Official Contestant Rules and Regulations

The following are the rules for the Chili on the Beach Chili Cook-off event:

  1. Traditional Texas Red Chili is defined by the International Chili Society as any kind of meat or combination of meats, cooked with red chili peppers, various spices and other ingredients, with the exception of BEANS and PASTA which are strictly
    forbidden.
  2. No ingredient may be pre-cooked in any way prior to the commencement of the official cook-off. The only exceptions are canned or bottled tomatoes, tomato sauce, peppers, pepper sauce, beverages, broth and grinding and/or mixing of spices. Meat
    may be treated, pre-cut or ground. MEAT MAY NOT BE PRE-COOKED. All other ingredients must be chopped or prepared during the preparation period.
  3. Cooks must be 18 years of age or older.
  4. The official cooking period will be 3 hours in length. The exact starting and ending of the cooking period will be announced. Cooking during the entire cooking period is at the sole discretion of the contestant.
  5. A contestant's meeting will be held, at which time final instructions will given and questions answered, no later than 1 hour prior to the official starting time of the cook-off.
  6. Contestants are responsible for supplying all of their own ingredients as well as cooking utensils. Contestants will also provide their own propane stoves. An area will be provided for each contestant.
  7. Each contestant must cook a minimum of two quarts of competition chili prepared in one pot, which will be submitted for judging.
  8. Contestants will be permitted to sell or participate in People's Choice Chili. It is at the discretion of each contestant if he or she wants to participate in People's Choice. PEOPLES CHOICE CHILI MUST HAVE BEANS OR PASTA.
  9. Each contestant will be assigned a contestant's number by the Chief Scorekeeper and be given an official 32 oz. ICS judging cup. Each contestant should verify that the number on the bottom of their cup is the same as their assigned contestant
    number. Each contestant is responsible to deliver their cup, which must be filled to the bottom of the cup's rim, to the judging area at the official time for judging.
  10. Judges will be told they should vote for the chili that they like best based on the following major considerations: good flavor, texture of the meat, consistency, blend of spices, aroma, and color.
  11. The decision of the Chief Judge shall be final.

Rules courtesy of the International Chili Society.