| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Sports league |
| Founded | Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. (2005) |
| Founder | Frank Geers "The Cornhole Dude" |
| Headquarters | , |
| Website | americancornhole |
The American Cornhole Organization (ACO) founded in 2005 by Frank Geers is an organization created for the purpose of transforming the game of cornhole, often played recreationally for fun, into a competitive National Sport.[1][2][3] American Cornhole Organization held its first ACO Nationals Championship, December 2006,[4] in Northern KY to crown the ACO National King of Cornhole.[5]
Prior to the first ACO Nationals, the American Cornhole Organization held various organized ACO cornhole tournaments and events, including the Carson Palmer Cornhole Classic in Cincinnati, June 2006.[1][4]
The ACO introduced standardized and sanctioned equipment to the game including ACO Star Logo Cornhole Boards,[4] ACO Soft Touch Resin Fill Cornhole Bags,[1] and ACO Governing Body Sport of Cornhole Rules.[2][3] Structure and consistency gave legitimacy to cornhole as a sport[3]helping ACO spread professional cornhole on a national scale.[3] In 2009 the ACO introduced the PlayersChoice Cornhole Bag - a bag with a two-sided playing surface[6] adding to the challenge and complexity of the sport.
The ACO has a worldwide following through Facebook,[7] YouTube live stream,[8] and other Social Media outlets.
Headquartered in Camp Dennison, Ohio the ACO built a Network of ACO Certified Officials across the United States facilitating ACO Majors and Pro Series cornhole tournaments and cornhole leagues.[3]