Schools Verification Process | National High School BBQ Association®

School Verification Process

School Verification

The National High School BBQ Association (NHSBBQA®) requires School Verification for all programs participating in NHSBBQA®-sanctioned middle school and high school events.

School Verification confirms that a program is operating as a legitimate, school-approved, educator-led activity and is eligible to participate in educational barbecue and live-fire cooking competitions.

This process protects students, educators, schools, and families while ensuring consistent national standards.

What Is School Verification?

School Verification is a simple confirmation that a BBQ team or program:

• Is officially associated with a recognized school

• Operates with school approval

• Is supervised by an educator or approved adult

• Participates as an educational program, not an independent or adult team

Verification allows NHSBBQA® to maintain its role as an educational sanctioning body and ensures that all student participants are supported appropriately.

Who Needs to Be Verified?

School Verification is required for:

• Public middle schools and high schools

• Charter schools

• Private schools

• District-approved extracurricular or CTE programs

Programs that are not affiliated with a school or district are not eligible for NHSBBQA® educational sanctioning.

What Is Required for School Verification?

To complete School Verification, schools are asked to provide:

1. School Information

   • Official school name

   • City and state

2. Program Supervisor

   • Faculty advisor, CTE instructor, or approved adult supervisor

   • School-issued or official contact information

3. Program Confirmation

   • Acknowledgment that the BBQ program is school-approved

   • Confirmation that students participate as part of an educational or extracurricular activity

4. Safety & Supervision Agreement

   • Agreement to follow NHSBBQA® safety standards

   • Adult supervision during all activities and events

The process is designed to be straightforward and educator-friendly.

How Verification Is Used

Once verified, a school is eligible for:

• Participation in NHSBBQA®-sanctioned events

• Regional, state, and national championships

• Credentialed judging and scoring

• Sponsor-supported educational opportunities

Verification status is recorded in the NHSBBQA® national registry.

Maintaining Verified Status

School Verification is ongoing and based on continued alignment with NHSBBQA® standards.

Verified schools are expected to:

• Maintain educator supervision

• Follow published safety and conduct guidelines

• Notify NHSBBQA® of significant program changes

Verification may be reviewed if concerns arise or standards are not maintained.

What School Verification Is — and Is Not

School Verification IS:

• A confirmation of school affiliation

• A safeguard for students and educators

• A requirement for participation in NHSBBQA® educational events

School Verification IS NOT:

• Accreditation

• State or federal curriculum approval

• A replacement for district policies or local governance

Local schools and districts always retain authority over their programs.

Get Started

• [Start School Verification]

• [Educational Verification Process]

• [National Authority & Educational Sanctioning]

• [Safety & Supervision Standards]

Participation in NHSBBQA® programs requires school or district verification.
NHSBBQA® is an educational sanctioning body for school-based programs.

National High School BBQ Association®, NHSBBQA®, and related marks are used under licensed educational governance standards. Participation is subject to approval and ongoing compliance with national program requirements.

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