Risk Management & Insurance Disclosure

Commitment to Responsible Risk Management

The National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®) is committed to responsible risk management practices that protect students, educators, schools, volunteers, partners, and communities participating in NHSBBQA®-affiliated programs.

Risk management is an ongoing process that supports NHSBBQA®’s education-first mission while recognizing the unique considerations of live-fire cooking, hands-on learning, and student engagement.

Education-First, School-Centered Model

NHSBBQA® operates in support of schools and school districts.

• Schools and districts retain primary authority over student supervision, safety protocols, and risk decisions.

• NHSBBQA® does not replace or override district risk management or insurance policies.

• All NHSBBQA® activities must align with applicable school, district, and venue safety requirements.

Risk Management Practices

NHSBBQA® employs a layered approach to risk management, which may include:

• Published safety policies and live-fire protocols

• Required supervision standards

• Volunteer screening and background check expectations

• Code of Conduct enforcement

• Event planning and site safety reviews

• Incident reporting and response procedures

These measures are designed to reduce risk, not eliminate it entirely, as is standard in experiential education.

Insurance Coverage Overview

NHSBBQA® maintains appropriate insurance coverage consistent with its operations and risk profile, which may include:

• General liability insurance

• Event-related coverage when applicable

• Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance, where appropriate

Specific coverage limits, carriers, and policy details are not publicly disclosed and may change periodically.

School & District Insurance

Participating schools and districts:

• Maintain their own insurance coverage

• Determine student eligibility and participation requirements

• Control transportation, supervision, and consent processes

NHSBBQA® participation does not alter or replace school or district insurance responsibilities.

State Associations & Event Organizers

Licensed State High School BBQ Associations® and event organizers are responsible for:

• Complying with NHSBBQA® safety and governance policies

• Meeting venue and local insurance requirements

• Securing additional event insurance when required

• Coordinating with schools regarding supervision and risk

Failure to meet these requirements may result in suspension or revocation of authorization.

Assumption of Risk

Participation in hands-on culinary and live-fire educational activities involves inherent risks.

• Schools manage student participation through consent forms and district policies

• NHSBBQA® does not require participation in competitions or events

• Reasonable precautions are implemented to reduce risk

Incident Reporting & Response

All incidents involving injury, safety concerns, or near misses should be reported promptly to:

1. The participating school or district (primary authority), and/or

2. NHSBBQA® governance leadership

Reports are reviewed to support corrective action and continuous improvement.

Indemnification & Limitation

NHSBBQA® operates as an education-supporting organization and does not assume responsibility for acts or omissions outside its direct control.

Responsibilities and indemnification terms are governed by:

• School Charter Agreements

• State Association License Agreements

• Event-specific agreements

Policy Review & Updates

This Risk Management & Insurance Disclosure is reviewed periodically to reflect:

• Changes in law or regulation

• Evolving best practices

• Operational growth and program scope

Updates may be issued without notice.

Related Governance Resources

• Apply to Become a State Association

• Are We Official?

• Governance, Licensing & Legitimacy

• State Association License Agreement

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