School & District Assurance Statements

Our Commitment to Schools & Districts

The National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®) is committed to operating in support of schools and districts, not in place of them.

These assurance statements clarify NHSBBQA®’s role, responsibilities, and boundaries when partnering with schools, districts, and education agencies.

Local Control & Authority

NHSBBQA® affirms that:

• Schools and districts retain full authority over:

  • Student eligibility and participation

  • Supervision and discipline

  • Academic alignment and grading

  • Compliance with district policy and state law

NHSBBQA® does not override or replace district authority.

Education-First Participation

NHSBBQA® assures that:

• Programs are aligned with Career & Technical Education (CTE)

• Instruction is teacher-led and school-approved

• Competition is optional and secondary

• Schools may participate without hosting or attending competitive events

Student Safety & Protection

NHSBBQA® assures that:

• Student safety is foundational

• Child Protection & Youth Safety policies are published

• Supervision standards are enforced

• Live-fire safety protocols are required

• Incident reporting procedures are established

Civil Rights & Accessibility

NHSBBQA® assures compliance with:

• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act

• Title IX of the Education Amendments

• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Schools retain authority over accommodations and civil rights processes.

Student Data Privacy & FERPA Alignment

NHSBBQA® assures that:

• Schools retain ownership of student education records

• Only limited program-related information is collected

• Student data is not sold or commercially exploited

• Media use requires appropriate consent

Risk Management & Insurance

NHSBBQA® assures that:

• Responsible risk management practices are maintained

• Appropriate organizational insurance coverage is in place

• Schools retain control over student supervision and consent

• Participation does not alter district insurance responsibilities

Volunteer & Adult Screening

NHSBBQA® assures that:

• Volunteer screening standards are in place

• District requirements take precedence

• No adult bypasses school or district approval

Ethics & Accountability

NHSBBQA® assures that:

• Codes of Conduct are enforced

• Whistleblower & non-retaliation protections exist

• Governance violations are addressed

• Authorization may be revoked for non-compliance

What These Assurances Are — and Are Not

These statements:

• ✔ Clarify expectations

• ✔ Support district decision-making

• ✔ Reflect published governance policies

They do not:

• Create legal obligations beyond existing agreements

• Replace district policies

• Require participation

Questions or Verification

Schools and districts are encouraged to review the full Governance & Legal Hub or contact NHSBBQA® directly for clarification.

Transparency and collaboration are core values of NHSBBQA®.

Contact & Legal Notices

For governance, trademark, or legal inquiries:

Email: Principal@HSBBQ.org
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 171, Smithville, Texas 7897

This page serves as the official contact point for all legal and policy-related matters.