Suggested new optional prize category

I am interested in your thoughts and or feedback on a recent idea that popped out of the deep recesses of my pea brain. I was thinking about the cooks meeting at a contest when they ask the question how many teams are competing for the first time. It seems to me, there is always a fair number that raise their hands. What would you think about the inclusion of a new prize category, the top two first time teams overall?? This would not be mandatory, and only suggested to contest organizers. The prizes could be ribbons or medals, no money, in order to keep the cost down. Teams would only be eligible for the prize on their first foray into the world of competition BBQ cooking.

I think it would serve at least two purposes:

1) Recognize the efforts of a newly formed team starting out on the BBQ trail.

2) Stimulate interest in the team members in hearing their name called and walking to the stage.

There would have to be some guidelines setup as to what constitutes a new team, I don't think this would be a huge issue. I think that the addition work on the organizers and contest reps would be minimal compared to the long term benefits to the entire process.

Most teams that I have seen will go out of their way to help a new team. I think offing a small amount of recognition to those just starting out would go a long way in growing and promoting the sport overall.

thoughts?

QN said:

Who will be responsible to verify whether or not it is really a first time team or not? Are you going to exempt contest organizers, reps, and board members? Just along the lines of another thread...

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Many contest applications already ask the question. I don't think it would be a major issue to verify. Certainly, some reliance on the honor system, much of the contest circumstances already involves individual trust.