- Participant Categories: Participants may compete as individuals or teams. Each individual or team is responsible for their own cooking and preparation.
- Cooking Equipment: Participants must bring their own cooking equipment, which may include grills, smokers, electric smokers, electric grills, fuel (charcoal, wood, electricity, etc.), and utensils. All equipment must comply with safety regulations. If using electric cooking equipment, participants must provide their own generator for power supply.
- Meats Allocation: The competition will feature three categories: ribs, leg quarters (chicken), and pork butts. A limited amount of Pork butts will be provided on a first-come-first-serve basis. Participants must indicate their meat preference upon registration.
- Entry Fee and Meat Allocation: Participants must pay a $25 entry fee to secure their participation. The first teams to pay their entry fees will receive the donated meats allocated for the competition. Once the allocated meats are distributed, participants must provide their own meats for the competition.
- Offsite Meat Preparation: Competitors who do not have a means to prepare meats onsite may cook at home and bring their meats to the competition. However, these competitors must still pay the entry fee for access to the preparation area and abide by the event timeline. It is imperative that competitors arrive on time with their prepared meats to ensure a smooth and timely competition.
- Fair Play and Friendly Competition: This competition is intended to be friendly and inclusive. Competitors are expected to adhere to the spirit of fair play and honesty. Any attempts to gain an unfair advantage, such as bringing professionally purchased food, will not be tolerated.
- Preparation Area: Each participant or team will be assigned a designated cooking space. It is the responsibility of participants to maintain cleanliness and organization in their preparation area throughout the competition. The designated preparation area will measure 15' x 40' and accommodate one vehicle, along with a cooker. Participants are responsible for bringing all their own equipment, including tents, if desired. In the event that we run out of designated spaces for entries, we will strive to make accommodations by utilizing available spaces with small cookers. This competition is founded on the principles of friendship and inclusivity. We kindly ask all participants to demonstrate the love of God by helping us accommodate anyone who wishes to be part of this friendly competition.
- Cooking Times: Specific cooking times will be provided for each category. Participants must adhere to these times and submit their entries for judging promptly.
- Food Runners: To maintain anonymity and fairness in judging, designated food runners will be assigned to pick up the food from the competitors and deliver it to the judges. Competitors must package their entries securely and hand them to the designated food runners at the designated collection point. The food runners will ensure that all entries are delivered promptly to the judges' area for evaluation.
- Judging Criteria: Entries will be judged based on Appearance, Taste, Texture, Tenderness, Moisture, and Overall Impression. Each will be judged 1-10 for a max total of 60. Judges will score entries according to predetermined criteria. Clear guidelines and scoring sheets will be provided to ensure consistency in evaluation.
- Plating and Presentation: Foam Togo plates will be provided to each team to present their entries to the judges. Each team must ensure that their team number is clearly labeled on the lid of the plate when presented to the judges. Entries should be presented attractively on these plates, following all other guidelines regarding cleanliness, food safety, and presentation.
- Scoring and Awards: A point system will be used to score entries in each category. Awards will be given for top placements in each category, as well as overall winners. Additional awards may include "People's Choice"
- People's Choice Competition: In addition to the main judging, there will be a People's Choice competition. Competitors may provide event attendees with samples of their BBQ entries on toothpicks for tasting and evaluation. Event attendees will have the opportunity to place anonymous votes for their favorite BBQ entry. The entry with the highest number of votes will be declared the winner of the People's Choice award.
- Safety Regulations: Participants must adhere to all safety regulations regarding fire hazards, food handling, and general event safety. Failure to comply may result in disqualification and removal from the event.
- Event Timeline: All teams must be onsite by 11:00 AM. The area will be blocked off to vehicles from driving when the event is about to start for safety reasons. If teams cannot make it by this time, they may walk in afterward. Participants will be provided with a detailed schedule of events, including check-in times, cooking times, judging times, and award ceremonies. It is the responsibility of participants to follow the timeline and be present for all required activities.
- Cleanup: At the end of the competition, we kindly ask all participants to assist in cleaning up their designated areas and surrounding areas. It is essential to maintain the field of faith clean and tidy. Please dispose of all trash and debris properly in designated bins. Additionally, please ensure that all cookers are taken home and not left on the field. Let's work together to leave the event area in the same condition, or better, than we found it. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated in preserving the sanctity of our gathering space.
- Proceeds Allocation: All proceeds from the competition will be dedicated to furthering the mission of our youth department in nurturing spiritual growth and development among our young members. These funds will play a vital role in enhancing the youth recreational area, maintaining and improving youth facilities as sacred spaces for spiritual gatherings and worship, and providing essential materials for our youth to deepen their connection with God. By participating in this competition, you are not only engaging in a culinary challenge but also actively supporting the spiritual journey of our youth. Your generosity helps create an environment where young souls can explore, learn, and grow in their faith, guided by the light of God's love and wisdom. Thank you for your contribution to our shared mission of nurturing the spiritual well-being of our youth community.
By adhering to these rules, organizers aim to ensure a fair, safe, and enjoyable BBQ competition for all participants. Organizers should communicate these rules clearly to participants prior to the event and be available to address any questions or concerns.