TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Last Updated: 1-3-26

Please read these Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) carefully before accessing or using the website(s), registration portals, events, programs, competitions, or services (collectively, the “Service”) operated by the National High School BBQ Association®, also known as NHSBBQA® (“NHSBBQA,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).

By accessing or using the Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, you may not access or use the Service.

1. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE & AUTHORITY

NHSBBQA® is a national organization that governs and supports scholastic barbecue and live-fire cooking education through:

• National governance and standards

• Chartered State High School BBQ Associations

• Divisions, leagues, events, and sanctioned competitions

• School, team, educator, student, volunteer, judge, and sponsor participation

NHSBBQA® operates as a for-profit S-Corporation and collaborates with its affiliated nonprofit partner, the NHSBBQA Education Foundation (501(c)(3), for educational, charitable, and grant-supported initiatives. Each entity maintains separate legal, financial, and governance structures.

No individual, school, sponsor, or organization may represent itself as a national or state association unless formally chartered or authorized in writing by NHSBBQA®.

2. ELIGIBILITY & SCHOOL RESPONSIBILITY

Participation in NHSBBQA® programs is limited to:

• Schools and districts that authorize participation

• Educators, coaches, and sponsors acting within their professional roles

• Students participating under school supervision and applicable school policies

• Approved volunteers, judges, and partners

Schools and districts remain solely responsible for:

• Student supervision

• Compliance with local, state, and federal education laws

• Insurance coverage

• Parental permissions and waivers

• Transportation, food handling compliance, and safety oversight

NHSBBQA® does not act as a school, employer, or substitute authority.

3. REGISTRATION, FEES & PAYMENTS

When registering for any NHSBBQA® program, charter, event, or service, you agree that:

• All information provided is accurate and complete

• You have authority to register on behalf of your school, team, or organization

• Fees are non-refundable unless otherwise stated in writing

NHSBBQA® may use third-party payment processors. By submitting payment information, you authorize its use subject to our Privacy Policy.

We reserve the right to refuse or cancel registrations due to errors, eligibility issues, suspected fraud, or violations of these Terms.

4. SAFETY, RISK & ASSUMPTION OF RISK

NHSBBQA® programs may involve:

• Live fire and heat sources

• Cooking equipment and tools

• Outdoor environments

• Travel and physical activity

By participating, you acknowledge and voluntarily assume all inherent risks. NHSBBQA® does not guarantee safety outcomes and is not responsible for injuries, damages, or losses arising from participation.

Schools are responsible for enforcing safety training, supervision, and compliance with applicable regulations.

5. CODE OF CONDUCT & SPORTSMANSHIP

All participants agree to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with:

• Educational values

• Respect, fairness, and professionalism

• NHSBBQA® standards and ethics

Participation is subject to the Participant Sportsmanship Agreement, incorporated by reference. Violations may result in removal, suspension, disqualification, or revocation of charter or participation privileges.

6. MEDIA, IMAGE & CONTENT USE

Participation in NHSBBQA® programs constitutes acknowledgment of and agreement to the Media Release, which governs the use of photographs, video, audio, and content for educational, promotional, and archival purposes.

Schools and parents are responsible for obtaining any required student permissions.

7. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & BRAND PROTECTION

All content, marks, names, logos, designs, curricula, systems, and materials are the exclusive property of NHSBBQA® or its licensors, including but not limited to:

• National High School BBQ Association®

• NHSBBQA®

• State association names and abbreviations

• Event names, scoring systems, and branding

Unauthorized use, imitation, co-branding, or representation of affiliation is strictly prohibited.

8. THIRD-PARTY LINKS & SERVICES

The Service may contain links to third-party websites or services. NHSBBQA® does not control or endorse these and is not responsible for their content or practices.

9. GRIEVANCE & DISPUTE RESOLUTION

NHSBBQA® maintains a formal grievance process for concerns related to eligibility, conduct, competition outcomes, or administrative matters.

Grievances must:

1. Be submitted in writing

2. Follow published procedures

3. Allow NHSBBQA® reasonable time for review and response

NHSBBQA®’s determination shall be final unless otherwise required by law.

10. TERMINATION & REVOCATION

NHSBBQA® may suspend or terminate access, participation, charters, or affiliations at its sole discretion for violations of these Terms, safety concerns, misconduct, or actions harmful to the organization or its participants.

11. INDEMNIFICATION

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless NHSBBQA®, its officers, directors, employees, agents, contractors, affiliates, and partners from any claims arising out of participation, use of the Service, or violation of these Terms.

12. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

To the fullest extent permitted by law, NHSBBQA® shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from participation or use of the Service.

13. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES

The Service is provided “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE.” NHSBBQA® disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including fitness for a particular purpose.

14. GOVERNING LAW

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

15. CHANGES TO TERMS

We reserve the right to update these Terms at any time. Continued use of the Service constitutes acceptance of revised Terms.

16. CONTACT INFORMATION

Questions regarding these Terms should be directed to:

National High School BBQ Association®
Email: Principal@HSBBQ.org