Official Cornhole Rules By The ACO

1.1 ACO Approved Equipment

Not limited to ACO branded equipment

• ACO Approved boards may be used for the coordination of ACO Regional tournaments during ACO Season 16

• ACO Approved bags may be used for both ACO Regional and Major tournaments during ACO Season 16 and at the ACO World Championships of Cornhole 16

• To be classified as ACO Approved, equipment must comply with the criteria below.

1.2 ACO Approved Boards

• Hardwood plywood playing surface measuring 47.5” to 48” x 23.5” to 24”.

• The playing surface has a minimum thickness of 1/2” with cross-section backing, or 3/4” with or without cross-section backing.

• Each hole is 6” diameter, centered 9” from the top of the board and centered from each side edge.

• The front of the board is 3” to 4” from the ground to the top of the playing surface.

• The back of the board is 12” from the ground to the top of the playing surface.

• The playing surface should be finished – sanded to a smooth texture. There should be little to no blemishes in the wood surface that may disrupt or distort play.

• 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.

1.3 ACO Approved Bags

• Bags that have been approved by the ACO for use at ACO Tour Events (ACO Regionals, Majors, Conference Championships, State Championships)

• Players may bring their own ACO Approved Bags to ACO Tour Events

• A complete list of ACO Pre-Approved Bags can be found on americancornhole.com/bring-your-own-weapon.

• Approved bags are not required to be listed on AmericanCornhole.com and may be approved by the Certified Official on the day of the event if they meet approval specs

1.4 ACO Approved Bag Specs

• Each bag is filled with plastic resin/beads which will not breakdown

• Each bag weighs between 15.75 ounces (447g) and 16.25 ounces (461g)

• When flat, each bag not to exceed a thickness of 1.5 inches (3.8cm)

• When flat, each bag to have a minimum thickness of 1.125 inch (3.18cm)

• When flat, each bag to be a minimum of 5.75 inches (14.60cm) across at its narrowest point (side to side)

• When flat, each bag not to exceed 8.25 inches (21cm) across at its widest point (corner to corner)

• Each bag must have clearly printed manufacturer logo/name and series name

• Bags must be one primary color

• Bags may have rounded corners but cannot be rounded more than 0.5” from the corner on a 6” x “6 bag

1.5 Player Responsibilities for Bags

• Bags must maintain all ACO Approved specs above regardless of wear and tear

• Bags must have clearly printed manufacturer logo and series name

• Bags must not be altered from their original state- altered/new seams, refilled/altered filling, restamped logos, etc

• Bags must not have any foreign substance applied- sprays, talc powder, etc.

• Bags must not leave any residue on the playing surface

• Bags must appear clean and free of excessive wear

• Bags must be one primary color

1.6 Additional Player Guidelines for Bags:

• Bags may be subject to inspection at any time by an ACO Official

• Players may inspect and toss their opponent’s bags down-and-back once prior to the start of a game

• Players may request an ACO Official to inspect their opponent’s bags prior to the start of a game

• Once a game begins, bags are deemed legal, and the results of the game will stand

• When choosing bag colors prior to the start of a game, the higher seeded or coin toss winner chooses their color first, then the opponent must choose another, distinguishable color

• During a game, each player must use all four (4) of the same series bag from the same manufacturer

• Players found to be in violation of any bag policies due to bag inspection may be subject to disciplinary actions:

• 1st violation at an ACO Tour Event – Forfeiture of the offending bags for the remainder of tournament. Player must choose another set of their bags or choose ACO provided house bags for the remainder of the tournament

• 2nd violation at an ACO Tour Event – Forfeiture of game. Player must use ACO provided house bags for the remainder of the tournament

• 3rd violation at an ACO Tour Event – Disqualification from tournament. Possible further Membership suspension based on review

• Violations at 2 separate an ACO Tour Events during the season – Disqualification from tournament. Possible further Membership suspension based on review

• The coordinating ACO Official has final say on all disputes. At any time, an ACO Official may require one or both players/teams to use ACO house bags

• For games to be filmed for broadcast, livestreaming, etc., if a player/team’s bags are deemed too old, dirty, or worn to pass visual inspection, players may be required to use ACO house bags