NHSBBQA - SAFE HARBOR

SAFE HARBOR & NON-AFFILIATION POLICY

Last Updated: 12-17-2025

The National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®) is committed to transparency, fairness, and respect for intellectual property, organizational independence, and the educational community we serve. This policy is intended to clarify our position regarding affiliation, naming, and fair use, and to reduce any potential confusion among educators, students, sponsors, and the public.

1. Organizational Independence

The National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®) is an independent national organization governing high school and middle school barbecue education and competition through a structured system of state-level associations and sanctioned events.

NHSBBQA®:

• Operates independently

• Maintains its own governance, leadership, and programming

• Is not controlled by, affiliated with, or endorsed by any unrelated third-party organizations unless expressly stated in writing

2. Non-Affiliation Statement

Unless expressly stated in a written agreement:

• NHSBBQA® is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or responsible for the operations, policies, or representations of any unrelated organizations using descriptive terms such as “high school BBQ,” “HS BBQ,” or similar phrases.

• Any perceived association based on descriptive terminology alone is unintended and should not be inferred as sponsorship, endorsement, or continuity.

3. Respect for Descriptive and Fair Use

NHSBBQA® acknowledges that certain words and phrases—such as references to educational level, cooking methods, or geographic location—may be used descriptively by multiple parties in good faith.

NHSBBQA® does not assert exclusive rights over:

• Generic or descriptive terminology used fairly and accurately

• Lawful, non-confusing descriptive references to barbecue activities in educational contexts

4. Protection of Distinctive Trademarks

NHSBBQA® does, however, actively protect its distinctive source identifiers, including but not limited to:

• NHSBBQA®

• National High School BBQ Association®

• Official logos, seals, and branding elements

• The structured national-to-state association naming architecture operated under NHSBBQA®

Use of confusingly similar marks, association-style branding, or representations suggesting affiliation with NHSBBQA® without authorization may create consumer confusion and will be addressed in accordance with applicable law.

5. No Claim of Historical Ownership Over Generic Terms

NHSBBQA® does not claim ownership of generic or descriptive phrases used historically to describe barbecue competitions or educational activities. Our focus is on present-day clarity, consumer understanding, and responsible growth of youth barbecue education nationwide.

6. Good-Faith Resolution Policy

NHSBBQA® prefers to resolve questions of naming, branding, or perceived overlap through:

• Open communication

• Good-faith clarification

• Cooperative resolution where appropriate

We believe escalation should be a last resort and remain committed to professionalism within the educational and nonprofit communities.

7. Reporting or Clarification Requests

If you believe there is confusion regarding affiliation, naming, or representation involving NHSBBQA®, or if you seek clarification regarding permitted use of our trademarks, please contact us directly:

Contact:
Principal@HSBBQ.org

8. Reservation of Rights

Nothing in this policy constitutes a waiver of any rights held by NHSBBQA® under federal or state law. NHSBBQA® reserves all rights to protect its organization, members, students, and partners from confusion or misrepresentation.