Welcome & Purpose

Starting a cornhole club or weekly event is one of the fastest ways to build community, grow the sport, and create a consistent local playing experience. This guide gives you a high-level overview of what it takes to start hosting cornhole nights with the American Cornhole League (ACL).

This is not the in-depth handbook. Once you become an ACL Director, you’ll unlock the Director Resource Center, full of premium resources with detailed training, step-by-step tutorials, software access, support tools, best‑practice templates, and the full operational playbook.

For now, this guide walks you through the essentials so you can take the first steps with clarity and confidence.

Why Become an ACL Director

Anyone can run a cornhole event. But becoming an ACL Director ties your efforts into the largest, most recognized cornhole organization in the world.

What You Gain as an ACL Director

• Professional infrastructure: Access to software, rankings, event formats, and systems designed for smooth operations.
• Legitimacy: Players trust ACL‑affiliated events because they know they will get consistent scoring, structure, and fairness.
• Director support: Training modules, videos, onboarding resources, and staff support.
• Revenue opportunities: Event fees, sponsorships, merchandise commissions, and team growth pathways.
• Community impact: You're building a repeatable experience where players feel welcomed, supported, and part of something bigger.
• Scalability: Many directors start with a weekly blind draw and eventually grow into seasonal leagues, regionals, and large competitive events.

Becoming an ACL Director gives you confidence, credibility, and structure from day one.

Getting Started: The Six Pillars

Launching a cornhole club starts with six core areas. This guide will walk you through each:

1. Venue – Where you play and how you set it up
2. Equipment – Boards, bags, scoring tools, and technology
3. Players – How to find them and keep them coming back
4. Event Logistics – Formats, pricing, schedules, and flow
5. Game Play – Rules, scoring, and logistics on event day
6. Growing Your Base – Creating consistency, atmosphere, and momentum

These six pillars form the foundation of every successful cornhole community.

Pillar 1: Securing a Venue

Your venue sets the tone for your entire club.

Finding the Right Space

Look for a place that offers:

• A flat, smooth playing surface (carpet, hardwood, turf)
• Adequate lighting (daytime and nighttime)
• Comfortable seating for players and spectators
• Restrooms nearby
• Parking or accessible public transportation
• Enough open space to run your desired number of lanes

Approaching a Venue

Venue owners want to know, “What’s in it for us?” Focus on:

• New customers they wouldn’t reach otherwise
• Consistent weekly or monthly foot traffic
• Increased food and beverage sales
• Social media exposure from players
• A unique, engaging activity that sets them apart

Venue Checklist

Before committing, confirm:

• Rental costs or minimum spend requirements
• Whether you need liability insurance
• Indoor/outdoor policies and restrictions
• Ceiling height (ideally 12–minimum feet for indoor play)
• Alcohol rules
• Wi-Fi access for tablets/laptops
• Space for director setup

Lane Layout & Space Requirements

General spacing per lane:

• 8' wide x 40' long (2.4 m x 12 m)

This includes:

• 27 ft distance between boards
• Pitching areas on both sides
• A walking zone for players and spectators

A typical 6-lane setup requires about 48' x 40'. Avoid exceeding a 4:1 team‑to‑lane ratio so the night doesn’t drag.

Indoor vs Outdoor

• Indoor: more consistent, better for long-term growth.
• Outdoor: workable, but unpredictable due to weather.

Pillar 2: Equipment

The quality of your equipment directly affects player experience.

What You Need to Start

Required:

• Tournament-quality boards (ACL-approved boards recommended)
• ACL‑approved bags (players bring their own bags)
• Laptop or tablet for event management
• Scoring method (digital or manual)
• Measuring tape
• Tape for marking pitcher’s boxes
• Copy of ACL rules (printed or digital)

Recommended:

• Bluetooth speaker for music
• Microphone for announcements
• Tablets for scoring
• Projector/TV showing ScoreZone

Optional Enhancements:

• Pitch pads
• Score towers
• Airmail box
• Prize displays
• Basic livestream setup (tripod + phone)

Quality Standards

ACL‑approved equipment ensures consistency for the players. Good boards and bags reduce bounce, slipping, and frustration.

Transportation & Storage Options

Think about:

• Vehicle size and capacity
• Whether your venue can store boards
• Whether trusted players can bring a board each week

Pillar 3: Attracting & Supporting Players

Starting Player Count

You can begin with as few as 6 players for singles or 12 players for doubles in order to offer an ACL points event. 

Strategies for Attracting Players

• Create a Facebook page or group for your club
• Join local community groups and post upcoming events
• Hang flyers in bars, gyms, and community centers
• Invite friends to “share” your posts
• Ask ACL to announce your new club launch

Supporting All Skill Levels

New clubs thrive when beginners feel welcomed.

• Blind draws or Swap help mix abilities
• Offer divisions if your numbers allow it
• Provide a simple welcome briefing for new players

Warm-Up & Free Play

Set up boards 30-60 minutes early so:

• New players can try the game
• Returning players warm up
• You can answer questions and build relationships

ACL Player Accounts

Explain early that players will eventually need ACL accounts to:

• Track stats
• Earn rankings
• Access ACL membership benefits

This helps introduce the membership conversation naturally.

Pillar 4: Event Logistics

Overview of Common Formats

• Blind Draw: random partners (beginner-friendly)
• Swap: rotating partners powered by ACL software
• Round Robin: structured matchups before bracket play
• Single / Double Elimination

Frequency & Duration

• Weekly events build rhythm and consistency.
• Seasonal leagues typically run 6–8 weeks plus finals.

Pricing Models

Common options:

• Weekly entry fee
• Season fees
• Member vs. non-member pricing (for regional events and higher)
• Optional side games (airmail, long toss, etc.)

Be transparent about:

• Prize structure
• How funds support equipment or venue costs

Age Guidelines

Confirm venue policies regarding minors. If allowed, set expectations for parents and guardians.

Event Marketing

• Promote consistently on social channels
• Create recurring event listings
• Use local community calendars
• Keep messaging simple and clear

Pillar 5: Game Play

Learning the Rules

You don’t need to be a pro player, but you should:

• Understand core ACL rules
• Be able to answer basic questions
• Have rules available onsite (or QR code that will direct players to the rule book)

Scorekeeping Options

• ACL software (recommended)
• Score towers with clips
• Manual score sheets

Digital scoring increases accuracy, reduces disputes and allows players to track statistics.

Tournament Day Checklist

• Cornhole boards
• ACL bags
• Laptop/tablets
• Chargers/power banks
• Clips, score sheets or digital scoring devices
• Tape for pitcher’s boxes
• Measuring tape
• Bluetooth speaker
• Microphone
• Prizes/trophies
• Banners or signage

Pillar 6: Growing Your Base

Consistency

Players return when they know what to expect.

• Start on time
• Use consistent formats
• Communicate updates clearly

Atmosphere

• Music sets the tone
• Court numbers reduce confusion
• Greet players when they arrive

Community Building

• Highlight new players
• Celebrate weekly winners
• Encourage return visits

Long-Term Growth Opportunities

• Partner with local businesses for sponsorships or prizes
• Run seasonal leagues
• Host specialty events or tournaments
• Build a social media presence

ACL Membership Promotion 

Why Membership Matters

ACL membership provides:

• Player stats and global rankings
• Eligibility for certain events
• A deeper connection to the ACL ecosystem

How to Introduce Membership Naturally

• During warm-up time
• When helping players create their ACL accounts
• When explaining how stats and rankings work

Keep it simple—players will see the value once they participate.

Tips & Tricks for New Directors

• Use high-quality boards and ACL-stamped bags
• Be set up 60 minutes early
• Mark courts cleanly and consistently
• Use music to enhance atmosphere
• Keep spare bags and tools on hand
• Encourage a positive, welcoming environment
• Use community platforms to promote
• Protect your equipment
• Consider livestreaming for extra engagement

Next Steps

If you’re ready to take the next step:

• Signup to become an ACL Club Director. You'll receive access to:
  • software, training, and support
  • detailed guides, templates, and event tools
• [Optional] Schedule a 30 minute one-on-one session with a national director for a more in-depth overview of the ACL Director Program - Sign Up Here

You’re building more than a club—you’re creating a community. The ACL is here to support you as you grow.