A new database is being put together to handle orphan teams on an occasional basis.

When a new school starts putting together high school fishing teams or a current school adds teams in the run up to a tournament and does not have enough captains for a specific lake they will then be able to access this database and find captains for that lake whom has already been vetted and has all of the requirements needed to take out a team.

Here are some of the questions that has been asked:

FAQ: What is an orphan boat captain? The far majority of the teams already have fathers, grandfathers, friends, and other volunteers who take out teams for these events. So we are really talking about orphan teams. Those just starting up or being added to a schools roster just in time for the next event. Going to a lake they have never been to with a new team and no captain.
Also some teams may not be associated with a high school. Not every high school has organized fishing teams so there are independent teams as well, and out of state teams without captains but all have to be approved by the THSBA to fish in their events.
And there are also private events like the LFCOC annual high school open held in July at Lake Fork.

Do I have to be vetted to get on this list and how will that be done? There are requirements that all of the boat captains must meet. And different high schools have different requirements. A background check and the proper boat insurance are the most important. All the rules are listed on the other side of this form.
A current CHL will provide what is needed for the background check. Or having your driver license scanned prior to all of this will let you qualify. Some schools require both even if you have a CHL. For our database we require both.

Why do I have to get this form notarized? It is important to us and to the schools, the parents, and to the students that you are who you say you are. By standing in front of a notary and signing this form having had the CHL and DL license checks everyone now knows that you are “safe”. We are talking about children and we want to convey that we have done everything we possibly can to make sure they are safe as do you.

How will it work once I am approved? This form, of which you will have a copy, will be kept on file by the THSBA. When an orphan team contacts the association about fishing in one of their events or another organization contacts them to use their list they will then check the database for boat captains at the prescribed lake and give that information to those folks. If required they can fax a copy of your form to the requesting organization or individuals.

What lakes or regions can I take the kids too? You'd certainly want to take them to lakes for which you are familiar. You might say North East Texas or West Texas between certain cities instead of listing all of the lakes in that area. Or you might just say one lake if that is the only lake you want to fish in.

The Texas High School Bass Assoc has approved this vetting procedure. If you would like a copy of the form to be able to proceed with having yourself vetted to become a participant in this important and fun activity to become a captain and added to the database please e-mail me at [email protected].

Put down that it is for the THSBA

Thanks,

Bruce Allen