The newest initiative by the American Cornhole League is an officiating program that is aimed at developing a network of sanctioned ACL officials that can enforce rules across all levels of ACL events.

Overview

The American Cornhole League has launched a nationwide officiating program to certify ACL Officials at all levels of ACL Events. Those interested in becoming an ACL Official will first complete the training provided by the ACL, and then participate in an evaluation of their knowledge. Once passed, the individual will complete a minimum number of field training hours. At the completion of the field training, the individual will be named an ACL Official and become eligible to serve as such at all levels of ACL events.

ACL Officials are compensated on a per event basis once they have completed all necessary training. Top ACL Officials (those who officiate multiple events throughout the season and demonstrate a consistently high level of accuracy and professionalism) will be invited to ACL Pro events to officiate games at the highest level. 

Responsibilities

At an ACL event, an ACL Official’s responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Enforce ACL Rules and Regulations at one or more courts as designated by the tournament director

  • Keep score at a single court or at multiple courts depending on the event requirements

  • Certify the results of the tournament as final

  • Handle any and all disputes between players

  • Report any disciplinary issues to the ACL Player Committee and appropriate supervisory ACL Director

How to Become an ACL Official

The following steps must be completed before an individual can become an ACL Official

  1. Fully read and become familiar with the ACL Rules and Regulations

  2. Register as an ACL Official Trainee here

  3. Complete the free online exam distributed by the ACL National Director of Officiating

  4. Once passed, designate an event to be evaluated by an existing ACL Official as instructed by the ACL National Director of Officiating

  5. Upon passing of the evaluation, register as an ACL Official and begin signing up for events. There are no minimum event requirements to maintain on ACL Official status, but there will be a required re-assessment exam to take at the beginning of each new ACL season

The following are pre-requisite requirements to become an official

  1. Have extensive playing, coaching, or directing experience within the ACL
  2. Be 18 years or older
  3. Have no prior disciplinary issues with the ACL

Compensation

ACL Officials are compensated $250/event. They can be hired by the ACL National Director of Officiating (Michael Gonzales), or they can be hired by ACL Directors across the country to officiate events.