Pro versus backyard

S

Skidder

Babbling Farker
Joined
Feb 2, 2008
Messages
3,974
Reaction score
980
Points
0
Location
Westfield,Ma.
Can anyone tell me what the difference is between pro bbq teams and so called backyard bbq teams in competition? Thanks.
 
Depends on the comp. Some comps use the same rules for both, the only real difference is the entry fee and the prizes ( backyard tends to be much smaller, if any cash prizes, generally trophies and bragging rights) Some comps have a smaller backyard cook with only two of the 4 comp meats or 1 meat and stew, etc. THere are many variations in what you cook in backyard, main difference i have seen is cost of entry fee, and prizes.
 
It depends on the contest, but, backyard will usually only cook 2 or 3 categories, generally chicken and ribs since they can be done in a single day. There may be a chef's choice mixed in there. Entry fee's are generally less as well as the payout.
 
i think hes talking about the teams, not the contest.

Im not sure if this is factual, and anyone correct me if im wrong, but it was explained to me in a casual conversation that your considered "a pro" if you've gotten paid.. amateur/backyard if not. So that first walk where u get a check makes u a pro. I think this was in relation to the different competition 'series' that KCBS was offering. Pro, Competitor, Ironman, etc..



There was a real hot thread on this a while back. i will see if i can find it.
 
I recently moved to Pro from Backyard. The major difference is $$ payout, entry fees, competition categories, and judging. For example, last year a Kenessaw Pigs & Peach Backyard had 3 categories (Shoulder, Ribs, and Chicken). Pro's also do brisket. BY and Pros have Any Thing But. There were roughly 50 pros and 40 BY competitors. All were judged per KCBS but Pro judges were all certified, BY mostly certified with some local celebs.

Backyard is good competition and offers a great way to learn some of the ropes from the Pros. Hope to see you on the BBQ trail.
 
Just a clarification, most of the KCBS sanctioned events we've participated in also pay $$ for Backyard competitors but the payout is lower than Pro.
 
Are there any clear rules on Backyard vs. Pro? I think once you start getting into sponsorship money that should pretty much end any backyard standing you have. I've never understood where the line is.
 
Backyard rules are usually left up to the organizer, but they model them sometimes to KCBS rules.
 
Isn't it customary for a winning backyard team to be required to "graduate" to the pro division in upcoming events?

Bottom line, the backyard divisions are designed to be "simpler"
 
TN_BBQ said:
Isn't it customary for a winning backyard team to be required to "graduate" to the pro division in upcoming events?

Bottom line, the backyard divisions are designed to be "simpler"
Click to expand...

These are solely my opinions, but if a team wants to eventually compete in the "pros", they should just suck it up and start there. I did, and learned a lot !.. If a team ain't sure how far they want to take this bbq hobby, then backyard is perfect for them. If a team does really well in a few competitions, then they should go to "pro" and never go back to backyard. Progressive steps, don't go backwards.
 
From My Humble Perspective:

Backyard Team - A BBQ Team that pays less $, receives less $ and has less quality and focused competitors.

Pro Team - A BBQ Team that pays more $, receives more $ and has more quality and focused competitors.
 
The categories can differ drastically from KCBS. Last October I cooked KCBS (chicken, ribs, pork, brisket) on saturday and judged a backyard comp on sunday with these categories:

Wings
Pork (anything but ribs)
Sausage
Side dish
Dessert

The KCBS entry fee was $275 and the backyard fee was $125. There was an optional chili contest for another $75.
 
Pro & Backyard use and definition varies by area of the country. Here in the midwest, we don't often have classes at competitions. From what I understand, which isn't much, there are often pro and backyard classes at comps in the SE. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
 
BigJimsBBQ said:
From My Humble Perspective:

Backyard Team - A BBQ Team that pays less $, receives less $ and has less quality and focused competitors.

Pro Team - A BBQ Team that pays more $, receives more $ and has more quality and focused competitors.
Click to expand...


I almost 100% agree !.. except some backyarders actually have really good bbq, but they just throw it in the box.:icon_smil
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

F
Backyard American Royal
Replies
1
Views
1K
Smokin D@wg@77
S
E
Roll Call. Inside 30 days. Marietta River City BBQ Competition (KCBS) - Marietta, OH - April 29 & 30, 2002
Replies
1
Views
1K
elw
E
B
Old outdoor oven/grill- how would this have been used?
Replies
5
Views
590
PGarSD
P
ronbrad62
Roll Call. Inside 30 days. Sip & Swine BBQ Festival, March 4-5, How many Brethren teams are going?
Replies
9
Views
2K
Pig_Destroyer
P
I
iyo taco vs chili
Replies
10
Views
590
SMOKE FREAK
SMOKE FREAK
Back
Top