Official Rules

Age Groups:

The tournament welcomes participants of all ages! Youth ages 0–9 and 10–15 will compete in their respective age groups, while individuals 16 and older will be grouped together as a family.

Registration:

In‑person registration is from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM. No registrations after 10:00 AM. Everyone must check in at the registration booth to participate.

Fishing Hours:

The official tournament fishing hours are 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. You may begin fishing as soon as you complete registration, but any white perch caught before 9:00 AM or after 12:00 PM will not count. Volunteers will collect all white perch caught before the official start time.

Regulations:

All state and lake fishing regulations apply. Anyone 16 or older who is actively fishing must have a valid Nebraska fishing permit. A valid State Park permit is required to enter the park.

Fishing Area:

Fishing is from shore only. For your safety, please avoid walking, sitting, or climbing on the rocks along the bank, as they can be hazardous. Accessing the rocks is at your own risk.

Scoring:

Each angler is responsible for tracking only the white perch they personally catch.
Each participant receives a wristband with a unique identifier number.
Participants ages 0–15 accumulate their own individual scores.
Participants ages 16 and above count their fish toward their family group’s total score.
Volunteers will ensure fish are placed in the correct groups.
When submitting fish, provide your wristband number to the volunteers.

Winners:

Highest fish counts in each group win. Prizes are awarded to at least the top three finishers in each group.

Tie Breaker:

In the event of a tie, the lower wristband number wins.

Gear:

Free‑to‑borrow fishing gear and bait are provided by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, but you are welcome to bring your own. Please return borrowed gear at the end of the event.

White Perch Handling:

It is illegal to possess live white perch. Volunteers will collect all white perch caught during the event.

Liability:

Participation carries inherent risks. All participants assume responsibility for their own safety and personal belongings. The Nebraska Fish and Game Association does not guarantee personal safety or property security. Please review the “Release of Liability” document available on our website and at the registration area.

Youth Supervision:

All youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Parents and guardians are responsible for supervising their youth during the event.

Lunch:

Lunch is provided to registered participants and volunteers only.

Release of Liability

Agreement to Terms:

By attending and/or participating in the Branched Oak Kids’ White Perch Tournament (the “Tournament”) or any related activities, you acknowledge and agree to the following Release of Liability. Parents and legal guardians agree to these terms on behalf of any minors under their care.

General Release:

You hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue the Nebraska Fish and Game Association, its officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives, volunteers, and successors and assigns (collectively, the “Releasees”) from any and all claims, actions, demands, losses, damages, costs, and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) arising out of or connected with your attendance and/or participation in the Tournament or any related activities. This includes, but is not limited to, claims for personal injury, death, property damage, loss, or wrongful death.

Assumption of Risk:

You understand that participation in the Tournament involves inherent risks, including but not limited to:

Slips, trips, and falls
Contact with other participants or spectators
Exposure to weather and natural elements
Contact with fishing hooks, tackle, and equipment
Injuries caused by fish or other aquatic life
Injuries involving watercraft or other vehicles in the area

You voluntarily assume all risks associated with your attendance and/or participation in the Tournament and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Releasees from any and all claims arising out of or connected with your participation.

Parent/Guardian Consent:

Parents and legal guardians acknowledge that minors may not fully understand the risks associated with outdoor activities. By allowing a minor to participate, you agree to this Release of Liability on their behalf and accept full responsibility for their safety, conduct, and supervision throughout the event.

Physical Condition:

You affirm that you are physically and mentally able to attend and/or participate in the Tournament and that you have no known medical conditions that would increase your risk of injury or death as a result of participation.

Responsibility:

You acknowledge that you are responsible for your own safety and personal belongings. The Nebraska Fish and Game Association does not guarantee the safety of participants or the security of personal property.

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