NHSBBQA - CODE OF CONDUCT

Code of Conduct

• National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®)
  Last Updated: 12-17-2025

  The National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®) is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and educational environment for all participants. This Code of Conduct establishes expectations for behavior and professionalism across all NHSBBQA® programs, competitions, events, and platforms.

  This Code applies at both the national and state division levels and is enforced in coordination with the Dispute Resolution & Reporting Policy.

  1. Scope & Applicability

  This Code of Conduct applies to:

  • Students and competitors

  • Educators, coaches, and school administrators

  • Parents and guardians

  • Judges, volunteers, and event staff

  • Sponsors, partners, and vendors

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

  Participation in NHSBBQA®-sanctioned programs constitutes agreement to comply with this Code.

  2. Core Values

  All participants are expected to uphold the following values:

  • Respect — for people, property, and community

  • Responsibility — for actions, safety, and preparation

  • Integrity — in competition, representation, and communication

  • Sportsmanship — in victory and defeat

  • Safety — especially when working with live fire and equipment

  These values guide both behavior and enforcement decisions.

  3. Expected Conduct - Read Student Sportsmanship Agreement.

  Participants must:

  • Treat others with dignity and professionalism

  • Follow all competition rules, safety protocols, and instructions

  • Represent their school, team, and NHSBBQA® responsibly

  • Communicate respectfully, including during disagreements

  • Use NHSBBQA® branding and naming appropriately

  • Comply with all local, state, and federal laws

  4. Safety & Live-Fire Responsibility

  Because NHSBBQA® programs involve live fire, sharp tools, and food handling:

  • Safety rules are mandatory, not optional

  • Unsafe behavior may result in immediate corrective action

  • Participants must use proper protective equipment when required

  • Alcohol, illegal substances, or impairment are strictly prohibited

  Safety violations may result in removal from an event without warning.

  5. Prohibited Conduct

  The following behaviors are prohibited and may result in disciplinary action:

  • Harassment, bullying, discrimination, or intimidation

  • Threatening, abusive, or aggressive behavior

  • Cheating, falsification of results, or misrepresentation

  • Misuse of NHSBBQA® trademarks or implied affiliation

  • Public misrepresentation of NHSBBQA® governance or authority

  • Disruptive behavior at events or online

  • Retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith

  6. Online & Public Conduct

  This Code applies to online activity when it affects NHSBBQA® programs or reputation.

  Participants must not:

  • Engage in public disputes on social media

  • Spread misinformation regarding NHSBBQA®, its leadership, or its programs

  • Imply affiliation, endorsement, or governance authority without authorization

  Public concerns should be addressed through official channels.

  7. State-Level & National Enforcement

  State-Level Administration

  Routine conduct matters are generally addressed by the relevant State High School BBQ Association, consistent with NHSBBQA® standards.

  National Oversight

  NHSBBQA® may review or intervene when:

  • A matter involves national governance or branding

  • Issues span multiple states

  • A serious safety or integrity concern exists

  • State-level resolution is insufficient or inappropriate

  National decisions are final.

  8. Disciplinary Actions

  Depending on severity, disciplinary actions may include:

  • Verbal or written warning

  • Required corrective action or education

  • Disqualification from an event

  • Suspension from NHSBBQA® programs

  • Removal of authorization or participation privileges

  Discipline is applied consistently, proportionally, and in good faith.

  9. Reporting Concerns

  Concerns regarding conduct should be reported in accordance with the Dispute Resolution & Reporting Policy.

  Reports should:

  • Be made in good faith

  • Be factual and respectful

  • Avoid public escalation

  Retaliation for good-faith reporting is prohibited.

  10. Reservation of Rights

  NHSBBQA® reserves the right to interpret, enforce, and amend this Code of Conduct at its discretion to protect students, schools, sponsors, and the integrity of its programs.

  11. Acknowledgment

  Participation in NHSBBQA®-sanctioned activities constitutes acknowledgment and acceptance of this Code of Conduct.

  Our Commitment

  NHSBBQA® exists to educate, inspire, and empower students through barbecue and live-fire learning.

  We expect every participant to help create an environment where students can learn, compete, and grow with pride, safety, and respect.

© National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®)

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