Ultimate Match Fishing Federation Standard Rules and Scoring:
Welcome to the Ultimate Match Fishing Federation, an entirely new way to compete on the water. Based on the the television series Ultimate Match Fishing, the UMF Federation allows members to fish one-on-one in officially sanctioned matches with friends, fellow club members or anyone that's a member of the UMF Federation. By the end of the season, two lucky winners based on overall match records and their respective power rankings will qualify to fish on nation television in 2011 on Outdoor Channel's production of Ultimate Match Fishing for the chance to fish against the pros and a shot at the grand prize of $50,000! Here's how it works.
To be eligible all you have to do is join the Federation and begin playing. Individuals can join for just $10 and entire bass clubs can join for only $50 regardless of the number of members. Then, each registered member can fish a maximum of 12 matches between now and April 1, 2011. TheFederation Angler with the best record will be selected to fish against a pro in an episode of UMF 2011 and have a shot to claim the UMF Title and $50,000!
Each match is only $10 for individual members so you can fish the entire season of the UMF Federation for only $150. That's less than most anglers pay to fish a one-day weekend tournament. Match Credits can be purchased individually or up to the maximum of 15 at any time. Then, once the credits are redeemed by members who agree to a match, you simply download the certified scoresheet and fax or send it to the Federation for sanctioning. Each week scores and standings will be updated and tracked so you'll know where you are in the standing at all times. Plus, members bios, match stories, pictures and video will give UMF Federation members the chance to communicate online with other members throughout their towns, regions and the nation.
The Power Ranking:
The Power Ranking is the key component to the UMF Federation, and here's how it works. With a maximum of 12 matches and the emphasis on total matches fished and overall won-loss records, it's probable that many Federation members could ultimately tie for the final two spots. To keep the competition interesting, we've installed a Power Ranking based on the overall won-loss record of anglers whom you fish against. Here's how it works.
Angler A and Angler B fish 15 matches each with an identical won-loss record of 9-3.
Angler A has fished against strong competition. The won-loss record of the anglers Angler A has fished against is 90 wins and 30 losses.
Angler B has chosen an easier path fishing against competition he feel sis more easily defeated. The overall won-loss record of Angler B's competition is 30 wins and90 losses.
So, Angler A has a much higher Power Ranking at the end of the season due to his strength of schedule. Angler A is heading for the Big Show!
So to be a top performer, you'll have to fish and win against strong competition because if you make it to the finals and compete against the pros, you'll need all the experience you can get to take a shot at the $50,000 UMF Grand Prize.
And unlike the television version, you don't need a referee. Of course if you desire to designate a ref or observer, that's great but it isn't mandatory. Just get into the spirit of the competition; change boat control every quarter; cast only in your designated area and have fun.
Sportsmanship
Once again, in the spirit of competition, please abide by the line and fish only from your half of the boat. In addition, malicious behavior including touching another competitors tackle, fish or person is unacceptable. Malicious behavior of any kind will result in an immediate disqualification and you will be barred from further UMF Federation competition.
Certifying Match Results
At the end of each match, both competitors are required to sign the official UMF Federation scorecard. Only signed scorecards can be submitted via fax or mail for the match to be certified and count in the official standings. So sign it and send it.
Safety
Please, play responsibly. Always wear your life jacket and make sure your kill switch is connected. All standard tournament safety rules apply. Please observe all laws and regulations on the water and be safe out there.
All UMF Federation member who submit certified score sheets voluntarily submit to the possibility of random checks by the UMF Federation to validate match authenticity. Furthermore, all UMF Federation members are subject to polygraph testing to confirm match authenticity.
Welcome to the UMF Federation. Finally, a new way to compete on the water!
Ultimate Match Fishing Federation FAQ:
Why can I only fish against the same person twice?
Why only 12 matches?
The UMF Federation limits the number of matches a single angler can participate in to 12. It isn't mandatory to fish all 12 matches to qualify for the grand prize but with the winner being determined by best overall record, we suggest you give it a shot. Limiting the number of matches members can fish in a season also eliminates any unfair advantage to members who have more free time to spend on the water.
What about a tie?
With matches being capped at 12 and the ultimate winner being decided based on their match record and winning percentage, odds are that more than a few anglers will tie for the top spot during the season. As a tie breaker, we are implementing a Power Ranking for all members based on your strength of schedule. That means that if you tie another member with a match record of 10 wins and 2 losses, the tie will be broken by looking at the overall won-loss record of the anglers you competed against. So if the 12 people you fished against have a combined won-loss record of 100 wins and 20 losses and the member with whom you tied has a competitor won-loss record of 20 wins and 100 losses, your Power Ranking would be higher. So congratulations, you win. Now, let's say you're still tied. The, we go to total number of fish caught by you in all matches. Hopefully, that breaks any and all ties. So, choose your matches wisely and build your Power Ranking. It could make all of the difference at the end of the season.
Why can I only fish against the same person twice?
By limiting the number of matches you can fish against another member to 2, we eliminate the possibility of members taking a dive. In other words, we're quite certain that your nephew Jimbo would be more than happy to let you flog him on the water 12 straight times in return for a new bait caster, but that really doesn't fit in with the spirit of UMF competition. And remember, Jimbo at 0-12 isn't going to do much for your power ranking.
What do I win?
The two members with the best overall won-loss record and highest Power Ranking will win the opportunity to join the pros in next years Ultimate Match Fishing. The premier episode in 2011 will feature the two winning Federation members going head-to-head in the official UMF Competition boat under the glare of Referee Mark Randolph with HD cameras rolling on every cast and hook set. In addition, the winner will receive a cash prize of *$2500 and a trip to the official UMF Competition Lake. The winner of that match will then have the opportunity to fish against one of the 11 UMF pros for a first round single elimination show down. And if you make it all the way to the UMF Title, you get the coveted Title Belt and a nice check for $50,000 to show for your efforts.
If for any reason the winning federation member cannot compete in the television series in 2011 due to network restriction the winner will receive a cash prize of $5000 in lieu of the television appearance.
The UMF Federation is new. Very new. So what's the best way to get a series of matches going in your locale? Simple. Help us spread the word to your friends and fellow anglers. And now, the UMF Federation will make it easy. when you refer a new member, make sure they list your name under the "Who Referred You" when signing up. That wya, you'll receive a free match credit just for getting a few of your boys, and of course girls, too, on board with teh Federation. Plus, you can now download a UMF Federation Flyer suitable for hanging at your favorite local tackle shop, bulletin board, telephone pole or just about anywhere bass anglers hang out.
In the meantime, keep those matches rolling and we'll keep finding members in your area. good luck!
The UMF Federation is new. Very new. So what's the best way to get a series of matches going in your locale? Simple. Help us spread the word to your friends and fellow anglers. And now, the UMF Federation will make it easy. when you refer a new member, make sure they list your name under the "Who Referred You" when signing up. That wya, you'll receive a free match credit just for getting a few of your boys, and of course girls, too, on board with teh Federation. Plus, you can now download a UMF Federation Flyer suitable for hanging at your favorite local tackle shop, bulletin board, telephone pole or just about anywhere bass anglers hang out.
In the meantime, keep those matches rolling and we'll keep finding members in your area. good luck!