S.F.C.A. - Rules and Guidance Notes to Scalesmen

First of All

· Weighing in a Federation match is a responsible job not to be taken lightly. If you feel you are not confident enough or are not able to do the weigh-in for any other reason please contact the Match Secretary or the Draw organiser, at the draw or as soon as possible afterwards, so that other arrangements can be made.

· You should have been given a set of scales complete with a weighing net, a pen and these notes. Please look after them!

· You should know which sections / pegs you are responsible for weighing. If this is not clear please check with the Match Secretary or his representative.

Before Weighing

· The weigh-in only takes place after the all-out has been called and the match is ended.

· Please wet the weighing net thoroughly before commencing the weigh in to protect the fish.

· Scales must be zeroed before each angler is weighed-in. To zero the scales -

1. Shake all excess water from the weighing net
2. Hang the weighing net on the scales
3. Hold the scales upright only from the handle on top, do not support the body of the scales with your other hand
4. Carefully adjust the scales, using the wheel at the back, until the needle shows Zero.

· If it is windy try to find some shelter or get other anglers to gather round you.

Weighing each angler

· Wait until you have finished zeroing the scales before asking the angler to bring in his keepnet (this saves the fish flapping about while waiting for you to finish).

· Do not allow anything other than the fish to be weighed. Remove all debris, grass, stones, mud and bait! etc. from the weighing net. Try to avoid fish dropping on the ground, for their sake as well as to stop cheating. If there is too much debris, the fish must be placed in the weighing net by hand.

· Hold the scales upright only from the handle on top, do not support the body of the scales with your other hand. Try to avoid the effect of the wind, as suggested above.

· The scales are metric and the smallest division is 10 grammes. Readings must be made in 10 gramme steps and the minimum reading is 10 grammes. If the needle is showing between two divisions, even slightly, i.e. between 240 and 250, the higher reading must be taken, i.e. 250 grammes (245 is not valid). If the scales maximum is exceeded, more that one weighing should be made, and the reading of each weighing written down.

· Try to be positive and as quick as possible while reading the weight. Don't hang about while the fish expire! As soon as the needle settles to a good enough level, announce the reading.

· The angler should witness your reading of the scales but your decision is final. Do not be intimidated by the angler, no matter what he says. Once again, your decision is final!

Recording the weight

· After the reading the fish should be put back in the water as carefully as possible (The angler can do this for you).

· Write the weight on both halves of the anglers draw card, use zeroes to indicate the weight clearly, i.e. 0 Kg 090 Grms not just 90. Sign one half and give it to the angler and retain the other half safely. The angler does not need to sign either half of the draw card.

· If, after the angler has accepted his half of the draw card, the angler finds some unweighed fish in his keepnet, these unweighed fish cannot be weighed-in.

· Another angler may have been nominated to assist you. He can do the writing but you are responsible for making sure that the weights are correct.

You must return the completed draw cards, scales, net, pen and these notes to the Match Secretary or his representative as soon as possible after the weigh-in.