NHSBBQA - Whistleblower & Reporting Policy

Commitment to Integrity & Accountability

The National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®) is committed to ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability in all programs, partnerships, and operations.

This Whistleblower & Reporting Policy provides a clear process for reporting concerns in good faith and ensures protection from retaliation for individuals who raise issues related to compliance, safety, or ethical standards.

Purpose of This Policy

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Encourage prompt reporting of concerns

• Protect students, educators, volunteers, and partners

• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and policies

• Maintain trust with schools, districts, and communities

• Support continuous improvement and responsible governance

Who This Policy Applies To

This policy applies to all individuals associated with NHSBBQA®, including:

• Students and families

• Educators and school staff

• Volunteers, judges, and mentors

• State High School BBQ Associations®

• Contractors, sponsors, and partners

• NHSBBQA® officers, directors, and representatives

Reportable Concerns

Concerns that should be reported include, but are not limited to:

• Violations of NHSBBQA® policies or governance documents

• Safety issues or unsafe practices

• Child protection concerns

• Discrimination, harassment, or retaliation

• Misuse of funds or resources

• Fraud, conflicts of interest, or unethical conduct

• Misrepresentation of authorization or licensing status

How to Report a Concern

Reports may be made in good faith through one or more of the following channels:

1. School or District Officials

   • When concerns involve students or school-based activities, the school or district remains the primary authority.

2. State High School BBQ Association® Leadership

   • For state-level operational or event-related concerns.

3. National High School BBQ Association® Governance

   • For concerns involving governance, licensing, ethics, or national policies.

Reports may be submitted verbally or in writing and should include as much relevant information as possible.

Confidentiality

• NHSBBQA® will make reasonable efforts to maintain confidentiality to the extent permitted by law.

• Information will be shared only with individuals who need to know in order to review and address the concern.

• Anonymous reports may be accepted; however, providing contact information may assist with follow-up.

Non-Retaliation Policy

Retaliation against any individual who reports a concern in good faith is strictly prohibited.

No adverse action will be taken against a reporting individual for:

• Raising a concern

• Participating in an investigation

• Refusing to engage in unlawful or unethical conduct

Any act of retaliation may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of authorization or licensure.

Investigation & Response

• Reports will be reviewed promptly and objectively.

• NHSBBQA® may coordinate with schools, districts, State Associations, or authorities as appropriate.

• Corrective action may include policy updates, training, disciplinary measures, or referral to appropriate authorities.

False or Malicious Reports

While NHSBBQA® encourages reporting in good faith, knowingly false or malicious reports may result in corrective action.

This policy is not intended to protect individuals who intentionally provide false information.

Legal & Mandatory Reporting

Nothing in this policy limits or replaces any legal obligation to report concerns to law enforcement, child protective services, or regulatory agencies.

Educators and school personnel who are mandatory reporters must comply with applicable laws.

Policy Review & Updates

This Whistleblower & Reporting Policy is reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with:

• Federal and state law

• U.S. Department of Education guidance

• Best practices for youth-serving and education-aligned organizations

Related Governance Resources

• Apply to Become a State Association

• Are We Official?

• Governance, Licensing & Legitimacy

• State Association License Agreement

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