Legal & Policies

Terms of Use

These Legal & Policies govern access to and use of websites, services, memberships, programs, directories, publications, educational resources and other offerings provided by the Land Based Fishing Alliance (“LBFA,” “we,” “our,” or “us”).

Purpose

LBFA exists to support responsible land-based fishing through education, conservation, public access, community involvement, angler resources, professional development and related programs.

Information published by LBFA is provided for general educational and informational purposes and should not be treated as individualized legal, financial, tax, medical, safety or regulatory advice.

Accuracy of Information

LBFA makes reasonable efforts to provide useful and current information. Fishing regulations, access rules, weather, tides, wildlife conditions, government requirements and other circumstances may change without notice.

Users remain responsible for confirming current laws, regulations, permits, licenses, closures, access restrictions and other requirements directly with the appropriate authority.

Fishing Conditions

LBFA does not guarantee fishing success, wildlife activity, access to any particular fishing location, weather, water conditions, accuracy of third-party fishing reports or continued public access to any location.

Third-Party Links and Services

LBFA may link to or identify government agencies, fishing guides, businesses, sponsors, lodging providers, conservation organizations, equipment manufacturers and other third parties.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, inclusion of a third-party link, listing or reference does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, certification or endorsement by LBFA.

Website Restrictions

Users may not misuse the LBFA website or services.

Prohibited activity includes:

• Attempting to interfere with website operation
• Attempting to gain unauthorized access to systems or information
• Introducing malicious code or harmful software
• Harvesting nonpublic member information
• Impersonating LBFA or another member
• Falsely claiming LBFA endorsement or authority
• Using LBFA services for fraudulent or unlawful purposes

Privacy Policy

LBFA respects the privacy of members, donors, sponsors, professional guides, businesses, volunteers, chapter participants and website visitors.

Information We May Collect

Depending on how a person interacts with LBFA, we may collect:

• Name
• Email address
• Telephone number
• Mailing and shipping address
• Membership level and membership status
• Chapter affiliation
• Member directory preferences
• Professional or business information
• Donation or sponsorship information
• Transaction records
• Communications submitted to LBFA
• Website usage and technical information

Payment Information

Payments may be processed through third-party payment processors. LBFA does not necessarily receive or retain complete payment-card information.

How Information May Be Used

Information may be used to:

• Administer memberships
• Fulfill membership kits
• Communicate with members
• Process membership renewals
• Operate chapters and programs
• Process contributions and sponsorships
• Evaluate professional or business listings
• Maintain member directories
• Provide educational resources
• Improve LBFA services
• Prevent fraud or misuse
• Meet legal and administrative obligations

Sharing Information

LBFA does not sell member personal information.

Information may be shared with vendors or service providers when reasonably necessary for website hosting, payment processing, fulfillment, shipping, email communication, database administration or similar organizational functions.

Information may also be disclosed when required by law or when reasonably necessary to protect LBFA, its members, its legal rights or the safety of others.

Cookies and Website Technology

LBFA websites may use cookies and similar technologies to maintain functionality, understand site traffic, process transactions and improve user experience.

Third-party platforms used by LBFA may operate under their own privacy policies and terms.

Data Security

LBFA uses reasonable administrative and technical safeguards designed to protect information. No internet-based system can guarantee absolute security.

Children and Youth Programs

LBFA may support youth and family programs. Parents or legal guardians should supervise information submitted by minors.

LBFA does not intend to knowingly collect unnecessary sensitive information directly from young children without appropriate adult involvement.

Privacy Requests

Members may request corrections to their information or changes to directory visibility through LBFA's official contact methods.

Certain records may be retained when reasonably necessary for accounting, transactions, legal compliance, fraud prevention or administrative purposes.

Membership Terms

Membership dues support LBFA operations, educational resources, conservation efforts, public-access initiatives, community programs, chapters, member services and other activities consistent with the organization's mission.

Current Membership Levels

LBFA may change membership levels, dues and benefits for future membership periods.

Membership Period

Membership is valid for twelve months from the member's enrollment or renewal date unless otherwise specifically stated.

LBFA intends to provide renewal reminders approximately thirty days before expiration when practical.

Failure to receive a reminder does not extend the membership term.

Membership Benefits

Benefits vary by membership category and may include:

• LBFA membership recognition
• Member communications
• Educational resources
• Current handbooks or member materials
• Membership card
• LBFA apparel or merchandise
• Participation in eligible programs
• Chapter participation
• Member directory eligibility
• Professional or business listing eligibility
• Other benefits announced by LBFA

Membership Kits

Eligible full-member kits are expected to include core items such as:

• LBFA shirt
• LBFA hat
• Current handbook or member materials
• Membership card

Additional practical angling tools, promotional items or other benefits may be included when funding and sourcing allow.

Kit contents, brands, colors, materials or equivalent items may change due to availability, sourcing, shipping, cost or program needs.

LBFA will make reasonable efforts to accurately describe current membership benefits.

Membership Is Not an Endorsement

Membership does not mean that LBFA certifies every statement, action, business practice or activity of a member.

No Agency or Employment Relationship

LBFA membership does not create an employment, agency, partnership, franchise or joint-venture relationship.

Members may not represent themselves as employees, authorized agents, official spokespeople or representatives of LBFA unless specifically authorized in writing.

Professional Guide Membership

Professional Guide members in good standing may be eligible for participation in LBFA's Find a Guide directory.

Purchasing Professional Guide membership does not automatically guarantee directory placement.

Professional Guide members must comply with current listing, verification, documentation, licensing, insurance and conduct requirements established by LBFA.

Business / Industry Membership

Business / Industry membership may provide opportunities for organizational recognition, directory participation, networking or other benefits.

Membership does not create an exclusive relationship, commercial partnership or guarantee of promotion.

Refund & Cancellation Policy

Membership Dues

Membership dues are generally nonrefundable after substantial member benefits or fulfillment have begun.

This may include situations where LBFA has:

• Prepared or ordered membership materials
• Shipped membership merchandise
• Activated significant membership benefits
• Provided paid member resources
• Incurred meaningful fulfillment or processing costs

Pre-Fulfillment Cancellation

LBFA may, in its discretion, approve a membership cancellation requested before substantial fulfillment or benefits have begun.

Nonrecoverable processing or transaction costs may be deducted when permitted by law.

Duplicate or Processing Errors

LBFA will review reasonable requests involving:

• Duplicate charges
• Accidental duplicate memberships
• Incorrect transaction amounts
• Verified payment-processing errors

Verified errors will be corrected or refunded as appropriate.

Damaged or Incorrect Membership Items

A damaged, defective or incorrectly fulfilled membership-kit item should be reported within a reasonable period after delivery.

LBFA may replace the affected item rather than refund the entire membership.

Normal sizing preferences, minor product variations or ordinary wear do not automatically qualify for a full membership refund.

Termination for Misconduct

A member whose membership or privileges are suspended or terminated for serious misconduct or policy violations is not automatically entitled to a refund.

Donation Policy

LBFA accepts charitable contributions in support of its mission, programs and activities.

Donation Categories

• General Fund
• Conservation & Research
• Community Service
• Youth & Education
• Fishing Access & Advocacy
• Chapter-Specific Programs

Designated Contributions

LBFA will make reasonable efforts to use designated contributions for the donor-selected purpose.

If a designated program becomes completed, impractical, unavailable, legally restricted or sufficiently funded, LBFA may redirect remaining funds to a substantially similar charitable or organizational purpose when permitted by law.

Tax-Deductibility

Land Based Fishing Alliance is recognized as a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Charitable contributions to LBFA are generally tax-deductible to the extent permitted by federal and applicable state law.

Donors are responsible for determining the deductibility of individual contributions and should consult a qualified tax professional regarding their circumstances.

Where a donor receives goods or services in exchange for a payment, only the portion exceeding the fair market value of those goods or services may be deductible where permitted by law.

Membership Dues and Tax Treatment

Membership dues and charitable donations are not necessarily treated the same for tax purposes.

Because certain memberships may include merchandise, educational materials, directory opportunities or other benefits, the entire amount of membership dues may not be deductible as a charitable contribution.

LBFA may identify the estimated fair market value of substantial goods or services provided when required for appropriate donor or member acknowledgments.

Donation Receipts

LBFA will provide acknowledgments or receipts when required by applicable law or when reasonably appropriate for donor recordkeeping.

No Automatic Membership

A donation does not automatically create a membership, voting right, ownership interest or organizational control unless expressly stated by LBFA.

Donation Refunds

Contributions are generally final.

LBFA may review refund requests involving duplicate transactions, processing mistakes, unauthorized transactions or exceptional circumstances.

Directory & Find a Guide Policy

Member Directory Choices

Members may be offered the following directory privacy settings:

Public: Approved member information may appear publicly.

Limited: Only selected information approved by the member is displayed.

Private: The member does not appear in the public member directory.

Professional and Business Contact Information

Professional Guide and Business / Industry contact information will not be published solely because an individual or business purchased membership.

Separate approval may be required before public professional or business contact information is displayed.

Find a Guide Eligibility

Professional Guide members in good standing may be eligible for inclusion in the LBFA Find a Guide directory.

Professional Guide membership does not automatically guarantee a public listing.

LBFA may establish reasonable verification requirements involving:

• Applicable licenses
• Business information
• Required permits
• Insurance
• Operating region
• Contact information
• Safety standards
• Other documentation relevant to the listing

Listing Accuracy

Listed members are responsible for maintaining accurate and current information.

LBFA may correct, suspend or remove information that is inaccurate, misleading, outdated, unverifiable or inconsistent with applicable listing standards.

No Guarantee of Listed Providers

A directory listing does not constitute a guarantee of:

• Fishing success
• Service quality
• Availability
• Safety
• Licensing compliance
• Insurance coverage
• Customer satisfaction
• Financial performance

Consumers should independently evaluate a guide or business before entering into any transaction.

Suspension or Removal

LBFA may suspend or remove a directory listing for reasonable grounds including:

• Expiration of qualifying membership
• Failure to maintain required information
• Inability to verify submitted information
• Material misrepresentation
• Serious safety concerns
• Unlawful conduct
• Misuse of LBFA branding
• Serious violations of LBFA standards

Member Conduct & Organizational Standards

LBFA seeks to promote responsible fishing, conservation, lawful recreation, professional conduct and respectful participation within the land-based fishing community.

Members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner reasonably consistent with those purposes when participating in LBFA programs or representing themselves as LBFA members.

Expected Standards

LBFA encourages:

• Responsible angling
• Compliance with applicable fishing laws
• Conservation-minded practices
• Public safety
• Sportsmanship
• Professional conduct
• Respect for other anglers
• Respect for landowners and the public
• Responsible representation of land-based fishing

Prohibited Misuse

LBFA membership, directories, programs or communication channels may not be used to:

• Harass, threaten, stalk or intimidate others
• Intentionally publish materially false membership information
• Impersonate LBFA or another member
• Falsely claim organizational endorsement
• Misuse private directory information
• Engage in fraud or deceptive conduct
• Promote unlawful fishing activity
• Engage in serious conduct that materially harms LBFA's mission or integrity

Suspension or Termination

LBFA may suspend or terminate membership benefits, directory privileges or program access when reasonably necessary to address serious policy violations, material misrepresentation, unlawful activity, significant safety issues or conduct that materially undermines the organization's mission.

LBFA may establish additional procedures for review, notice or appeal as the organization develops.

Fishing & Outdoor Activity Disclaimer

Fishing and outdoor recreation involve inherent risks.

These risks may include:

• Sharks and other wildlife
• Hooks, knives and fishing tackle
• Heavy rods, reels and equipment
• Surf, currents and rip currents
• Waves and changing water conditions
• Lightning and severe weather
• Extreme heat or cold
• Unstable or slippery terrain
• Drones and bait-deployment equipment
• Vehicles and watercraft
• Marine debris
• Remote locations
• Limited emergency access

Personal Responsibility

Participation in fishing and outdoor recreation should be undertaken responsibly and according to the participant's experience, physical ability, available equipment and environmental conditions.

Educational Information

Information published by LBFA concerning techniques, rigs, tackle, bait deployment, shark handling, wildlife release, tagging, weather, tides or fishing locations is educational information only.

It is not a substitute for professional instruction, individualized safety assessment, emergency guidance or official regulations.

Wildlife Handling

Wild animals may behave unpredictably.

LBFA encourages minimal unnecessary handling, responsible release practices and compliance with applicable wildlife laws.

Nothing published by LBFA should be interpreted as encouraging a person to handle an animal beyond that person's training, experience, legal authority or physical capability.

Fishing Laws and Permits

Participants are individually responsible for obtaining required fishing licenses, permits, endorsements, registrations or other authorizations.

Fishing laws may vary by jurisdiction, species, season, fishing method and location.

When LBFA material differs from an official regulation, the official law or regulation controls.

Emergency Situations

Anyone facing an immediate emergency should contact the appropriate emergency service or government authority rather than relying upon information from the LBFA website.

Disclaimers, Liability & General Provisions

No Warranty

LBFA websites, materials, directories and informational resources are provided on an “as available” basis to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

LBFA does not guarantee uninterrupted website access, fishing success, weather conditions, wildlife encounters, availability of particular locations or the performance of independent third parties.

Independent Decisions

Users, members and participants are responsible for evaluating their own skill level, health, equipment, environmental conditions and applicable legal requirements before engaging in fishing or outdoor recreation.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, LBFA and its directors, officers, volunteers, chapters, representatives and agents shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential or punitive damages arising solely from use of the LBFA website, informational resources or directories.

Nothing in these policies is intended to waive liability that cannot legally be waived.

Indemnification

To the extent permitted by law, a person who intentionally misuses LBFA services, branding, directories or systems may be responsible for losses, damages or reasonable costs caused by that misuse.

Intellectual Property

LBFA names, logos, graphics, original educational materials, publications, website copy and other proprietary materials may be protected by trademark, copyright or other law.

No person may falsely represent LBFA affiliation, modify LBFA branding in a misleading manner or commercially reproduce protected LBFA materials without authorization.

Trademarks and Branding

Use of the Land Based Fishing Alliance name, LBFA abbreviation, logos, slogans, marks or other branding does not imply authorization to represent or speak on behalf of LBFA.

Policy Changes

LBFA may update these policies as its programs, services, legal requirements, membership structure or organizational structure evolve.

The version published on the LBFA website will constitute the current policy unless otherwise required by law.

Severability

If any portion of these policies is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply to the extent permitted by law.

Governing Law

These policies shall be governed by the laws applicable to the Land Based Fishing Alliance's principal place of organization, together with any mandatory federal or state law that applies.

Contact

Questions regarding these policies may be submitted through the official contact information published on the Land Based Fishing Alliance website.