Student Data Privacy & FERPA Alignment Statement

Commitment to Student Data Privacy

The National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®) is committed to protecting student privacy and supporting the data protection obligations of participating schools and districts.

NHSBBQA® operates its educational programs in alignment with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and applicable federal and state student data privacy laws.

FERPA Alignment

FERPA protects the privacy of student education records and governs how student information may be collected, used, and disclosed by educational agencies and their partners.

NHSBBQA®:

• Recognizes that schools and districts retain ownership and control of student education records

• Does not act as a data owner of official education records

• Operates as an education-supporting organization, not a replacement for school systems

Types of Information NHSBBQA® May Collect

When authorized by schools and families, NHSBBQA® may collect limited, non-sensitive information for educational and program operations, including:

• Student name (first name and last initial when appropriate)

• School name and team affiliation

• Participation status (roster placement)

• Event participation or assessment outcomes

• Photos or videos for educational and promotional purposes (with consent)

NHSBBQA® does not require Social Security numbers, student ID numbers, grades, transcripts, or disciplinary records.

Information NHSBBQA® Does NOT Collect

NHSBBQA® does not collect, store, or request:

• Social Security numbers

• Government-issued identification numbers

• Health or medical records

• Individual academic grades or transcripts

• Special education or disability records

• Immigration or citizenship status

Use of Student Information

Student information is used solely to:

• Support educational programming

• Administer events and activities

• Communicate with schools and families

• Recognize student participation and achievement

NHSBBQA® does not sell, rent, or trade student data for commercial purposes.

Media, Images & Student Likeness

Photos, videos, or student work may be used only:

• With appropriate school or parent/guardian consent

• For educational, informational, or program promotion purposes

• In accordance with NHSBBQA® Media & Image policies

Schools and families may opt out of media use consistent with school policies.

Data Access & Security

NHSBBQA® limits access to student information to authorized personnel and implements reasonable administrative and technical safeguards to protect data from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse.

Digital tools used by NHSBBQA® are selected with consideration for student data privacy and security.

School & District Authority

Participating schools and districts retain full authority over:

• Student eligibility and participation

• FERPA compliance decisions

• Parental notification and consent

• Data correction or removal requests

NHSBBQA® works in coordination with schools, not independently.

Parental & Student Rights

Parents and eligible students retain rights under FERPA, including:

• The right to inspect and review education records maintained by the school

• The right to request correction of inaccurate records

• The right to limit disclosure of personally identifiable information

Requests regarding official education records should be directed to the student’s school or district.

Third-Party Sharing

NHSBBQA® does not share student data with third parties except:

• As authorized by the school or district

• As required by law

• As necessary for program administration with approved service providers operating under confidentiality expectations

Reporting Concerns

Questions or concerns regarding student data privacy may be directed to:

• The student’s school or district (primary authority), and/or

• The National High School BBQ Association® governance team

Concerns will be reviewed promptly and in coordination with appropriate education partners.

Policy Updates

This Student Data Privacy & FERPA Alignment Statement may be updated to reflect changes in law, technology, or guidance from the U.S. Department of Education or state education agencies.

Related Governance Resources

• Apply to Become a State Association

• Are We Official?

• Governance, Licensing & Legitimacy

• State Association License Agreement

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