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RCOA

Rib Cook-off Association — the circuit that puts ribs at the centre of everything. No four meats, no steak: here you play a single game, and you play it on the rib.

What RCOA is

It's a circuit born "by cooks, for cooks". The philosophy is stated outright — growing BBQ as a sport in an inclusive, affordable and fun way, making room for pitmasters of every level and giving back to the communities that host the events. In short: it's the right place to step into competition without the pressure (and cost) of a full Master Series weekend, but with serious judging. And like the SCA, it's an individual contest: a single cook, not a team of people.

The format: all about ribs

What you turn in

The box takes at least 6 ribs, bone-in only and single-cut — no half racks, no slab portions. Allowed types are Spare Ribs, St. Louis or Baby Back. Ribs may be stacked, but the lid has to close completely.

Only the ribs and the RCOA-provided foil go in the box: nothing else, no garnish. Sauce is optional — you can skip it — but it can't pool at the bottom.

Cooked on-site

All ribs must be cooked at the contest: you can start as soon as you arrive and light the fire. Turn-in happens within a 30-minute window.

How judging works

Judging is double-blind (judges see only a number, never the team) and non-certified judges are allowed too — in keeping with the circuit's open spirit. There are three criteria:

• Appearance
• Taste (with a decimal)
• Tenderness (with a decimal)

The decimal on taste and tenderness is there to split hairs between one rib and another. And one quirk that tells you everything about the circuit: no silverware. Judges pick the rib up in their hands and bite — the way you eat ribs for real.

Points and season

The season runs from January 1 to December 15. To rack up points you must be an active RCOA member at turn-in (you can cook without a membership, but then no points). The Points Champion is decided on your best 15 scores of the season.

How you qualify for the World Championship

Here it's simple and direct, pure RCOA style: every contest winner who is an active member gets an automatic invitation to the RCOA World Championship, held in Shawnee, Oklahoma, in April of the following year. Win a contest, and the Worlds are yours.

The official rulebook