Governance & Legal | National High School BBQ Association®

GOVERANCE AND LICENSING

Last Updated: 12-17-2025

A National, School-Safe Educational Framework

The National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®) operates as a nationally governed educational organization with state-level divisions and school-based programs. Our governance and licensing model exists to ensure student safety, educational quality, brand integrity, and local school authority across all participating states.

Participation in NHSBBQA® programs is permitted only through an approved educational license and ongoing compliance with national standards.

Our National Governance Model

NHSBBQA® follows a clear national → state → school structure used by trusted educational and youth organizations.

National Level

The National High School BBQ Association®:

• Establishes educational standards and curriculum frameworks

• Sets safety, supervision, and operating requirements

• Owns and governs national trademarks and program branding

• Provides national oversight and accountability

State Associations

State High School BBQ Associations operate as licensed divisions of NHSBBQA® and:

• Support schools within their state

• Enforce national standards locally

• Do not operate independently of national governance

• Do not hold national authority

Schools & Districts

Schools participate as licensed educational programs and:

• Maintain full local control over curriculum and instruction

• Supervise students and staff

• Operate in compliance with district and state policies

• Follow national safety and program standards

Educational Licensing 

Schools and state associations do not purchase a franchise and do not acquire ownership of any trademarks.

Instead, participation is authorized through an educational license, which:

• Permits approved use of NHSBBQA® names and branding

• Requires compliance with safety and educational standards

• Preserves local control and district authority

• Ensures consistent program quality nationwide

This licensing model protects schools, students, and communities while allowing national coordination and recognition.

Not a Franchise. Not a Commercial Program.

NHSBBQA® programs are:

• Educational in purpose

• School-based and instruction-focused

• Non-commercial and non-exclusive

Participation does not constitute:

• A franchise or business opportunity

• A partnership or joint venture

• A commercial or for-profit enterprise

No franchise fee is charged, and no commercial rights are conveyed.

Oversight, Standards & Accountability

All authorized programs operate under published national standards.

NHSBBQA® retains the authority to:

• Review program participation and branding use

• Require corrective action when standards are not met

• Suspend or revoke authorization for non-compliance

This oversight ensures that NHSBBQA® programs remain safe, educational, and consistent across all states.

For additional detail, please review our
Safety & Standards page.

State & District Compliance

Our governance and licensing framework is designed to align with:

• Public-education requirements in all 50 U.S. states

• Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs

• Perkins and other public-funding structures

• Local school board authority and district policies

State-specific compliance language is provided directly to schools and partners during onboarding to ensure local alignment without unnecessary complexity.

A Simple Summary for Administrators

“NHSBBQA® operates as a nationally governed educational organization. Schools participate through an approved educational license that preserves local control while meeting national standards for safety and quality.”

Questions About Governance or Licensing?

We welcome administrative and legal review.

For onboarding materials, state-specific compliance information, or licensing questions, please contact us directly.

Principal@HSBBQ.org

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National High School BBQ Association®, NHSBBQA®, and related marks are governed and licensed under national educational standards. Participation is subject to approval and ongoing compliance.