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 once you join the paid program.
• 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 Structure – Formats, pricing, schedules, and flow
5. Game Play Flow – 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 (High-Level)

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 Structure

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 Flow

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:

• Apply to become a paid ACL Director
• Gain access to software, training, and support
• Unlock detailed guides, templates, and event tools
• Connect with ACL staff for onboarding assistance

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