I completely understand from a business side of things the need to expand and also understand the comparisons and references that everyone is making to the sporting world. I think it is great that we are reaching out to more people.
I think however that what most people are overlooking is that all of those sanctioning bodies (NASCAR, NCAA, NFL, MLB etc.,) all define and govern the rules that competitions are based upon not the other way around as is the case (if I am reading this correctly) here. That is what I am a bit hesitant about.
What I dont understand is why instead of waiting for an organizer to come up to the board and ask if they will give their approval to a certain contest. Why not have the organization reach out to the different communities by setting up rules and practices for a number of different popular contests.
Instead of having an organizer develop their own rules which the KCBS then attaches their name too, I think that the KCBS should define the rules that the orgainzers have to adhere to. This will not only give some credence to the sanctioning body but will also ensure that a fair and level playing field has been established, no matter where or when the contest takes place.
I dont think that this would be that difficult of a task and would go a long long way towards the KCBS becoming the authority on the sport of BBQ.
I can see why the KCBS would like to get into the Hank Hill (propane users) market first, that stuff is country wide. But how about some KCBS regional comps based on traditional cooking methods? Maybe a grilling comp for us up heree in the Northeast, a turkey frying contest down south, a Cowboy comp for the westerners, a plank cooked for the Northwesteners and so on. Now that would make for some great competition and provide another whole layer of competitve classes.
I guess the sponsors could be Weight Watchers with teams sponsored by bariatric surgeons, Slim4Life, etc.
