BBq society

[Pony Express]

Ok, so I think that I want to join a BBQ Society/club

Now remember, I live in Seguin Texas.

What recomendations would you give me and why.
Big national like KCBBQ society or something more local like the Lone start BBQ society?

[OSD]

I would join one of the more local org. Seems like you would have more local cooks to attend and they are geared more to the local style and tastes. I think they would be a great place to get started and learn. JMHO

[Gator]

I would go for a Texas club - the local clubs have a lot more events to choose from.

http://ctbahome.com/Links.htm

http://www.ibcabbq.org/

http://www.lonestarbarbecue.com/home.htm

http://www.tgcbca.org/

[BAR "G" BBQ]

In regards to which BBQ society you should join is a matter of personal preference, although KCBS rules, turn in times, turn in products, ECT differ quite a bit from Texas BBQ society rules. LSBS, IBCA, and TGCBCA all basically have the same rules, although there are some minor differences; CTBA rules differ quite a bit. I belong to LSBS and IBCA simply because they are the major sanctioning bodies in my area.
As to why you would want to join a BBQ society; I started competition cooking on a limited basis approximately 29 years ago at which time sanctioned events were very rare. Most were what are referred to as Bubba Q’s; the promoter made up the rules, determined the turn in product, ECT and more often than not determined who the winner would be. A pork entry could be anything from a store bought smoked ham to head cheese. BBQ societies provide standardized rules, policies, and procedures that insure a fair and honest judging system. Standardization and enforcement of rules, policies, and procedures provides the cook weather they be a beginner or seasoned veteran a fair and level playing field. BBQ society membership dues insure we never go back to the unsanctioned Bubba Qs.
LSBS, IBCA, TGCBCA, and CTBA all sanction cook-offs in your area.

[Pony Express]

Thanks guys

[QRex]

I'm assuming you already know that these organizations are all centered around competition cooking only. That being said, you do not need to join any of them to cook in their events. Anyone can cook the events, member or not. I'm a member of the TGCBCA and will probobly join IBCA this year as well. Unless you want to drive to Houston 20 times a year to collect TGC points (I've been doing that for almost three years now) then go with IBCA or LSBS as they have more local contests.

[Southern Pride BBQ]

I choose Lone Star BBQ society, there plenty of cookoffs around my6 are, the people are great, and its fairly inexpensive.