NHSBBQA -Child Protection & Youth Safety Policy

Commitment to Student Safety

The National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®) is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supervised environment for all students participating in NHSBBQA®-affiliated educational programs, activities, and events.

Student safety and wellbeing are foundational to NHSBBQA®’s mission and take priority over all programming, events, and competitive activities.

Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to all individuals involved in NHSBBQA® programs, including but not limited to:

• Students

• Educators and school staff

• Volunteers and judges

• State High School BBQ Associations®

• Contractors, partners, and mentors

• NHSBBQA® officers and representatives

Education-First, School-Led Environment

NHSBBQA® programs operate in support of schools and educators.

• Schools and districts retain primary responsibility for student supervision, discipline, and reporting obligations.

• NHSBBQA® does not replace or override school or district child protection policies.

• All NHSBBQA® activities must align with local school and district safety requirements.

Adult Supervision Standards

To protect students and prevent inappropriate situations:

• Students must be supervised by approved educators or authorized adults at all times.

• NHSBBQA® follows a no one-on-one isolation principle whenever practicable.

• When one-on-one interaction is necessary for instruction or safety, it must occur in:

  • Open, observable environments, or

  • With knowledge and approval of school personnel

Prohibited Conduct

The following behaviors are strictly prohibited in all NHSBBQA®-affiliated activities:

• Abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a minor

• Harassment, bullying, or intimidation

• Inappropriate physical contact or communication

• Sexual misconduct or grooming behavior

• Retaliation against any individual reporting a concern

Violations may result in immediate removal from NHSBBQA® programs and referral to appropriate authorities.

Volunteer & Adult Screening

NHSBBQA® supports background screening and vetting of adults who interact with students.

• Educators and school staff follow district screening requirements.

• Volunteers, judges, and mentors may be subject to background checks consistent with NHSBBQA® policies and event requirements.

• Individuals who fail to meet screening standards may not participate.

(See Volunteer & Background Check Policy for details.)

Mandatory Reporting & Legal Obligations

NHSBBQA® recognizes that educators and school personnel may be mandatory reporters under state law.

• Suspected abuse or neglect must be reported immediately to appropriate school officials and/or child protective authorities, in accordance with law.

• NHSBBQA® does not interfere with or delay mandatory reporting obligations.

• Reports made in good faith are protected from retaliation.

Reporting Concerns or Incidents

Any individual who observes or suspects behavior that may endanger a student is encouraged to report concerns promptly.

Reports should be made to:

1. The student’s school or district (primary reporting authority), and/or

2. NHSBBQA® governance leadership

All reports will be handled discreetly and in coordination with appropriate authorities when required.

Training & Awareness

NHSBBQA® promotes:

• Age-appropriate safety awareness

• Adult training on supervision expectations

• Clear communication of conduct standards

State Associations and event organizers are expected to reinforce these standards locally.

Enforcement & Consequences

Failure to comply with this policy may result in:

• Removal from an event or program

• Suspension or termination of authorization

• Revocation of State Association licensure

• Referral to law enforcement or child protective services when required

Policy Review & Updates

This policy is reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with:

• Federal and state child protection laws

• U.S. Department of Education guidance

• Best practices for youth-serving organizations

Updates may be issued as necessary.

Related Governance Resources

• Apply to Become a State Association

• Are We Official?

• Governance, Licensing & Legitimacy

• State Association License Agreement

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