COMPETITIONS | National High School BBQ Association®

The official competition framework for High School BBQ

High School BBQ competitions are educationally driven, student-led, and nationally standardized.
They are designed to work inside school systems, align with Career & Technical Education (CTE), and prepare students for real-world responsibility, leadership, and performance.

This page is your starting point for understanding how competitions work, what standards apply, and where to go next—whether you’re a student, educator, administrator, parent, or sponsor.

The NHSBBQA Competition System (How Everything Connects)

High School BBQ competitions operate on a single national framework with local and state execution.

National standards → State associations → School teams

All leagues and states:

• Use the same rules

• Use the same judging system

• Follow the same safety and conduct standards

This ensures fairness, credibility, and district confidence—everywhere.

View Official Rules & Standards

Learn About the M.E.A.T. Judging System

Competition Pathway

A clear progression for students and schools

Local & Regional Events

Purpose: Learning, practice, and growth

• Entry point for new teams

• Classroom and community focused

• Emphasizes safety, fundamentals, and teamwork

View Local & Regional Events

State Championships

Purpose: Advancement and recognition

• Hosted by official State HSBBQ Associations

• Qualification-based

• Standardized judging and procedures

[Explore State Championships]

National Championship

Purpose: Excellence at the highest level

• Top teams from across the country

• Celebrates leadership, execution, and sportsmanship

• National recognition and legacy

(Learn About the National Championship)

What Makes HSBBQ Competitions Different

Built for schools. Built for students.

HSBBQ competitions are not “kids cooking like adults.”
They are designed intentionally for education.

Every competition prioritizes:

• Student leadership and accountability

• Adult mentorship (not adult takeover)

• School-appropriate safety standards

• Educational outcomes over trophies alone

Why Districts Approve HSBBQ Competitions

Rules, Judging & Safety (National Standards)

One rulebook. One judging system. Nationwide.

All HSBBQ competitions operate under official national standards maintained by the National High School BBQ Association®.

Standards include:

• Competition rules & categories

• Safety requirements

• Sportsmanship expectations

• Eligibility guidelines

• Judge training standards

Official Competition Rules
M.E.A.T. Judging System Overview
Sportsmanship Agreement

‍ Adults, Volunteers & Judges

Competitions are student-driven and adult-guided.

Adults may serve as:

• Coaches & mentors

• Certified judges

• Event volunteers

• Safety supervisors

Students are responsible for:

• Planning cooks

• Managing timelines

• Cooking and presenting food

• Representing their school

Become a Judge or Volunteer
BBQ PTA – Support Students Locally

Events & Competition Calendar

Each season includes:

• Local & regional competitions

• State Championship events

• National Championship opportunities

Events are hosted by:

• Schools

• Districts

• Community partners

• Official State Associations

View the Full Competition Calendar

️ Host or Sanction an Event

Schools, districts, and organizations can participate by hosting or sanctioning competitions.

Host an Event

• Bring HSBBQ competition to your campus or community

• Supported by national standards and resources

Sanction an Event

• Align an existing event with HSBBQ rules and judging

• Become part of the official pathway

Request to Host an Event
Apply to Sanction an Event

Recognition & Championships

Success in HSBBQ competitions is measured by growth, leadership, and execution.

Teams compete for:

• Event awards

• State Championship titles

• National Championship recognition

• Placement in the Hall of Champions

View HSBBQ Champions
Hall of Champions

Competitions by State

Competitions are organized and supported by official State High School BBQ Associations.

Each state:

• Hosts local and state-level events

• Operates under national rules

• Supports schools within its region

Find Your State Association

Ready to Get Involved?

Whether you’re launching a team, preparing for competition, or supporting students, this is where it starts.

Get Started

• [Start a School or Team]

• [Find Your State Association]

• [View Competition Calendar]

• ‍ [Educator Information]

• [Sponsor Competitions]