Rules System

Any member found breaking the Rules of the Association shall be liable to disciplinary action.

The Association operates a simple system whereby a red or a yellow card is issued, similar to the system used by referees in a game of football.

Yellow cards are awarded for minor offences and result in a written warning.  However, a second yellow card within any 12 month period results in the award of a red card.

Red cards are issued for more serious offences and result in either a temporary suspension of membership, or in a longer term ban.

Red card offences result in the temporary suspension of membership pending investigation by the Disciplinary Sub Committee (DSC).  Members are given the opportunity to appear in person before the DSC, or to provide written details of any mitigating circumstances.  The DSC then decides upon the most appropriate course of action and determines the length of any suspension or ban.

Typical ‘yellow card’ offences include:

1. Being unable to produce either membership card or rod licence.
2. No photograph in membership card, or details not entered on membership card.
3. Being found with litter on or near the peg.
4. Possession of tins, cans or glass jars or bottles.
5. Night fishing on a peg not designated for night fishing.
6. Playing audio equipment at a volume which disturbs other anglers.
7. Fishing for carp, pike or other specimen fish without an unhooking mat.
8. Fishing without a landing net of a size suitable for the intended quarry.
9. Obstructing the bank or pathway.      
10. Pre-baiting swims, other than on those waters permitted by General Rule 23.
11. Excessive application of bait / use of a spod on waters where prohibited.
12. Parking other than in approved parking areas - including parking on Hulse’s Island (other than during bona fide matches).
13. Failure to close or lock the gates on Association car parks.

Typical ‘red card’ offences and likely periods of suspension include:                                                                               

1. Refusing or failing to cooperate with a Bailiff or Official:                                                                                                         (6 months - 3 years)
2. Use of threatening, insulting or offensive language or behavior:                                                                                             (6 months - 3 years)
3. Possession of, or  being found unfit, through the consumption of alcoholic drink or controlled drugs:                                   (6 months - 3 years)
4. Night fishing without a night card:                                                                                                                                             (12 months)
5. Night fishing in a prohibited area:                                                                                                                                              (12 months)
6. Night fishing with a junior member (other than in accordance with General Rule 34):                                                             (12 months)                                                

7. Night fishing on Petty Pool:                                                                                                                                                         (3 years)

8. Fishing with a non member (aiding and abetting poaching):                                                                                                      (6 months - 3 years)

9. Carrying a weapon or firearm:                                                                                                                                                   (Life)

10. Leaving litter:                                                                                                                                                                              (3 years)
11. Cutting or pruning of trees, shrubs or other vegetation or causing damage of any kind to any pegs, banks or pathways:    (6 months - 3 years) 
12. Lighting of open fires or barbeques:                                                                                                                                          (12 months)
13. Leaving rods unattended:                                                                                                                                                           (6 months - 1 year)
14. Fishing with more than two rods:                                                                                                                                               (6 months - 1 year)
15. Sacking or holding of carp in keepnets:                                                                                                                                      (12 months)
16. Placing fish on a hard surface / causing unnecessary damage to fish / fishing in a manner liable to endanger fish:              (6 months - 3 years) 
17. Taking more than six small fish for use as live or dead bait:                                                                                                      (12 months)
18. Taking live or dead fish away from the water where they were caught, or introducing live fish to a new water:                  (3 years)

19. Using a bait boat:                                                                                                                                                                         (12 months)

20. Fishing a water which is closed during the close season:                                                                                                         (6 months - 3 years)

The minimum likely terms of suspension suggested above are intended only as a guide.  All cases are judged according their own circumstances.  The Disciplinary Sub Committee may impose longer or shorter terms of suspension as deemed appropriate.