Pro vs Am - Your opinion please

BMinahan · 09-09-2012, 10:53 AM

BBQ Brothers,
I am the Pit Boss for a rookie BBQ team. We have competed in 12 KCBS events thus far in 2012. Currently, we are ranked nationally 282nd in Chicken, 586th in Ribs, 153rd in Pork, 475th in Brisket, and 512th overall. In addition, we are about 25 points ahead of our closest competitor to be rookie team of the year for New England (1 event remaining) and we have had many walks, calls, and filled trophy case so far this year.
The question is,

#1. In your opinion, would it be right for a team with our qualifications to enter into an amateur backyard contest?
#2. In your opinion, are we considered a “PRO” Team?
#3. What would your opinion be if a cook on my team competed in the contest as the Pit Boss and mentored two other BBQ enthusiasts for the day? Would you opinion change if the team took 3 out of 4 first place trophies, 1st overall, and 77% of the prize money?

Thanks in advance - Bill

The_Kapn · 09-09-2012, 11:04 AM

A little historical reading for you.

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...t=pro+backyard

Couple of links within that thread also.

TIM

TooSaucedToPork · 09-09-2012, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMinahan

BBQ Brothers,
I am the Pit Boss for a rookie BBQ team. We have competed in 12 KCBS events thus far in 2012. Currently, we are ranked nationally 282nd in Chicken, 586th in Ribs, 153rd in Pork, 475th in Brisket, and 512th overall. In addition, we are about 25 points ahead of our closest competitor to be rookie team of the year for New England (1 event remaining) and we have had many walks, calls, and filled trophy case so far this year.
The question is,

#1. In your opinion, would it be right for a team with our qualifications to enter into an amateur backyard contest?
#2. In your opinion, are we considered a “PRO” Team?
#3. What would your opinion be if a cook on my team competed in the contest as the Pit Boss and mentored two other BBQ enthusiasts for the day? Would you opinion change if the team took 3 out of 4 first place trophies, 1st overall, and 77% of the prize money?

Thanks in advance - Bill

Its all Karma.

My opinion is - If you have to ask whether you should or should not enter than your conscience is telling you not to enter. Listen to it.

Big Mike · 09-09-2012, 01:57 PM

You are a pro team and should not enter a backyard contest. If you or someone on your team wants to provide advice to the two bbq enthusiasts prior to the competition, that is one thing. But my opinion is that nobody on your team should be cooking

BBQ Bandit · 09-09-2012, 02:01 PM

Short answer - no.

Its one thing starting in a Backyard/amateur division and step-up into a sanctioned event.

You admitted having a successful first year in sanctioned events.
That in itself is an unfair advantage at many levels of experiences at the Backyard division..
To go backwards and enter into a Backyard event is nothing but unethical. 

Besides - being in the running of the ROTY does imply first year in the "PRO" level.

LTG · 09-09-2012, 04:20 PM

1. No.
2. Yes. You've done 12 sanctioned contests already this year alone.
3. Depends. Did he do all the work while the others being mentored did remedial tasks? Lots of variables there.

Gowan · 09-09-2012, 05:14 PM

1. No
2. Obviously Yes - since you have cooked Pro division a dozen times
3. If your teammate cooks under a different team name, his own gear and the head cook is NOT at the event, then I'd give the benefit of the doubt. If it's just your Pro team in camouflage nobody will be fooled.

What it really boils down to is who you want to be perceived as. Pros who sweep up at amateur events get called bottom feeders and worse. However, only you know the circumstances of the event so you make your own choice - there is nothing beyond the ruling of the organizer to say who can cook their event and who can not.

pigmaker23 · 09-09-2012, 08:42 PM

No...

HawgNationBBQ · 09-09-2012, 08:45 PM

#1. No
#2. Yes
#3. Would not do it.

YankeeBBQ · 09-09-2012, 08:59 PM

What's a backyard contest ? What were the rules ? Did anything in the rules exclude an experienced team ?

sitnfat · 09-09-2012, 09:31 PM

If its a non sanctioned contest I would say go cook it. The ones around here have people that only cook the non sanctioned stuff along with guys that cook sanctioned. Check with the originizer first but if they welcome you and other teams welcome you go cook. If its sanctioned don't do it

Butt Rubb'n BBQ · 09-09-2012, 09:44 PM

1. No. In contest around here they put in the rules if you have competed in a pro event under any sanctioning body you are not allowed to compete in BY.
2. What else would you be. Nice plug on the trophies.
3. I bet you wrote the test answers in the palm of your hand to didn't you.

BBQ Bandit · 09-09-2012, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YankeeBBQ

What's a backyard contest ? What were the rules ? Did anything in the rules exclude an experienced team ?

Intended to be run alongside/the next day/day before at the site of a sanctioned event.

Some established pro teams take clear advantage of undefined parameters and limitations and enter as a secondary amateur team for the amateur/non-sanctioned/backyard event.

The clarity becomes blurred and since the Amateur event is not sanctioned - is it or is it not a violation of an existing KCBS rule#2?

#2) Each team shall consist of a chief cook and as many assistants as the chief cook deems necessary. A team shall not compete in more than one contest under the same team name, on the same date. Chief cooks and/or assistant cooks may only cook for their designated team at the contest they are attending.

It will eventually need to be clearly defined regarding unsanctioned events held at the same contest..

If not addressed - you'll see RV's and a 20' trailer for a backyard team that has Sponsors.

TheJackal · 09-09-2012, 11:30 PM

You are ametuers. I can't wait to kick your ass in Seaside just like we did in Green Lane!

JK. Joking aside, stop by our spot on Saturday to hang out. We are cooking for our friends, family, and sponsors since this is our last comp of the season. You will get a chance to taste some 'real' award winning Q.

Meat Man · 09-09-2012, 11:40 PM

I've always felt backyard events are great for new cooks to come out and test the water. To get some limited competition experience under their belts before cooking at the pro level. In our area backyard events are generally two meat cooks, and a great way to get started for newbies.

09-09-2012, 01:57 PM	#4
Big Mike is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 10-12-07 Location: Dayton Ohio	You are a pro team and should not enter a backyard contest. If you or someone on your team wants to provide advice to the two bbq enthusiasts prior to the competition, that is one thing. But my opinion is that nobody on your team should be cooking __________________ ROLL TIDE!!!! Big Mike Eagle River Barbecue Yoder YS640 Stumps Platinum 5 Trailer Members Mark 8 Burner Gasser

09-09-2012, 02:01 PM	#5
BBQ Bandit Babbling Farker Join Date: 02-15-08 Location: Harrisburg, PA	Short answer - no. Its one thing starting in a Backyard/amateur division and step-up into a sanctioned event. You admitted having a successful first year in sanctioned events. That in itself is an unfair advantage at many levels of experiences at the Backyard division.. To go backwards and enter into a Backyard event is nothing but unethical.  Besides - being in the running of the ROTY does imply first year in the "PRO" level. __________________ Custom Klose Backyard Chef... of Snot, and a 22.5 WSM Former smokers; Lang 84 Deluxe kitchen, Lang 60 Mobile - The Damsel II, Lang 48 Patio - The Damsel, Bubba Keg Grill - RIP, Double Barrel Smoker and a BSKD Last edited by BBQ Bandit; 09-09-2012 at 05:41 PM..

09-09-2012, 04:20 PM	#6
LTG Take a breath! Join Date: 02-08-10 Location: OKC, OK Name/Nickname : Billy Bob	1. No. 2. Yes. You've done 12 sanctioned contests already this year alone. 3. Depends. Did he do all the work while the others being mentored did remedial tasks? Lots of variables there. __________________ Outsiders BBQ. Some homemade drums.

09-09-2012, 08:42 PM	#8
pigmaker23 is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 08-17-06 Location: Albany, NY	No... __________________ [B][COLOR=green]Eric Johnson[/COLOR][/B] /[I][SIZE=1][COLOR=red] "The Sultan of Smoke"[/COLOR][/SIZE][/I] [B][COLOR=#008000]Mr. Bobo's Traveling BBQ Allstars ![/COLOR][/B] [B][COLOR=red][I]2009 Jack Daniels World BBQ BrisketChampion[/I][/COLOR][/B] [B][I][COLOR=#ff0000]_______________________________________[/COLOR][/I][/B] [B][I][COLOR=black]Backwoods Fatboy (2) & a Chubby[/COLOR][/I][/B] [B][I]Jedmaster " BabyJed" Ring of Fire[/I][/B] [B][I]OK Joe 84" Offset [/I][/B] [B][I]Meadowcreek PR -72 Trailer[/I][/B]

09-09-2012, 08:45 PM	#9
HawgNationBBQ Take a breath! Join Date: 05-17-09 Location: Phoenixville, PA	#1. No #2. Yes #3. Would not do it. __________________ [B]Michael[/B] [B][B][COLOR=black]KCBS, Certified Judge# 31757[/COLOR][/B], MABA member[/B] [COLOR=black][COLOR=blue][B]-- JAMBO / J-3[/B][/COLOR][/COLOR] [COLOR=black][COLOR=blue][B]-[/B][/COLOR][/COLOR][COLOR=black][COLOR=blue][B]- Backwoods Competitor[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=blue][B]-- Ugly Drum Smoker[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=blue][B]-- XL BGE[/B][/COLOR] [/COLOR] [COLOR=red][B]HAWG Nation on Twitter: [/B][/COLOR][COLOR=black][URL="http://twitter.com/HawgNationBBQ"][COLOR=#0000ff][B]@HawgNationBBQ[/B][/COLOR][/URL][/COLOR] [URL="http://www.TheBestMeatRub.com"][B][COLOR=blue]www.TheBestMeatRub.com[/COLOR][/B][/URL]

09-09-2012, 10:53 AM	#1
BMinahan Knows what a fatty is. Join Date: 04-16-12 Location: Rockland, MA	Pro vs Am - Your opinion please BBQ Brothers, I am the Pit Boss for a rookie BBQ team. We have competed in 12 KCBS events thus far in 2012. Currently, we are ranked nationally 282nd in Chicken, 586th in Ribs, 153rd in Pork, 475th in Brisket, and 512th overall. In addition, we are about 25 points ahead of our closest competitor to be rookie team of the year for New England (1 event remaining) and we have had many walks, calls, and filled trophy case so far this year. The question is, #1. In your opinion, would it be right for a team with our qualifications to enter into an amateur backyard contest? #2. In your opinion, are we considered a “PRO” Team? #3. What would your opinion be if a cook on my team competed in the contest as the Pit Boss and mentored two other BBQ enthusiasts for the day? Would you opinion change if the team took 3 out of 4 first place trophies, 1st overall, and 77% of the prize money? Thanks in advance - Bill __________________ Bill Minahan, Pit Boss, Que and a Half Men www.queandahalfmen.com

09-09-2012, 11:04 AM	#2
The_Kapn Moderator Emeritus Join Date: 04-08-04 Location: Marianna, FL Name/Nickname : Tim	A little historical reading for you. http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...t=pro+backyard Couple of links within that thread also. TIM __________________ "Flirtin' with Disaster" BBQ Team (RETIRED) New Ninja Woodfired Grill for Christmas 2023

09-09-2012, 05:14 PM	#7
Gowan is Blowin Smoke! Join Date: 08-08-07 Location: Cartersville, GA	1. No 2. Obviously Yes - since you have cooked Pro division a dozen times 3. If your teammate cooks under a different team name, his own gear and the head cook is NOT at the event, then I'd give the benefit of the doubt. If it's just your Pro team in camouflage nobody will be fooled. What it really boils down to is who you want to be perceived as. Pros who sweep up at amateur events get called bottom feeders and worse. However, only you know the circumstances of the event so you make your own choice - there is nothing beyond the ruling of the organizer to say who can cook their event and who can not.

09-09-2012, 08:59 PM	#10
YankeeBBQ is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 02-07-06 Location: boston ma	What's a backyard contest ? What were the rules ? Did anything in the rules exclude an experienced team ? __________________ Steve Farrin KCBS BOD member. Thank you for your support. This post is my opinion and mine alone, not necessarily that of the KCBS, it's board of directors or office nor that of Peter Pan, Tinkerbell and certainly not Rush Limbaugh.

09-09-2012, 09:31 PM	#11
sitnfat is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 10-06-09 Location: Centerville TN	If its a non sanctioned contest I would say go cook it. The ones around here have people that only cook the non sanctioned stuff along with guys that cook sanctioned. Check with the originizer first but if they welcome you and other teams welcome you go cook. If its sanctioned don't do it __________________ Rub Won Out BBQ Team,Brisket 180 club

09-09-2012, 09:44 PM	#12
Butt Rubb'n BBQ Take a breath! Join Date: 05-07-12 Location: Woodstock ga	1. No. In contest around here they put in the rules if you have competed in a pro event under any sanctioning body you are not allowed to compete in BY. 2. What else would you be. Nice plug on the trophies. 3. I bet you wrote the test answers in the palm of your hand to didn't you.

09-09-2012, 11:30 PM	#14
TheJackal Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 09-14-09 Location: Flemington, NJ	You are ametuers. I can't wait to kick your ass in Seaside just like we did in Green Lane! JK. Joking aside, stop by our spot on Saturday to hang out. We are cooking for our friends, family, and sponsors since this is our last comp of the season. You will get a chance to taste some 'real' award winning Q. __________________ Greg, Smokopolis BBQ -- [URL="http://www.facebook.com/SmokopolisBBQ"]http://www.facebook.com/SmokopolisBBQ[/URL] Yoder YS640 BBQ Guru Onyx

09-09-2012, 11:40 PM	#15
Meat Man Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 10-08-11 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah	I've always felt backyard events are great for new cooks to come out and test the water. To get some limited competition experience under their belts before cooking at the pro level. In our area backyard events are generally two meat cooks, and a great way to get started for newbies.