International Barbeque Cookers Association

IBCA COVID-19 Guidelines

Governor Abbott’s announcement to remove the state face covering mandate as well as opening all businesses to 100% effective March 10, 2021, has led us to review our guidelines for IBCA sanctioned events. We learned a lot about the teams participating at events, the promoters and the taste judges that attend the events. We asked our head judges who are on the “front line” at events for their feedback and suggestions. After taking all of this information into consideration, we have modified our guidelines as follows that also include some strong recommendations. As before these are our guidelines and promoters may have additional guidelines as they and their local health officials see fit for their specific area. Communication with the promoter is paramount to ensure you are aware of any changes.

ative press after the fact if others find out.

  • Most importantly, if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 or the flu (i.e., fever, cough, nausea, loss of smell/taste, etc.), STAY HOME. Your health and the health of those around you are more important than the points earned. If you are exhibiting any symptoms that the promoter is not comfortable with, the promoter has the option to not allow you to participate in the event. It is their event and they have to look out

    for the wellbeing of everyone in attendance.

    If you have tested positive in the month prior to the event, please let the promoter know and let them know if you have met the CDC required quarantine standard or have a negative test. The promoter does not need the negative press after the fact if others find out.

  • Face coverings will be left to the individual to wear as they are comfortable. Promoters may have different requirements. Be sure to confirm with the promoter in advance of arriving at the event.

  • Hand sanitizer/Hand washing stations should made available to everyone entering the judging area.

  • Participants and attendees should sanitize hands often throughout the day by washing or using hand sanitizer.

  • All tables and chair backs in the judging area are to be wiped down between judging rounds.

  • Judging tables should be doubled in width for preliminary rounds and triple width for final round judging.

  • Each taste judge will be provided with individual trash bags that includes the necessary utensils for judging.

  • Palate cleansers (i.e. crackers, pickles, etc) are not required. Bottled water is adequate for taste judges. However, if palate cleansers are provided, taste judges will be provided with an individual container and not a table shared container.

  • Area for cooks meeting and awards should be large enough to allow attendees to spread out and not be crowded.

  • Please notify promoters of your intentions to attend so that the proper preparations can be made for taste judges & supplies.

  • If your plans change, please let the promoter know so the promoter can fill your spot. Many promoters have waiting lists for their event. Be considerate of the promoter trying to raise money and your fellow cooks who want to participate.

This is not a time to let our guard down and we must remain respectful of others and individual’s personal space. We need to exhibit personal responsibility and accountability. We don’t want to be the cause of an outbreak. Great strives and sacrifices have been made to curb the spread to get us to where we are.

Thank you
Lea Anne Lemon
IBCA President