National High School BBQ Association, Inc. (NHSBBQ) - NHSBBQA

Certification & Affirmation

Certification & Affirmation – FAQs

These FAQs explain why NHSBBQA® requires Certification & Affirmation for State Association applicants.

Why is a Certification & Affirmation required?

The Certification & Affirmation ensures applicants understand and agree to NHSBBQA® governance, safety, and education-first standards. It protects students, schools, and partners by establishing shared expectations before authorization is granted.

Does signing the Certification mean I am approved?

No. Signing the Certification & Affirmation does not grant approval or temporary authority. Approval is granted only after review and execution of a State Association License Agreement.

Who is required to complete the Certification?

The Certification is required for all State High School BBQ Association® applicants, including organizations seeking provisional or developmental status, and any entity requesting authorization to represent itself under NHSBBQA®.

Is there only one State Association per state?

Yes. NHSBBQA® licenses one official State High School BBQ Association® per state to ensure clarity, consistency, and accountability for schools and partners.

What does “education first” mean?

“Education first” means CTE-aligned, teacher-led, school-approved programming where student learning and safety are prioritized over competition. Competition, if offered, is optional and secondary.

Are competitions required to operate as a State Association?

No. Competitions are not required. State Associations may support schools through curriculum, training, and applied learning without hosting competitive events.

What happens if information in the application is inaccurate?

Inaccurate, false, or misleading information may result in application denial, revocation of provisional status, or termination of an existing license. Accuracy and transparency are essential.

Can a program operate while an application is under review?

No. Applicants may not represent themselves as an official State High School BBQ Association® while under review. Authorization is granted only after licensure is complete.

Are digital signatures accepted?

Yes. Digital signatures are accepted on the Certification & Affirmation page when submitted as part of the official application.

What if my state is still “In Development”?

Schools in developing states may still participate through direct NHSBBQA® School Charters and implement educational programming with national support. State-level authority is granted only after licensure.

Where can I verify if a state or program is official?

Visit the “Are We Official?” verification page for current state licensing status and authorization guidance.

Who should I contact with additional questions?

Contact the National High School BBQ Association® directly for clarification or verification. We’re happy to assist schools, educators, and partners.

Purpose of This Certification

The National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®) is committed to protecting students, schools, educators, and communities through clear governance, transparency, and accountability.

All individuals and organizations seeking authorization as a State High School BBQ Association® must complete a Certification & Affirmation as part of the application process.

This requirement ensures shared understanding of responsibilities, expectations, and standards.

What Applicants Are Certifying

By submitting a State Association application, applicants formally certify and affirm that:

Accuracy & Authority

All information provided is true and accurate to the best of their knowledge
They are authorized to apply on behalf of the organization listed

Licensing Acknowledgment

NHSBBQA® licenses only one official State High School BBQ Association® per state
Licensure is discretionary, reviewed, and subject to annual renewal
Authorization may be revoked if standards are not maintained

Education-First Commitment

Programs will prioritize Career & Technical Education (CTE)
Teacher leadership and school alignment are required
Competition, if offered, is optional and secondary

Safety & Student Protection

NHSBBQA® safety standards, including live-fire protocols, will be followed
Student wellbeing and supervision are paramount

Brand & Trademark Compliance

NHSBBQA® trademarks, naming conventions, and branding guidelines will be followed
Misrepresentation or unauthorized use is prohibited

Why This Matters

This certification protects:

✔ Students and families
✔ Schools and districts
✔ Educators and volunteers
✔ Sponsors and partners
✔ The integrity of NHSBBQA® nationwide

It also provides clarity and consistency across all states.

Who Must Complete This Certification

This certification is required for:

State High School BBQ Association® applicants
Provisional or developing state organizations
Any entity seeking authorization to represent itself under NHSBBQA®

How Certification Is Completed

Certification is completed as part of the State Association Application (Fillable PDF)
A signed Certification & Affirmation page is required for review
Digital signatures are accepted

Important Notice

Submission of a Certification & Affirmation:

Does not guarantee approval
Does not grant temporary authority
Does not permit public representation prior to licensure

Authorization is granted only through a fully executed State Association License Agreement.

Related Governance Resources

National High School BBQ Association®
America’s CTE Food Sport
WHERE DREAMS IGNITE®
COME EAT OUR HOMEWORK!®

High School BBQ: Where Dreams Ignite

SOCIAL MEDIA

#HSBBQ / #HSBBQFamily

WWW.BBQ.Education

WWW.HSBBQ.ORG

NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL BBQ ASSOCIATION®, Inc.

P.O. 171, Smithville, Texas 78957

PRINCIPAL@HSBBQ.org

IRS filing information

EIN - 85-2136923

High School BBQ League
Operated by the National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®) — the national governing body for high school barbecue education and competition in the United States.

State High School BBQ Associations operate under license and authorization from the National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®).

Texas High School BBQ Association, Texas HSBBQ, and TXHSBBQ and the following HSBBQ Associations and Leagues are divisions of the National High School BBQ Association, a Texas S-Corporation.

www. MEAT.Education www.BBQ.Education www.Steak.Education www.Beef.Education www.Sausage.Education www.Pitmaster.Education www.Barbecue.Education

The members of National High School BBQ Association will provide equal opportunities in programs and activities, education, and employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation and will strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity throughout National High School BBQ Association.

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