SECTION 1: PROMOTER RESPONSIBILITIES & FEES

 

1. Sanctioning Fees

• Rib Contest: $200 per contest plus $10 per cook.
• Ancillary Contest: $75 per contest

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2. RCOA Representative Fees

• Minimum of two (2) RCOA Representatives required per rib contest
• Rib Contest Rep Fee: $200 total per Rib contest
• Ancillary Rep Fee: $75 per contest

Events with more than 40 cooks may require additional Representatives. Staffing will be coordinated between the Promoter and RCOA.

 

3. Entry Fees

Promoters may set entry fees at their discretion.
Suggested Range: $100–$125 per cook.

 

4. Prize Payouts

• All prize payouts and awards must be announced in advance
• Prize money must be paid on-site
• Prize money may not be mailed

 

5. Promoter Participation

Promoters may not cook or compete in their own contest.

 

6. Insurance & Liability

• Promoters are responsible for securing all required insurance
• RCOA is not liable for injuries, damages, or losses
• Promoters are responsible for site safety and compliance

 

7. Event Cancellation

If an event is canceled by the promoter:
• All cooks receive a full refund automatically
• RCOA sanctioning fees are refundable

 

8. Compliance with RCOA Rules

Promoters must follow all RCOA rules and scoring standards. Failure to comply may result in loss of sanctioning or points eligibility.

 

9. Promotional Materials

Promoters are encouraged to use official RCOA logos, branding, and promotional assets.

 

10. Communication

Promoters and RCOA must maintain open communication to ensure smooth event execution.

 

11. Points Eligibility

• Invitation-only RCOA contests are NOT eligible for points
• This must be clearly stated on event flyers

 

SECTION 2: COOK RULES (SUMMARY FOR PROMOTERS)

 

Promoters are responsible for ensuring cooks receive the full RCOA Rulebook prior to the event.

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Rib Competition Highlights

• Minimum 6 single-cut ribs
• Bone-in only
• No garnish
• No mixing rib types
• Spare, St. Louis, and Baby Back ribs allowed – no mixing of styles of ribs.
• No Country Style ribs
• Beef ribs allowed only if promoter-approved

 

Judging

• Double-blind judging
• Non-certified judges permitted
• Judged on appearance, taste, and tenderness
• RCOA Representative has final authority

 

Membership & Points

• Membership required before turn-in for points
• Membership required for Championship eligibility

 

SECTION 3: WING COMPETITION RULES

(Effective January 30, 2025)

1. Wing Type
   • Bone-in wings only
   • Whole wings are not allowed

2. Quantity & Presentation
   • Minimum of 5 flats and 5 drummies
   • More than 10 wings may be turned in
   • Nothing on the wings may be larger than a sesame seed

3. Turn-In Box
   • Wings and RCOA-provided foil only
   • No garnish allowed in the box
   • Box lid must fully close

4. Cooking Method
   • Any fire source is permitted

5. Saucing
   • Saucing is allowed

6. Judging
   • Wings are judged on the plate, not in the box
   • Judged on appearance, taste, and tenderness

7. Prohibited Items
   • NO bacon-wrapped wings

8. Membership & Points
   • Cooks must be an active RCOA member for points to be tracked

9. Championship Eligibility
   • Wing Championship invitations follow the same criteria as ribs

 

SECTION 4: STEAK COMPETITION RULES

1. Steak Cut
   • Must be a boneless ribeye
   • Any grade of ribeye is allowed

2. Turn-In Requirements
   • Steak must be turned in whole
   • Box lid must fully close

3. Judging Instructions
   • Judges are encouraged to take bites from the spinalis end
   • Plastic fork and knife will be used

4. Judging Criteria
   • Appearance
   • Taste
   • Tenderness

5. Presentation
   • Meat-only category
   • No garnish allowed

 

SECTION 5: REFUNDS & CANCELLATION POLICY

 

Refund Eligibility

 

Participants receive a full refund unless:

1. Rain or Shine Clause
   If listed on the flyer, no refunds due to weather.

2. No Refund After Date
   If stated, no refunds after the listed date.

 

How to Request a Refund

• Email: support@ribcookoffassociation.com
• Include name, contest, and reason
• Refunds processed within 5–7 business days

 

SECTION 6: FINAL AUTHORITY

The Rib Cookoff Association reserves the right to:
• Refuse or revoke membership or contest entry
• Interpret rules
• Resolve disputes
• Make final scoring decisions

 

All decisions are made in compliance with applicable laws.

 

THANK YOU

Thank you for partnering with the Rib Cookoff Association. Your leadership and dedication help grow the sport while preserving its heart.

 

Dirk Mullins
President
Rib Cookoff Association