I was given was that if we get a call in one of the categories, then we must stay pro.
Interesting. This doesn't match what the rules say
2017 Rules and Regulations
Definition for Backyard Cook Team
A. Any member of the team who has not entered in
and competed in more than twelve (12) sanctioned
“Master Series” BBQ competitions in the past and;
B. Any person who has been a member of a team who
has not been awarded a Grand Champion or Reserve
Champion status in any KCBS Sanctioned “Master
Series” competition and;
C. Any member of the team who has competed in
three (3) or less “Master Series BBQ competitions
within the current competition year.
If any member of the team has entered in and competed in more
than twelve (12) sanctioned “Master Series” BBQ competitions in
the past, they are ineligible to participate in the Backyard
competition. Any person who was a member of a team who has
competed in three (3) or less “Master Series” BBQ competitions
within one (1) competition year may be considered a backyard cook
and may declare or revert to such status. This includes the Chief Cook
and/or Assistant Cooks. The only exclusion to this rule would be those
judges cooking with a team to qualify for master judge
status. Individuals who feel they have extenuating circumstances
may appeal to the KCBS Sanctioning committed or their designee for
reconsideration as a backyard cook. Those requests must be made in
writing within 90 days of the competition in question.
The purpose is to ensure a level playing field in the cooking
competition. The Cook Team cannot have been compensated as a Pro
BBQ Restaurant or Caterer