Host Venue Requirements for Kingston Cornhole League

Rule and Regulations

Kingston Cornhole League (KCL) is committed to following the articles, bylaws and playing rules of Cornhole Canada. As such individual host venues must also commit to following the articles, bylaws and playing rules of Cornhole Canada.

The Court

League Play

To qualify as an official host venue for KCL (sanctioned) a site must be able to provide a minimum of one (1) Cornhole Court Layout for player use on their KCL League night. Ideally, sites should be able to host a minimum of two (2) Cornhole Court Layouts.

A regulation-size court shall be a level rectangle area 8 feet wide and 35 feet long with a vertical clearance of 12 feet, consisting of 2 cornhole boards, designated pitcher’s boxes, and foul lines.

Official court distances based on age:

13 years to 17 years and adults – 27 feet between front edges of boards
8 years to 12 years – 21 feet between front edges of boards
7 years and under – 15 feet between front edges of boards

In Doubles and Team play, players on the same team will line up directly across from each other in the same lane, not diagonally from each other in opposite lanes.

Players are responsible for making sure the court is in good playing condition prior to starting the match. No foreign substance (including cleaning products, talc powder, baby powder, silicone sprays, etc.) may be applied to the playing surface or bags by an individual player before or during play.

Local Tournaments:

Host Venue sites will require a minimum of two (2) Official Cornhole Court Layouts to be KCL sanctioned.

Regional Tournaments:

Host Venue sites will require one of the following options a) a minimum of three (3) Official Cornhole Court Layouts or b) dual site regional tournament with each site offering a minimum of two (2) Official Cornhole Court Layouts – to be KCL sanctioned.

Scoring

A game shall be played to the predetermined score of twenty-one (21) points. The first player/team to reach (or exceed) that amount at the conclusion of a frame is the winner.

Scoring Points

Woody: Each woody is worth one (1) point. Any bag pitched and remaining on the board at the conclusion of a frame.

Cornhole: Each cornhole is worth three (3) points. Any bag pitched or knocked through the board hole at any time within the frame.

Foul bags: each foul bag is worth zero (0) points. Any bag determined as not a “Woody” or “Cornhole” or was designated a foul bag as the result of a rules violation.

Scoring is always completed at the end of a frame, not during. Bags “hanging” on the hole are valued at one (1) point.

If a bag is pinned by another bag and is hanging off the side of the board touching either the ground, board support brace, or board legs, the pinned bag is immediately deemed dead. A site official must be called to remove the pinned bag. If the other bag remains on the board after the official has removed the pinned bag, the bag will count as one (1) point. If the other bag also falls off the board when the pinned bag is removed by the official, the bag counts as zero (0) points.

Designated Foul Bags

The following are rule violations that must be spotted and called by a player or site official immediately.

The penalty is to declare the bag foul, which requires the bags to be removed from the court prior to resuming play.

Any bag pitched without one (1) foot or appendage completely inside the pitcher’s box at the time of release.
When pitching a bag, a player’s foot or appendage crosses the foul line at any time even after the bag has been released.
Any bag not pitched within the twenty (20) second-time limit.
A bag pitched from a different pitcher’s box than their designated pitcher’s box.
Any bag that contacted the court or the ground before coming to rest on the board.
Any bag that comes to rest touching the ground and the board.
Any bag that struck a previously defined object such as a tree limb, wire, indoor court ceiling, etc.

Cancellation Scoring

The approved method of scoring for the sport of Cornhole is “cancellation” scoring.

In cancellation scoring, the points of one player cancel out the points of their opponent. Using this method, only one player/team can score in each frame.

Example:

Team A achieves one (1) Woody and two (2) Cornholes during the frame (7 points)
Team B achieves two (2) Woodys and zero (0) Cornholes during the frame (2 points)
Total: 7 points for Team A minus 2 points for Team B
Team A scores 5 points for that frame

Recording the Score

No bags shall be moved before the scoring is determined. If this decision is in doubt, a site official shall be called to determine the scoring for the frame in question.

If all bags are believed to have been thrown and both teams/players clear the board of bags and proceed to start the next round only to find that a single bag has not yet been thrown, the round is still over and the points are scored as the round is finished. The single bag leftover is simply forfeited.

Players must pay close attention to the score at all times. Players are required to update their score on the scoreboard at the conclusion of each frame. Players may call upon a site official between frames if any discrepancy occurs regarding the correct score.

When a third party is being used to manage the scoreboard, it is the responsibility of the player/team who scores in each frame to call out the score to the scorekeeper. It is the responsibility of the players/teams to ensure the score is represented correctly on the scoreboard at the conclusion of each frame before moving to the next frame.

If a player refuses to finish a game, that player will forfeit the game by a score of 21-0. If one partner of a doubles team cannot finish the match for any reason that game will be forfeited by the team that could not finish by a score of 21-0.

The Game

Cornhole Boards

KCL will provide official cornhole boards to the host site based on the KCL assessment of the site requirements. The host site must use the supplied boards for any KCL-sanctioned league games or tournaments and maintain the boards in customer-facing locations to promote the KCL.

Factors influencing board installation will include space to support Cornhole Court Layouts, customer volume, available parking, etc.

(All KCL-supplied boards remain the property of KCL and not the property of the host site)

Board Specs

Hardwood plywood (birch or oak) 48” x 24” using 3/4 “
Top layer 1/2 “ with cross brace or 3/4 “ X-brace option
Weight minimum of 15 lbs. ea.
Hole is 6” diameter, centered 9” below top
Front edge 3-4” off ground / top of board 12” high

Bags

KCL will provide officially branded cornhole bags to the host site based upon 4 bags per individual cornhole board at the time of installation of the official boards.
Players may use their own bags as long as they are approved by KCL. (Approved bags will include bags sold by the KCL website but will also include any standard-size, professional-grade, resin-filled cornhole bags). KCL will be the final decision maker in any disputes around equipment.

(All KCL-supplied bags remain the property of KCL and not the property of the host site)

Bag Specs

6 square inches / Weight 15.5 to 16.25 ounces
Thickness: between 1.125 inches and 1.5 inches
Filling must be plastic resin
Made of: Canvas, Twill, Synthetic Suede, etc.

For Tournaments, KCL will supply boards, however, players must use their own bags (which must adhere to KCL standards).

Bag Rules

After purchase from the manufacturer, bags may not be altered in any way.
Alterations include but are not limited to repair, stitching, removing resin, adding resin, ironing, and any other manipulation that results in a bag becoming different from the original state of purchase.
Players may wash bags using fabric softener and/or detergent and may be used in a dryer.
Players may label their bags with initials or a name with a permanent marker. The label should not exceed five (5) by five (5) inches.
Bags with holes where plastic resin can leak will not be allowed.
Bags must feature a logo or stamp from the manufacturer.
Faded logos will not be accepted. Players may not have their bags re-stamped.
Players may dry bags, but no foreign substances can be applied to the outside of a bag including water.

If a player is found to be intentionally applying any substance, the official reserves the right to either:

Force the player to switch bags during the game
Forfeit the player for that game

All bags in a set of four (4) must have the same design and color for each corresponding side of the bag.

A player may not switch bags during a game unless a bag is unintentionally damaged and leaking. They may also be changed if they have been unintentionally altered such that it affects the play of the game differently.

In the event of a damaged bag, all four (4) bags in that set must be removed at the end of the round.

Bags can be changed after a game is concluded.

Bag Challenges

If a player/team believes that the opposing player/team is using a set of bags that does not abide by the bag policy, they may challenge the bags before the beginning of the game only.

To complete a challenge, an official will complete a bag inspection including measurements and photos of both sides of the bags (weight if possible).

If the set of bags are approved, the game will begin. If the set of bags are not approved, that player/team is given a warning, and the bags cannot be used for that game.

If a player/team already with a warning during a season has the same set of bags challenged or has a different set of bags challenged that are also disallowed, that player/team forfeits all remaining matches and is given a one (1) month suspension from Cornhole Canada.

If a player/team who has already served their one (1) month ban is found to be playing with bags that do not meet the bag requirements again, they will be suspended for one (1) calendar year from Cornhole Canada.

Bags that are not challenged prior to a game are deemed acceptable for use during that game. However, should an official notice illegal bags, they may at any time revoke the bags.

Singles, Doubles & Team Play

Singles

Each game begins with a bag spin by the highest-ranking player to determine, first pitch and pick their designated pitching box.

The Scoreholio app determines lane assignment, for the entire game (Switcholio mode may choose your opponent).

Players start the game from their pitching boxes and will alternate pitching bags until each player has pitched all four (4) of their bags.

In singles, players walk to the other end of their lane and begin frame two.

Scoring is recorded after each frame.

If using King/Queen Seat: players change lanes but do not switch ends. A bag spin will determine who pitches first.

Doubles

Each game begins with a bag spin by the highest-ranking team/player to determine, the first pitch and pick their designated pitching box.

The Scoreholio app determines lane assignment, for the entire game (Switcholio mode may choose your opponent).

Players start the game from their pitching boxes and will alternate pitching bags until each player has pitched all four (4) of their bags.

In doubles and team play, once the first frame is over the other players from both teams will alternate pitching bags from the other end of the lane until each player has pitched all four (4) of their bags.

Please Note: During tournaments, the player/team with the higher seed has their choice of bag color and spins the bag to determine pre-match options.

Teams

Teams shall consist of 8 players ( with a potential reserve of 4 additional bench players )

Teams must attend with 8 players or forfeit games.

Should a team play with 6 or 7 players then 4 games shall be forfeited.

Should a team play with 4 or 5 players then 8 games shall be forfeited.

Teams cannot play with 3 players or less.

16 games shall be played to determine the winner.

( All games must be completed regardless of the score – no withdrawals due to score)

Teams shall set four (4) unique Doubles Teams prior to the competition (no roster swaps).

Total points scoring is used to determine the winner.

Scoring Example:

Team A vs. Team B
Each team has four (4) unique Doubles Teams
Team A is numbered 1, 2, 3 and 4 and Team B is numbered 5, 6, 7 and 8
Team A total points: 276
Team B total points: 251
In this example Team A would win the game

Round 1		Round 2		Round 3		Round 4
Teams	Score	Teams	Score	Teams	Score	Teams	Score
1v5	21-10	1v6	21-20	1v7	21-12	1v8	21-6
2v6	21-14	2v5	9-21	2v8	21-18	2v7	18-21
3v7	8-21	3v8	16-21	3v5	6-21	3v6	16-21
4v8	21-6	4v7	21-10	4v6	14-21	4v5	21-8

Pitching Bags

Players alternate pitching bags (one player at a time) until each player has pitched all four (4) of their bags. A player must pitch all four (4) bags from their designated pitcher’s box.

Players must deliver the bag with an under-hand release. One (1) foot or appendage must be completely within the pitcher’s box at the time of releasing the bag. When pitching a bag, a player’s foot or appendage cannot cross the foul line at any time even after the bag has been released. One (1) foot or appendage can be outside of the left, right or back of the pitcher’s box as long as one (1) foot or appendage remains in the box.

The player/team who scored in the preceding frame shall pitch first in the next frame. If frame ends in a tie, the player/team who pitched first in the preceding frame shall retain first pitch in the next frame.

Any bag that leaves a player’s hand once the final step (if taken) and final forward swing of the delivery process has started, shall count as a pitched bag.

A bag that is accidentally dropped by a player before the final step (if taken) and final forward swing has started, shall not be considered a foul bag and may be picked up and pitched.

If a player pitches out of turn at any time during a frame, their pitch will be considered a Foul Bag and will be swept from the playing surface. Then, to reestablish the correct sequence of pitching, the opposing player will pitch two (2) consecutive bags.

If the out-of-turn bag affects any bags in play, their opponent has the option of returning all cornhole bags to their original position on the playing surface or leaving all bags as they are.

If the error is not discovered until after two (2) bags have been pitched, the frame shall continue and be scored accordingly.

If no agreement can be reached a site official shall be called. The official shall either determine the scoring or void the inning and order it to be re-pitched.

Touching bags illegally

If any bags in scoring positions are touched by a player, intentionally or unintentionally, before all bags during the frame are pitched, the frame is over.

The offending team (team who touches the bags) forfeits all remaining bags and tallies the score for the bags they have already thrown during the frame.

The non-offending team tallies twelve (12) points as if they had thrown four (4) cornholes during the frame.

Time Limits for Pitching

A player must pitch each bag within twenty (20) seconds of their opponent’s bag coming to rest.

A player has one (1) minute to start the new frame from when the last bag from the previous frame comes to rest.

In singles play, once the final bag comes to a rest, each player has one (1) minute to walk to the other end, pick up their bags, and ready themselves to pitch.

Failure to pitch a bag in time results in loss of bag.

*(Please Note: Exceptions may be made by a site official considering physical disabilities or difficulties for a player. KCL will allow exceptions as required to comply with AODA legislation requirements or similar)

Time Limits for Scoring

The frame will be scored five (5) seconds after the last bag is pitched, comes to rest, and all bags on the playing surface have stopped moving.

Any bag that moves in position after five (5) seconds will be scored based on its previous position.

If timing cannot be agreed on, the site official will score or negate the frame.

Moving Boards & Bags

A player can only straighten the boards in between frames and with the approval of their opponent. A site official may be called to determine replacement if a discrepancy is in question.

The penalty for adjusting boards during an opponent’s throw is the forfeiting of the next bag.

Crossing the Foul Line

A player may only cross the foul line and approach the opposite board during a frame under three (3) circumstances:

A timeout has been called
To rake bags piled inside the board hole
To sweep bags that are considered foul bags from the playing surface

Timeouts

Each player or team is allowed two (2) one minute time outs per game.

A player may only call a timeout when it is their turn to pitch.

Players may walk to the other boards to examine bag position during the time out.

Players may not touch the bags or boards during a timeout.

Please Note: Time outs may be granted in the case of a broken bag, equipment malfunctions and/or other circumstances at the discretion of the site official. A player/team will not be charged for a time out.

Raking Bags

If bags become piled inside the board hole and interfere or obstruct the playing area a player may request to “rake” the bags that have fallen inside the hole. To request a rake, the player must audibly ask.

In singles both players must walk to the other board and rake the bags from under the board. One player will rake while the other watches. A site official may be called to rake the bags if a discrepancy is in question. A timeout will not be charged for “raking”.

Please note: During raking, all efforts should be made to leave bags on the playing surface undisrupted, in their natural state, and to leave bags that may hang on the rim of the hole from falling inside the hole unnaturally. If a bag is resting on a piled bag and unavoidably falls into the hole as a result of raking, then it shall be counted as a “cornhole.”

Sweeping Bags

If a foul bag lands on the playing surface or comes to rest touching the ground and the board, it must be removed immediately. If a player pitches a foul bag which affects any bags in play, their opponent has the option of returning all bags to their original positions on the playing surface or leaving all bags as they are.

Player Conduct

On the Court

A player/team while in competition, shall make no disturbing noises or movements that would distract the opponent or players on any of the surrounding courts. Other inappropriate behavior would include profanity, abusive language, obscene gestures, flipping bags, etc.

Penalties

A player may call on an official to enforce a rule at any time. If the official deems action to be required:

The first offense shall call for a warning.
A second offense shall call for a loss of four (4) points
A third offense shall call for forfeiture of the game being played

Sportsmanship

Any player who indulges in heckling or unfair rooting, uses profanity or abusive language, makes obscene gestures or exhibits any other form of unsportsmanlike conduct toward other players, officials, or spectators shall be subject to expulsion from the league/tournament.

Please Note: It is legal for a teammate or spectator to provide advice on bag position and/or next pitch recommendation.