Southern Open Tournament Update

[Screen Name]

We are working on several changes to the Southern Open tournament this year.

One thing will remain the same: All of the proceeds will benefit Divers Rights.

The first change, which has been endorsed by a majority of FSDA clubs, is to hold the weighin on Sunday. The change provides for:


Slower boats can compete with faster boats.
Better use of costly fuel.
Less congestion at the Tournament site.
Greater chance of everyone making it back on time.
Less hassle at congested boat ramps during peak season.
Easier on the boat and crew.
More options for dive locations.
Easier on the tournament volunteers who also compete.

We currently have a committee working on designing new rules that to the best of our ability, are fun, fair, and challenging. Those changes will be announced once the committee has presented them to the clubs and the clubs endorse them. We have some interesting ideas so far and I'm confident that we're going to have an even better program.

Lastly, we are contemplating the practicality of having an East Coast signup and Captain's meeting this year, concurrent with the West Coast activities. It's not a done deal at this point, but we are hopeful that we can work this out.

We are looking forward to an even better event this year. :toast:

[hogsniper]

These changes should entice more East Coast divers to participate. Positive changes that will only be good for everyone involved.

[liberty hound]

That sounds great.
That will help us east coasters out alot!I

[Jaizzen]

We are working on several changes to the Southern Open tournament this year.

One thing will remain the same: All of the proceeds will benefit Divers Rights.

The first change, which has been endorsed by a majority of FSDA clubs, is to hold the weighin on Sunday. The change provides for:


Slower boats can compete with faster boats.
Better use of costly fuel.
Less congestion at the Tournament site.
Greater chance of everyone making it back on time.
Less hassle at congested boat ramps during peak season.
Easier on the boat and crew.
More options for dive locations.
Easier on the tournament volunteers who also compete.

We currently have a committee working on designing new rules that to the best of our ability, are fun, fair, and challenging. Those changes will be announced once the committee has presented them to the clubs and the clubs endorse them. We have some interesting ideas so far and I'm confident that we're going to have an even better program.

Lastly, we are contemplating the practicality of having an East Coast signup and Captain's meeting this year, concurrent with the West Coast activities. It's not a done deal at this point, but we are hopeful that we can work this out.

We are looking forward to an even better event this year. :toast:

When will the new rules for this tournament be established?

[Screen Name]

When will the new rules for this tournament be established?

Possibly at this Wednesday's meeting.

[fishkilla]

Warning: this is just an idea and has nothing to do with team spearboard!


i kicked an idea around with some of my spearo friends for this tournament. have a professional and an amature division. if you have shot on a commercial boat within the last year you have to enter the pro division. this is where it gets fun though.

amature division :

15 pt cap on all fish. aggregate tournament. this helps level the field prizes as usual and good clean fun.

professional division:

100 dollars cash per person entering the tournament no holds barred, no caps, bring in as many carbos and monster jacks as you can. same aggregate but all the points you can muster. top three places cash gets divided up 65% 1st place 25% 2nd place 10% 3rd place.

the benefits to this would be a fierce competition between both groups that could possibly be close in competition. the amatures get the prizes they like (bc's, guns, bags) the pros can always use the cash since they already have 5 bcs 3 reg sets and 11 guns at home. also everyone gets to stare at massive fish and gawk and ewwww and awww at what the pros bring in.

all tournaments goal starting now should be bringing all our fellow spearos together in a more united front against the limiting of our abilities to enjoy our resource.

[RichT]

Ben
I think the basic premise of your idea definitely should be discussed.
Many sports and competitions have both pro and novice divisions. :)


But what about people like "hogsniper" who has shot on a commercial boat "in the past year" but should definitely be entered in the amature division or quite possibly even the "junior" division? :D

I also like your idea of using the tournaments to help protect our opportunities to continue doing what we love to do. :thumps:

[fishkilla]

Ben

But what about people like "hogsniper" who has shot on a commercial boat "in the past year" but should definitely be entered in the amature division or quite possibly even the "junior" division? :D


:)

we need to think about the majority of the people entering the tournament. not about ourselves or a few individuals. if the tournament is going to be skewed towards the big commercial boats that are going to be diving 200ft for carbos then they need to man up and start entering a tournament with some equal competition and interesting final results.

try this on for size. you can enter the rec division if you are not shooting from a commercial boat but the rec division has a 15pt cap per fish. even if you are not shooting from a commercial boat you could still enter the pro division and battle it out with the big boys and no point caps.

[RichT]

:)

we need to think about the majority of the people entering the tournament. not about ourselves or a few individuals. if the tournament is going to be skewed towards the big commercial boats that are going to be diving 200ft for carbos then they need to man up and start entering a tournament with some equal competition and interesting final results.

try this on for size. you can enter the rec division if you are not shooting from a commercial boat but the rec division has a 15pt cap per fish. even if you are not shooting from a commercial boat you could still enter the pro division and battle it out with the big boys and no point caps.


I would disagree that ANY tournament(large or small) is purposefully or intentionally "skewed" towards commercial boats or divers.
I will concede that there are some advantages to a commercial fishing boat that are probably un-arguable. IE... no bag limits.
I will also concede that diving deeper probably lends itself to a greater chance of getting larger fish.
But... diving deeper also has a longer distance to run as well as a much shorter time having the opportunity to actually shoot fish.
It may also put a diver at greater risk.

I have no doubt whatsoever that whatever rules ANYBODY comes up with, the better spearfisherman will still be at the top of the leaderboard.
And you can take that to the bank. ;)
You only have to look at the names on any of the tournaments for the last ten years to see that many divers, both Pro and amateur, are just a litle bit better no matter what tournament or format thats used!


Certainly one would expect anybody that derives some/all of their income from fishing to probably have more experience, better numbers, and more skill than your average guy who does it once in awhile.
IMO...beating guys that are better (on paper) is always the biggest thrill I get when Im competing (in any sport) and always has been.

Its not the special Olympics where everybody can win. But I agree that its a good idea for any tournament commitee to attempt to make the field as level as possible. :thumps:



BTW... I'm not an officer or board member of any club or organization and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Spearchucker]

I would disagree that ANY tournament(large or small) is purposefully or intentionally "skewed" towards commercial boats or divers.
I will concede that there are some advantages to a commercial fishing boat that are probably un-arguable. IE... no bag limits.
I will also concede that diving deeper probably lends itself to a greater chance of getting larger fish.
But... diving deeper also has a longer distance to run as well as a much shorter time having the opportunity to actually shoot fish.
It may also put a diver at greater risk.

I have no doubt whatsoever that whatever rules ANYBODY comes up with, the better spearfisherman will still be at the top of the leaderboard.
And you can take that to the bank. ;)
You only have to look at the names on any of the tournaments for the last ten years to see that many divers, both Pro and amateur, are just a litle bit better no matter what tournament or format thats used!


Certainly one would expect anybody that derives some/all of their income from fishing to probably have more experience, better numbers, and more skill than your average guy who does it once in awhile.
IMO...beating guys that are better (on paper) is always the biggest thrill I get when Im competing (in any sport) and always has been.

Its not the special Olympics where everybody can win. But I agree that its a good idea for any tournament commitee to attempt to make the field as level as possible. :thumps:



BTW... I'm not an officer or board member of any club or organization and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Well,I have been pretty vocal on this, and will remain so.

#1 - Sunday weigh in totally negates the distance of ANY run. Hell, you could shoot in the Carolinas and be OK at a Sunday weigh in.
#2 - Sunday weigh in GREATLY mitigates the issues with increased surface intervals with deep diving.
#3 - No point caps makes this tournament pointless for any near shore shooters.
#4 - The top shooters will absolutely be at the top at most tournaments, do they need more help?

I don't like the Sunday format because I just like a tournament to get done. All of the hook and line tournaments, with the exception of kingfish, are single day tournaments. It just gets a little old for those of us with wives and kids to be gone all Friday afternoon, and (Now) all day Saturday AND Sunday.

[Jaizzen]

I'm not sure all of the Pro/AM rules are needed. This tournament was allways a fun, easy, tournament that one could do well by shooting inshore or offshore. Adding a second day weigh-in will definatly change that in my opinion. The advantage will go to larger go-fast vessels. However, doesn't really bother me all that much. We are all shooting with-in rules so it doesn't really matter.

Not starting anything, I just wanted to know when the rules would be ironed out. Not sure if I'm going to shoot in it or not, just depends how things work out.

J

[Jaizzen]

:)

if the tournament is going to be skewed towards the big commercial boats that are going to be diving 200ft for carbos then they need to man up and start entering a tournament with some equal competition and interesting final results.


"Man up Ben" Please explain this.

What if you shoot on a commercial boat, but intend to run your own boat?

Shelby (Moose Daughter) shot on a commerical boat should she be in the PRO div. :thumps: ?
I'll let her know when she gets home from school that she needs to "MAN UP" :lol:

Should charter boats be included in the PRO division? I know some good ones.

Ben, during the SBO last year one of the commercial boats was not more than a 1/2 mile from the Holy Spearit five times during that tournemant day. No where near deep water.

J

[Nsearch]

I think the basic idea of a tournament does keep some people at home. They think since they have never competed in one that they stand no chance and want to save themselves the humility of weighing in that 4 lb snapper and 2.5 lb sheepshead. Or that they could possibly ever win anything of value. I'm not saying that I think that having professional and amature divisons is right for this tournament but the idea of having professional and amature divisions could be of value to bring more shooters together in a tournament.

I am saying that hogsniper has no chance in beating me in this years Southern Open :eek: :D ;)

[RichT]

Well,I have been pretty vocal on this, and will remain so.

#1 - Sunday weigh in totally negates the distance of ANY run. Hell, you could shoot in the Carolinas and be OK at a Sunday weigh in.
#2 - Sunday weigh in GREATLY mitigates the issues with increased surface intervals with deep diving.
#3 - No point caps makes this tournament pointless for any near shore shooters.
#4 - The top shooters will absolutely be at the top at most tournaments, do they need more help?

I don't like the Sunday format because I just like a tournament to get done. All of the hook and line tournaments, with the exception of kingfish, are single day tournaments. It just gets a little old for those of us with wives and kids to be gone all Friday afternoon, and (Now) all day Saturday AND Sunday.

#1 Probably right.
#2. Somewhat right. But its apparent you dont do a lot of deep diving because no matter how much time between sunup to sundown you can/should only do a certain number of dives in order to avoid getting bent.
#3 Bullshit. I will bet you whatever you want that there will be inshore divers that do extremely well in any format.
#4. Im still not convinced that there is much of an advantage to anybody during a sunday weigh in although I personnaly am against it due to some of the reasons you list and I also enjoy the intensity of trying to make it back in time and getting it all done and over with.

The greatest thing about these tournaments IMO is the fact that we get to go diving. With friends. And have a good time...hopefully.

[RichT]

I'm not sure all of the Pro/AM rules are needed. This tournament was allways a fun, easy, tournament that one could do well by shooting inshore or offshore. Adding a second day weigh-in will definatly change that in my opinion. The advantage will go to larger go-fast vessels. However, doesn't really bother me all that much. We are all shooting with-in rules so it doesn't really matter.

Not starting anything, I just wanted to know when the rules would be ironed out. Not sure if I'm going to shoot in it or not, just depends how things work out.

J

Jason, I think a lot of what is being discussed here will be discussed tonight during the FSDA meeting.
I do know one thing. No matter what sombody comes up with, not everybody will be happy.
You can take that to the bank! :D

[Jaizzen]

Jason, I think a lot of what is being discussed here will be discussed tonight during the FSDA meeting.
I do know one thing. No matter what sombody comes up with, not everybody will be happy.
You can take that to the bank! :D

I agree!

I'm not going to the FSDA meeting and wanted to find out what was happening with the Tournament.

[Jaizzen]

Rich,
What format would you personally like to see? Old way? New Way?

Changing every single rule is allright by me just don't change the location of the weighin and awards ceremony, it's only 4miles from my house! :D

J

[RichT]

Rich,
What format would you personally like to see? Old way? New Way?

Changing every single rule is allright by me just don't change the location of the weighin and awards ceremony, it's only 4miles from my house! :D

J

J,
It honestly doesnt matter that much to me. Ive shot in pretty much every kind of tournament, both freedive and scuba. Ive shot on big fast commercial boats and my own single screw (non-commercial) 23 footer.
Ive done poorly and Ive done well on both. I usually have a good time.
I personnaly enjoy figuring out the strategy that will give me the best opportunity to do well no matter what the rules.

[Jaizzen]

J,
It honestly doesnt matter that much to me. Ive shot in pretty much every kind of tournament, both freedive and scuba. Ive shot on big fast commercial boats and my own single screw (non-commercial) 23 footer.
Ive done poorly and Ive done well on both. I usually have a good time.
I personnaly enjoy figuring out the strategy that will give me the best opportunity to do well no matter what the rules.

Same here! :p

J

[Puncture Wound]

I hope the east coast captains meeting goes through, it is really tough on a team to have one member drive over to tampa on friday, then back to the east coast to dive saturday then one member must drive 2 to 3.5 hours over to tampa on saturday afternoon to make the weigh in, and everyone has to drive back to tampa on sunday for the prize party. it makes it tough for anyone who isnt within a few hours of tampa to compete. these changes are being presented to allow more competitors from across the state to compete and dive in thier home waters

[Red Tide]

I think they should have a Key West Captain's Meeting too. It is a pain in the speedo to drive all night...dive all day......drive all night, and then make it to the weigh in on time.
Thank God for Red Bull. :thumps:

[fishkilla]

"Man up Ben" Please explain this.

What if you shoot on a commercial boat, but intend to run your own boat?

Shelby (Moose Daughter) shot on a commerical boat should she be in the PRO div. :thumps: ?
I'll let her know when she gets home from school that she needs to "MAN UP" :lol:

Should charter boats be included in the PRO division? I know some good ones.

Ben, during the SBO last year one of the commercial boats was not more than a 1/2 mile from the Holy Spearit five times during that tournemant day. No where near deep water.

J

no harm intended just trying to stur up some interest in a big fish big money tournament that could be attached to an already great tournament.

yes i think shelby when she is on Headhunter should be pro. that way i won't get beat by a girl!!! :D

[jerry1000]

no harm intended just trying to stur up some interest in a big fish big money tournament that could be attached to an already great tournament.

yes i think shelby when she is on Headhunter should be pro. that way i won't get beat by a girl!!! :D
:lol: :lol:

[RichT]

Just got back from the FSDA meeting where I watched as all the club reps worked very hard to fully discuss any and all rule changes.
It was obvious that a tremendous amount of work went into figuring out the most fair tournament format that made the most people happy.
There was some very impressive number crunching and an awesome chart that showed scores from previous tournaments using various scoring possibilities.

The format that was ultimately voted on unanimously was a format that uses a 5 points per fish with a maximum 15 points per pound score.
This would result in a maximum of 20 points total per fish.
In addition... you are allowed one big fish that would count for a maximum of 50 points with 5 points added for the fish.
Or a maximum of 55 points total.
All the models showed that there was only a 9 percent min-max point difference!

BTW...the various models had innshore, East Coast, Middlegrounds, and Elbow.

The only other significant change was an addition of an East Coast captains meeting (Location to be announced) to coincide with the West Coast captains meeting.
This was added in order to foster additional participation and not make it such a hardship for our East coast friends to participate.


After listening to all the debate and reasoning Im fully in support and appreciate the hard work that went into this. :thumps:

[Jaizzen]

Nicely done. Sounds like it tooks some thought and planning.

J

[hogsniper]

Ben
I think the basic premise of your idea definitely should be discussed.
Many sports and competitions have both pro and novice divisions. :)


But what about people like "hogsniper" who has shot on a commercial boat "in the past year" but should definitely be entered in the amature division or quite possibly even the "junior" division? :D

I also like your idea of using the tournaments to help protect our opportunities to continue doing what we love to do. :thumps:

WTF?? At least I can spell "AMATEUR", therefore I must be one.

[hogsniper]

I think the basic idea of a tournament does keep some people at home. They think since they have never competed in one that they stand no chance and want to save themselves the humility of weighing in that 4 lb snapper and 2.5 lb sheepshead. Or that they could possibly ever win anything of value. I'm not saying that I think that having professional and amature divisons is right for this tournament but the idea of having professional and amature divisions could be of value to bring more shooters together in a tournament.

I am saying that hogsniper has no chance in beating me in this years Southern Open :eek: :D ;)

Looks like the yo momma jokes are gonna make a comeback.

[Spearchucker]

When are the rules going to be published? I was just wondering if I had to be at the weigh in and weigh my own fish? Also, when will the weigh in start?

Since you guys insisted on turning this into the mini-SBO 3 day event, I have an issue with my sons 6th birthday party, which is that Sunday. I can run up there in the morning and weigh my fish, but I am gone no later than noon. If these violate the rules, then please let me know so that I do not send in my entry fee.

I will say again, the Sunday thing sucks. Some of us have young kids, and these three day marathon tournaments suck when you have kids. Say what you want, but the kids come WAAAAAAAY before any tournament.

[Screen Name]

When are the rules going to be published? I was just wondering if I had to be at the weigh in and weigh my own fish? Also, when will the weigh in start?

John, the rules will be published in a week or so.

A person from your boat must deliver your fish to the weighin line with the ID tag that will be issued at the divers meeting on Friday. The ID tag is issued to protect the start time of the tournament. You are not required to attend the weighin.

The weighin will probably start at 11 AM.

[richhermes]

weigh-in at 11am? When do you plan on having the awards ceremony?

[Screen Name]

weigh-in at 11am? When do you plan on having the awards ceremony?

After the weighin. :D

Rich, I would think that it would start somewheres near 1 PM and end somewheres near 3 PM.

[Screen Name]

The Southern Open is put on by the FSDA clubs........and they are doing a great job organizing this years event. Sponsors have been great to us also. :toast:

All we need is a lucky break in the weather and this is shaping up to be a heck of a lot of fun!

A huge thanks to every volunteer for helping us put this together! :notworthy

[Petra]

Hey, everybody, don't forget to get your raffle tickets!! There are now NEW PRIZES being added to the photo and new photos added to the thread!

Check it out for more info on what you'll win and don't forget, when you donate to the FRA WE ALL WIN! : http://www.spearboard.com/showthread.php?t=46810&page=7&pp=15

[Nsearch]

Dude, chill out and have anothert funnel ;).

What funnel? :D

http://www.spearboard.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=51809&stc=1

[RichT]

The tournament is just a few days away! The weather is looking stellar and fish are everywhere! :thumps:
Ive heard great reports from 30 feet on out to the Grounds!
This years tournament has a new scoring format that really evens the guys diving inshore with the guys diving deep.

Remember the Southern Open is being Hosted by the member clubs of the FSDA including Team Spearboard, The SEAL's,The Tampa Bay Spearfishing Club, The St. Pete Underwater Club, the Bunnies, The Reef Rowdies, and the Sunshine fins.

I dont know about the other clubs but I know the SPUC's will do our part to make it a good tournament for everyone. :thumps:

And remember... any and all monies raised by this tournament go to support each and every spearfisherman reading this!

Good luck to everyone and DIVE SAFE!

[richhermes]

Dude, chill out and have another funnel ;).

My nephew's b-day party starts at four and should be done by six. I'll come over right after the party for the awards ceremony! I shouldn't miss much! I'll bring the funnel! :D:D

I'm never gonna get away from that pic. Thanks, Bryan!:D

[gogators27]

Bummer, sundays eliminate me as well.

[Screen Name]

Bummer, sundays eliminate me as well.

Every major tournament has activities on Sunday. It's logistically impractical to dive, weigh, and award in one day unless none of the volunteers get to dive.

In the Southern Open, one person from your boat has to be at the diver's meeting to receive the tag we use to control the start time. One person from the boat has to deliver your stringer and tag to the weigh-in by noon Sunday. They can pick out your prize too.

All you are really required to do is follow the rules, not depart before Friday night, stop diving by Saturday night, in US waters, from a port in Florida.

[bgbill]

Every major tournament has activities on Sunday. It's logistically impractical to dive, weigh, and award in one day unless none of the volunteers get to dive.

In the Southern Open, one person from your boat has to be at the diver's meeting to receive the tag we use to control the start time. One person from the boat has to deliver your stringer and tag to the weigh-in by noon Sunday. They can pick out your prize too.

All you are really required to do is follow the rules, not depart before Friday night, stop diving by Saturday night, in US waters, from a port in Florida.

Is the SPO going to a sunday weigh in as well?

[Screen Name]

Is the SPO going to a sunday weigh in as well?

No. The awards are on Sunday and have been for over 20 years.

[bgbill]

No. The awards are on Sunday and have been for over 20 years.


Based on your reasons for changing the SO weigh in to Sunday, I would think the same reasons would apply to the SPO as well. :confused:

[Bottom Dweller]

Bret, quit being a pain in the ass and leave John alone! He has more important things to do than respond to your aggrevating questions. :rolleyes:

[bgbill]

Bret, quit being a pain in the ass and leave John alone! He has more important things to do than respond to your aggrevating questions. :rolleyes:

If he is too busy to answer questions, he can just ignore them. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[The Collector]

If he is too busy to answer questions, he can just ignore them. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Hey John, please take Bret's advice and ignore them. :thumps:

[The Collector]

Is the SPO going to a sunday weigh in as well?

Actually, the SPO cannot go to a Sunday weigh in due to physical limitations.

Everyone is too hungover to lift their fish onto the scales on Sunday. :beer: :beer:

[Bucket One]

Is the SPO going to a sunday weigh in as well?


No! We don't want any fish brought to the weigh-in from the Bahamas. ;) :lol:

[The Collector]

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[SpearMax]

No! We don't want any fish brought to the weigh-in from the Bahamas. ;) :lol:

Hmmm...I read your short rules and Item F says "There are no boundaries." Are you changing this? ;) ;) :D :confused:

[Spearchucker]

Hmmm...I read your short rules and Item F says "There are no boundaries." Are you changing this? ;) ;) :D :confused:
Not changing a thing Tony, if you can make the Captains meeting on Friday, shoot in the Bahamas on Saturday (legally) and be in the weigh in line by 7:30 Saturday evening, more power to ya.

[Gamble]

I have Mr. Kim working on my stringer for this weekend as we speak. Hell, I'll have my St. Pete Open fish picked out and dry iced by Monday. It's just Spear Tourney Shenanigans 101. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em...........

http://andrewmcblog.com/uploaded_images/KIF_1280-732315.JPG


:redcard: :redcard: :redcard: :D

[inletsurf]

Not changing a thing Tony, if you can make the Captains meeting on Friday, shoot in the Bahamas on Saturday (legally) and be in the weigh in line by 7:30 Saturday evening, more power to ya.


This is the perfect time to unveil the new Spearboard private jet, Cessna Citation 7 with full recompression chamber and water skids.