Woody
I sit on the board of two BBQ Associations (KCBS & WBBQA). The WBBQA helps organize competitions and uses KCBS to sanction them. As someone tht needs to look at the growth of the sport banning the Guru or pellet cookers as examples it would be a step back. What has to be decided is what we are judging, fire control or the finished product.
The thing you can do as an organizer is put teams that run generators or fans can be put together and allow those that are not to be in a quieter area.
Competition BBQ is going to be more inclusive not less. If you look at the best teams out there, the Lotta Bull's, Boy from Toranto Alley, Parrothead, Dizzy Pigs, Pellet Envy we are talking about a lot of different style of cooker. Teams like Parrothead and Pellet Envy would be gone if you start banning fans.
If someone truely believes the pit is the answer then anyone not using that style of pit should be at a disadvantage, it has not been the case.
This reminds me of the garnish issue, you would think there is some big movement to ban it but there is small number of people that are against it.
The fact seem about 40 people or so people are against it that's hardly a majority.
Jim
