How do I get in an England Team?
For Home Internationals (v Ireland, Scotland & Wales – in Loch-style, Rivers or Bank disciplines) you first need to reach the appropriate National through Qualifiers organised throughout the country.
Doing well enough in the National Finals gains you a place in the England team for the following year, subject to formal approval by the ATTEFF International Committee (TEFFIC).
To be eligible for selection to World and European Championship teams you must first achieve certain Selection Criteria based on your performance in Bank, Rivers and Loch-style heats in the Elite Performance Programme (EPP). This ranking then forms the basis of the World and European teams for the following year. The relevant team managers will select the teams from the list of those that do well in the EPP.
Which Qualifier should I fish?
There is no geographical requirement about which Qualifiers you fish, for example, even though you live in the South East you are still free to fish in Midlands Qualifiers.
You can also fish Qualifiers in different disciplines in different geographical areas, for example, doing a Southern Rivers Qualifier and a Midlands Loch-style Qualifier.
Most competitors find it best to do their Qualifier at a venue they fish regularly and therefore know well.
Who decides where Nationals are held?
The venue for Loch-style Nationals currently rotates between Grafham, Bewl, Rutland and Chew, the four approved venues. (Not necessarily in that order.) Other venues may be added to this list once approved by ATTEFF.
Venues for the River and Bank Nationals are chosen by ATTEFF from a number of proposed venues. For organisational reasons the Rivers National venue usually remains the same for two consecutive years.
What are the Competition Rules?
There are separate rules for Loch-Style, Rivers and Bank Qualifiers and Nationals. See this web site for details.
For World and European events, FIPS-Mouche rules apply. This information can be found elsewhere on this site.
How do I get a TEFF Badge?
Badges, Zingers, Ties and other TEFF merchandise are available from Paul Page. All profits go to TEFF funds.
Why did TEFF join The Angling Trust?
The Angling Trust (AT) is the new, single organisation representing all game, coarse and sea angling in England. It is the governing body for all angling, seeking government funding to develop the sport at all levels, and protecting your rights as a fisherman. It is our belief the AT will be the route through which sports grants will be available to fund teams and develop the sport throughout the country. More information
For every Qualifier I fish ATTEFF charges an entry fee on top of normal fishing fees. What happens to this?
This money goes towards supporting all ATTEFF teams at our International events. Such income is ring-fenced to ensure it is retained by ATTEFF and not passed on to the Angling Trust’s general fund.
Why do I have to be a member of the Angling Trust to fish a National?
Given that ATTEFF’s own charges are used solely for running its own events (see above), the Angling Trust still requires your support in order to represent all fishermen at every level. For that reason, all National competitors must have valid membership of the Angling Trust. You will find information on AT membership here.
Who runs the World and European Championships?
World and European Championships are run by FIPS-Mouche, or the Fédération Internationale de Peche Sportive Mouche (International Sport Flyfishing Federation). This is the fly fishing arm of CIPS, the World regulating body for competitive fishing in all disciplines. You will find more information at the CIPS website
Frequently Asked Questions – Loch-Style Qualifier Entrants 2023
https://docs.google.com/document/d/193KQiTtUpoWmzoxkxdDs5Fzo_cECp0wVldm1iX7hxtE/edit?usp=sharing
GENERAL.
Angling Trust statement on the role of volunteers
Angling Trust volunteers play a vital and integral role in angling participation. Without their dedication and commitment, the vast majority of events simply could not happen. We believe volunteers’ contributions should be acknowledged and appreciated by all anglers.
Unfortunately, there have been a number of recent instances where these unpaid Angling Trust officials have been subjected to abuse. The Angling Trust considers this abuse to be wholly unacceptable and as such will not be tolerated.
Complaints of mistreatment from our volunteers will be taken very seriously. Individuals who are considered to be out of order will be asked to explain their actions and may risk being excluded from future competitions
Thank you.
Angling Trust TEFF Loch-Style Qualifiers
Frequently Asked Questions – 2023 v1.0
2018 saw the introduction of a ‘repechage’ with anglers qualifying from the regional heats. This now seems to have lost its popularity and so the repechage will be removed for 2023 and replaced with a slightly different heat – more below.
FAQs
Where are this year’s heats being held and when?
This year heats will be split into two blocks – A and B.
Block A heats are at Blagdon on 23rd April, Sweethope and Bewl on 30th April, Draycote on 7th May, Chew on 28th May, Grafham on 3rd June and Blithfield on 9th June. Block B heat will be at Rutland on 2nd July. The final will be at Grafham on 23rd and 24th September.
How will this year’s heats be organised?
We have reviewed the actual attendance at all heats over the last year and it is apparent that numbers interested in competitive fishing are falling. There was also a dislike of the repecharge (used in previous years) which was designed to make it possible for an angler to know if he has qualified for the final at the end of a heat. The repechage has now been dropped and replaced with a ‘catch all’ heat (block B) as detailed above and below.
For 2023 there will be less heats. Heats will be in two blocks with 7 venues in block A and one venue in block B (the catch all heat – block B) – see above.
How many entries can I make?
In line with anglers’ comments TEFF has decided to reduce the number of attempts. This goes some way to alleviate concerns that anglers were ‘buying their way’ to the final. You can now only make 2 entries, one in block A and if you are unsuccessful, another in block B OR you can simply enter once into the block B heat alone.
How many will go through to the final?
Depending on entry numbers approx 30% to 50% should go through to the final from block A heats. The aim is to have enough going through to make a 100 rod final. So, from block A heats we would expect to see around 80 to 92 going through. (depends on total entries) The remainder will be taken from the ‘catch all’ heat (block B). Odds at the’ catch all’ will be substantially lower than at a block A heat, again depending on entry numbers.
When do entries open and close and how is the calculation done?
Entries to block A heats will open at 8pm on 1st March and close on 31st March at midnight. That way we shall know how many have entered at each of the 7 venues. We can then calculate a percentage that will progress. This figure will be rounded up or down. For example, we have 200 anglers enter the block A heats. To achieve 92 through to the final 46% of entrants would go through (92/200 = 46%). However this figure relies heavily on a good entry. If entry numbers are significantly lower TEFF may elect to only allow say 80 to the final with the remaining 20 coming from the ‘catch all’. The final percentage will only be known once entries close on 31st March. Odds at the ‘catch all’ will never be better than those at a block A heat. It may be that the number in the final is less than 100.
Entries to the block B heat (catch all) will open on 10th June. The number of places available will not be klnown until the black A heats have closed.
What dates are the heats and what venues will be used?
These can be found on the te-ff website or see above.
Why has the repechage been removed?
The repechage was becoming unpopular as, with falling numbers entering the qualifier process, too many anglers were gaining entry to the final through the repechage. Entry numbers are now more uncertain than ever. There is a desire to have a 100 rod final and this could now be achieved by using the ‘catch all’ as mentioned above. However, it may be that the number in the final is less than 100 – this will depend on total entries.
What has replaced the repecharge?
This has been replaced by a one-off ‘catch all’ heat (block B) at a large venue and will have a maximum of 100 anglers. However only a small percentage will progress depending on total entries that enter all heats and the ‘catch all’. The ‘catch all’ will provide enough anglers to make the final 100 rods approx but this may be varied by the TEFF Exec.
How will I know if I have qualified?
As AT TEFF will know how many have entered all the heats in block A it will now be possible to tell you at the end of the heat if you have qualified. If you are unsuccessful then you will have an opportunity to enter the block B heat.
Can I enter again if I fail to qualify at a block A heat?
Yes you can then enter the block B ‘catch all’ heat but the odds of qualifying will be far less.
Can I enter just the block B ‘catch all’ heat?
Yes but the odds of qualifying will be far less than those from a block A heat.
So how many rods will there be in the national final?
We aim to have a 100 rod final in 2023. It will very much depend on total entries. 2022 saw a decline in entries and with the economic downturn it is possible entry numbers may fall again. It is very much guesswork but, if we attain an entry of around 160, then 50% (80) may go through leaving 20 rods to come from the ‘catch all’ block B heat. Once we know the total entry to the block A heats we can then work out the total number of entries that will be available at the block B heat.
Can I enter more than one qualifier?
Yes, you can enter up to TWO qualifiers but only one in block A.
Do I have to pay the same fee for all my qualifiers?
Yes, however only one entry fee is due for the 2 day final.
What happens to my entry fees if the event is cancelled?
A full refund will be made if AT TEFF cancels a heat due to lack of entries.
Do I have to be an Angling Trust Member to fish a qualifier?
Yes. A check is made such that only paid-up members are able to enter. We would recommend you taking out Angling Trust membership to get your own Personal Liability Insurance anyway. Should you qualify for the AT TEFF Team England you must also be an Angling Trust member in the year that you fish for that team.
Who decides on the venues that are used for the qualifiers and National Final?
The location for the heats and final is decided by the AT TEFF Executive Committee (as detailed on AT TEFF website) and is based on major reservoirs capable of hosting a large number of anglers. TEFF endeavours to be inclusive and is introducing a heat in the NE of England at Sweethope. Bewl will continue to be supported for those anglers that reside in the SE.
The venue I wish to fish in is full, what can I do?
You can only elect to fish another venue as no reserves will be taken.
I notice there is one closing date for entries, what is the purpose of that?
This enables TEFF to know exactly how many entries it will have before the first heat is fished. That way we can work out the percentage that will progress to the final. Any shortfall will be made up from the block B heat.
I am unhappy about the way the qualifiers are organised, how can I make my comments known and to whom?
The qualifiers are run by the AT TEFF so any comments should be passed to the AT TEFF Secretary (Contact details on the AT TEFF website) for their consideration. Any complaint made to volunteers or fishery staff will not be considered – all complaints must be in writing or by email to the ATTEFF Secretary.
You have asked me to pay my entry fee and fishing fee at the same time – why? What if I am a season ticket holder?
This is to save admin time and makes the whole payment process easier. The local organiser will NOT take any entry or fishing fees. These must all be paid when you enter on-line via the Angling Trust website payment system. The Q&NC will arrange for the fishing fees to be paid to the fishery.
If you are a season ticket* holder at one of the venues you will still be required to pay the full entry and fishing fee. It is your responsibility to re-claim your fishing fee from the fishery.
*on Anglian Water fisheries you will be responsible for paying for your fishing permit – this can be done upto 10 days prior to the match. When you enter a AW heat on the AT website you will be paying for your boat, entry fee and admin fee only.
Why did you set a minimum entry at a heat?
We would prefer in future and to cut down on administration to have slightly less venues with larger participant numbers. To achieve this it was decided to have a minimum entry requirement. However in the extended region, for example the south east (Bewl), north east (Sweethope) a reduced minimum entry will be allowed so as not to disaffect those regional anglers.
What happens to the entry fee, is it ring-fenced for the Loch-style Teams within AT?
The entry income is ring-fenced and used to support all our AT TEFF teams. Every penny of revenue raised is reinvested in AT TEFF.
Are the rules across all qualifiers going to be standardised? Will strict International Rules be applied? What about Brown Trout?
On the whole TEFF tries to align its rules with those used in the International. However, the qualifiers will be fished to the rules published on the AT TEFF web site but there may be a few local changes dictated by the Fishery. Entrants should familiarise themselves with the fishery rules as well as local rules. This includes for out of bounds areas, sailing areas and other restrictions such as distances from bank anglers etc. You are strongly advised to keep well clear of these areas to be certain you do not fall foul of this rule. Changes / amendments to the rules will apply for 2023 – please ensure you read them again fully.
From 2023 all matches will be fished to a format of kill 3, catch and release a further 13 then time bonus. 2lb per fish returned and 2lb per hour will apply.
Debarbed or barbless flies are to be used throughout the match
Brown trout. No brown trout are to be killed at Anglian Water venues. The local organiser will advise on the day as to how browns are recorded or not.
When fishing to catch and release, what are the rules on flies?
AT TEFF appreciates that anglers have many thousands of flies dressed on barbed hooks. There will be a move to use totally barbless flies in the future. In the interim, any match involving catch and release will mean flies have to be either barbless or debarbed (unless the fishery allows otherwise – you will be notified at the pre match briefing). The use of certain flies when fishing to catch and release (boobies, doubles etc) may also be barred – again you will be informed at the briefing. Where we know in advance details will be posted on the TEFF website.
How will my catch be recorded?
The event organiser will issue every angler with a pre printed match card. It is upto the anglers to complete this card simultaneously with the details requested. The card must be signed by both anglers in the boat. Failure to present a signed card at the weigh-in will mean disqualification. Cards must be marked at the end of the match such that no further illicite entries can be made by either angler. Cards will be checked thoughout the match by officials and any incomplete card will mean both anglers are disqualified. You must complete catch details on the card as every fish is caught. You must provide your own ball point AND FINE TIP 0.4mm pen / dry wipe marker pen (for use on laminated score cards or paper). We also suggest you bring a suitable large clear plastic zip bag in which to store the card and to keep it dry (Dry wipe pens will not work on wet laminated cards and ball points will not work on paper cards)
Will it be possible to pay fishing fees on the day of the qualifier?
Simple answer – NO. All fees are payable at the time of entry.
What happens if there are odd numbers on the day of the qualifier?
The Local Organiser should have somebody on standby for this.
Why is there such an emphasis on Insurance and Risk Assessment?
The health and wellbeing of anglers is of paramount importance.
How are any reported disputes / complaints dealt with?
At every qualifier there will be at least 3 AT TEFF nominated officials present. One is normally the event organiser but the others may be competing anglers or not. In the event of any complaints raised by competitors against other competitors (this must be done within the first 20 minutes of the match ending) a sub-committee of the nominated persons will be formed to adjudicate on the complaints raised. Observations and input from fishery staff will also be considered if available. The outcome will be announced before the results are made known unless input is required from other sources whereupon a decision may be delayed for several days. Entrants are advised not to leave the fishery after an event until the results have been announced and the findings from any reported disputes made known. Appeals can be made to the AT TEFF via the AT TEFF Secretary – see rules. Complaints made after the first 20 minutes of the match ending must be reported in writing to the AT TEFF secretary along with supporting evidence. This may include the name of witnesses or photographic evidence.
If I fall foul of the rules what will happen?
Matters of discipline are high on the AT TEFF agenda and revised guidance will be issued soon. However, you may find you are disqualified on the day of the heat and for more serious breaches, you may be disqualified from entering any further heats in the current and / or future years.
Angling Trust Team England Fly Fishing 