(Editor's Note: Francis Dutton will be writing a series of 6 guest columns on a variety of Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) topics, from the perspective of contest organizer, and a KCBS Master BBQ Judge. This is the first column in the series. Enjoy!)
Being a KCBS Certified BBQ judge is not only an honor, but you now belong to the worlds largest & elite group of Certified BBQ judges. Also part of being a BBQ judge is volunteering. It is this aspect of being a BBQ judge that will be my focus in this article.
There is an “Unwritten” Rule, which is not listed in the official KCBS judges certification handbook. This rule is ALWAYS reiterated by the KCBS reps that teach the certification classes. Once you are selected as a judge for any BBQ contest, you are being chosen to be part of the “Whole” Judging process. This process has many jobs within the judging area.
This process does not guarantee that you will be judging the 4 meats of Chicken, Pork Ribs, Pork Shoulder/ Boston Butt & Brisket. It also includes volunteering to help with other jobs that need attention in the judges area according to the request of the KCBS Reps. It is these jobs, along with the table judges and table captains that make the judging area run smoothly for any BBQ contest.
These areas are: changing numbers on entries, helping a table captain, directly assisting the KCBS Reps, working the left over table, emptying trash, refilling water and crackers or whatever else needs to be done that day to make things run smoothly during judging. Being a volunteer is just as important as being set at a table to actually judge the entries.
If you are one of those judges who only want to be seated every time to judge entries and never wants to help with any other part of the judging process, I suggest you reevaluate why you are a judge. You are not here for a “Meal” or to be able to take home the samples on your judging plate. You are here to experience all aspects of the judging arena. Besides, you get you book signed either way.
Although judging is a very serious position, it should be fun. Most importantly, you need to enjoy the whole process and experience of being a judge.
I have seen at many contests where I have been a judge, that when it comes to the KCBS reps asking judges to fill other positions on that day, the KCBS reps have to ask several times for judges to volunteer. Then finally a judge gives in but always seems to be disgusted or unhappy that they are ask to get up from their table and volunteer for another duty that needs attention.
Being a BBQ judge starts by being a “Volunteer” position all its own from the minute you decided to take a class to be a judge! You do not get paid, you do not get reimbursed mileage, gas or hotel fees and you surely do not get paid to be gone from your family. But for your decision to be a contest judge, you do get the opportunity and the chance to be with your BBQ family, make new friends, see old ones and to promote BBQ at each event. Certified BBQ judges are a vital part of KCBS and any contest. You can not have a contest with out teams and you surely can not have a contest without judges filling all positions.
In closing, you are a volunteer in a volunteer position of being a Certified BBQ Judge. You will have lots of opportunities the more contests you attend to judge the 4 meat categories & to volunteer. A great BBQ judge will have a good mix of both. Always take advantage of every opportunity to be a well rounded judge and make the most of all opportunities to truly be a master of your craft. Be a leader as a BBQ judge at any contest. Just do not be mediocre!
There is an “Unwritten” Rule, which is not listed in the official KCBS judges certification handbook. This rule is ALWAYS reiterated by the KCBS reps that teach the certification classes. Once you are selected as a judge for any BBQ contest, you are being chosen to be part of the “Whole” Judging process. This process has many jobs within the judging area.
This process does not guarantee that you will be judging the 4 meats of Chicken, Pork Ribs, Pork Shoulder/ Boston Butt & Brisket. It also includes volunteering to help with other jobs that need attention in the judges area according to the request of the KCBS Reps. It is these jobs, along with the table judges and table captains that make the judging area run smoothly for any BBQ contest.
These areas are: changing numbers on entries, helping a table captain, directly assisting the KCBS Reps, working the left over table, emptying trash, refilling water and crackers or whatever else needs to be done that day to make things run smoothly during judging. Being a volunteer is just as important as being set at a table to actually judge the entries.
If you are one of those judges who only want to be seated every time to judge entries and never wants to help with any other part of the judging process, I suggest you reevaluate why you are a judge. You are not here for a “Meal” or to be able to take home the samples on your judging plate. You are here to experience all aspects of the judging arena. Besides, you get you book signed either way.
Although judging is a very serious position, it should be fun. Most importantly, you need to enjoy the whole process and experience of being a judge.
I have seen at many contests where I have been a judge, that when it comes to the KCBS reps asking judges to fill other positions on that day, the KCBS reps have to ask several times for judges to volunteer. Then finally a judge gives in but always seems to be disgusted or unhappy that they are ask to get up from their table and volunteer for another duty that needs attention.
Being a BBQ judge starts by being a “Volunteer” position all its own from the minute you decided to take a class to be a judge! You do not get paid, you do not get reimbursed mileage, gas or hotel fees and you surely do not get paid to be gone from your family. But for your decision to be a contest judge, you do get the opportunity and the chance to be with your BBQ family, make new friends, see old ones and to promote BBQ at each event. Certified BBQ judges are a vital part of KCBS and any contest. You can not have a contest with out teams and you surely can not have a contest without judges filling all positions.
In closing, you are a volunteer in a volunteer position of being a Certified BBQ Judge. You will have lots of opportunities the more contests you attend to judge the 4 meat categories & to volunteer. A great BBQ judge will have a good mix of both. Always take advantage of every opportunity to be a well rounded judge and make the most of all opportunities to truly be a master of your craft. Be a leader as a BBQ judge at any contest. Just do not be mediocre!
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