NHSBBQA - LICENSING & LEGITIMACY  

Why Governance and Legitimacy Matter

The National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®) is an education-centered organization serving public and private schools through Career & Technical Education (CTE).

To protect:

• Students

• Schools

• Educators

• Communities

• Sponsors

NHSBBQA® maintains a clear governance, licensing, and charter structure that defines who is authorized to operate under the High School BBQ and State HSBBQ Association model.

This structure ensures clarity, consistency, and accountability nationwide.

National Governance Authority

The National High School BBQ Association® serves as the national governing and educational body for High School and Middle School BBQ programs aligned with CTE.

NHSBBQA®:

• Establishes national educational standards

• Defines safety and live-fire protocols

• Protects trademarks and naming conventions

• Licenses State High School BBQ Associations®

• Charters schools and programs

Licensed State Associations

A State High School BBQ Association® may operate only under license from NHSBBQA®.

State Associations:

• Are authorized for a single state

• Operate under national governance standards

• May not create independent or competing governance models

• Must maintain education-first programming

Licensed State Associations serve as regional education partners, not independent entities.

Chartered Schools & Teacher Leadership

Schools participate through a School Charter Agreement.

This ensures:

• School approval and oversight

• Teacher-led instruction

• Student safety and supervision

• Alignment with district policy

Students participate as learners and team members—not as operators or decision-makers.

Education First. Competition Optional.

All NHSBBQA®-sanctioned programs operate under an education-first mandate.

Competition, cook-offs, and championships:

• Are optional

• Serve as educational demonstrations

• Reinforce professionalism and assessment

• Are never required for participation

Schools may fully participate without competing.

Brand, Naming & Trademark Protection

To prevent confusion and protect schools, NHSBBQA® enforces clear naming and branding standards.

Authorized use includes:

• National High School BBQ Association®

• State High School BBQ Association® (licensed)

• NHSBBQA® and approved state identifiers

Unauthorized or misleading use of similar names may create confusion for schools and families and is not permitted.

Why This Structure Exists

This governance and licensing model:

• Protects students and educators

• Provides clarity for schools and districts

• Ensures consistent safety standards

• Supports sponsors and partners

• Preserves the educational mission nationwide

This model mirrors proven youth education and activity organizations that prioritize development over competition.

Questions About Authorization or Licensing?

If you are:

• A school seeking confirmation of authorization

• An organization interested in becoming a State Association

• A sponsor or partner conducting due diligence

Please contact the National High School BBQ Association® directly.

National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®)

America’s CTE Food Sport

WHERE DREAMS IGNITE®
COME EAT OUR HOMEWORK!®

Reservation of Rights

All rights not expressly granted are reserved by NHSBBQA®.

Any use of NHSBBQA® trademarks, association-style naming, governance representations, or national authority without written authorization is prohibited and may create confusion regarding source, affiliation, or endorsement.