Sanctioning

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So you want to put on a BBQ contest …

BBQ contests provide your community a unique and interesting introduction to the world of competition barbecue. Planning and organizing a BBQ contest can be fun and rewarding but it’s also a big undertaking. A well run contest requires a lot of planning and a group of dedicated volunteers willing to work. A BBQ contest by itself will generally not be a big money maker or fund raiser unless you have several sponsors. Associating a contest with a established charitable event or festival is often helpful and can give you access to an experienced group of volunteers ready to help make your contest a success. One of the most important things you can do to put on a successful event is to sanction your contest with the GBA. The GBA is one of the fastest growing barbecue sanctioning organizations in the south. We have experience with contests large and small and can help you attract top quality teams and judges from across the region. The GBA has an extensive network of people experienced in every aspect of competition barbecue, all ready to help make your contest a success. Download the Sanctioning Packet for more information:

Download GBA Sanctioning Packet

The GBA also offers an “In Association With” sanctioning packet for those contests who want to do their own thing but still want to use the GBA’s systems and methods at their event:

Download the GBA In Association With Sanctioning Packet

You must also submit a Contest Application with either of the Sanctioning Packets above:

Download Contest Application

Why should I sanction my contest?

There are many benefits in sanctioning your contest with the GBA. You will be able to rely on that extensive experience to assist you in developing and growing your contest. A GBA sanctioned contest offers the organizer:
  • Knowledge and expertise in organizing well run contests
  • An established and reliable reputation
  • A database of cook teams and judges
  • A support system of contest representatives and other organizers to assist you
  • Reduced sanctioning fee for first year contests.

You cannot have a BBQ contest without cook teams and judges. Sanctioning with the GBA assures your participants:

  • The contest will be conducted in a professional manner
  • A standard set of rules will be followed
  • A fair judging process with trained judges
  • The contest organizer will award prize monies as advertised
Some contests start off as non-sanctioned and work toward sanctioning. If you start as a sanctioned contest your event will run smoother and have more trust from the teams, judges and the general public. Sanctioning is an important part of a successful barbecue event, but sanctioning alone cannot guarantee the success of your event. As stated above it will still require a lot of planning, organization, community support, and a dedicated team of volunteers.

How to become sanctioned by the GBA:

  1. Select at least two or three dates for your contest.
  2. Read the sanctioning packet VERY Carefully. The packet will detail what is required to host a GBA contest.
  3. Contact any GBA Official listed on the Contact page with any questions and to discuss your possible dates.
  4. Complete the sanctioning packet and mail it along with the proper sanctioning fee to the address on the form. Please keep a copy for future reference.