ACL Rules & Regulations

Season - 2024/2025

Last Updated: September 5, 2024

     Summary of Season Changes

  • Bag spin approved as coin toss alternative
  • Follow-through step eliminated; hard foul line established (with disability exception)
  • Penalty added for opponent leaving the box early on final bag
  • New penalty for throwing before opponent’s bags come to rest
  • Specific player conduct violations outlined
  • Official forfeit score changed to 21–10
  • Headphones banned in TV/livestream matches
  • Maximum of two back-to-back timeouts

1. Equipment

Boards

  • Wood only (birch or oak recommended)
  • Smooth finished surface
  • Size: 24" x 48" (±¼")
  • Hole: 6" diameter, centered 9" from back
  • Thickness: ≥½" (with support) or ¾" (without)
  • Minimum weight: 15 lbs
  • Front height: 2.5"–3.5" | Back height: 12" (±½")
  • No foreign substances after purchase

Bags

  • Must be on ACL Approved Manufacturer List
  • Size: 6" x 6" (±¼") | Weight: 15.5–16.5 oz
  • Thickness: 1.1"–1.5"
  • No modifications (e.g., resewing, restuffing, ironing)
  • Washable with detergent/fabric softener
  • Personal labeling allowed (≤5 in²)
  • All 4 bags must match in design and color per side
  • Damaged bags mid-game must be replaced as a set
  • Non-compliant bags disqualify player from prize winnings

2. Court Layout

Court & Pitcher’s Box

  • Court = area with two boards
  • Pitcher’s box: 3' x 4' beside each board
  • Boards placed 27' apart (±½"), facing each other
  • Foul line = front edge of board
  • Ceiling clearance: minimum 12'

Scoreboards

  • Optional
  • One per court, placed 1' behind the board and outside play area

3. Pre-Game Procedures

Coin Toss

  • Standard toss or bag spin
  • Winner chooses lane, player matchups, or throwing order
  • Opponent chooses the remaining option

Practice Throws

  • “Down and back” unless all players decline
  • Singles: 1 full round both ways
  • Doubles: one round per player at each board

Bag Challenge

  • Must occur before match begins
  • Violations result in warnings, forfeits, or suspensions
  • Unchallenged bags are deemed acceptable during that match

4. Gameplay Rules

Pitching

  • Underhand or overhand
  • Must release behind foul line with at least one foot in box
  • No stepping on boards or straddling
  • Foot faults = bag forfeited + point deductions
  • Wait for previous bag to stop before throwing

Sequence & Scoring

  • Each round = 8 bags (4 per player)
  • First pitch goes to previous round’s high scorer
  • No penalty for scoring over 21
  • Incorrect pitch order = bag forfeit + sequence reset
  • Cancellation scoring: only net points count

Timing

  • 15 seconds per pitch
  • 45 seconds (doubles) / 1 minute (singles) to start new round
  • Violations = bag loss (timeout used first if available)

Timeouts

  • 4 per team/player | 60 seconds
  • Only player in possession can call timeout
  • Max 2 in a row
  • Delay = loss of next bag

5. Scoring Mechanics

  • On board = 1 point
  • In hole = 3 points
  • Hanging = 1 point
  • Bags touching ground = 0 points
  • Cancellation scoring used
  • Officials may “sweep” bags stacked in hole
  • Bag interference = round ends, points assessed accordingly
  • Bags must be fully stopped before removal or scoring

6. Player Conduct

  • No physical contact or distractions
  • Coaching is allowed
  • Unsportsmanlike conduct = warnings, bag loss, or disqualification
  • Headphones/audio devices banned on livestream/TV courts
  • Excessive celebration = potential penalty
  • All players agree to ACL Player and Fan Code of Conduct

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    ACL Source Attribution

This page presents a simplified overview of the official ACL rules. For the complete regulations, visit the American Cornhole League website (opens in a new tab).