Two separate organizations
The American Cornhole League publishes its rules and event information at iplaycornhole.com. The American Cornhole Organization is a different body at americancornhole.com with its own rule set and event calendar.
There is a third organization, the American Cornhole Association, which is distinct again. Because the abbreviations look alike, event listings and articles regularly attribute a rule or a ranking to the wrong body, so confirm which organization is running an event before assuming its rules apply.
| Organization | Site | Publishes |
|---|---|---|
| American Cornhole League (ACL) | iplaycornhole.com | Rules, divisions, events, rankings |
| American Cornhole Organization (ACO) | americancornhole.com | Its own rules and event calendar |
| American Cornhole Association (ACA) | Separate organization | Its own program, often confused with ACO |
| Local and regional leagues | Varies | Local schedules, often affiliated to one body |
| Charity and bar leagues | Varies | House rules, usually unsanctioned |
How players move up
Both leagues use tiered structures where players start in social or amateur divisions and advance based on results in sanctioned events. Membership is purchased, results are recorded, and advancement follows the league's published criteria.
Requirements change between seasons. Rather than relying on a summary, check the current season's rules on the league site, since division names, point systems, and qualification thresholds are all subject to revision.
Equipment at that level
Sanctioned play adds equipment requirements on top of the basic rules. Bag approval is granted per model and per season, so a bag that was approved last year may not be current.
For ACL State-level competition and above, a board stamp requirement takes effect October 1, 2026. That applies to boards used at those events.
Finding rankings and broadcasts
Check each league’s own site for current standings, player rankings and event schedules.
Televised and streamed coverage exists and the outlets change between seasons. The league event pages list where a specific event is being carried, which is more reliable than a general listing.
A few common questions
How do you turn pro in cornhole?
Through a league's own membership and advancement system, based on results in its sanctioned events. Requirements differ by organization and change between seasons, so use the current published criteria.
Are ACL and ACO the same thing?
No. They are separate organizations with separate rules, events, and rankings, and a third body, the American Cornhole Association, exists as well.