I don't know exact KCBS rules on this but logic would say if he is the head cook and performs head cook duties I don't see an issue with you hanging out or helping out.
That's what I love about this sport. People caring about others and helping each other out. Unfortunately a few bad apples ruin it for us all.
Did my first MBN contest a few weeks ago. Decided to do backyard as I have never done MBN before. Come to find out one of the spouses of a pro team turned in a backyard entry. If she prepared/cooked it herself I have no problem. But if her husband gave her one of his slabs to turn in as a backyard, that's an issue.
Sorry about the rant but I don't see anything morally wrong with it as long as you are just assisting and giving moral support to your buddy.
and you know that's the thing about this "sport".....it's kind of like golf in many ways......yes, there are lots of rules that the KCBS rep could call you out on, or a judge etc.....BUT there are tons and tons of things that are STRICTLY up to you and your personal honor to "play by the rules".
case in point is this......over the years, I've had several meat inspections that have gone quickly and everything was fine. I play by the rules. But how do you know that everyone else at the comp doesn't have a second cooler full of meat that has been marinating since Wednesday that as soon as the inspector walks away isn't used from that point on?
how do you know that the folks that have the self contained RV's or large cook trailers that never come outside dont have extra meat marinating inside that has nothing to do with the meat that was inspected? How do you know that the folks who have those trailers where you can't see inside aren't using microwaves or other forms of "illegal" heat to warm their meat right before turn in? Hell, how do those folks know I aint doing the same????? How do any of us really know? I'm so busy during the morning I would never notice somebody doing something like that, much less the folks that are cooking and prepping for the most part inside.
this could go on and on and on.......I personally choose to not worry about it, I inherently want to trust people and I personally believe that most folks want to do things the right way, just like I do.
BUT I also know that money is on the line and when money is on the line, you can easily be surprised.
But I do understand your potential frustration in what you described......I've sometimes had the same kind of concerns at times......I just decided I wouldn't dwell on them and simply choose to trust folks and just try to do the best I could within the rules and try to have the best time I could at each comp.