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| FishTails |
BASS/Federation Situation
[Friday, November 18, 2005 10:26 AM]
An Open Letter to BASS Federation Members (From Don Rucks)
In response to attempts by the so-called "divisional representatives" of the BASS Federation to undermine
BASS and the BASS Federation, and for conduct detrimental to BASS, its members and the sport of bass fishing, BASS
has determined that for the benefit of BASS and the BASS Federation, it will no longer communicate with the Federations
through the divisional representatives. In addition BASS is revoking the seven BASS memberships of the following
individuals: Robert Cartlidge, Roger Fitchett, Chuck Rolfsmeyer, Gary Bradford, Joe McKinnon, Mike Dunkerly and
Charles Mitchell.
BASS will no longer communicate with these individuals in any capacity, nor will these individuals be welcome at
any BASS-sanctioned event now or in the future. BASS will communicate only with the state BASS Federations and
with individual members in good standing.
Further, since BASS Federation bylaws require that an individual be a "member in good standing" to hold
office, any Federation or club offices they may have held will be impacted. Those states affected by these dismissals
should contact BASS immediately to make the necessary changes.
How The Situation Started
To clarify any possible misunderstandings associated with this decision, we want all members of BASS to understand
its origin. On Nov. 1, BASS announced a $5 increase in annual membership dues to $20 for 2006. Previously, Federation
members were paying $15 annually for the benefits of Federation membership.
In response, presuming they were "representing" the interests of all 50,000 Federation members, these
individuals issued a proclamation stating that membership dues for the upcoming year should be withheld from BASS
and sent to the state Federations directly. The reps were attempting to take on duties and responsibilities that
were never in the scope and spirit of their role.
It's important to note the individuals issued this directive independent of the membership, and their actions run
counter to the principles on which Ray Scott founded the BASS Federation. Equally important to note is the fact
that this $5 membership increase - equal to the cost of one crankbait, to put the entire debate in its proper perspective
- is necessary and warranted.
Your BASS Benefits
Over the past 5 years the costs of benefits provided to Federation members have increased substantially. Consider
BASS Times, for example, the national publication and platform of the BASS Federation. Members receive this publication
as part of their annual membership dues, yet a basic subscription, if they were paying full price, would by itself
exceed the $20 dues.
BASS Times is just one example. Other benefits of Federation membership include -- but are not limited to -- 24/7
AD&D insurance coverage, event liability coverage, conservation programs, Junior World Championship berths
at the Bassmaster Classic, early entries, preferred tournament slots for boaters and non-boaters, six reserved
Classic slots for Federation members, divisional tournament expertise, worldwide coverage on the Internet, the
Alliance program, Family Fest, Casting Kids kits and international Federation administration.
Costs for all these benefits far exceed annual dues, and they are continually rising. Yet the basic Federation
membership fee has not increased in 6 years.
Crossing The Line
By instructing State Federation Presidents to withhold 2006 club/member dues, which must be received by BASS
by Dec. 31, 2005, the seven "divisional representatives" have crossed the line. We are compelled to act,
and to act decisively. To do otherwise would be detrimental to the sport of bass fishing.
Threatening to illegally withhold annual BASS membership dues is a deliberate attempt to jeopardize the business
of BASS and operations of the BASS Federation. By authority granted BASS in the BASS Federation Divisional Representatives
Group Operating Policies and Procedures, BASS has decided to dismiss the Federation Presidents Advisory members
and to terminate this Board indefinitely.
| "We have discussed this with Ray Scott, founder of BASS and the BASS Federation,
and he agrees that we have no alternative." - Don Rucks |
Next Steps
To circumvent the actions of these seven individuals in the affected state Federations, we encourage every
member of good standing to work diligently and quickly to collect the dues and send them at your earliest opportunity
to BASS by Dec. 31, 2005. Only those who comply will be eligible to enter a contender in the 2006 BASS Federation
National Championship to be held January 11-13, 2006. States that do not submit their rosters and dues of $20 per
member to BASS headquarters by Dec. 31 will not be allowed to participate in the Championship, which qualifies
six Federation anglers for the 2006 CITGO Bassmaster Classic.
For those impacted State Federations, you have new officers to elect. We hope to work closely with all of you as
we strive to take our sport and the BASS Federation into an exciting new era without these seven individuals who
have attempted to put themselves ahead of the greater good. All of this over a $5 increase in membership dues,
an increase that is absolutely necessary and warranted!
This is a very unfortunate episode, I'll admit. But we have discussed this with Ray Scott, founder of BASS and
the BASS Federation, and he agrees that we have no alternative.
Ray pointed out that, early in BASS history, a group within the Federation tried to break away and form their own
organization. Ray acted decisively, expelling those Federation leaders and then rebuilding even stronger Federations
in those few states.
"It was painful for a short while, but the BASS Federation overall was better off after the malcontents left.
That's the way it will be after we regroup this time," said Scott.
For whatever reasons, these former "divisional representatives" have not been representing your best
interests.
I urge you to join BASS in helping build a stronger, more responsive, more vibrant BASS Federation - for the good
of our sport.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact BASS immediately.
Respectfully,
Don B. Rucks
(BASS) General Manager |
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