BASS/Federation Rift Reaches Critical Mass

(Editor's note: This is part 1 of a 2-part story on recent developments concerning the relationship between BASS, the BASS Federation and The Bass Federation Inc.)

ESPN acquired BASS in 2001, and since that time the relationship between BASS and the BASS Federation has been on shaky ground. Over the past 3 years in particular, BASS and the Federation have sought to understand one another, but common ground has been difficult to find.

Latent tensions may have reached critical mass this morning (Fri., Nov. 18) when BASS VP and GM Don Rucks

sent an open letter to all Federation members.

In the letter, he revoked the BASS memberships of the six Federation divisional representatives: Robert Cartlidge, Chuck Rolfsmeyer, Gary Bradford, Joe McKinnon, Mike Dunkerly and Charles Mitchell. Cartlidge also serves as president of The Bass Federation Inc. (TBF Inc.). In addition, TBF Inc. VP Roger Fitchett had his BASS membership revoked.

Rucks accused those seven people of threatening "illegal" activity.

In order to properly frame the current conflict, here's a brief timeline with key events that have shaped the current relationship between BASS and the Federation.

Understanding the Clubs

To help properly grasp the size and scope of the Federation, here are a few facts:

> At about 40,000 members, the BASS Federation is one of the largest groups – if not the largest, definable, single group – of tournament anglers and enthusiasts in the world. Everyone in the business side of bass fishing – including BASS and FLW Outdoors – recognizes the group's value in the marketplace.

> Federation members do far more than fish tournaments. Their efforts in conservation activism and youth and other activities benefit all bass anglers.

> The Federation is the only definable grassroots/weekend angler component of BASS, though BASS is changing that with its new Weekend Series. As part of BASS, the Federation enables BASS to put this sentence at the end of its press releases: "BASS is the worldwide authority on bass fishing, sanctioning more than 20,000 events through the BASS Federation annually."

> The value of the Federation in the bass-fishing marketplace is arguably larger than anyone has yet realized or quantified.

Key Developments

Prior to the 2003 Bassmaster Classic, tensions between BASS and the Federation were strained. It had to do with rumors of omitting Federation slots from the Bassmaster Classic and other items.

Tensions were high enough that state Federation presidents (who are elected by state members) elected five divisional representatives and then asked those divisional reps to construct a plan in case BASS and ESPN intentionally or unintentionally forced the Federation out.

Those divisional reps were referred to as the "Fab 5," and included present-day reps Cartlidge, Rolfsmeyer, Mitchell, Bradford and Fitchett (no longer a divisional rep but now employed by TBF Inc.).

A few weeks prior to the 2003 Classic, BASS fired Federation director Al Smith, who was seen by many Federation members as the fall guy for what they felt were ill-conceived strategies on the part of ESPN/BASS.

BASS, at that time, was rumored to be considering a weekend "BFL-style" trail, which the Federation saw as a threat to its weekend events. BASS did eventually launch its ESPN Outdoors Bassmaster Series, but not until 2005.

At the 2003 Classic, BASS and the Federation met under significant tension. Although some things were resolved, the Federations still felt ill at ease. But BASS founder Ray Scott stepped in and did a lot to reassure the Federation. By some accounts, Scott "saved" the Federation from exiting BASS.

Two weeks after the 2003 Classic, BASS announced that former Federation director Don Corkran was returning to that post. The move was seen as a positive by the Federation.

Things went fairly smoothly until a letter appeared in the September 2003 issue of BASS Times, penned by then-BASS GM Dean Kessel. In that letter, Kessel accused the Fab 5 (who at that time had formed the United Bass Federation, which later became TBF Inc.) of wanting "to assume control of the Federation and take over virtually all of its functions."

The Fab 5 disagreed – arguing they were elected by the state presidents – and tensions flared again.

TBF Inc. became a stand-alone company meant to act for the Federation as a whole in its dealings with ESPN/BASS as well as other companies.

Corkran retired from his position in January 2005, when BASS moved from Alabama to Florida, and in July BASS hired Gary Jones as director of Federation and angler relations.

A Little More Background

The Federation is a difficult animal to grasp. At its core, it's a group of 50 state and international Federations that are stand-alone corporations in the state or country where they do business. The "Federation" is therefore not owned by any one group.

Each Federation has a president, elected by members. Those presidents in turn elect divisional representatives.

Each Federation, and each club within each Federation, is different, with a unique style and personality. Some Federation members remain fiercely loyal to BASS, while others have stated that they wish to break that affiliation. Still other members could care less either way – as long as they can fish a few days a year with their friends.

Federation members pay $15 yearly dues, the allocation of which has been printed to be: $6 to fund the Divisionals, $6 to fund liability and AD&D insurance policies, and $3 to fund the BASS Federation National Championship. (At 40,000 Federation members, that amounts to $600,000 annually.)

Anglers who advance through the Federation Divisionals are invited to fish the National Championship. The highest finisher in each of the six divisions at the National Championship are invited to the Bassmaster Classic.

Today's Developments

Events came to a head this morning when Rucks issued his open letter. The root of the issue can be traced to a dues increase. BASS increased Federation dues from $15 to $20 in October. But the divisional reps said BASS could not institute a dues increase. According to them, BASS may propose a dues increase, but it ultimately has to be approved by the state presidents.

Rucks, in his letter, compared the cost of the increase to a single crankbait. He also accused the divisional reps of threatening "illegal" activity. Here's why.

The divisional reps suggested to the state presidents that they not support the dues increase, and rather than have members submit dues directly to BASS, asked the state Federations to collect the money and hold it until a meeting in early January. At that meeting, the presidents and divisional reps would decide "a final path forward for the Federation as a whole."

Rucks felt that action "crossed the line," and stated in the open letter: "Presuming they were 'representing' the interests of all 50,000 Federation members, these individuals issued a proclamation stating that membership dues for the upcoming year should be withheld from BASS and sent to the state Federations directly. The reps were attempting to take on duties and responsibilities that were never in the scope and spirit of their role.

"It's important to note the individuals issued this directive independent of the membership, and their actions run counter to the principles on which Ray Scott founded the BASS Federation.

"By instructing State Federation presidents to withhold 2006 club/member dues, which must be received by BASS by Dec. 31, 2005, the seven 'divisional representatives' have crossed the line. We are compelled to act, and to act decisively. To do otherwise would be detrimental to the sport of bass fishing.

"Threatening to illegally withhold annual BASS membership dues is a deliberate attempt to jeopardize the business of BASS and operations of the BASS Federation," Rucks wrote. "By authority granted BASS in the BASS Federation Divisional Representatives Group Operating Policies and Procedures, BASS has decided to dismiss the Federation Presidents Advisory members and to terminate this Board indefinitely."

So the current argument is about the $5 dues increase. But it's also about much more. It's about who has the authority to impose an increase, who controls the money, and who controls the Federation as a whole.

Reps React

The letter from Rucks was issued as the Federation divisional reps stepped off a plane this morning for a meeting in Orlando, Fla. When BassFan spoke with Cartlidge, he had not yet received the letter.

BASS was supposed to attend that meeting, but canceled a few weeks ago. The divisional reps decided to go forward with the meeting anyway.

BASS's Jones told BassFan: "We had set up a meeting for today, and after the response from the divisional reps to both BASS and the Federation State presidents around the country on Nov. 1, we were so surprised with their deliberate attempt to affect our business and hold the members hostages that we felt it best (to cancel the meeting).

"And actually, some things did come up where managers were out of town – they had some meetings this week and some other things happen within the management ranks up in New York – but it was not that. We decided to cancel the meeting because we had to get this response up to their letter sent out Nov. 1. We saw no reason to go forward with the meeting after their obstructions to the states regarding 2006 dues."

Cartlidge, after he met with the divisional reps today in Orlando, said BASS cannot revoke his position of divisional rep. That authority, according to him, lies with the state presidents.

"I am still the president of TBF Inc. and the Central Division representative," he said. "I was elected by the presidents, not appointed by BASS. Until the presidents tell me I'm done, I'm still here. The presidents are the only ones who can remove us. The presidents are the ultimate decision-makers here."

And Cartlidge noted he spoke with "lots of presidents" today, who expressed that they would "support" him.

And on why, specifically, he asked the state presidents to withhold dues from BASS, Cartlidge said: "We have been pushing for over a year now for an accounting from BASS of where the current money's going, and have been unable to get those questions answered satisfactorily. We would need that before sending more money that's not being accounted for into BASS. The only thing Gary Jones told us is their costs have gone up.

"The Federation dues (explanations), which have been widely publicized in BASS Times and chapter updates, show exactly where Federation dues are supposed to go. When they increased the dues $3 to fund the National Championship, the presidents voted to do that."

Cartlidge also said: "If you take $3 times 50,000 (members) that's $150,000. But the National Championship is still paying out the same $50,000 we were before. The Federation members are paying their own way and always have, so we need to know where the rest of the money's going if we're to okay a dues increase."

Jones restated Rucks' assertion – that the extra money is needed to fund an increase in benefit operating costs. "As the expenses or costs of those benefits increase over time, dues increases are warranted," Jones said. "And it's BASS's prerogative to increase the dues."

In terms of a paper trail of where the extra $5 in dues would be applied, Jones said: "There are elements of the membership dues that go against all these benefits, including the two or three primary benefits that were in the past communicated as components of the dues. All those components, as well as others, have continued to rise in costs.

"There are obviously costs involved with running the business, including benefits provided to Federation members, which go way beyond what the Federation dues actually cover. But at this point, we do not plan to describe specific components for the dues."

Notable

> The timing of the dues increase was also a major issue. Cartlidge noted that "many State Federations have constitutions and bylaws that can't be changed with a sweep of the hand. And when we left to come (to Orlando), the dues paperwork had not yet been mailed to the clubs."

> Along with a subscription to BASS Times, other Federation benefits described by BASS include: 24/7 AD&D insurance coverage, event liability coverage, conservation programs, Junior World Championship berths, early entries, preferred tournament slots for boaters and non-boaters, six reserved Classic slots, divisional tournament expertise, coverage on the Internet, the Alliance program, Family Fest, CastingKids kits and international Federation administration.

> Although BASS uses the figure of 50,000 to describe total Federation membership, both Cartlidge and Jones agreed the number was somewhere in the low 40s.

> The complete text of the Rucks Open letter appears below, followed by the complete text of a letter sent by divisional reps to Jones and the Federation presidents, dated Nov. 1.

– End of part 1 (of 2) –
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An Open Letter to BASS Federation Members (From Don Rucks)

In response to attempts by the so-called "divisional representatives" of the BASS Federation to undermine BASS and the BASS Federation, and for conduct detrimental to BASS, its members and the sport of bass fishing, BASS has determined that for the benefit of BASS and the BASS Federation, it will no longer communicate with the Federations through the divisional representatives. In addition BASS is revoking the seven BASS memberships of the following individuals: Robert Cartlidge, Roger Fitchett, Chuck Rolfsmeyer, Gary Bradford, Joe McKinnon, Mike Dunkerly and Charles Mitchell.

BASS will no longer communicate with these individuals in any capacity, nor will these individuals be welcome at any BASS-sanctioned event now or in the future. BASS will communicate only with the state BASS Federations and with individual members in good standing.

Further, since BASS Federation bylaws require that an individual be a "member in good standing" to hold office, any Federation or club offices they may have held will be impacted. Those states affected by these dismissals should contact BASS immediately to make the necessary changes.

How The Situation Started

To clarify any possible misunderstandings associated with this decision, we want all members of BASS to understand its origin. On Nov. 1, BASS announced a $5 increase in annual membership dues to $20 for 2006. Previously, Federation members were paying $15 annually for the benefits of Federation membership.

In response, presuming they were "representing" the interests of all 50,000 Federation members, these individuals issued a proclamation stating that membership dues for the upcoming year should be withheld from BASS and sent to the state Federations directly. The reps were attempting to take on duties and responsibilities that were never in the scope and spirit of their role.

It's important to note the individuals issued this directive independent of the membership, and their actions run counter to the principles on which Ray Scott founded the BASS Federation. Equally important to note is the fact that this $5 membership increase – equal to the cost of one crankbait, to put the entire debate in its proper perspective – is necessary and warranted.

Your BASS Benefits

Over the past 5 years the costs of benefits provided to Federation members have increased substantially. Consider BASS Times, for example, the national publication and platform of the BASS Federation. Members receive this publication as part of their annual membership dues, yet a basic subscription, if they were paying full price, would by itself exceed the $20 dues.

BASS Times is just one example. Other benefits of Federation membership include -- but are not limited to –– 24/7 AD&D insurance coverage, event liability coverage, conservation programs, Junior World Championship berths at the Bassmaster Classic, early entries, preferred tournament slots for boaters and non-boaters, six reserved Classic slots for Federation members, divisional tournament expertise, worldwide coverage on the Internet, the Alliance program, Family Fest, Casting Kids kits and international Federation administration.

Costs for all these benefits far exceed annual dues, and they are continually rising. Yet the basic Federation membership fee has not increased in 6 years.

Crossing The Line

By instructing State Federation Presidents to withhold 2006 club/member dues, which must be received by BASS by Dec. 31, 2005, the seven "divisional representatives" have crossed the line. We are compelled to act, and to act decisively. To do otherwise would be detrimental to the sport of bass fishing.

Threatening to illegally withhold annual BASS membership dues is a deliberate attempt to jeopardize the business of BASS and operations of the BASS Federation. By authority granted BASS in the BASS Federation Divisional Representatives Group Operating Policies and Procedures, BASS has decided to dismiss the Federation Presidents Advisory members and to terminate this Board indefinitely.

Next Steps

To circumvent the actions of these seven individuals in the affected state Federations, we encourage every member of good standing to work diligently and quickly to collect the dues and send them at your earliest opportunity to BASS by Dec. 31, 2005. Only those who comply will be eligible to enter a contender in the 2006 BASS Federation National Championship to be held January 11-13, 2006. States that do not submit their rosters and dues of $20 per member to BASS headquarters by Dec. 31 will not be allowed to participate in the Championship, which qualifies six Federation anglers for the 2006 CITGO Bassmaster Classic.

For those impacted State Federations, you have new officers to elect. We hope to work closely with all of you as we strive to take our sport and the BASS Federation into an exciting new era without these seven individuals who have attempted to put themselves ahead of the greater good. All of this over a $5 increase in membership dues, an increase that is absolutely necessary and warranted!

This is a very unfortunate episode, I'll admit. But we have discussed this with Ray Scott, founder of BASS and the BASS Federation, and he agrees that we have no alternative.

Ray pointed out that, early in BASS history, a group within the Federation tried to break away and form their own organization. Ray acted decisively, expelling those Federation leaders and then rebuilding even stronger Federations in those few states.

"It was painful for a short while, but the BASS Federation overall was better off after the malcontents left. That's the way it will be after we regroup this time," said Scott.

For whatever reasons, these former "divisional representatives" have not been representing your best interests.

I urge you to join BASS in helping build a stronger, more responsive, more vibrant BASS Federation — for the good of our sport.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact BASS immediately.

Respectfully,
Don B. Rucks
(BASS) General Manager
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Letter From Divisional Representatives To Gary Jones And Federation Presidents

After much feedback today from the Presidents\states today, we do not know where to start. I thought we agreed not to blindside each other with information.

Just to make it clear to all, we the Reps had no conversations, or communications with BASS about this proposed dues increase. Nor do we support it in this fashion.

The Federation dues have always been there to benefit the member. A breakdown of the dues has been published many times, in Bassmaster and Bass Times, Chapter handbooks, and mailed out with chapter updates. It is well documented. It is, $6 to insurance, $6 to the divisional prize purse and $3 to the Federation National Championship expense. While it is true that dues have not been raised in many years, the last time it was raised from $12 to $15, it was plainly communicated that the extra $3 would go toward making a bigger better Federation National Championship. That's the same championship that still pays out $50,000 total prize money with $15,000 to 1st place as it did then.

Even still, the increase was proposed, discussed, planned and voted into place by the Federation presidents. It's their decision to make. Where does BASS find the nerve to mandate to the states that they are raising the dues (for) state Federation members? And the arrogance to raise dues on an organization you don't even own?

Many states and many more clubs have the $15 dues outlined in their constitution and bylaws. That cannot just be changed on a whim by BASS. This change cannot take place this year, in our opinion.

BASS (also) has put it in writing, plainly and widely publicized, that there would be no mandates to the Federations. Yet here it is.

We do not know how to make it any more clear than the presidents did at the Classic: The rank and file members and most state Federations do not see the value compared to the "cost" of being a Federation member now, under current circumstances, much less with a dues increase designed to do nothing more than make BASS some money to offset their costs. What about the state's costs?

We were very candid with you in our last reps meeting about the issues and concerns over BASS's handling of the Federation dues money, insurance and other items. We laid out a plan to fix it, and you agreed to meet with us again to resolve those issues.

We have a meeting scheduled for Nov. 18 that we just set up on Monday, Oct. 31! Robert talked to you (Gary Jones) on the phone for nearly an hour, over several Federation issues needing attention just last Friday yet you never mentioned anything about a dues increase.

It is our position as the Federation representatives, and as the officers of TBF Inc., that we have been very open and honest with BASS about all plans and objectives. We wish we could say the same for BASS.

It is also our position as those whom the presidents have elected to represent them, that it is the state Presidents that are the ultimate decision-makers concerning items of the Federation business. It is further our suggestion and request to the state Presidents as of now, to refuse to pay any increase in dues at this time.

(Presidents) please contact each of your clubs in your state and have them ignore the notice of increase from BASS and mail their rosters and the $15 dues money to the state Federation, not to BASS. Then the Presidents can decide at our meeting in January a final path forward for the Federation as a whole.

In Unity,
The Federation Representatives and Officers of TBF Inc.