Rules
BFCC CASTING RULES
THE TACKLE RULES for the various BFCC events (single handed unless otherwise stated) are designed to be as simple and ‘user friendly’ as possible. They are as follows:
- ‘Have a go for gold’ Badge Scheme – Any commercially available or previously available (abbreviated hereafter to ‘caopa’) fly fishing rod up to 10’ (3.05m) long, marked up to #7. Rods may be repaired or reringed, but not modified. Any ‘caopa’ line up to DT or WF#7 F. Reel to hold whole line and backing. Leader min. 6’3”(1.9m), max. 11’10” (3.6m). Casting time 3min. Badges available: 25yd. and rising in 5yd steps.
- #5 Distance – Any ‘caopa’ fly fishing rod up to 9’ (2.74m), marked #5. Any ‘caopa’ line DT or WF#5F. Otherwise as above.
- #7 Distance – Any ‘caopa’ fly fishing rod up to 9’6” (2.9m), marked #7. Any ‘caopa’ line DT or WF#7F. Otherwise as above.
- #9 Distance - Any ‘coapa’ fly fishing rod up to 9′ 6″ (2.9m), marked #9. Any ‘caopa’ line DT or WF9F. Otherwise as above.
- T38 Fly Distance – Any rod up to 9’10” (3m). Any shooting head line 38gm max. wt., 49’ 3” (15m) min. length. For ladies, youths and seniors 50 and over 34gm max., 44’ 3” (13.5m) min. length is permitted. Time 6min. Otherwise as above. In this event there exists the best chance to achieve a coveted 55yd badge.
- T120 Double Handed Fly Distance – Any rod up to 17’ (5.2m). Any shooting head line 120gm max. Leader 17’ (5.2m) max. Time 7min. For ladies, youths and seniors 50 and over there is a 15’ (4.6m) rod and 50gm line to try out. Otherwise as above.
- Leaders must be made completely of nylon or similar material and may be attached to the line by means of a braided loop, a knot or whipping. Leaders may be tapered and must have a 1” long red wool safety ‘fly’, knotted on a tippet of 8lb BS min. to avoid cracking off.
- Cracked or broken fly lines may be repaired, and damaged sections replaced with the same material, by whipping and varnishing.
GENERAL CASTING RULES which have proved to give safe and enjoyable casting are as follows:
- Casting is controlled by two judges: a senior time judge near the caster and a down-court judge to measure distances cast. The judges will help the caster with appropriate advice, ensure safe casting procedures and maintain the observance of rules.
- Casting will take place on flat grass and downwind. Casting direction will be changed, as far as possible, to take account of wind direction changes, at the discretion of the judges.
- Casters must have their feet behind the measuring tape anchor pin/Astroturf mat before casting.
- Three warm-up casts are permitted before casting proper begins, but less are recommended.
- A caster can make as many casts as possible within the time permitted and the time judge will advise how time is passing.
- The down-court judge will mark the longest cast achieved by the wool ‘fly’ against a measuring tape and will relay this to the time judge, who will make a record of it. The longest single cast will determine the winner. In the event of a tie each caster will have one cast only and the longest wins.
- Timeouts can be used by the time judge in the event of serious line tangle or the need for a minor tackle repair. Where significant repairs are needed the time judge can ask the caster to move aside, and then return to finish their turn.
- All Casters must cast within the designated time of casting an individual casting event eg: #5; #7; T38; T120 and within the designated casting area to be ranked for individual casting competition purposes. Additional casters, casting outside the designated time, but within the desinated area, will be welcome and their casts recorded but not ranked in the competition. Record casts and attempts are covered under the Records heading and Badge Scheme attempts can take place at any time during a Club Meeting.
- Casting Order The Organiser of any Club Meeting has the right to ask for the casting competition order to be decided by drawing lots to ensure smooth running.
- No technical aids or fasteners such a wrist bands may be used, however, elastic muscle supports are permitted.
- Casters should wear glasses and a fishing hat for protection and avoid hitting any spectators with their tackle. They should also be prepared to stop casting immediately if asked to by the time judge.
