I think the best advice I can give on competitions is - learn and practice. Trying to find a class to attend is definitely helpful. There are places like BBQ Champs Academy (
https://bbqchamps.com/) - which our local guy Smitty of Loot N' Booty BBQ has classes on - and The BBQ League (
https://www.thebbqleague.com/), which are both great options. In Tucson, you might find a class once in a while at Arizona Grill & Hearth, though you'll have more luck if you're willing to drive up to the greater Phoenix area (if you can stand those dang Sun Devils!
![Cheesy :D](http://www.azbarbeque.com/forums/Smileys/LightB/cheesy.gif)
). And if you can go out and judge a competition, you can also see what kind of turn-ins people do. Now for chicken skins, you'll likely hear both sides. I have done both and really don't see too much need as long as you're doing a good job with trimming and getting the big chunks of fat out of the way. Again - that's just me.
Welcome to the group!
P.S. - you out there grilling and sharing on Instagram/Facebook/etc.? Feel free to share your info here. I'm all over at desertqbbq. I really just started out on the competition side myself - got hooked right before the year of the 'Rona...