NHSBBQA -Superintendent Overview

Governance Overview for Superintendents & District Leadership

Who We Are

The National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®) is a national, education-centered organization designed to support Career & Technical Education (CTE) through applied, project-based learning using barbecue and live-fire cooking as the instructional platform.

Competition is optional and secondary to education.

Education-First Model

NHSBBQA® programs are built to support schools—not replace them.

• Aligned with CTE, Perkins V, and project-based learning principles

• Teacher-led and school-approved programming

• Participation does not require competition

• Designed for middle school and high school students

Governance Structure

NHSBBQA® operates through a clear, hierarchical governance model to ensure consistency and accountability.

• National NHSBBQA® provides governance, safety standards, and licensing

• One licensed State High School BBQ Association® per state

• Schools participate through School Charter Agreements

• State and school programs are subject to review and compliance

This model mirrors proven youth and education organizations.

Student Safety & Protection

Student safety is foundational.

• Published Child Protection & Youth Safety Policy

• Volunteer screening and supervision standards

• Live-fire safety protocols and incident reporting procedures

• School and district supervision authority retained

Civil Rights & Student Data Privacy

NHSBBQA® supports district compliance with federal requirements.

• Non-Discrimination & Civil Rights Compliance (Title VI, Title IX, ADA, Section 504)

• FERPA-aligned Student Data Privacy practices

• Schools retain full authority over student records and eligibility

Risk Management & Insurance

NHSBBQA® employs responsible risk management practices.

• School-centered supervision model

• Appropriate insurance coverage maintained

• Event-level safety planning and incident response

• Shared responsibility clearly defined

Accountability & Ethics

NHSBBQA® maintains clear expectations for ethical conduct.

• Code of Conduct enforcement

• Whistleblower & non-retaliation policy

• Annual review of State Associations and programs

• Measured enforcement aligned with education standards

Superintendent Assurance

NHSBBQA® operates in support of schools and districts.

Local education agencies retain full authority over:

• Student participation and supervision

• Academic alignment and assessment

• Discipline and conduct

• Civil rights and FERPA compliance

NHSBBQA® does not require competition participation and does not override district policy.

Learn More or Download

• Download the Superintendent Governance Overview (PDF)

• Review the Governance & Legal Hub

• Contact NHSBBQA® for district-level questions

EXECUTIVE STATEMENT

The National High School BBQ Association® exists to educate first, inspire second, and compete last.
We are not building cooks—we are building students, leaders, and communities through fire, food, and purpose.

© National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®)

All rights reserved.