Dig Rules

A note about these guidelines - No one likes rules BUT after doing these digs for several years we have learned that we have to have rules to keep the landowners and other diggers happy. The digs are for your pleasure and we want you to enjoy yourself to the MAX! Most of these guidelines were due to problems we incurred during past digs and are an attempt to correct them. One final note about the cost. These digs are designed to make money, no one is hiding that fact. Please read these rules and be sure you understand all the cost involved so that we will not have a misunderstanding. If the digs are profitable we will continue trying to lease ranches and bring you the opportunity to dig exciting new places for years to come! Have a great time and we hope you find your artifact of a lifetime!

Never show up to a dig without calling before Thursday 8 PM prior to the dig! We might have to call off a dig. Also, if you do not pre-sign up we will not know if we have enough people to have a dig.

If you sign up and do not come there will be a $25 fee billed to you, prepaid or not. This is only because we have to cover our expenses as a business. At the same time you can support what we are doing so that we can search for more sites and continue having a great time!

Always leave a number/s or email/s that I can get a message to you in case there is an emergency cancellation of a dig. Leave a number with a recorder or an e-mail address that you have access to all the time to check before driving long distances.

If you are digging Saturday we ask that you prepay your Saturday dig buy Thursday evening 8 PM prior to the dig. If you are digging Sunday only we ask that you prepay your dig by Thursday 8 PM prior to the dig. You can pay at the dig site for Sundays dig if you are a Saturday digger at the regular rate.

#3. Photographing artifacts agreement. By coming to the digs you are agreeing to have your point/s photographed BEFORE leaving the site. The video camera photos we take during the dig do not count, we need to photograph your artifacts with our still camera for magazine and artifact documentation. You are expected to come to our table and show all artifacts before leaving the premises. As a member of the TAAA you agree to let us photograph your artifacts before leaving the site. Please, quit digging in time to have your artifacts photographed before it gets too dark! All artifacts (broken or whole) must be taken to the TAAA table to be inspected and documented. It is your responsibility to bring us your artifacts to photograph. We want to see ALL of what you find. On digs with a large attendance there may be a $20 refundable deposit taken.

#4. Dogs. Each ranch is different but dogs are generally not allowed. In extenuating circumstances (like you are out of state on vacation etc.) your pet might be allowed if kept on a leash and away from the diggers. We cannot be responsible for dog bites or dog fights. Barking dogs will not be tolerated, that is why we leave the city. Some landowners even put out poison. Some landowners do not mind dogs so ask.

#6. Cost of Digs. Most hand digs are $70.00 per day. Cover up fees are included in this fee. Backhoe digs are usually $140.00, ½ days for backhoe digs are $100. If you prepay by Thursday, 8 PM you will be given a $10 rebate at the time of payment. Visa / Master Card accepted or you can send in a prepayment and we will keep it in escrow until you are ready to use it. Each ranch may have a different dig fee according to our contract.

#7. Half Day Digs. Anyone wanting to dig for a half day hand dig can do so. Most ½ day dig fees are $55 per half day (again if you prepay by Thursday 8 PM there will be a $10 rebate given at that time). Each ranch may have a different dig fee according to our contract.

Daylight to 12 PM is one half day and 12 PM to dark or 6 PM on Sunday is one half day. Diggers starting in the morning must declare a full days dig or ½ day dig at the time and pay accordingly. NO REFUNDS if you decide not to stay for the afternoon, or rain (see rain policy) etc. Afternoon diggers are allowed into the site at 11:30 PM to set up, earlier arrivals must pay the full day fee. All fees subject to change without notice.

#8. TAAA members children and grandchildren (6 years old and up) - [if you want to know why just ask] are allowed at $45 each for ½ day or for a whole day) whether they dig or not (there is a $10 rebate if you prepay for them prior to 8 PM Thursdays before a dig. Children taking part in back hoe digs pay full price. You are responsible to keep your child in your presence and not let them disturb other diggers. All diggers and children are required to stay at the site unless we have a surface hunt agreement. No children can go near a body of water or swim without their parent or guardian. All children will be required to wear a legal flotation device when swimming. We cannot watch the children, they are your responsibility. At most sites there is heavy equipment running, you are responsible to keep your children out of the way of this equipment.

#9. Visitor Fees. There a “visitor fee” or “day fee” charged for those who want to come but do not want to artifact hunt. Visitors may not surface hunt while visiting. Visitors are asked not to enter the dig site area except to bring supplies to your digger. If you find an artifact as a visitor (this includes those that are putting up campsites for the next day) it is the property of the TAAA and must be turned in. Artifacts turned in will be given away at the end of the day to the paying diggers by drawing. We have had problems with this in the past and the only way we know to be fair to everyone. If you want to look around pay the ½ day dig fee (before you find an artifact!)

#10. Release of liability. When entering the property you will be asked to sign a release of liability, whether digging or not. Children included. Please do this as you enter the property, before setting up to camp.

#11. Campers / Camping Fees. There will be camping fees charge at ranches. Each ranch may be different, ask. Some ranches have bunks for a nominal fee. Entry time for campers may be different for different properties, ask. Please do not show up before the designated entry time. If you come into a property early to set up your camp and find an artifact it is the property of the TAAA and must be turned in. Artifacts turned in will be given away at the end of the day to the paying diggers by drawing. If you want to look around pay the ½ day dig fee (before you find an artifact!)

#12. Rain. Digs will be held rain or shine. Bring your rain coat. If we dig past 12 PM there will be no refunds. If we start a dig and the rain becomes unbearable before 12 PM then a ½ day refund will be given (we have to cover our costs! It is a business.)

#13. NO Trashing Walls! Do not cave the walls in on the floor of the dig site. Take only the dirt off the wall that you are willing to shovel out of the way. Keep the floor clean. Be considerate of your fellow diggers.

#14. Dig Cards. We mail out Dig cards to members that do not have computers/ Members must request to be put on the dig list in writing. A $10 FEE WILL BE ASSESSED ANNUALLY FOR BEING PUT ON THE DIG LIST. THIS PAYS FOR YOUR MAIL OUTS! You are not automatically put on the list when signing up or renewing for the TAAA! Renewal dates for dig cards are January 1st of each year.

#15. HOURS OF THE DIGS - Prepaid hand digs are held from a little after daylight to dark on Saturdays. No NIGHT DIGGING. Sunday digs are over at 5 PM. Vacate the ranch on Sundays by 6 PM. That means have your photos taken, camp packed up and gone. Backhoe digs start around 8 AM.

#18. Sales of any items are not allowed on digs without permission from the TAAA. Some diggers may want to offer items for sale to help cover the dig expenses. We will consider consignment sales on a percentage basis for your artifacts or products at digs.

#20. NO NIGHT DIGGING - All artificial light sources ARE BANNED from all dig sites. We have had people slipping in at night, moving others tools and digging at night. Anyone caught digging at night will be asked to leave and lose all their future TAAA digging rights, all fees paid- both membership and dig fees.

Due to the danger of the heavy equipment used on the dig sites you are agreeing to accept any accidents (and medical costs) or death (and related costs) as your own responsibility and liability as you enter a dig site. If you get in the way of a piece of heavy equipment, it could be your last dig! We have no insurance (liability or medical), it is your total responsibility for you and your children to stay out of the way!

1. ALL screeners are expected to give common courtesy to the others on the screens with you. If you are an aggressive screener you must stay in your area of the screen and please watch your hands, feet, elbows and dirt! Just be courteous. The Golden Rule applies.

2. How much area on a screen per screener? Assuming that a screen is full (usually 6 people), then a screeners area is that which is directly in front of he or she (on a 4 x 8 screen that would be approximately a 2 x 2 ½ square foot area. Less screeners, more room, obviously. In that case a screeners area is increased proportionally.

3. Stay in your area of the screen. Each screener is expected to keep their hands (and eyes) in their area of their part of the screen. Should a neighboring screener see a point in another screeners area he can call attention to it to the digger in front of the artifact but it belongs to the screener in which area it is in. No grabbing artifacts out of your area. Some screeners like to move to the foot or head of the screen. If the other screeners on the screen do not object that is OK , if they do then you will have to move back to the side. If you move to the head or back of a screen the same amount of area is still yours. You would be able to use a wider area (4 foot but not as deep just a little over a foot deep.) This gets complicated and the only reason we are putting these guidelines up is that it became an issue on a past dig. The main rule is to keep your hands and eyes on your area!

4. Distributing the dirt on a screen. If the dirt has not been equally distributed by the machinery on a screen then the screeners with the most dirt on their side should put the dirt down the screen so all screeners will have approximately the same amount of dirt to screen. If an artifact is pushed into another screeners area then the artifact belongs to the screener whose area it landed.

5. Spots on a screen. Once a screener has claimed a spot on a screen it will remain theirs for the whole day until they leave the screen for good (other than to eat or relieve themselves.) Your fellow diggers are expected to give your spot back when you return. If you are going to be gone for extended period of time just remind your fellow screeners that you will return (this is in case you want to hand dig.) Your spot cannot be held for the next day. You cannot save a spot on a screen for the next day. Each day is first come first serve.

6. How many to a screen? There will not be over 6 screeners per screen (On 4’ x 8’ Screens) or 10 screeners (on 5’ x 10’ Screens) . Spaces on screens will not be oversold. If you pay for a screen dig there will be a spot for you.

7. Trading. Hand diggers cannot trade off with screener for their spot. We sell hand digs and screening digs separately. If you pay for a screening dig then you can hand dig but not the other way around. Hand diggers can upgrade to a screen dig. If it is before 12 noon then the price will be the difference between your hand dig cost and the cost of the screen dig. If it is after 12 noon then the price will be the difference between a hand dig and a ½ days screen dig.

8. Hours of dig time. You are paying for 8 hours of screen time. You are welcome to hand dig before, during and after a backhoe dig. We may give you more (we like to hunt artifacts too!) But anything over 8 hours is a gift. We reserve the right to stop after 8 hours for any reason. We may take long breaks during the heat of the summer and dig during the cooler hours (8 am to 12 or 1 PM then 3 or 4 PM until 7 or 8 PM.)

9. Equipment Failures. In case a tractor breaks down and you do not get your 8 hours (or something reasonably close) we will give you make up time at another date if you ask. Remember, if you dig with us very often you are going (in most cases) to get much more than eight hours. Be reasonable with us and we will you!

10. Photos of artifacts - REMEMBER, YOU ARE AGREEING TO HAVE YOUR ARTIFACTS PHOTOGRAPHED BEFORE DARK. Bring them over to us to be photographed before it is too late. You can go back to sifting after do the photography. We cannot change our time to fit everyone’s schedule at the dig, you will have to adapt to ours.

11. DIG CREDITS - Occasionaly we sell dig credits. If you buy 5 at a time we will give you on free dig (you can buy hand or Bachhoe credits.) These credits cannot be used for ½ day digs without paying the cost difference. IE: Full Day Hand Dig costs $60, ½ day is $40 (you would owe the $10 if you decided to stay only a ½ day.


	Barksdale- Nueces River Site \| home Dig Prices/Payment Options \| Contact Us \| Dig Rules \| Important changes, please read \| March 29th \| March 30th Dig Rules Welcome to the Texas Amateur Archeological Association's web site pertaining to dig rules! Dig Prices/Payment Options \| Contact Us \| Dig Rules \| Important changes, please read \| March 29th \| March 30th Dig Rules - THESE RULES HAVE CHANGED, PLEASE READ You will be asked to read and sign at the dig site. They will be filed to make sure everyone understands. Texas Amateur Archeological Associations Dig Information Sheet Revised 11/2002 Guidelines For Digs! Please Read and Understand For the Enjoyment of all! A note about these guidelines - No one likes rules BUT after doing these digs for several years we have learned that we have to have rules to keep the landowners and other diggers happy. The digs are for your pleasure and we want you to enjoy yourself to the MAX! Most of these guidelines were due to problems we incurred during past digs and are an attempt to correct them. One final note about the cost. These digs are designed to make money, no one is hiding that fact. Please read these rules and be sure you understand all the cost involved so that we will not have a misunderstanding. If the digs are profitable we will continue trying to lease ranches and bring you the opportunity to dig exciting new places for years to come! Have a great time and we hope you find your artifact of a lifetime! #1. Signing up for digs. Call in and sign up for a dig as late as Thursday evening 8 PM before a dig. If I am not here I have the recorder on. Never show up to a dig without calling before Thursday 8 PM prior to the dig! We might have to call off a dig. Also, if you do not pre-sign up we will not know if we have enough people to have a dig. If you sign up and do not come there will be a $25 fee billed to you, prepaid or not. This is only because we have to cover our expenses as a business. At the same time you can support what we are doing so that we can search for more sites and continue having a great time! Always leave a number/s or email/s that I can get a message to you in case there is an emergency cancellation of a dig. Leave a number with a recorder or an e-mail address that you have access to all the time to check before driving long distances. #2. Directions to a dig. It is your responsibility to ASK for directions to the dig when you sign up. If you are digging Saturday we ask that you prepay your Saturday dig buy Thursday evening 8 PM prior to the dig. If you are digging Sunday only we ask that you prepay your dig by Thursday 8 PM prior to the dig. You can pay at the dig site for Sundays dig if you are a Saturday digger at the regular rate. #3. Photographing artifacts agreement. By coming to the digs you are agreeing to have your point/s photographed BEFORE leaving the site. The video camera photos we take during the dig do not count, we need to photograph your artifacts with our still camera for magazine and artifact documentation. You are expected to come to our table and show all artifacts before leaving the premises. As a member of the TAAA you agree to let us photograph your artifacts before leaving the site. Please, quit digging in time to have your artifacts photographed before it gets too dark! All artifacts (broken or whole) must be taken to the TAAA table to be inspected and documented. It is your responsibility to bring us your artifacts to photograph. We want to see ALL of what you find. On digs with a large attendance there may be a $20 refundable deposit taken. #4. Dogs. Each ranch is different but dogs are generally not allowed. In extenuating circumstances (like you are out of state on vacation etc.) your pet might be allowed if kept on a leash and away from the diggers. We cannot be responsible for dog bites or dog fights. Barking dogs will not be tolerated, that is why we leave the city. Some landowners even put out poison. Some landowners do not mind dogs so ask. #5. Members Only digs. Everyone attending a TAAA sponsored dig must be a member of the TAAA. #6. Cost of Digs. Most hand digs are $70.00 per day. Cover up fees are included in this fee. Backhoe digs are usually $140.00, ½ days for backhoe digs are $100. If you prepay by Thursday, 8 PM you will be given a $10 rebate at the time of payment. Visa / Master Card accepted or you can send in a prepayment and we will keep it in escrow until you are ready to use it. Each ranch may have a different dig fee according to our contract. #7. Half Day Digs. Anyone wanting to dig for a half day hand dig can do so. Most ½ day dig fees are $55 per half day (again if you prepay by Thursday 8 PM there will be a $10 rebate given at that time). Each ranch may have a different dig fee according to our contract. Daylight to 12 PM is one half day and 12 PM to dark or 6 PM on Sunday is one half day. Diggers starting in the morning must declare a full days dig or ½ day dig at the time and pay accordingly. NO REFUNDS if you decide not to stay for the afternoon, or rain (see rain policy) etc. Afternoon diggers are allowed into the site at 11:30 PM to set up, earlier arrivals must pay the full day fee. All fees subject to change without notice. #8. TAAA members children and grandchildren (6 years old and up) - [if you want to know why just ask] are allowed at $45 each for ½ day or for a whole day) whether they dig or not (there is a $10 rebate if you prepay for them prior to 8 PM Thursdays before a dig. Children taking part in back hoe digs pay full price. You are responsible to keep your child in your presence and not let them disturb other diggers. All diggers and children are required to stay at the site unless we have a surface hunt agreement. No children can go near a body of water or swim without their parent or guardian. All children will be required to wear a legal flotation device when swimming. We cannot watch the children, they are your responsibility. At most sites there is heavy equipment running, you are responsible to keep your children out of the way of this equipment. #9. Visitor Fees. There a “visitor fee” or “day fee” charged for those who want to come but do not want to artifact hunt. Visitors may not surface hunt while visiting. Visitors are asked not to enter the dig site area except to bring supplies to your digger. If you find an artifact as a visitor (this includes those that are putting up campsites for the next day) it is the property of the TAAA and must be turned in. Artifacts turned in will be given away at the end of the day to the paying diggers by drawing. We have had problems with this in the past and the only way we know to be fair to everyone. If you want to look around pay the ½ day dig fee (before you find an artifact!) #10. Release of liability. When entering the property you will be asked to sign a release of liability, whether digging or not. Children included. Please do this as you enter the property, before setting up to camp. #11. Campers / Camping Fees. There will be camping fees charge at ranches. Each ranch may be different, ask. Some ranches have bunks for a nominal fee. Entry time for campers may be different for different properties, ask. Please do not show up before the designated entry time. If you come into a property early to set up your camp and find an artifact it is the property of the TAAA and must be turned in. Artifacts turned in will be given away at the end of the day to the paying diggers by drawing. If you want to look around pay the ½ day dig fee (before you find an artifact!) #12. Rain. Digs will be held rain or shine. Bring your rain coat. If we dig past 12 PM there will be no refunds. If we start a dig and the rain becomes unbearable before 12 PM then a ½ day refund will be given (we have to cover our costs! It is a business.) #13. NO Trashing Walls! Do not cave the walls in on the floor of the dig site. Take only the dirt off the wall that you are willing to shovel out of the way. Keep the floor clean. Be considerate of your fellow diggers. #14. Dig Cards. We mail out Dig cards to members that do not have computers/ Members must request to be put on the dig list in writing. A $10 FEE WILL BE ASSESSED ANNUALLY FOR BEING PUT ON THE DIG LIST. THIS PAYS FOR YOUR MAIL OUTS! You are not automatically put on the list when signing up or renewing for the TAAA! Renewal dates for dig cards are January 1st of each year. #15. HOURS OF THE DIGS - Prepaid hand digs are held from a little after daylight to dark on Saturdays. No NIGHT DIGGING. Sunday digs are over at 5 PM. Vacate the ranch on Sundays by 6 PM. That means have your photos taken, camp packed up and gone. Backhoe digs start around 8 AM. #16. Metal detectors are allowed on some ranches. Dig fees and camping fees apply. #17. Alcohol - Some ranches do not allow alcohol consumption, please ask before bringing any on the property. If allowed please use an unmarked cup for consumption. #18. Sales of any items are not allowed on digs without permission from the TAAA. Some diggers may want to offer items for sale to help cover the dig expenses. We will consider consignment sales on a percentage basis for your artifacts or products at digs. #19. TRASH - Simply take out the trash that you bring in. If you need a trash bag we will provide one for you. #20. NO NIGHT DIGGING - All artificial light sources ARE BANNED from all dig sites. We have had people slipping in at night, moving others tools and digging at night. Anyone caught digging at night will be asked to leave and lose all their future TAAA digging rights, all fees paid- both membership and dig fees. Backhoe / Screening Guide Lines Due to the danger of the heavy equipment used on the dig sites you are agreeing to accept any accidents (and medical costs) or death (and related costs) as your own responsibility and liability as you enter a dig site. If you get in the way of a piece of heavy equipment, it could be your last dig! We have no insurance (liability or medical), it is your total responsibility for you and your children to stay out of the way! 1. ALL screeners are expected to give common courtesy to the others on the screens with you. If you are an aggressive screener you must stay in your area of the screen and please watch your hands, feet, elbows and dirt! Just be courteous. The Golden Rule applies. 2. How much area on a screen per screener? Assuming that a screen is full (usually 6 people), then a screeners area is that which is directly in front of he or she (on a 4 x 8 screen that would be approximately a 2 x 2 ½ square foot area. Less screeners, more room, obviously. In that case a screeners area is increased proportionally. 3. Stay in your area of the screen. Each screener is expected to keep their hands (and eyes) in their area of their part of the screen. Should a neighboring screener see a point in another screeners area he can call attention to it to the digger in front of the artifact but it belongs to the screener in which area it is in. No grabbing artifacts out of your area. Some screeners like to move to the foot or head of the screen. If the other screeners on the screen do not object that is OK , if they do then you will have to move back to the side. If you move to the head or back of a screen the same amount of area is still yours. You would be able to use a wider area (4 foot but not as deep just a little over a foot deep.) This gets complicated and the only reason we are putting these guidelines up is that it became an issue on a past dig. The main rule is to keep your hands and eyes on your area! 4. Distributing the dirt on a screen. If the dirt has not been equally distributed by the machinery on a screen then the screeners with the most dirt on their side should put the dirt down the screen so all screeners will have approximately the same amount of dirt to screen. If an artifact is pushed into another screeners area then the artifact belongs to the screener whose area it landed. 5. Spots on a screen. Once a screener has claimed a spot on a screen it will remain theirs for the whole day until they leave the screen for good (other than to eat or relieve themselves.) Your fellow diggers are expected to give your spot back when you return. If you are going to be gone for extended period of time just remind your fellow screeners that you will return (this is in case you want to hand dig.) Your spot cannot be held for the next day. You cannot save a spot on a screen for the next day. Each day is first come first serve. 6. How many to a screen? There will not be over 6 screeners per screen (On 4’ x 8’ Screens) or 10 screeners (on 5’ x 10’ Screens) . Spaces on screens will not be oversold. If you pay for a screen dig there will be a spot for you. 7. Trading. Hand diggers cannot trade off with screener for their spot. We sell hand digs and screening digs separately. If you pay for a screening dig then you can hand dig but not the other way around. Hand diggers can upgrade to a screen dig. If it is before 12 noon then the price will be the difference between your hand dig cost and the cost of the screen dig. If it is after 12 noon then the price will be the difference between a hand dig and a ½ days screen dig. 8. Hours of dig time. You are paying for 8 hours of screen time. You are welcome to hand dig before, during and after a backhoe dig. We may give you more (we like to hunt artifacts too!) But anything over 8 hours is a gift. We reserve the right to stop after 8 hours for any reason. We may take long breaks during the heat of the summer and dig during the cooler hours (8 am to 12 or 1 PM then 3 or 4 PM until 7 or 8 PM.) 9. Equipment Failures. In case a tractor breaks down and you do not get your 8 hours (or something reasonably close) we will give you make up time at another date if you ask. Remember, if you dig with us very often you are going (in most cases) to get much more than eight hours. Be reasonable with us and we will you! 10. Photos of artifacts - REMEMBER, YOU ARE AGREEING TO HAVE YOUR ARTIFACTS PHOTOGRAPHED BEFORE DARK. Bring them over to us to be photographed before it is too late. You can go back to sifting after do the photography. We cannot change our time to fit everyone’s schedule at the dig, you will have to adapt to ours. 11. DIG CREDITS - Occasionaly we sell dig credits. If you buy 5 at a time we will give you on free dig (you can buy hand or Bachhoe credits.) These credits cannot be used for ½ day digs without paying the cost difference. IE: Full Day Hand Dig costs $60, ½ day is $40 (you would owe the $10 if you decided to stay only a ½ day. 12. Have a great time! Most of all relax and have a great time. Enjoy your hobby. Respect your fellow screeners so we can all enjoy our hobby! TAAA - 19319 Sherwood Trail - Grey Forest, TX 78023 Phone (210) 372-9003 ; texasaaaa@aol.com Signed _________________________________________________ Date _______________ I have read and agree to abide by the guidelines stated above.