NHSBBQA® - Founder’s Declaration

Transparency & Trust

Built for Schools. Led by Educators. Governed with Integrity.

The National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®) exists to serve students, educators, schools, and communities through education-first barbecue and live-fire learning experiences.
Because students are involved, transparency is not optional—it is foundational.

This page explains who we are, how we operate, and what schools can expect when engaging with NHSBBQA® programs.

Our Commitment to Schools & Families

NHSBBQA® is committed to operating with the same clarity, accountability, and professionalism expected of any school-aligned educational organization.

We believe:

• Schools deserve clear leadership and accountability

• Families deserve student-first programming

• Educators deserve alignment, not confusion

• Partners deserve honest representation

Transparency protects trust—and trust protects students.

Organizational Independence

The National High School BBQ Association® is an independent, educator-led organization.

• We are not owned, operated, or controlled by any private company

• We are not an adult barbecue competition organization

• We do not operate as a franchise

• We do not license our name to unrelated third parties for implied affiliation

Any use of similar descriptive terms by outside entities does not indicate partnership, endorsement, or association with NHSBBQA®.

Founded in Education, Not Entertainment

NHSBBQA® was created inside public schools, by educators, to support:

• Career & Technical Education (CTE)

• Culinary Arts & Food Science

• Agriculture, Welding, and Skilled Trades

• Leadership development and workforce readiness

Our programs are designed to complement—not compete with—existing educational pathways, CTSOs, and district initiatives.

This is education first, competition second.

Governance & Accountability

NHSBBQA® operates with a clear governance structure designed to protect schools and students.

Our framework includes:

• Defined leadership and organizational roles

• Published competition standards and safety expectations

• Clear separation between educational programming and sponsorship activity

• Documented policies for branding, conduct, and representation

We believe clarity prevents confusion and structure builds confidence.

Intellectual Property & Brand Integrity

Names matter in education.

NHSBBQA® protects its programs, curriculum frameworks, and brand identity to ensure:

• Schools know who is accountable

• Educators know what standards apply

• Partners know what they are supporting

• Students know who stands behind the program

Protection of intellectual property is not about exclusion—it is about responsibility and consistency.

Transparency for Districts & Partners

Schools and partners working with NHSBBQA® can expect:

• Clear written agreements

• Accurate representation of programs and affiliations

• Honest communication about roles, expectations, and limitations

• No implied endorsements or undisclosed relationships

We welcome questions. Transparency is a strength, not a risk.

A Note from Our Founder

“When students are involved, trust must come first.
Our responsibility is not to compete for attention—but to protect schools, educators, and families with clarity, integrity, and purpose.”

— Chef Mike Erickson
Founder, National High School BBQ Association®

Our Promise

NHSBBQA® will continue to:

• Operate with honesty and professionalism

• Respect the educational ecosystem

• Protect schools from confusion or misrepresentation

• Lead with service, not noise

We are proud of what we are building—and how we are building it.

Legal & Clarity Statement 

The National High School BBQ Association® is an independent, educator-led organization.
Use of similar descriptive terms by other entities does not imply affiliation, endorsement, or partnership.

National Authority & Sanctioning

CTSO-Neutral Position Paper

School Registration or Charter pages