Post on 11-Sep-2020
© 2016 American Cornhole, LLC
AMERICAN CORNHOLE ORGANIZATION
CERTIFIED OFFICIALGUIDE
SEASON XII OFFICIAL GUIDE
AmericanCornhole.com
© 2016 American Cornhole, LLC
TABLE OF CONTENTSChapter 1 - ACO Certified Official1.1 What is an ACO Certified Official?
1.2 Certified Official Requirements
1.3 Territory Exclusivity
1.4 Certified Official Qualification
1.5 How to become a new or renewingACO Certified Official
1.6 Fee for new ACO Certified Officialsand Renewals
1.7 I’ve Been Certified! Now what?
Chapter 2 - ACO Membership2.1 Benefits of becoming a member of the
ACO and ACO-PRO
2.2 How to become an ACO-PRO player
2.3 Does a player have to be an ACOMember to participate?
Chapter 3 - ACO Tournaments3.1 Types of ACO Tournaments
3.2 ACO Invitationals (NON-Points earning)
3.3 ACO Qualifiers (NON-Points earning)
3.4 ACO World Championships of Cornhole (NON-points earning)
3.5 What is the ACO Masters Series(Points earning tournaments)?
3.6 About the ACO Masters Series(Points earning tournaments)?
3.7 ACO Masters Series Majors
3.8 ACO Masters Series Regionals
3.9 Regional General Rules
3.10 Regional Points Scale
3.11 Regional Schedule and Names
3.12 Tournament Format for all Regional Divisions
3.13 Regional Scheduling
3.14 What do I need to submit to the ACO at
the conclusion of my Event?
Chapter 4 - ACO World Rankings4.1 ACO World Singles Rankings
4.2 CornyForty
4.3 ACO World Doubles Rankings
4.4 TopGun Twenty
4.5 ACO World Womens’ Rankings
4.6 ACO World Seniors’ Rankings
4.7 ACO World Juniors’ Rankings
4.8 Tiebreakers
Chapter 5 - Equipment & Rules5.1 Rules for ACO Events
5.2 ACO Recognized Equipment
5.3 ACO Approved Equipment Specs
5.4 What types of Equipment doI need for my Event?
CHAPTER 6 - Fees & Making Money6.1 Certified Official Fee to the ACO
for coordinating Regionals
6.2 Fees for Qualifiers
6.3 Submitting payments to the ACO
6.4 Making Money as a CO
6.5 Product Discounts for ACOCertified Officials
6.6 The Fast Track Pricing Guide
6.7 How to Order Product
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CHAPTER 1ACO CERTIFIED OFFICIAL1.1 What is an aCO Certified OffiCial?
answer: An ACO Certified Official (CO)
is an individual qualified to coordinate
ACO Masters Series Regionals according
to the standards set by the ACO.
ACO Certified Officials are eligible to:
Host Masters Series Regional tournaments
Sell ACO Memberships
Purchase ACO Products and Merchandise
at wholesale or discounted prices
Recruit other new Certified Officials
Sell ACO Sponsorships
Be contracted to run various ACO Corporate
activities
1.2 Certified OffiCial requirements:
Certified Officials must have or create a
PayPal account before certification. All
Certified Official purchases throughout
the season will be processed through the
Certified Official login site with PayPal.
Sign up for a free account at PayPal.com
Certified Officials must have a computer,
internet access, and a working knowledge
of email and basic programs. Much of
the Certified Official’s responsibility is to
manage their Organization through the
Certified Official Login Site by entering
Membership info and Tournament Results,
and scheduling Regional tournaments.
Training in these processes will be provided
through video training, but prior knowledge
of computer basics is essential and required.
Certified Officials must have or create
a FaceBook profile prior to becoming a
Certified Official. Much of the communication
between the ACO and Certified
Official is done through the Certified
Official private page on Facebook.
1.3 territOry exClusivity:
All Certified Officials maintain a certain
area of exclusivity, in which no additional
Certified Officials will be added and no
other Certified Officials will be permitted
to coordinate ACO Regional tournaments.
Guidelines
During registration, the new Certified
Official will be asked to name
their “home base” zip code
The home base zip code is not required to be
affiliated with a home address, venue address,
tournament address, etc. The only restriction
is that it may not already be claimed by
another CO. Any open zip code is fair game.
Once the home base zip code is determined,
the ACO will use an interactive populous
map to assign additional adjacent zip codes
to the original until approximately 50,000
households are included in the territory.
Or approximately 125,000 persons.
Certified Officials who wish to renew for
the following season will be given the right
of first refusal on all previously claimed
zip codes. Certified Officials will have
until July 1st to renew. After that time all
zip codes will be reclassified as open.
COs may acquire additional zip codes to
add to their existing zip codes and/or zip
codes in an entirely new area by purchasing
additional New Certified Official Packages
IMPORTANT NOTE: For each new territory
acquired, the CO Group must coordinate
Regional tournaments in six separate
months during the course of the season.
© 2016 American Cornhole, LLC
1.4 Certified OffiCial qualifiCatiOn
In addition to the basic and territorial
requirements above, each new Certified
Official applicant will be qualified based on
the practical proximity to existing Certified
Officials, demographics in their area,
potential new Members in the area, past
experience, and/or future prospects, etc.
The ACO reserves the right to accept
or deny any new Certified Official
applicant at its discretion
1.5 hOW tO beCOme a neW aCO Certified OffiCial
1. Submit an electronic Certified Official
Application found on AmericanCornhole.com.
There is no obligation by
completing the application.
2. Upon application submission, the
applicant will be emailed the ACO
Certified Official Guide – Season XII.
3. The ACO will contact the applicant
within 48 hours to set up a time to talk/
qualify and answer questions
Please review the Certified Official
Guide and prepare any additional
questions that you may have
4. Upon successful qualification, the
applicant will be emailed the ACO Certified
Official Agreement. Scan and email or
fax a signed copy of the Certified Official
Agreement to Eric Hinerman at ehinerman@
americancornhole.com or fax to 513-965-8689
5. After receiving the Agreement, the ACO will
email the applicant a username and password
for ACO Login Site, along with directions for
purchasing the CO package in the Login Site.
note: In the shopping cart, at the time of
purchasing the Certified Official package, the
new Certified Official will be required to choose
the Certified Official who recruited them from
a drop-down menu. If the new
Certified Official was not recruited
by an existing Certified Official, then
choose “ACO Corporate” from the drop-down.
6. Congratulations! After your purchase,
you are an ACO Certified Official!
imPOrtant nOtes:
More documents and training videos
are still in development for the new
season and will be released over the
next couple of months, including:
ACO Advanced Rules Guide – Season
XII (Completed before 7/1/16)
ACO Player’s Guide – Season
XII(Completed before 7/1/16)
ACO Certified Official Exam XII
(Completed before 8/1/16)
Training Videos will be added to the
ACO Login Site on an ongoing basis
Prior to September 1st, 2016, all COs will be
required to review all documents, and complete
and submit a Certified Official Exam. The
Exam must be completed and returned before
scheduling first Regional. Directions on this
process will be provided
1.6 fee fOr neW aCO Certified
OffiCials and reneWals
new Certified Official Package = $350.00
(Valued at $450.00) and includes:
• 2 Certified Official Certifications
(includes ACO player Memberships for
the new COs) – Valued at $200.00
• 10 ACO Memberships – Valued at $250.00
• Memberships are included in the Certified
Official packages to assist the Certified
Official in recouping a portion of their initial
package payment. Sell the Memberships
for $25 each and pocket the money
www.AmericanCornhole.com
nOte: New Certified Officials who sign
up after April 1, 2016 will be valid for the
remainder of ACO Season XI (September
2015 – July 2016) and throughout ACO
Season XII (through July 2017).
Sign up before July 1st, 2016 to
be included in the ACO World
Championships XI Event Program.
renewal Certified Official Package
Certified Officials from ACO Season XI
who are eligible to renew for ACO Season
XII can choose from the New Certified
Official Package (details listed above), or:
CO renewal Option = $225
(Valued at $325.00) and includes:
• 2 Certified Official Certifications
(includes ACO player Memberships for
the new COs) – Valued at $200.00
• 5 ACO Memberships – Valued at $125
nOte: Early Bird renewal discount!
CO renewals between April 1st, 2016
and July 1st, 2016 will receive a $50
discount (Package for $175)
Renew before July 1st, 2016 to
be included in the ACO World
Championships XI Event Program
imPOrtant nOtes:
Certification of two Officials is included
in the initial fee. Each applicant must
fill out an application, complete the CO
Exam, and submit a CO Agreement
Each Group can have an unlimited
number of Certified Officials. Additional
Certified Officials can be added to
your Group for a fee of $100 each.
ACO Certification will be valid
through July 31st, 2017
To be considered for renewal the following
Season, a CO Group must coordinate Regional
tournaments in six separate months during
the course of the season, ensuring that
players in the area receive an opportunity
to achieve maximum Regional points.
1.7 i’ve been Certified! nOW What?
answer: Once your certification has
been approved, your Group:
Will be added to our online directory
of ACO Certified Officials
Will be added to the private ACO Certified
Official Facebook Group page. The FB
Group is a forum exclusively for COs to
ask questions, interact with other COs
from around the country, vote on issues,
receive early notifications, and more.
Will be set up as an Organization in the ACO
Members Login site, which will give you access
to all training videos, forms, and processes
to get you started. The Online Certified
Official Login Site allows you to enter your
own Tournament Results, Memberships, and
update the World Rankings. The system
tracks your activity and allows you to
effectively manage your ACO Organization.
Training on all processes are provided
by online video tutorials.
When you login in for the first time
as a Certified Official, go to the
“Tools” tab and click on video #1
you are now eligible to:
• Host Masters Series Regional tournaments
• Sell ACO Memberships
• Purchase ACO Products and Merchandise
at wholesale or discounted prices
• Recruit other new Certified Officials
• Sell ACO Sponsorships
• Be contracted to run various
ACO Corporate activities
© 2016 American Cornhole, LLC
CHAPTER 2
2.1 benefits Of beCOminG a member
Of the aCO and aCO-PrO
aCO members:
Receive an ACO Membership Card
with Membership Number and
welcome letter in the mail
Are added to all eligible online ACO
Rankings lists
Are eligible to earn ACO World Ranking
points at ACO Regionals and ACO Majors
Receive access the ACO Members Login Site
which allows them to view their own Season
stats and manage their player profile
Are eligible to be invited to compete in the
ACO World Championships of Cornhole XII
Are Cornyforty eligible
Are TopGun Twenty eligible
Eligible to purchase ACO Player Jerseys
Players who achieve aCO-PrO status are:
Eligible to purchase an ACO-PRO Jersey
Eligible for ACO-PRO Only Invitational
tournaments or Events that may arise
2.2 hOW tO beCOme an aCO-PrO Player
Finish ACO Season XII ranked in the top
80 of the ACO World Singles Rankings
Finish in the Top 96 in World Singles at the
ACO World Championships of Cornhole XII
Finish in the Top 8 as a member of
a Doubles team at the ACO World
Championships of Cornhole XII
Finish in the Top 4 in World Seniors at the
ACO World Championships of Cornhole XII
Finish in the Top 4 in World Womens at the
ACO World Championships of Cornhole XII
imPOrtant nOtes:
Once a player achieves ACO-PRO status, they
will retain the status for the following 2 Seasons
At this time, ACO-PRO status cannot be achieved
in the Juniors Division due to a conflict in amateur
sports/schools athletics eligibility regulations.
2.3 dOes a Player have tO be an
aCO member tO PartiCiPate?
• aCO World Championships of Cornhole
xii Yes, All players/teams must be a member
of the ACO or acquire ACO Membership
prior to the start of the event to participate
(exemptions for international players)
• masters series regionals and majors
Yes, All players/teams must be a member
of the ACO or acquire ACO Membership
prior to the start of the event to participate
in the points earning tournaments. Players/
teams may sign-up for a membership on
the day of the event during registration.
• aCO state Championships of Cornhole
At this time, ACO Membership is not required
• aCO invitational
ACO Membership requirements may
vary. See specific tournament details.
• aCO qualifier
Membership is not required by the ACO
for a player/team to win a Ticket to the
ACO World Championships and is at the
discretion of the CO. All players/teams must
be a member of the ACO or acquire ACO
Membership to be eligible to compete in the
ACO World Championships of Cornhole.
• Other Membership for all other tournaments
added to an event, such as luck-of-the-
draw tournaments, is not required by the
ACO and is at the discretion of the CO.
ACO mEmBERSHIPACO Membership is $25 and is valid through July 31st, 2017. All new or renewing Members signed up after June 1st, 2016 will be valid through July 2017
www.AmericanCornhole.com
CHAPTER 3
3.1 tyPes Of aCO tOurnaments
ACO Tournaments are divided into
two categories: Points earning and
Non-points earning tournaments:
non-Points earning tournaments:
• ACO Invitationals
• ACO Qualifiers
• ACO World Championships of Cornhole
• ACO State Championships of Cornhole
Points earning tournaments
(ACO Masters Series Tournaments):
• ACO Masters Series Majors
• ACO Masters Series Regionals
3.2 aCO invitatiOnals (nOn-POints earninG)
The term “ACO Invitational” refers to any
non-points earning event coordinated
by the ACO Corporate Team.
ACO Corporate is constantly working
with existing and future sponsors to
continuously add bigger and better events
in order to reward ACO Members. Some
ACO Invitationals may be open to all
players, while others may require a player
to have reached “PRO” status or to have
reached a certain level of points in order to
participate. ACO Invitations will be added
to the Event Calendar as they are secured.
EXAMPLE: ACO Players’ Championship
3.3 aCO qualifiers (nOn-POints earninG)
An ACO Qualifier refers to any tournament,
league, or event in which the prize is
an entry, or credit toward an entry to
another upcoming ACO Event.
Qualifiers are open for anyone
to coordinate and will receive all
promotional benefits of the ACO.
COs can purchase upcoming Event tickets
and coordinate Qualifiers whenever they
choose. COs running ACO Qualifiers may
receive a discount on ticket prices.
The entry fee and format for an ACO
Qualifier is at the discretion of the CO.
Prize will be the purchased ticket to the
ACO Event and other cash and prizes can
be awarded at the discretion of the CO
3.4 aCO WOrld ChamPiOnshiPs Of COrnhOle (nOn-POints earninG)
The ACO World Championships of
Cornhole is the annual ACO Season ending
tournament held in July which Crowns
the best Cornhole Players in the World.
Complete details of the ACO Worlds to come.
3.5 What is the aCO masters series (POints earninG tOurnaments)?
The ACO Masters Series is a world-wide
Cornhole “league” in which ACO Members
compete for points and prizes in Singles and/
or Doubles tournament play to acquire or
achieve a World Ranking. The ACO Masters
Series is comprised of a series of points
tournaments held between September and
May each calendar year. A player may choose
to compete in singles and/or doubles.
ACO TOURNAmENTS
© 2016 American Cornhole, LLC
3.6 abOut the aCO masters series tOurnaments (POints earninG)
there are two types of aCO masters
series tournaments in which players
and/or teams can earn points:
• ACO Majors
• ACO Regionals
3.7 aCO masters series majOrs
Events in which players from all Regions
and throughout the cornhole community
come together at one location to
compete for points and prizes.
Coordinated by the ACO Corporate Team
Divisions at each Major will include World
Singles, World Doubles, Seniors Singles,
Womens Singles, and Juniors Singles.
majors will be two day events:
• Friday Night: Seniors Singles,
Womens Singles, and Juniors Singles
• Saturday: World Singles and World Doubles
Seniors, Womens, and Juniors tourneys will
all be played at the same time, so a player
can only participate in one of these Divisions.
However, players from these Divisions
will have an opportunity to participate in
the World Singles and World Doubles
There is a projected goal of (16) Majors
during ACO Season XII. These will be
held at unique locations across the U.S.
Playing format at each Major will be
standard from one location to the
next throughout the Season
Of the Majors held throughout the season,
a player/team’s (3) best finishes will count
toward their World Ranking Points total.
Once a player competes in his/her 4th
Masters Series Major, their lowest score
will be dropped from the list, and so on)
3.8 aCO masters series reGiOnals
Events in which players compete at a local
level for World Ranking Points and prizes.
Held once a month beginning in September
(2016) and ending in May (2017)
Coordinated by an ACO Certified
Official in his/her local market at
a location of his/her choice.
Certified Officials can pick and choose
which Regional Divisions they would like
to coordinate in their areas based on the
demand from players in that market. Certified
Officials can choose from these Divisions:
1. World Singles – Open to all players
2. World Doubles – Open to all teams
3. Womens Singles – Open to women only
4. Seniors Singles – 55 years and older
A player can start the season if they are
54 yrs old, as long as they turn 55 yrs old
by July 1st, 2017
5. Juniors Singles - 17 years and under
As long as a player is 17yrs or younger as
of September 1st, 2016, they may play the
entirety of ACO Season XII as a Junior and
compete as a Junior at the ACO Worlds XII,
regardless of turning 18yrs during the season.
Each month’s Masters Series Regional
is identified by its surname.
3.9 reGiOnal General rules
Singles players can participate in
up to 4 Regional points tourney per
month per Division, either at the same
location or at different locations.
Doubles players can participate in up to 4
Regional points tourney per month, either at
the same location or at different locations,
and either with the same partner or with
different partners in the same month.
doubles note: A player may switch partners
an unlimited number of times during the
Season. A new World Doubles Ranking
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spot will be created for each new team
assembled. For example: The team of Toby
Smith and Steve Wimmer may be ranked
23rd, and the team of Toby Smith and
Haseeb Habiban may be ranked 75th.
Minimum players: In order for Regional
points to count, the following participation
minimums for each Division must be reached
• World Singles – Minimum of 7 players
• World Doubles – Minimum of 3 teams
• Womens Singles – Minimum of 2 players
• Seniors Singles – Minimum of 2 players
• Juniors Singles – Minimum of 2 players
Players may participate each month in
every Division in which they are eligible
as long as scheduled tourneys do not
overlap. If tourneys do overlap, then it will
be the player’s responsibility to choose
one Division to participate, and if he or she
desires, choose another location and date
to play the other Division for the month.
3.10 reGiOnal sChedule and names:
Singles players and Doubles teams
participating in ACO Regionals are awarded
ACO World Ranking Points based on their
finish according to the following scale:
1st Place = 25pts
2nd Place = 24 pts
3rd Place = 23 pts
4th Place = 22 pts
5th-6th Place = 20 pts
7th-8th Place = 18 pts
9th-12th Place = 16 pts
13th-16th = 14 pts
17th and over = 12pts
neW fOr seasOn xii: Since players/
teams are now able to participate in up
to 4 Regionals per month, each month’s
points total will be divided by the amount of
Regionals in which they participated, creating
an averaged single score for the month.
EXAMPLE:
Eric participates in 3 Cornhole De Mayo
Singles tourneys during the month of May
Cincy, OH - 3rd place - 23pts
Sydney, OH - 5th place - 20pts
Lexington, KY - 2nd place - 24pts
Points earned - 23+20+24=67
Points total divided by number of
Regionals played - 67/3 = 22.33
Regional points applied to rankings
for Cornhole de Mayo = 22.33
nOte: Don’t Worry! The system will do the
averaging. You’ll just need to add the results
Of the (9) months in which Masters Series
Regionals are held throughout the season,
a player or team’s 6 best monthly finishes
will count toward their final point total.
Once a player competes in his/her 7th
Regional month, their lowest score will
be dropped from the list, and so on.
3.11 reGiOnal sChedule and names:
ACO Cornhole Classic – September (2016)
ACO Hole-0-Ween Classic – October (2016)
ACO Turkeyhole Classic – November (2016)
ACO Hole-I-Day Bash – December (2016)
ACO MaizeKraze – January (2017)
ACO Icehole Classic – February (2017)
ACO Cornhole Madness – March (2017)
ACO Spring Fling – April (2017)
ACO Cornhole De Mayo – May (2017)
©2013 American Cornhole, LLC11
3.11 ACO Masters Series Regionals • Events in which players compete at a local level for World Ranking Points and prizes. • Consists of a Singles Points Tournament and/or a Doubles Points Tournament. Additional divisions
may be added to overall event at the discretion of the CO. • Coordinated by an ACO Certified Official in his/her local market at a location of his/her choice. • Held once a month beginning in September (2013) and ending in May (2014). • Each month’s Masters Series Regional is identified by its surname.
3.12 Regional General Rules • A player can only compete in one Regional points tourney per month for Singles and one Regional
points tourney per month for Doubles, either at the same location or different locations. • A player can only choose 1 teammate to compete with in Doubles per month.• A Regional Singles tourney must have a minimum of (7) players for points to count.• A Regionals Doubles tourney must have a minimum of (3) teams for points to count.• Of the (9) Masters Series Regionals held throughout the season, a player or team’s 6 best finishes
will count toward their final point total. Once a player competes in his/her 7th Masters Series Regional, their lowest score will be dropped from the list, and so on.
3.13 Regional Schedule and names:
ACO Cornhole Classic September, 2013
ACO Hole-0-Ween October, 2013
ACO Turkeyhole November, 2013
ACO Hole-I-Day Bash December, 2013
ACO MaizeKraze January, 2014
ACO Icehole February, 2014
ACO Cornhole Madness March, 2014
ACO Spring Fling April, 2014
ACO Cornhole De Mayo May, 2014
©2013 American Cornhole, LLC11
3.11 ACO Masters Series Regionals • Events in which players compete at a local level for World Ranking Points and prizes. • Consists of a Singles Points Tournament and/or a Doubles Points Tournament. Additional divisions
may be added to overall event at the discretion of the CO. • Coordinated by an ACO Certified Official in his/her local market at a location of his/her choice. • Held once a month beginning in September (2013) and ending in May (2014). • Each month’s Masters Series Regional is identified by its surname.
3.12 Regional General Rules • A player can only compete in one Regional points tourney per month for Singles and one Regional
points tourney per month for Doubles, either at the same location or different locations. • A player can only choose 1 teammate to compete with in Doubles per month.• A Regional Singles tourney must have a minimum of (7) players for points to count.• A Regionals Doubles tourney must have a minimum of (3) teams for points to count.• Of the (9) Masters Series Regionals held throughout the season, a player or team’s 6 best finishes
will count toward their final point total. Once a player competes in his/her 7th Masters Series Regional, their lowest score will be dropped from the list, and so on.
3.13 Regional Schedule and names:
ACO Cornhole Classic September, 2013
ACO Hole-0-Ween October, 2013
ACO Turkeyhole November, 2013
ACO Hole-I-Day Bash December, 2013
ACO MaizeKraze January, 2014
ACO Icehole February, 2014
ACO Cornhole Madness March, 2014
ACO Spring Fling April, 2014
ACO Cornhole De Mayo May, 2014
©2013 American Cornhole, LLC11
3.11 ACO Masters Series Regionals • Events in which players compete at a local level for World Ranking Points and prizes. • Consists of a Singles Points Tournament and/or a Doubles Points Tournament. Additional divisions
may be added to overall event at the discretion of the CO. • Coordinated by an ACO Certified Official in his/her local market at a location of his/her choice. • Held once a month beginning in September (2013) and ending in May (2014). • Each month’s Masters Series Regional is identified by its surname.
3.12 Regional General Rules • A player can only compete in one Regional points tourney per month for Singles and one Regional
points tourney per month for Doubles, either at the same location or different locations. • A player can only choose 1 teammate to compete with in Doubles per month.• A Regional Singles tourney must have a minimum of (7) players for points to count.• A Regionals Doubles tourney must have a minimum of (3) teams for points to count.• Of the (9) Masters Series Regionals held throughout the season, a player or team’s 6 best finishes
will count toward their final point total. Once a player competes in his/her 7th Masters Series Regional, their lowest score will be dropped from the list, and so on.
3.13 Regional Schedule and names:
ACO Cornhole Classic September, 2013
ACO Hole-0-Ween October, 2013
ACO Turkeyhole November, 2013
ACO Hole-I-Day Bash December, 2013
ACO MaizeKraze January, 2014
ACO Icehole February, 2014
ACO Cornhole Madness March, 2014
ACO Spring Fling April, 2014
ACO Cornhole De Mayo May, 2014
©2013 American Cornhole, LLC11
3.11 ACO Masters Series Regionals • Events in which players compete at a local level for World Ranking Points and prizes. • Consists of a Singles Points Tournament and/or a Doubles Points Tournament. Additional divisions
may be added to overall event at the discretion of the CO. • Coordinated by an ACO Certified Official in his/her local market at a location of his/her choice. • Held once a month beginning in September (2013) and ending in May (2014). • Each month’s Masters Series Regional is identified by its surname.
3.12 Regional General Rules • A player can only compete in one Regional points tourney per month for Singles and one Regional
points tourney per month for Doubles, either at the same location or different locations. • A player can only choose 1 teammate to compete with in Doubles per month.• A Regional Singles tourney must have a minimum of (7) players for points to count.• A Regionals Doubles tourney must have a minimum of (3) teams for points to count.• Of the (9) Masters Series Regionals held throughout the season, a player or team’s 6 best finishes
will count toward their final point total. Once a player competes in his/her 7th Masters Series Regional, their lowest score will be dropped from the list, and so on.
3.13 Regional Schedule and names:
ACO Cornhole Classic September, 2013
ACO Hole-0-Ween October, 2013
ACO Turkeyhole November, 2013
ACO Hole-I-Day Bash December, 2013
ACO MaizeKraze January, 2014
ACO Icehole February, 2014
ACO Cornhole Madness March, 2014
ACO Spring Fling April, 2014
ACO Cornhole De Mayo May, 2014
© 2016 American Cornhole, LLC
3.12 tOurnament fOrmat fOr
all reGiOnal divisiOns
Seeding – All Regional Divisions will be seeded
based on that Division’s World Rankings.
The first Regional(Sept. Cornhole Classic)
of the season will be randomly seeded
Once the seeding has been determined,
bracket play can begin. Double elimination
bracket; The CO has the option of 1 game
OR best 2 of 3 in the winner’s bracket (to
be determined at time of scheduling).
A player can come from the loser’s
bracket and earn first place
3.13 reGiOnal sChedulinG
The CO may choose the date of the
month for their Masters Series Regional
The CO must schedule their Regionals
on or before the 25th of the prior month.
After that time, the login site will no longer
accept the next month’s Regional
Certified Officials may schedule more
than one Regional per month either in the
same location or different locations
imPOrtant nOtes:
On the day of a Regional, if there are 34
or more players/teams registered for any
Division, the Certified Official has the option
of splitting the Division into two separate
Regionals and awarding separate Ranking
points to each, without prescheduling.
For every additional 17 players
registered thereafter, the CO has the
option of splitting again, and so on
Each split bracket must have a minimum
of 17 players/teams to ensure that least
1 player/team in each bracket receive
the lowest amount of points available
Each time a CO splits, they’ll be required
to purchase an additional Regional
tournament in order to add the points
COs are not required to split and have the
option of keeping all players in one big bracket
Certified Officials may schedule their
Regional Divisions on the same day of the
month or split them up on different days
Direction for splitting and seeding a
Regional will be available in the Tutorial
Video Library in the login site.
Directions for scheduling Regional
will be available in the Tutorial
Video Library in the login site.
3.14 What dO i need tO submit tO the
aCO at the COnClusiOn Of my event?
All submission will be made electronically
in the Certified Official Login Website.
At the time of Certification, new COs
will be given access to video training
and instruction on how to access the
CO Login Site and enter data. Certified
Officials will be responsible for entering:
1. New Memberships
2. Tournament Results
imPOrtant nOte: The Rankings will
be updated with the previous month’s
results by the 5th of each month.
All Certified Officials must have their
Regional results entered in the login site
within 24 hours of the conclusion of their
Regional. This will be especially important
this season as players will be permitted to
participate in multiple Regionals per month
suggested submissions by a CO
Certified Officials are encouraged to submit
photos and/or a recap of your Event to the
ACO FaceBook page! Give your players and
Organization the recognition that they deserve!
www.AmericanCornhole.com
CHAPTER 4
4.1 aCO WOrld sinGles rankinGs
The ACO World Singles Rankings is the list
of ACO Members who have earned points
competing in Singles (one-on-one play)
Tournaments at Masters Series Events. The list
is arranged with players who have earned the
most points at the top of the Rankings.
the World singles ranking Points
are used to:
• Position players to win cash and prizes
• Earn invites to ACO Invitationals
• Seed players at various ACO Events
• Identify the CornyForty
4.2 COrnyfOrty
The CornyForty refers to top 40 players in
ACO World Singles Rankings. Players earning
a position in CornyForty at the conclusion of
the points season win a free Golden Ticket to
the ACO World Championships and direct entry
into the World Singles bracket, bypassing the
RPI tournament. The CornyForty will be seeded
1-40 in the World Singles Bracket.
The player finishing the season ranked #1 in the
ACO World Singles Rankings will be named
“ACO-PRO Player of the Season”
4.3 aCO WOrld dOubles rankinGs
The ACO World Doubles Rankings is the
list of the Teams (2 player per Team) who
have earned points competing in Doubles
Tournaments at Masters Series Events. The list
is arranged with Teams who have earned the
most points at the top of the Rankings.
the World doubles ranking Points
are used to:
• Position teams to win cash and prizes
• Earn invites to ACO Invitationals
• Seed teams at various ACO Events
• Identify the TopGun Twenty
4.4 tOPGun tWenty
The TopGun Twenty refers to top 20 teams in
ACO World Doubles Rankings. Each member
of a team earning a position in TopGun Twenty
at the conclusion of the points season win
free a free Golden Ticket to the ACO World
Championships and direct entry into the
World Doubles bracket, bypassing the RPI
tournament. The TopGun Twenty will be seeded
1-20 in the World Doubles Bracket.
The team finishing the season ranked #1 in the
ACO World Doubles Rankings will be named
“ACO Team of the Season”
4.5 aCO WOrld WOmens’ rankinGs
The ACO World Womens Rankings is the list
of ACO Members who have earned points
competing in Womens Singles (one-on-one
play) Tournaments at Masters Series Events.
The list is arranged with players who have
earned the most points at the top of the
Rankings.
The player finishing the season ranked #1 in the
ACO Womens Rankings will be named “ACO
Womens player of the Season”
the World Womens’ ranking Points
are used to:
• Position players to win cash and prizes
• Earn invites to ACO Invitationals
• Seed players at various ACO Events
4.6 aCO WOrld seniOrs’ rankinGs
The ACO World Seniors Rankings is the list
of ACO Members who have earned points
competing in Seniors Singles (one-on-one play)
Tournaments at Masters Series Events. The list
is arranged with players who have earned the
most points at the top of the Rankings.
The player finishing the season ranked #1
in the ACO Seniors Rankings will be named
“ACO Seniors player of the Season”
ACO WORLD RANKINGS
© 2016 American Cornhole, LLC
the Word seniors’ ranking Points
are used to:
• Position players to win cash and prizes
• Earn invites to ACO Invitationals
• Seed players at various ACO Events
4.7 aCO WOrld juniOrs’ rankinGs
The ACO World Juniors Rankings is the list
of ACO Members who have earned points
competing in Juniors Singles (one-on-one
play) Tournaments at Masters Series Events.
The list is arranged with players who have
earned the most points at the top of the
Rankings.
The player finishing the season ranked #1
in the ACO Juniors Rankings will be named
“ACO Juniors player of the Season”
the Word juniors’ ranking Points
are used to:
• Position players to win cash and prizes
• Earn invites to ACO Invitationals
• Seed players at various ACO Events
4.8 tiebreakers
There will be a separate Ranking list on
AmericanCornhole.com for each Division
tiebreakers for all rankings lists will
be as follows:
1 - Most major points earned
2 - Best finish in a major
4 - Best finish in a regional
5 - 2nd Best finish in a regional
6 - 3rd Best finish in a regional
7 - 4th Best finish in a regional
8 - 5th Best finish in a regional
9 – Random draw
1st Place tie at the end of the season
If there is a 1st place tie in any Division at the
end of the points season in which tiebreakers
1-8 above do not solve, the tiebreakers for
Player/Team of the Season and the #1 overall
seed at the Worlds will be:
The player/team who surrendered the least
amount of points in the finals matches of their
Majors victories (maximum of best 3 Major
victories)
EXAMPLE:
Ryan wins NC Major
Finals games scores 21-7, 21-18
Ryan wins GA Major
Finals games scores 21-10, 15-21, 21-20
Ryan wins IL Major
Finals games scores 21-1, 21-8
Brian wins CA Major
Finals games scores 21-12, 13-21, 21-16
Brian wins PA Major
Finals games scores 21-4, 10-21, 21-10
Brian wins VA Major
Finals games scores 21-7, 21-14
Total points surrendered by Ryan = 85
Total points surrendered by Brian = 105
Ryan is Player of the Season and
#1 overall seed at the Worlds
Cointoss
www.AmericanCornhole.com
CHAPTER 5
5.1 rules fOr aCO events
ACO Rules MUST be followed during ACO
Events. Please refer to our complete ACO
Rules Guide, refer to americancornhole.com
5.2 aCO reCOGnized equiPment
the aCO recognizes two types of
equipment:
• ACO Certified Equipment – ACO
Tournament Series Boards and ACO PRO 450
Bags
• ACO Approved Equipment – Not limited
to ACO branded equipment – it need only
comply with the following criteria in order to
be ACO Approved Equipment Specs
5.3 aCO aPPrOved equiPment sPeCs
• Hardwood plywood playing surface of 47.5”
to 48” x 23.5” to 24” rectangle.
• The playing surface has a minimum
thickness of 5/8” with cross-section backing,
or 3/4” with or without cross-section backing.
• Each Board in a set should weigh no less
than 25 lbs.
• Each hole is 6” diameter, centered 9” from
the top of the board and 12” from each side
edge.
• The front of the board is 3” to 4” from the
ground to the top of the playing surface.
• The back of the board is 12” from the ground
to the top of the playing surface.
• The playing surface should be finished
- sanded to a very smooth texture. There
should be little to no blemishes in the wood
surface that may disrupt or distort play.
• The playing surface can be painted with a
high gloss latex paint or varnish. The surface
should allow bags to slide when thrown, but
not be so slippery that the bags slide back
down the platform.
• Each bag is made from two fabric squares
with minimally a double-stitched seaming.
The bags should be made from a durable
fabric like canvas, twill, or synthetic suede.
Each bag measures roughly 6” by 6” filled and
weighs 15 to 16 ounces, approximately 450
grams
nOte: The ACO may choose to approve non-
wood boards. To be considered for Approval,
boards must be submitted to the ACO for
testing. Boards may be mailed or dropped off
at the ACO offices.
tiP: No bouncy boards will be approved!
5.4 What tyPes Of equiPment dO i need fOr my event?
ACO Certified or Approved Equipment
may be used for ACO Regionals and ACO
Qualifiers.
When scheduling Regionals, COs will be given
options of which types of equipment they will
allow players to bring, if any. The options will
be posted on the tournament listing.
ACO EqUIPmENT AND RULES
© 2016 American Cornhole, LLC
CHAPTER 6
6.1 Certified OffiCial fee tO the aCO fOr COOrdinatinG reGiOnals
$25 per Division.
divisions include:
• World Singles
• World Doubles
• Seniors Singles
• Womens Singles
• Juniors Singles
fee for regionals includes:
• Ability to award World Ranking Points
• Rights to use ACO logo upon Approval
• Exposure through ACO websites
and event calendars
• Tournament listing on AmericanCornhole.com
• FaceBook event created in which the CO will
be made host and can use to promote and
invite
• Email Blasts
6.2 fees fOr qualifiers inCludes:
• Purchased Ticket at face value (COs may be
eligible for ticket discounts on certain Events)
• Rights to use ACO logo upon approval
• Exposure through ACO websites and event
calendars
• Tournament listing on AmericanCornhole.com
• FaceBook event created in which the CO will
be made host and can use to promote and
invite
• Email Blasts
6.3 submittinG Payments tO the aCO
Certified Officials are required to submit all
payments through the Login Site Market. Video
training and instruction will be provided on this
process
6.4 makinG mOney as a CO
selling aCO memberships
Valued at $25 each.
When selling an ACO Membership, the
Certified Official will charge the player $25.
The Certified Official can then purchase the
Membership through the login site for $20,
keeping $5 (20% commission)
running your events
The Certified Official will keep all Regional
player entry fees collected.
Player entry fees are standard for Regionals in
all areas and are as follows:
• World Singles - $10 per player
• World Doubles - $10 per player ($20/team)
• Womens Singles - $10 per player
• Seniors Singles - $10 per player
• Juniors Singles - $10 per player
These fees go directly to the Certified Official.
Side-pot cash buy-ins and payout or the
Certified Official adding any money or prizes
are at the discretion of the Certified Official
and may be listed in tournament listing
being contracted by the aCO to run various
aCO Corporate activities
ACO Corporate may contract Certified Officials
in good standing to run tournaments and/or
events when needed(Not obligated). In order
to be contracted, COs must have an ACO
Certified Official Jersey, available on the CO
Login Site for purchase.
aCO Product sales
Purchase ACO Products for resale.
recruiting new Certified Officials
All Certified Officials are able to recruit new
COs, earn an initial sign-up commission, and
ongoing commissions from the COs they
FEES AND mAKING mONEy
www.AmericanCornhole.com
recruit throughout the Season. A Certified
Official becomes a “Director” as soon as they
recruit their first new CO Group. Here’s how it
works:
In the shopping cart at the time of purchasing
the Certified Official package, the new Certified
Official will be required to choose the Certified
Official who recruited them from a drop-down
menu. If a new Certified Official chooses you,
then you will receive:
$75 for each new Certified Official Group
signed-up OR
$75 for each Certified Official Group renewal
under option #1 (If the renewing CO was under
your directorship the previous season, they will
automatically be reassigned to you) OR
$50 for each Certified Official Group renewal
under option #2
$5 for each Membership purchased through
the login site market by each Certified Official
under direction throughout the season
$5 for each Regional tournament coordinated
by each Certified Official under direction
throughout the season
World Singles, World Doubles, Women, Seniors,
and Juniors are counted separately and the
Director will be paid for each.
$5 for each set of ACO boards purchased
through the login site market by each Certified
Official under direction throughout the season
$1 for each set(4 bags) of PRO 450, Tailgator,
Classic, or Traditional bags purchased through
the login site market by each Certified Official
under direction throughout the season
nOtes:
Directors will receive payment for
commissions on the 15th day of each month
Commission will be deposit directly into
the Director’s Paypal account
As long a Director remains in good standing
and renews their own territory by
July 1st for the next season, then they will
retain all COs who were under their
Directorship from all previous Seasons
6.5 PrOduCt disCOunts fOr aCO Certified OffiCials
ACO Certified Officials receive discounts on all
ACO merchandise for personal use or resale. At
the time of approved certification, the Certified
Official will have access to the online login
market which reflects all CO pricing.
6.6 the fast traCk PriCinG Guide
Below features our most frequently purchased
gear to get you started. *All prices subject to
change.
• aCO151 “blank” tournament series boards
$275.00 (includes shipping)
• aCO151 “star logo” tournament series
boards
$290.00 (includes shipping)
Shipping/freight discounts may apply
for orders of 5 or more sets of boards.
Call 888-563-2002 for quote
• aCO-PrO 450 bags
$27.50 per set of 4 bags (plus shipping)
• aCO tailgator bags (Canvas & Suede)
$17.00 per set of 4 bags (plus shipping)
6.7 hOW tO Order PrOduCt
Memberships, Tournaments, and Product all
MUST be purchased through the Certified
Official Login site
All pending Certified Officials must have a
Paypal account prior to becoming a Certified
Official. Sign up for a free account at
Paypal.com
© 2016 American Cornhole, LLC
GAmEON!