Official State Associations

National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®)

Our National-to-State Association Model

The National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®) is a national educational and competition organization that operates through officially sanctioned state associations.

This structure ensures consistency, safety, educational alignment, and recognized pathways for students, schools, and educators participating in high school barbecue, live-fire cooking, grilling, and food sport programs.

Official state associations serve as the recognized governing bodies within their respective states and operate under the authority, standards, and governance of NHSBBQA®.

Why State Associations Exist

NHSBBQA® was established as a national organization by design.
As participation grows, state-level associations are formed to:

• Provide localized leadership and support to schools

• Align programs with state education systems and CTE frameworks

• Administer sanctioned competitions and qualifiers

• Ensure student safety, insurance, and compliance standards

• Maintain consistent rules, judging systems, and curriculum alignment

• Serve as the official bridge to national events and championships

This national-to-state structure mirrors other well-established youth and education-based organizations across the United States.

Authority and Legitimacy of State Associations

Under long-standing U.S. trademark and association law:

• A national organization may establish state divisions using geographically descriptive names

• State names (e.g., “Texas,” “Kansas,” “Ohio”) are descriptive identifiers used to designate official geographic divisions

• Official state associations represent a natural and expected expansion of a senior national organization

Each NHSBBQA® state association is:

• Formally sanctioned or licensed

• Governed under national standards

• Authorized to represent NHSBBQA® within its state

Domains and Naming Clarification

Domain registration alone does not create trademark or organizational authority.

Official state associations derive legitimacy from their:

• Formal authorization by NHSBBQA®

• Operation within the national governance framework

• Consistent public identification as state divisions of a national association

Geographic naming is used to identify official NHSBBQA® state divisions, not to imply exclusivity or independence from the national organization.

Interstate Commerce and Media Representation

NHSBBQA® is a national organization operating in interstate commerce.

Accordingly:

• Branding, naming, and representation related to high school BBQ education must be consistent nationwide

• Media, digital content, and events spanning state borders fall under national oversight

• Official state associations operate as part of a unified national ecosystem

This structure protects schools, students, sponsors, and partners from confusion and ensures program integrity.

Official vs. Unaffiliated Organizations

Only formally authorized state associations may represent themselves as official divisions of the National High School BBQ Association®.

Any organization, event, or entity not expressly sanctioned by NHSBBQA®:

• Is independent and unaffiliated

• Does not represent NHSBBQA® or its official state associations

• Does not operate under NHSBBQA® governance, standards, or pathways

Benefits of Participating Through an Official State Association

Schools, educators, students, and sponsors benefit from affiliation with an official NHSBBQA® state association through:

• ✅ Recognized pathways to state and national championships

• ✅ Educational alignment with CTE, PBL, and workforce readiness goals

• ✅ Standardized safety and supervision protocols

• ✅ Insurance and compliance safeguards

• ✅ Brand integrity and national recognition

Official Statement of Governance

The National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®) operates exclusively through officially sanctioned state associations.

Each state association is an authorized geographic division of NHSBBQA® and represents the national organization within its respective state.

Explore Our Official State Associations

Below is a list of officially recognized NHSBBQA® state associations.
(States are added as programs are sanctioned, launched, or announced.)

Current & Emerging State Associations - HSBBQ STATE DASHBOARDS

• Texas High School BBQ Association (TXHSBBQ)

• Kansas High School BBQ Association (KSHSBBQ)

• Missouri High School BBQ Association (MOHSBBQ)

• See all states HERE

➡️ Select a state to learn about programs, events, and participation opportunities.

Learn More

• National Organization: www.HSBBQ.org

• Programs & Participation: Visit your official state association page

National High School BBQ Association®
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