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!

). 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...