© 2016-2017 American Cornhole, LLC
OFFICIAL RULES
CORNHOLE
AmericanCornhole.com
AMERICAN CORNHOLE
ORGANIZATION
F O R T H E S P O R T O F
GAME ON!
© 2016-2017 American Cornhole, LLC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ChApter 1 – Cornhole plAying equipment (BoArds And BAgs)
1.1
Certified Cornhole Equipment
1.2
Approved Cornhole Equipment
ChApter 2 – Cornhole Court lAyout
2.1
Cornhole Court Layout
2.2
Cornhole Court Preparation & Maintenance
ChApter 3 – Cornhole sCoring
3.1
Length of the Game
3.2
Cornhole Scoring – Bag Terms
3.3
Designated Foul Bags
3.4
Methods of Scoring
3.5
Recording the Score
ChApter 4 – plAy of the Cornhole gAme
4.1
Brief Overview of Singles & Doubles Play
4.2
Pitching Rotation, Lane Assignments, & Bag Color
4.3
Pitching Cornhole Bags
4.4
Other General Rules
ChApter 5 –plAyer ConduCt
5.1
Player Conduct
ChApter 6 – ACo tournAment plAy
6.1
What are the different types of ACO Tournaments?
6.2
What is the ACO Masters Series?
6.3
What are the benefits of a player participating in an ACO Masters Series?
6.4
Where do I compete to earn points?
6.5
What is an ACO Invitational?
6.6
What is an ACO Qualifier?
6.7
How do I schedule an ACO Event?
ChApter 7 – ACo rAnking And AwArds
7.1
What are ACO World Singles Rankings?
© 2016-2017 American Cornhole, LLC
CHAPTER 1
CORNHOLE PLAyING EqUIPMENT
The ACO recognizes two types of equipment:
ACO Certified and ACO Approved.
1.1 ACo Certified equipment
Unless otherwise noted in advance, ACO Certified
Equipment will be used at all ACO Major tournaments
during ACO Season XII (September 2016-May 2017)
and at the ACO World Championships of Cornhole XII.
At this time, ACO Certified equipment
is limited tO:
• ACO 0153 “Star Logo” Tournaments Series Boards
• ACO 01531 Blank Tournaments Series Boards
• ACO-PRO 450 Bags
ACO Certified boards and bags can be found at
AmericanCornhole.com
1.2 ACo Approved equipment
Not limited to ACO branded equipment – In order
to be classified as ACO Approved, equipment must
comply with the criteria below. ACO Approved
Equipment may be used for the coordination of ACO
Regional tournament during ACO Season XII
ACO ApprOved BOArds:
1. Hardwood plywood playing surface measuring
47.5” to 48” x 23.5” to 24”.
2. The playing surface has a minimum thickness of
1/2” with cross-section backing, or 3/4” with or
without cross-section backing.
3. Each Board in a set should weigh no less than
25 lbs.
4. Each hole is 6” diameter, centered 9” from the top
of the board and centered from each side edge.
5. The front of the board is 3” to 4” from the ground
to the top of the playing surface.
6. The back of the board is 12” from the ground to
the top of the playing surface.
7. The playing surface should be finished - sanded to
a very smooth texture. There should be little to no
blemishes in the wood surface that may disrupt or
distort play.
8. The playing surface can be painted with a high
gloss latex paint or varnish. The surface should
allow bags to slide when thrown, but not be
so slippery that the bags slide back down the
platform.
ACO ApprOved BAgs
• Each bag is made from two fabric squares with
double-stitched seaming.
• The bags should be made from a durable fabric like
canvas, twill, or synthetic suede.
• Each bag measures roughly 6” by 6” and weighs 15
to 16 ounces.
© 2016-2017 American Cornhole, LLC
2.1 Cornhole Court lAyout
COrnhOle COurt:
A regulation size cornhole court is 8 feet wide and 40
feet long with a recommended vertical clearance of
twelve (12) feet. If a tournament court has a clearance
of less than 12 feet, it must be noted in the tourney
listing prior to the event.
this COurt COnsists Of twO (2) plAyer’s lAnes:
lane 1: Designated pitchers boxes, on the left side of
the board when your back is to the scoring tower
lane 2: Designated pitchers boxes, on the right side of
the board when your back is to the scoring tower
Cornhole Boards: Boards are positioned 27’ from the
front edge to front edge of the board.
Cornhole pitchers Boxes: A designated pitchers box is
a 4’ x 3’ area at each end of the court and on both sides
of each board; (4) boxes in all.
Cornhole foul lines: The front edge of the cornhole
board is the foul line.
2.2 Cornhole Court prepArAtion And
mAintenAnCe
Every effort shall be made to keep the cornhole
playing surface in perfect playing condition. Players are
responsible for making sure the court is in good playing
condition prior to starting the match.
• No foreign substance (such as Pledge®, talc powder,
baby powder, silicone sprays) may be applied to
the playing surface or bags by an individual player
before or during cornhole play.
• A dry clean cloth may be used to wipe down the
boards prior to the start of the game.
CHAPTER 2
CORNHOLE COURT LAyOUT
© 2016-2017 American Cornhole, LLC
CHAPTER 3
3.1 length of gAmes
trAditiOnAl 21 The game shall be played to the pre-
determined number of twenty-one (21) points. The first
player/team to reach (or exceed) that amount at the
conclusion of a frame is the winner.
3.2 Cornhole sCoring – BAg terms
wOOdy
Refers to any cornhole bag that has been pitched and
remains on the cornhole board playing surface at the
conclusion of the frame.
COrnhOle
Refers to any cornhole bag that has been pitched and
passes through the cornhole board hole at any time
within the frame.
fOul BAgs
Refers to any cornhole bag that has not been determined
as a “woody” or “cornhole”, or was designated a foul bag as
the result of rules violation.
3.3 designAted foul BAgs
• Any bag pitched without at least one foot or
appendage completely inside the pitcher’s box at the
time of release.
• Any bag not pitched within the 15 second time limit.
• A bag pitched from a different pitcher’s box than their
designated pitcher’s box.
• Any bag that contacted the court or the ground before
coming to rest on the playing surface.
• Any bag that comes to rest touching the ground and
the board.
• Any bag which struck a previously defined object such
as a tree limb, wire, indoor court ceiling, etc.
3.4 methods of sCoring
CAnCellAtiOn sCOring
The approved method of scoring for the sport of cornhole
is “cancellation” scoring. In cancellation scoring, the points
of one player cancel out the points of their opponent.
Using this method, only one player/team can score in
each frame.
wOOdy
Each woody is worth one (1) point
COrnhOle
Each cornhole is worth three (3) points
Example:
Red achieves one (1) woody and two (2) cornholes
during the frame (7 total pts)
Blue achieves two (2) woodies and zero (0) cornholes
during the frame (2 total pts)
7 points – 2 points = Red scores 5 points for that frame
3.5 reCording the sCore
No cornhole bags shall be moved before the scoring is
determined. If this decision is in doubt, a Certified Official
shall be called to determine the scoring for the frame in
question.
reCOrding the sCOre
Players are encouraged to pay close attention to the score
at all times. Players are required to update their score on
the score tower at the conclusion of each frame. Players
may call upon the Certified Official between frames if any
discrepancy occurs regarding the correct score.
CAlling the sCOre
When a third party is being used to manage the score
tower, it is the responsibility of the player/ team who
scores in each frame to call out the score to the score
keeper. It is the responsibility of the players/teams to
ensure the score is represented correctly on the score
tower at the conclusion of each frame before moving to
the next frame.
CORNHOLE SCORING
© 2016-2017 American Cornhole, LLC
CHAPTER 4
4.1 overview of singles And douBles plAy
singles plAy
• Player A competes against Player B.
• Both players stay in their designated lane for the whole
game.
• Players start the game at the headboard and will
alternate pitching bags until each player has pitched all
(4) of his/her bags.
• Players then walk to the end of their lane to the other
court, take score, and resume pitching back to the other
cornhole board.
dOuBles plAy
• Team A competes against Team B – each team is
comprised of two (2) people.
• Each team will stay in their designated lane for the whole
game.
• Players at the headboard will alternate pitching bags
until each player has pitched all (4) of his/her bags.
• Players at the footboard will take score and resume
pitching back to the other cornhole board.
4.2 pitChing rotAtion, lAne Assignments,
And BAg Color
The First Pitch, Lane Assignments, and Bag Color: The
format of the tournament will help determine first pitch,
lane assignments and bag color.
seeded tOurnAments
The player/team with the higher seed has their choice of
bag color.
The player/team with the higher seed pitches first.
In singles play, the player with the higher seed chooses
lane assignments.
in doubles play, the higher seeded team chooses one
of the following options:
Choose lane assignments
Choose their opponent to pitch against (head-to-head)
If option #1 is selected, the higher seed chooses their lane
and takes their positions in the Pitcher’s boxes, then the
lower seeded team chooses their own Pitcher’s boxes to
determine head-to-head match-ups.
If option #2 is selected, the lower seed chooses their lane
and takes their positions in the Pitcher’s boxes, then the
higher seeded team will choose their own Pitcher’s boxes
to determine head-to-head match-ups.
If playing best 2 out of 3 matches, the First Pitch and Pre-
Match options go to the higher seed in game #1 and to
the lower seed in game #2. If a third game option return
to the higher seed
rAndOmly seeded tOurnAments
The player/team winning the coin-toss chooses their bag
color.
The player/team winning the coin-toss pitches first.
in singles play, the player winning the coin toss
chooses their lane assignment.
in doubles play, a coin-toss is used to determine which
player/team selects one of the following options:
1 Choose the lane assignments
2 Choose their opponent to pitch against (head-to-head)
If option #1 is selected, the coin toss winner chooses their
lane and takes their positions in the Pitcher’s boxes, then
the opposing team chooses their own Pitcher’s boxes to
determine head-to-head match-ups.
If option #2 is selected, the coin toss loser chooses their
lane and takes their positions in the Pitcher’s boxes, then
the coin toss winner will choose their own Pitcher’s boxes
to determine head-to-head match-ups.
If playing best 2 out of 3 matches, the First Pitch and
Pre-Match option choices go to the coin toss loser in the
second game. If a third game is necessary, another coin
toss will decide who has the options
PLAy OF THE CORNHOLE GAME
© 2016-2017 American Cornhole, LLC
4.3 pitChing Cornhole BAgs
pitChing
Players alternate pitching bags (one player at a time) until
each player has pitched all (4) of his/her bags.
A player must pitch all (4) cornhole bags from their
designated cornhole pitchers box.
Players must deliver the bag with an under-hand release.
One foot or appendage must be completely within the
pitchers box at the time of releasing the bag.
When pitching a bag, players must release the bag before
any part of the player’s body touches the ground on or
beyond the foul line.
pitChing the next frAme
The player/team who scored in the preceding frame shall
pitch first in the next frame. If neither player/team scores,
the player/team who pitched first in the preceding frame
shall retain first pitch in the next frame.
ACCidentAl releAse
Any cornhole bag that leaves a players hand once the
final step (if taken) and final forward swing of the delivery
process has started, shall count as a pitched bag.
A cornhole bag that is accidentally dropped by a player
before the final step (if taken) and final forward swing has
started, shall not be considered a foul bag and may be
picked up and pitched.
pitChing Out Of turn
If a player pitches out of turn at any time during a frame,
their pitch will be considered a Foul Bag and swept from
the playing surface.
If the out-of-turn bag affects any bags in play, their
opponent has the option of returning all cornhole bags to
their original position on the playing surface or leaving all
bags as they are.
If the error is not discovered until after two (2) cornhole
bags have been pitched, the frame shall continue and be
score accordingly.
If no agreement can be reached, a Certified Official shall
be called. The Certified Official shall either determine the
scoring or void the inning and order it to be repitched.
tOuChing BAgs BefOre frAme is COmplete
If any bags in scoring positions (woodies or cornholes)
are touched by a player, whether intentionally or
unintentionally, before all bags during the frame are
pitched, the frame is over.
The offending team (team who touches the bags) forfeits
all remaining bags and tallies the score for the bags they
have already thrown during the frame
The non-offending team tallies 12 points as if they had
thrown 4 cornholes during the frame.
IMPORTANT NOTE: 12 pts are NOT automatically added the
overall score (scoreboard). The 12 pts are only used within
this specific frame before cancellation.
exAmple:
• Red has thrown 3 bags equaling 5 points
to this point in the frame
• Blue has thrown 3 bags equaling 8 points
to this point in the frame
• Blue accidentally reaches down and grabs the bags
• The frame is over
• Blue’s remaining bag is declared dead
and their previous points are tallied
• Red tallies 12 points for the frame,
as if they had thrown cornholes
• 12 Red points - 8 Blue points
• Red scores 4 points for that frame
time limits – pitChing And sCOring
pitching – A player must pitch each cornhole bag within
fifteen (15) seconds of their opponent’s bag coming to rest.
In Singles play, once the final bag comes to a rest, each
player has 30 seconds to walk to the other end, pick up
their bags, and ready themselves to pitch.
* Exceptions may be made by the Certified Official
considering any physical disabilities or difficulties
scoring – The frame will be scored 5 seconds after the last
bag is pitched, comes to rest, and all bags on the playing
surface have stopped moving. Any bag that moves
in position after 5 seconds will be scored based on its
previous position.
If timing cannot be agreed on, the Certified Official will
score or negate the frame.
© 2016-2017 American Cornhole, LLC
Other generAl rules
moving Cornhole Boards and Bags:
A player can only straighten cornhole boards in between
frames and with the approval of their opponent.
A Certified Official may be called to determine re-
placement if a discrepancy is in question.
A player may only cross the foul line and approach
the opposite board during a frame under three (3)
circumstances:
1. A timeout has been called
2. To Rake bags piled inside the cornhole board hole
3. To Sweep bags (that are considered foul bags) from
the playing surface
timeOuts
Each player or team is allowed two 1 minute time outs
per game.
A player may only call a time out when it is his/her turn
to pitch.
Both players may walk to the other boards to examine
bag position during the time out.
Players may not touch the cornhole bags or boards
during a timeout.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Official time outs may be granted in the
case of a busted cornhole bag, equipment malfunctions,
or other circumstances at the discretion of the Certified
Official. A player will not be charged for time out.
raking Cornhole Bags If bags become piled inside
the cornhole board hole and may interfere or obstruct
with the next pitch or if there is question as to whether
a cornhole bag would have naturally fallen through the
hole, a player may request to “rake” the cornhole bags
that have fallen inside the hole. To request a rake, the
player must audibly
• One or both players may walk to the other board and
rake the bags from under the board (one player raking
and one player watching.)
• A spectator may be called to rake the bags if both
players agree.
• A certified official may be called to rake the bags if a
discrepancy is in question.
• Anytime 4 cornhole bags have entered the hole or
piled bags are visible in the hole a player may request a
“rake” and will not be charged a time-out.
IMPORTANT NOTE: During raking, all efforts should be
made to leave bags on the playing surface undisrupted, in
their natural state, and to leave bags that may hang on the
rim of the hole from falling inside the hole unnaturally. If
a bag is resting on a piled bag, and unavoidably falls into
the hole as a result of raking, then it shall be counted as a
“cornhole.”
sweeping COrnhOle BAgs
If a foul bag lands on the playing surface or comes to rest
touching the ground and the board, it must be removed
immediately.
If a player pitches a foul bag which affects any bags
in play, their opponent has the option of returning all
cornhole bags to their original position on the playing
surface or leaving all bags as they are.
© 2016-2017 American Cornhole, LLC
CHAPTER 5
PLAyER CONDUCT
5.1 plAyer ConduCt
On the COurts
A cornhole player/team while in competition, shall make
no disturbing noises or movements that would distract
the opponent or players on surrounding courts. Other
inappropriate behavior would include profanity, abusive
language, obscene gestures, flipping bags, etc.
penAlties
A player may call on a Certified Official to enforce a rule at
any time. If the Certified Official deems action is required:
• The first offense shall call for a warning from the Certified
Official.
• A second offense shall call for a second and final
warning.
• A third offense shall call for forfeiture of the game being
played.
• Any further offenses may call for disqualification from
the Tournament/Event.
spOrtsmAnship
Any cornhole player who indulges in heckling or unfair
rooting, uses profanity or abusive language, makes
obscene gestures, or exhibits any other form of un-
sportsmanlike conduct toward other players, Certified
Officials/Tournament/League Officials, or others who are
in the area of the courts, shall be subject to expulsion
from the Tournament/Event and from the event site.
giving/reCeiving plAyer AdviCe
It is legal for a teammate or spectator to provide advice
on bag position and/or next pitch recommendation.
dress COde
Participants competing in Masters Series Majors and the
World Championships of Cornhole will be expected to
abide by the ACO Dress Code below:
• Shirts cannot be sleeveless; cut-offs are not permitted
• ACO or non-branded apparel must be worn*
• Closed-toe shoes must be worn
• Further dress code restrictions may be imposed by ACO
Corporate if all entrants are notified no later than the 2
weeks before the event date.
• An ACO-PRO Jersey will be required at all ACO-
PRO Invitationals, and encouraged at all other ACO
tournaments.
Contestants that do not comply may not be allowed to
participate in the event.
AlCOhOl, tOBACCO prOduCts, And illegAl
COntrOlled suBstAnCes:
• Illegal Controlled Substances are not permitted at an
ACO Event
• Venue permitting, players can drink alcoholic/non-
alcoholic beverages while playing, but drinks must be
placed outside the live court area, in a safe zone, or on a
drink stand/holder.
• The use of alcohol or any form of tobacco while in
the confines of the courts may be prohibited for all
contestants, officials, and scorekeepers at the discretion
of ACO Corporate. This rule may be enforced at any
tournament, if announced in advance by the Certified
Officials/ACO Corporate. Violations may result in the
forfeiture of games.
Cell phOnes
• The use of cell phones while in the confines of the courts
may be prohibited for all contestants, officials, and
scorekeepers at the discretion of ACO Corporate.
This rule may be enforced at any tournament, if
announced in advance by the Certified Officials/ACO
Corporate. Violations may result in the forfeiture of
games.
AudiO & visuAl
• The use of audio and visual equipment in the confines
of the event premises may be used by the ACO. Your
presence in the filming/photography area constitutes
consent to be recorded/photographed.
© 2016-2017 American Cornhole, LLC
GAME
ON!