Dispute Resolution & Reporting

Last Updated: 12-17-2025

The National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®) is committed to professionalism, fairness, and responsible governance at both the national and state levels. Our dispute resolution process is designed to promote clarity, protect students and schools, and resolve concerns through good-faith communication whenever possible.

This policy works in coordination with the NHSBBQA® Code of Conduct and applies across all sanctioned programs, competitions, and state divisions.

1. Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to all individuals and entities participating in or interacting with NHSBBQA® programs, including:

• Students and parents

• Educators and school administrators

• Volunteers, judges, and event staff

• Sponsors and partners

• State High School BBQ Associations operating as divisions of NHSBBQA®

• Third parties engaging with NHSBBQA® competitions or platforms

Concerns may relate to governance, participation, conduct, branding, affiliation, safety, or policy interpretation.

2. Alignment With the Code of Conduct

All dispute resolution matters are evaluated in conjunction with the NHSBBQA® Code of Conduct, which establishes expectations for:

• Sportsmanship and professionalism

• Respectful communication

• Safety and responsible behavior

• Integrity in representation and competition

• Compliance with published rules and policies

Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in corrective action independent of dispute resolution outcomes.

3. State-Level Resolution (First Step)

Whenever appropriate, concerns should first be addressed at the state level.

Each State High School BBQ Association:

• Operates under NHSBBQA® national standards

• Maintains local leadership and administration

• Is responsible for addressing routine operational or conduct-related matters within its jurisdiction

Participants are encouraged to seek resolution through the relevant State HSBBQ Association before escalating concerns nationally.

4. National Review & Escalation

Concerns may be escalated to NHSBBQA® at the national level when:

• State-level resolution is not possible or appropriate

• The matter involves national governance, branding, or policy interpretation

• The concern implicates multiple states or national programs

• There is a material Code of Conduct issue requiring national review

National review ensures consistency, fairness, and alignment with NHSBBQA® standards.

5. Informal Resolution Preferred

NHSBBQA® strongly encourages informal, good-faith resolution whenever possible.

Many concerns can be resolved through:

• Policy clarification

• Direct communication

• Review of published governance or competition standards

Informal resolution helps preserve relationships and keeps focus on students and education.

6. Formal Submission of Concerns

If informal resolution is insufficient, concerns may be submitted formally.

Formal submissions should:

• Be made in writing

• Clearly identify the nature of the concern

• Reference applicable policies or Code of Conduct provisions

• Avoid public accusations or inflammatory language

• Be submitted through official NHSBBQA® contact channels

NHSBBQA® will review submissions in good faith and respond within a reasonable timeframe.

7. No Public Forum Disputes

To protect students, schools, and program integrity:

• NHSBBQA® does not engage in dispute resolution via social media or public forums

• Public escalation may undermine constructive resolution and may itself constitute a Code of Conduct concern

This policy exists to ensure disputes are handled professionally and responsibly.

8. Branding, Naming, and Affiliation Matters

Questions or concerns regarding:

• Organizational naming

• Trademark or brand use

• Affiliation or governance status

Should be directed through official channels. NHSBBQA® prefers clarification over confrontation and addresses such matters narrowly, consistently, and in good faith.

9. Reservation of Rights

Nothing in this policy limits or waives any rights held by NHSBBQA® or its state divisions under federal or state law. NHSBBQA® reserves the right to take appropriate action to protect students, schools, sponsors, and the integrity of its programs.

10. Contact for Dispute Resolution

Dispute resolution inquiries should be directed to:

Email: [Insert official email]
Mailing Address: [Optional]

This page serves as the official process for submitting concerns at both the state and national levels.

Our Commitment

NHSBBQA® and its State High School BBQ Associations exist to serve students, educators, and communities.

Disputes are handled with the same values that guide our programs:

Respect • Responsibility • Safety • Integrity