How to Host an Official ACL Cornhole Tournament: Step-by-Step Guide
Cornhole is a great game for casual fun, but if you’re ready to kick it up a notch and host an official American Cornhole League (ACL) tournament, you’ll need to follow some specific steps to ensure everything runs smoothly. Hosting an ACL-sanctioned event can seem a bit overwhelming, but with the right preparation and attention to detail, you’ll be ready to organize a top-tier tournament.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything from selecting the right equipment and following the official rules to organizing the competition format and managing scores like a pro.
Step 1: Understand ACL Rules and Guidelines
Before you start organizing your tournament, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the ACL rules and regulations. These rules cover everything from scoring and gameplay to equipment specifications and player conduct. To ensure your tournament is official, you must adhere to these standards.
Key ACL Rules to Know:
- Cancellation Scoring: Points are calculated by subtracting the lower score from the higher score after each round, with only the difference added to the higher-scoring player’s total.
- Game Format: Games are typically played to 21 points, but you must win by landing exactly 21. Overshooting this number means the game continues until a player hits 21 precisely.
- Equipment Requirements: Boards must be regulation size (48" x 24") and placed 27 feet apart. Bags should weigh between 15.5 and 16.5 ounces and measure 6"x 6".
Tip: Review the complete ACL rulebook here to ensure you’re aware of every guideline.
Step 2: Get the Right Equipment
To host an official ACL Cornhole tournament, your equipment must meet the league’s standards. This includes regulation boards, bags, and the proper court layout. Using the correct equipment is essential to ensure fair play and give your tournament a professional feel.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Boards: Regulation boards must be 48 inches long, 24 inches wide, with a 6-inch hole centered 9 inches from the top. The boards should be 3-4 inches off the ground in the front and 12 inches in the back for the correct incline.
- Bags: ACL-approved bags should be 6"x6", weighing 15.5-16.5 ounces. Make sure to have enough sets on hand for multiple games.
- Court Setup: The boards must be spaced 27 feet apart from front edge to front edge. You should have a flat, level surface—either indoors or outdoors—large enough to accommodate the courts and allow players room to throw comfortably.
Pro Tip: If you plan to host the tournament outdoors, make sure to consider weather conditions like wind or rain, which could impact gameplay. You may want to have backup indoor options in case of bad weather.
Step 3: Choose Your Tournament Format
Next, you’ll need to decide on the format of your tournament. Depending on the number of participants, space, and time available, you can choose from various formats such as single elimination, double elimination, round robin, or pool play leading into a knockout stage.
Popular ACL Tournament Formats:
- Single Elimination: Once a player or team loses, they are eliminated from the tournament. This format works well if you have limited time or a smaller group.
- Double Elimination: Each player or team has two chances before being eliminated. After a first loss, they move into a “loser’s bracket” and have a chance to make it to the final.
- Round Robin: All players or teams compete against each other, and the one with the best overall record advances to the finals. This format is more time-consuming but ensures everyone gets multiple games.
- Pool Play: Participants are divided into pools (groups), and they play round robin matches within those pools. The best from each pool then advance to a knockout stage or final bracket.
How to Decide: For smaller groups, a single elimination or round robin format works well. For larger groups or tournaments with more serious competitors, double elimination or pool play ensures a more balanced competition and more playtime.
Step 4: Organize the Bracket
Once you know your format, it’s time to set up the bracket. You can do this by hand, but many tournament organizers prefer using online tools or apps for managing brackets.
Bracket Management Tools:
- Challonge: This online platform allows you to create and manage tournament brackets for free. It supports various formats like single elimination, double elimination, and round robin.
- Brackelope: A popular mobile app designed for tournament organizers, perfect for keeping track of match results and updating brackets in real-time.
- Scoreholio: Another great app specifically designed for cornhole tournaments, offering features like live scoring and bracket generation.
Tip: Make sure all players are aware of the bracket and their match times. Posting a physical bracket on-site, along with an online version, will keep everyone informed.
Step 5: Register Participants
Now it’s time to start gathering your players. You can offer online registration or have participants sign up the day of the event. Make sure to collect the necessary information, including team names (for doubles), player contact info, and any special requirements.
Participant Registration Tips:
- Set a Clear Deadline: Encourage early sign-ups to get an idea of how many people will be participating.
- Use Online Forms: Google Forms or Eventbrite are simple and free tools that can help you manage registrations.
- Confirm ACL Rules: Let participants know that the tournament will follow official ACL rules so they can prepare accordingly.
Pro Tip: If you’re hosting a local tournament, promoting the event on social media and in local groups can help boost participation. Offering prizes for winners or creating fun themes can also attract more players.
Step 6: Set Up the Courts
Before the tournament begins, you’ll need to set up your courts properly. Remember, ACL Cornhole boards need to be placed 27 feet apart, front to front, and aligned straight with each other.
Court Setup Checklist:
- Measure the Distance: Use a tape measure to ensure the boards are exactly 27 feet apart.
- Mark the Foul Line: Make sure there’s a clearly marked foul line (front edge of each board) to avoid foot faults during play.
- Pitcher’s Box: The area beside each board where players throw should be clearly defined. Each pitcher’s box extends 3 feet to either side of the board.
Pro Tip: Make sure there is adequate space around the courts for players and spectators. You don’t want players to feel cramped or restricted when it’s their turn to throw.
Step 7: Manage Game Play and Scoring
With your equipment and courts set up, you’re ready to begin the tournament. Designate someone (or a few people) to manage the games, keep score, and update the brackets as matches progress.
Tips for Managing Gameplay and Scoring:
- Assign Scorekeepers: Each court should have a dedicated scorekeeper to ensure accurate scoring. Use the cancellation scoring system, subtracting the lower score from the higher score at the end of each round.
- Announce Matchups: Be sure to announce upcoming matches in advance so players have time to get ready.
- Stick to the Schedule: Try to stick to your predetermined schedule to keep the tournament flowing smoothly. If you’re running behind, communicate any delays to participants.
Scorekeeping Apps: Apps like Scoreholio make it easier to manage live scoring, automatically updating your brackets in real-time and reducing the risk of human error.
Step 8: Award Prizes and Wrap-Up
Once the final match has been played, it’s time to award the prizes and celebrate a successful tournament. Prizes can be as simple as trophies or medals, or you could offer cash prizes, gift cards, or even ACL-branded merchandise for the winners.
Post-Tournament Tips:
- Congratulate Participants: Whether someone wins or loses, it’s always good to acknowledge everyone’s effort and sportsmanship.
- Take Photos: Capture photos of the winners, participants, and the event itself. You can use these to promote future tournaments.
- Encourage Feedback: Ask participants for feedback to improve future tournaments. What went well? What could be better?
Pro Tip: Hosting tournaments regularly? Build a mailing list or social media group so you can keep your players informed about future events.
Conclusion: Host an Unforgettable ACL Cornhole Tournament
Hosting an ACL Cornhole tournament might seem like a big task, but with careful planning, attention to detail, and a little help from the right tools, you can organize a fun and successful event. Whether it’s a casual tournament with friends or a competitive event for seasoned players, following the ACL guidelines ensures that your tournament runs smoothly and professionally.
From getting the right equipment and choosing the format to managing scores and awarding prizes, every step of the way is an opportunity to make the experience enjoyable for all involved. Now, you’re ready to bring the excitement of ACL Cornhole to your community—one well-organized tournament at a time!
