual or tournament trophy not classed as open.
8.2 Day and Summer Members catches are eligible to count for “Boat Tally” trophies only in IGFA points or “Most of” categories.
8.3 Unless stated otherwise trophies are for Game fish species only which exclude
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kahawai, trevally, skipjack tuna and snapper

9. TOURNAMENTS

9.1 Any Financial Member except Affiliate and Social Members, or if eligible to enter any Day or Summer Member, may participate in any tournament not classed as
open. When an entry fee has been set, only those who meet the full criteria may take part in the tournament.

10. OPEN TOURNAMENTS

10.1 An open tournament is one which is classed as “open” and only anglers who meet the full entry criteria may enter.
10.2 Tournament fees shall be paid by entrants in respect of any tournament classed
as open.
10.3 Only those persons who have paid the appropriate fees for any open tournament shall be eligible to take part in the tournament.
10.4 A person competing in open tournaments who weigh fish in for that tournament shall be eligible for any club record or trophy classed as open.

11. TOURNAMENT HOURS

11.1 On such days that the committee notify members as being tournament days, the hours will be stated in the rules for each separate tournament.

12. WINTER TOURNAMENTS

13.1 ULTRALIGHT tackle covers the following line classes: 1 kg, 2 kg and 3 kg.
13.2 LIGHT tackle covers the following line classes: 4 kg, 6 kg and 8 kg.
13.3 MEDIUM tackle covers the following line classes: 10 kg and 15 kg.
13.4 HEAVY tackle covers the following line classes: 24 kg, 37 kg and 60 kg.
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13.5 Monofilament, multifilament and lead core multifilament lines may be used in
accordance with IGFA angling rules – A. Line and backing, for all line classes.

13. TACKLE

(a) ULTRALIGHT tackle covers the following line classes: 1 kg, 2 kg, 3 kg.

(b) LIGHT tackle covers the following line classes: 4 kg, 6 kg, 8 kg.

(c) MEDIUM tackle covers the following line classes: 10 kg, 15 kg.

(d) HEAVY tackle covers the following line classes: 24 kg, 37 kg, 60 kg.

(e) BRAID LINE; ANY FISH CAUGHT WITH BRAID LINE WILL NOT BE ELIGBLE FOR ANY CLUB RECORDS, CERTIFICATES, PINS, POINTS OR CLUB TROPHIES.

14. SALTWATER FLY TACKLE

14.1 Tippet line classes are 1 kg, 2 kg, 3 kg, 4 kg, 6 kg, 8 kg and 10 kg.
14.2 A certificate will be awarded to the first gamefish of each species caught on each
tippet class.
14.3 Further certificates will be awarded for a fish exceeding the previous heaviest fish
by 1.0 kg.

15. GILL NETS

15.1 Club Members may not use any form of anchored Gill net except:
(a) Nets intended to catch flounder set on sand or mud.
(b) Nets intended to catch mullet set in inner harbour or estuary areas.

16. SPECIES – MINIMUM WEIGHTS & SIZES

16.1 The following minimum wights and sizes shall apply;

16.2 All fish must exceed the minimum weight, length or line class whichever is the
lower, providing fisheries Regulations are complied with.
16.3 Where no line class exemption applies, the fish must exceed the minimum weight
or length at all times.
16.4 These rules should not deter any angler from making a legitimate record claim in
respect of the individual line class. It is the angler’s responsibility to make a record
claim or a legitimate catch.
16.5 The minimum weights & lengths should not encourage the catching of relatively
small fish on light tackle.
16.6 The practice of tagging & releasing of all species regardless of weight is
encouraged. See section on Tagging.

17. HOOK UP FLAG

17.1 The official flag for any boat playing a fish is a square black and white chequered
flag and is to be flown from the right or starboard outrigger or radio aerial.
17.2 All boats must remain clear of any boat flying this flag unless otherwise requested
for assistance by the skipper of the boat playing the fish.

18. CATCH FLAGS

18.1 The following flags are the clubs official catch flags that will be normally flown from
the left or port side outrigger or radio aerial and only when that particular species
of fish has been landed and the boat is returning to port:

a) Billfish White fish on a blue background
b) Shark Black fish on a red background
c) Tuna Blue fish on a white background
d) Yellow Tail Green fish on a white background
e) Unidentified Species Yellow flag
f) Tagged Fish Black T on a yellow background

19. WEIGH STATION

19.1 The club’s official weigh station is located at Whakatane however:-
a) Club members may have their catch courtesy weighed at the weigh station
of any other NZSFC affiliated club within the area of chart 54 and still qualify
for club pins, certificates and trophies except during tournaments other than
the NZSFC Nationals.
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b) It is the club member’s responsibility to get their catch card and photos of
their catch to the WSFC for processing.
c) During the NZSFC contest, members who are entered for the Whakatane
Sportfishing Club and fishing elsewhere, may weigh at any NZSFC affiliated
weigh station in NZ to qualify for club pins, certificates and trophies.
19.2 In the case of tag and released gamefish caught outside the chart NZ area 54, a
tag and release certificate will be issued to club members only.
19.3 Information on how to contact the weighmasters will be displayed in the vicinity of
the weigh station

20. WEIGHING OF FISH

20.1 All fish must be caught in accordance with IGFA, or NZSFC rules unless otherwise
stated.
20.2 It is the angler’s responsibility to ensure that all details on the catch and weigh
sheet are fully and correctly filled in before signing them and presenting them at
the time of weighing.
20.3 All members are to co-operate with the weighmasters.
20.4 Upon request, anglers presenting fish to the weighmaster must have available for
inspection, if requested, the rod, reel, lure, trace, hooks, gaffs and lines etc used
to land the fish.
20.5 Anglers are responsible for the removal of any fish that are brought to the weigh
station. Fish must not be left at the weigh station.
20.6 Fish must not be disposed of by members by either dropping them into the river or
its immediate vicinity or placed on another boat without the owner’s prior approval.
20.7 Fish must not be broken down at the weigh station or in the immediate vicinity.
20.8 Any disputes arising from the weighing in of fish must be brought to the
weighmaster’s attention at the time of weighing. If not satisfied the angler may file
a written complaint witnessed by the crew. This written complaint must be in the
hands of a committee member on the day in question or as soon as possible. The
committee member will pass the complaint onto the Club’s Disputes Committee
whose decision will be final.
20.9 Anglers who are not financial members of a club affiliated to the New Zealand
Sport Fishing Council must pay the appropriate record fee.

21. COURTESY WEIGHINGS

21.1 Members of other clubs affiliated to the NZSFC or members of the Whakatane
Sportfishing Club who are courtesy weighing for another affiliated club are entitled
to weigh fish at our weigh station.
a) They will be presented with a weigh sheet but will not be entitled to any pins,
certificates, trophies or any club award.
21.2 Anglers who are not members of the Whakatane Sportfishing Club or any other
club affiliated to the NZSFC may have their fish weighed on the payment of a fee
set at the AGM.
a) They will be issued with a weigh sheet but will not be eligible for any pins,
certificates, trophies or any club award.
21.3 Courtesy weighing must be at a time convenient to the weighmaster.

22. PINS AND CERTIFICATE AWARDS

22.1 There are three sections as follows: Men’s, Ladies, Juniors.
22.2 Only current Financial Members (except Affiliate, Social Members), Summer and
Day Members (provided the non-member (full) levy is paid) are eligible for Pins
and Certificates.
22.3 ULTRALIGHT TACKLE 1 kg, 2 kg and 3 kg.
a) A certificate and pin will be awarded to the first gamefish of each species
that exceeds either the minimum weight, length or the breaking strain of
the line.
b) Further pins and certificates will be awarded for a fish exceeding the
previous heaviest by 0.2 kg.
22.4 LIGHT TACKLE 4 kg, 6 kg, 8 kg.
a) A certificate and pin will be awarded to the first gamefish of each species
that exceeds either the minimum weight, length or breaking strain of the
line.
b) Further pins and certificates will be awarded for a fish exceeding the
previous heaviest by 0.5 kg.
22.5 MEDIUM TACKLE 10 kg – 15 kg.
a) A certificate and pin will be awarded to the first gamefish of each species
that exceeds the minimum weight, length or the breaking strain of the line.
b) Further pins and certificates will be awarded for a fish exceeding the
previous heaviest by 1.0 kg.
22.6 HEAVY TACKLE 24 – 37, 60 kg
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a) A certificate and pin will be awarded to the first gamefish of each species
that exceeds either the minimum weight length or the breaking strain of the
line.
b) Further pins and certificates will be awarded for a fish exceeding the
previous heaviest by 5.0 kg.
22.7 Pins and Certificates will be awarded for Blue and Bronze Whaler Sharks as
follows:
a) ULTRALIGHT AND LIGHT TACKLE SECTIONS
A pin and certificate will be awarded to the first gamefish of either species
that exceeds double the breaking strain of the line.
Further pin and certificates will be awarded for a fish exceeding the previous
by 2.0 kg.
b) MEDIUM AND HEAVY TACKLE SECTIONS
A pin and certificate will be awarded to fish of each species which exceeds
either 100 kg or the club line class record.
22.8 SNAPPER
a) A pin and certificate will be awarded for the heaviest snapper of the season
for Men, Lady and Junior in Ultralight, Light and Medium sections.
22.9 For the purpose of pins and certificates the following species do not qualify as
gamefish:
a) Kahawai;
b) Trevally;
c) Skipjack Tuna
except in the case of a NZ or World Record.
22.10 NEW ZEALAND SPORT FISHING COUNCIL RECORD
A Silver pin with imitation Ruby eye will be presented by the Club for any NZSFC
record.
22.11 INTERNATIONAL GAME FISHING ASSOCIATION “WORLD” RECORD
a) A Gold Pin with imitation ruby eye will be presented by the Club for any
I.G.F.A. World record.
b) If an angler catches two I.G.F.A. World records on the same day for the
same species the Club will present one Gold pin with an imitation Diamond
eye.

23. ANGLING RECORDS

23.1 All anglers are responsible for being aware of all records that their fish could be
eligible for.
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23.2 The Committee will be responsible for the recording and processing of any fish
that may be eligible for any club, New Zealand or World record. The Committee
will endeavour to keep anglers as fully informed on current records as possible. A
listing of current records will be held at the weigh station.
23.3 Only current financial members (except Affiliate and Social members) Day and
Summer Members (provided they have paid the non-member (full) levy) are
entitled to hold any Club Records.

24. FIRST GAMEFISH

24.1 A certificate will be awarded by the club to an angler catching their first gamefish.
It is the angler’s responsibility to ensure that FIRST FISH is entered on the weigh
sheet. This rule does not apply for courtesy weighs for other clubs.

25. BOAT AND ANGLER WEIGHT OR POINTS SPECIES

25.1 The following species of fish do not qualify for weight or points trophies for anglers
or boats unless otherwise specified:
a) Kahawai;
b) Trevally;
c) Skipjack Tuna; and
d) Snapper.
25.2 The IGFA formula for calculation of points is:
Weight of fish x 100
Breaking strain of line

26. TAGGING OF FISH

26.1 The club wishes all anglers to tag and release any species of gamefish that does
not exceed either the minimum weight, length or the line class on which it was
caught. A tag certificate will be issued for billfish and a further certificate will be
issued for each fish caught in any one day by an angler.
26.2 To be considered as a tagged and released fish the leader must be taken in hand
and the fish tagged and released. The hook or hooks must be DISENGAGED from
the fish or the leader CUT AS SHORT AS POSSIBLE.
26.3 TOURNAMENTS, trophies or prizes specifically for tagged fish will be identified as
such. In all other cases certificates will be issued for a tagged fish.
26.4 A tag card must be completed by the angler and presented to the weighmaster
prior to the final weigh in time as applicable for the day or tournament finish. A tag
sheet will be completed identifying the fish as tagged.
26.5 On receipt of tag & release cards the following member angler/boat points will be
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awarded to:
a) Blue, Black & Striped Marlin. Broadbill Swordfish…………………….600 points
b) Yellowfin, Bluefin, Bigeye & Butterfly Tuna……………………………..150 points
c) Short bill Spearfish………………………………………………………………100 points
d) Shark………………………………………………………………………………..100 points
e) Yellowtail Kingfish (Limit of 10 per season)……………………………….25 points

27. ACCESS TO CLUBROOMS AND FACILITIES

27.1 Any financial member of the club may have access to the clubrooms at any time
for lawful purposes pertaining to the club activities, by arrangement with the Club
Manager or President, in accordance with our club licence.
27.2 NO ANIMALS are allowed in the clubrooms.
27.3 Members will be freely admitted to the clubrooms during normal hours as
determined by the committee, except:
a) If a door charge has been levied.
b) A private function outside of normal hours, where admission to members
shall be by consent or invitation of the function host.
c) Any other occasion as determined by the Committee
27.4 Under no circumstances can any person under the age of 18 years purchase any
alcohol. Persons under 18 years of age can drink alcohol within a supervised area
provided that any alcohol is purchased for them by a parent or legal guardian. The
Whakatane Sportfishing Club does not promote underaged drinking.
27.5 Members families will be admitted to the clubrooms provided they are under that
members control.
27.6 Members must carry their Membership Cards with them when they are in the
clubrooms and must present them on request.
27.7 No member of the Club or visitor to the Club, without the permission of a
committee member or staff member may enter any area of the Clubrooms
regarded as secure. These areas include behind the Bar, the Manager’s Office
if not attended, Club storage areas or any area under lock and key.

28. CONDUCT

28.1 The purpose of the below bylaws relating to Conduct are to assist Whakatane
Sport Fishing Club Committee Members, Staff, Club Members, and visitors
understand the standards of behaviour expected of them at all times.
The following Bylaw rules reflect the standards of behaviour that support the
Whakatane Sport Fishing Club (“Club”) values, principles of integrity, courtesy and
respect, and sportsmanship to be demonstrated by and to all Whakatane Sport
Fishing Club Committee Members, Staff, Club Members, and visitors.
28.2 All Members, Staff and visitors must at all times conduct themselves in an
appropriate manner of decorum and behaviour.
28.3 The following behaviour is not acceptable within the Club:
a) Offensive language, including inappropriate language, whether that be at
the Club, or at any Club functions.
b) Participation in verbal or physical abuse of any other member, staff
member, or visitor.
c) Threatening or intimidating behaviour (including racial or sexual
harassment).
d) Any action that causes offence or embarrassment to any member or visitor
is not acceptable.
28.4 Members and visitors must take a responsible approach to the consumption of
alcohol.
28.5 Members will at all times, and in all forums, act in the best interests of the Club.
28.6 The Whakatane Sport Fishing Club Committee Members, Staff, Club Members
and visitors shall place priority on the safety of each other, and other members.
28.7 Courtesy shall at all times be displayed to the General Manager, and all Club Staff
when they are performing their duties. Abuse of any staff member will not be
tolerated. Any dispute as to staff conduct should be directed to the Club Manager
or the Committee President.
28.8 The Club Manager, Bar Manger or any Committee Member are authorised to
request any member or visitor breaching these rules, relating to Conduct, to
immediately leave the Club premises.
28.9 Where the Club Manager, Club President, Senior Vice President or Junior Vice
President (by quorum of 3/4 majority) in their opinion consider that the conduct of
a member is unacceptable, may immediately suspend any members Membership
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for a period of up to 10 days, pending an investigation into the alleged conduct.
The Club Manager, Club President, Senior Vice President or Junior Vice President
(by quorum of 3/4 majority) may thereafter extend any suspension period at their
discretion. Where any suspension action is taken, either by the Club Manager,
Club President, Senior Vice President or Junior Vice President (by quorum of 3/4
majority), a written report is required to be made to the Committee setting out the
reasons why the suspension of the member was considered necessary.
28.10 Should any member have a complaint against the conduct of any other person in
the Club, then that complaint must be directed in writing to the Club Manager or
the Club President.
28.11 Should any person involved in any complaint not be able to reach an amicable
agreement, then the Club President shall ensure that the complaint is dealt with in
accordance with the Constitution.

29. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

29.1 In accordance with the Constitution (rule 5), general disciplinary matters, written
complaints or otherwise shall be forwarded to a member of the Committee.

30. DRESS

30.1 A reasonable standard of dress will be worn in the clubrooms that is not likely to
cause offence or embarrassment to any member.

31. EMPLOYEES 

31.1 All employees shall be responsible to the President of the Club or whoever the
President may nominate.
31.2 Any employee who has any complaint against any member shall direct that
complaint to the President or the Presidents nominee, or in the absence of either,
the Senior Vice President or the Junior Vice President.
31.3 Any member who has any complaint against any employee shall direct their
complaint along the same channels as Section 30(b).
31.4 Failing an amicable agreement on any complaint, the person receiving that
complaint shall ensure that the complaint is dealt with in accordance with the
Constitution by submitting the complaint in writing to the Secretary.

32. FUNCTIONS 

32.1 The clubrooms shall be open to the public from time to time as prescribed by the
Committee and in accordance with the Club’s licence. Members shall be duly
notified by the Committee throughout the year as to when these functions will be
held.

33. CLUB ROOMS

33.1 The Committee may from time to time vary normal clubroom hours. Members will
be advised of any changes by newsletter.

34. VISITORS 

34.1 Any member introducing a visitor to the clubrooms must ensure that the visitor has
signed the Visitor’s Book situated at the main entrance or bar.
34.2 All visitors shall be subject to the rules and by-laws of the club whilst they are within
the Club premise.
34.3 Any member introducing a visitor shall be responsible for that visitor’s conduct.
34.4 Any person who is a member of another club that is affiliated to the NZSFC or the
IGFA shall be accorded the courtesy of being that of a full member of the club
during the period of their visit. Such persons are not eligible to win any club annual
trophy not classed as open.

35. PHOTOS

35.1 Provided agreement is sought from the subject and the photo is of a general fishing
or weighing nature, the Club reserves the right to use or reproduce any photos in
its possession for whatever purpose the Committee decides.

36. SALE OF GOODS

36.1 Members or visitors may not sell goods in the clubrooms without the express
permission of the Committee.

37. AMENDMENTS

37.1 All members will be notified by newsletter of any alteration, addition to or
amendment to these By-Laws.

38. BY-LAWS INSPECTION

38.1 A copy of these By-Laws will be available at the club for any member to read.