Rules, Cornhole

Nashville Sports Leagues Cornhole
General Rules (govern ALL programs)*

 

The Game:
A game is made up of frames wherein each team rotates tossing their team's 4 bags until all bags (8) have been tossed towards the opposite board.  At the conclusion of each frame, the score is calculated and added to the team's net total. A winner is determined when a team reaches or surpasses 21 at the conclusion of a frame.  Number of frames played varies per match.

 

Set-Up:
Each court consists of two boards spaced 27 feet apart front-to-front and two sets of 4 bags.  Boards will be measured by the league coordinator prior to the first scheduled game time. All boards and bags are provided by NSL. Only leagues in the designated Open Division may participants supply their own bags. 

Bags:
- Bags must measure 6 inches wide and 6 inches long (±1/4 inch).
- Bags must weigh between 15.5 and 16.25 ounces.
- Bags must have a thickness no less than 1.125 inches and no greater than 1.5 inches.

 

Scoring:
The object is to be the first team to reach or surpass 21 points. Points are scored by landing a tossed bag on the board (1 point) and by having a tossed bag drop into the hole (3 points). Once all eight bags have been tossed, players calculate the points scored per team.  The team with the higher number of points is award the point difference. 

 

Tossing:
After the first frame, the team that scores the most points per frame tosses first in the next frame.  If no points are scored, the last team to score points in a frame tosses first.

 

Violations Resulting in Bag Being Removed from Board:
Bags may be removed from board if the player crosses the foul line before releasing the bag, the bag hits the ground and bounces onto the board, or the bag strikes an object such as a tree limb, indoor ceiling, person, etc.

 

Winning:
The first team to reach a minimum of 21 points at the end of a frame wins the game. Final winning score reported as 21. If the results are not determined by the end of the allotted time, final score is recorded as is and the match is over.

 

Playing Court:
Players may stand anywhere to the left or right of the board but must stay on that side for the entire match.  Court area is anywhere behind the front of the board.  Teammates stand at opposite boards but must play on the same side.

 

Foul Line:
The foul line is located at the front of the board. All players must toss from behind the foul line. If a player crosses the foul line on his or her toss, that toss does not count, and they cannot toss that bag again.

 

Player Requirements and Substitutions:
We recommend teams of 3 to 5 players to ensure enough players each week. One participant can play to avoid a forfeit. No player may be a "walker" and play from both sides during one game. You may substitute players after a frame (all bags have been tossed from one side) has concluded. If a player arrives late, they cannot substitute in the middle of a frame.

 

Illegal Roster Substitutions:
If two or more registered players are available, no non-registered substitutions are permitted. This may result in a forfeit. 

 

Forfeits:
Each match is allotted 50 minutes to play 3 to 5 games.  A team will forfeit their match if at least one player do not show up within 15 minutes of their scheduled playing time. If a team shows up within the allotted 15 minutes, that team will not receive extra time to play, and must complete the match in the remaining 35 minute allocated match time. If the results are not determined by the end of the allotted time, final score is recorded as is and the match is over.

 

*For cornhole, drinking is allowed based on venue's rules