← Planning

This document provides a clear breakdown of the terminology used by USA Bassin and how the hierarchy of events and users flows within the organization.

1. People: Who is Who?

In the legacy "SWAT" system, user roles were fragmented across "Administrators," "Division Admins," and "Contacts". In the new system, we are streamlining these into three clear tiers:

  • SuperAdmin Users with global access who manage finances, run high-level reports, and oversee the entire organization.
  • Director (Collapsing Legacy Names): This is the role we are simplifying. Whether they run a local division or a larger regional event, we will call them Directors. They are the "boots on the ground" who manage anglers at the ramp.
  • Angler (Member): The competitors. They pay a $30 annual membership fee and individual tournament entry fees .

2. Hierarchy: From Lake to National Classic

Understanding the "Tournament Flow" is critical. It operates like a pyramid:

The Tournament

A single, one-day competition at a specific lake and boat ramp. Anglers compete in pairs (Teams) to catch the heaviest limit of fish.

The Division/Trail (used interchangeably

  • The Division: A local group of tournaments (usually 5 events per season).
  • The Trail: This is the "series" of tournaments. When people say they are "fishing a trail," they mean they are competing in all events within a specific Division to earn points.

The Regional

A larger "next-step" event held at the end of the season. Anglers qualify for Regionals by performing well in their local Divisions/Trails.

The Championship (The Classic)

The pinnacle of the season. USA Bassin holds four culminating "Classic" events in the spring where grand prizes, like fully-loaded bass boats, are awarded.

3. The Operational Flow: How it Works

The Fiscal Year (The Overlap)

USA Bassin operates on a September 1st to August 31st year.

  • September: The new season starts; anglers begin earning points in local Divisions.
  • Fall/Spring: While new tournaments are happening, "Regionals" are simultaneously held to qualify anglers for the previous year's "Classic".

Tournament Day Workflow

  1. Check-in: The Director verifies the Angler's $30 membership. If expired, they renew it.
  2. Team Setup: Two anglers are paired into a Team for that specific event.
  3. The Weigh-in: At the end of the day, the Director records the "Raw Weight." If a fish is dead, the system auto-deducts 0.5 lbs.
  4. Payouts: The Director pays out the winners in cash immediately at the ramp.
  5. Settling Up: The Director owes the organization a "Result Fee" (usually $10 per boat) plus any membership fees collected.