I also agree with the timing of the rule changes.
Since I rep more than anything else I would also like to give you some food for thought.
I do try to cook at least 1 or 2 times a year. I also have organized contests, work as a mentor for new and existing contest organizers and teach CBJ classes with my husband Jerry.
Reps have more interaction with the cooks than cooks do with each other. We are out there talking to the cooks at least 2 or 3 times at each contest, each and every cook.
Some of us actually do hear what you are saying and try to make the changes you request. Now remember each person on the board only has 1 vote so although we sometimes try to make the changes they are overruled by others on the board.
If you have any rule change discussions for this years meeting please email them to
rules@kcbs.us. It will be added to the agenda. Better yet come to the banquet in Philadelphia and voice your opinion. I do want to hear you.
One last item about the youth. I have been very involved in the organization of the Junior World BBQ Championship in Lake Placid. This was for 16-21 year olds this year and next year will include a youth division 12-15 year olds. The vision of this is to have qualifiers around the world and culminate in Lake Placid each year for the finals. That is down the road. (This is a KCBS sanctioned event under the Competitor Series)
Linda Mullane
Pig Daddy's BBQ