What Does The ACL Stamp Mean And Why You Need It On Your Bags! 

Shopping for cornhole bags can be overwhelming! Thankfully, the American Cornhole League has set the standards and made it a breeze to know what to look for and who you can trust with the ACL Stamp!

What Is The ACL Stamp?

The American Cornhole League governs the standards of professional cornhole bags used while at ACL BYOB events and/or tournaments. All bags that have an ACL PRO or COMP stamp indicate that the manufacturer and that series is on the approved bag list through the ACL. Each individual series is submitted to the ACL for official bag testing and approval making sure it meets all required specs.

What Is The Difference Between PRO, COMP, And REC?

ACL has three stamps for cornhole bags: Pro, COMP, and Rec. So what is the difference between the three? To be eligible for ACL season points, bags used must have the ACL PRO or ACL COMP stamp.

ACL PRO: Bags marked with the PRO stamp may be eligible to use on ACL broadcasts and licensee broadcasts. These bags can be used by any player and any skill level division including the ACL PRO LEVEL. ACL Professional Cornhole Players must use PRO stamped bags during season as they have the opportunity to earn a spot on a broadcast events.


ACL COMP: Bags marked with the ACL COMP stamp are not approved for broadcast events. This stamp is eligible to gain points in ACL sanctioned events outside of the ACL Pro Division. These bags are held at the same general guidelines as the PRO stamp bag.


ACL REC: Bags marked with ACL REC are not eligible to earn points in ACL sanctioned events. These bags are not submitted to the ACL to be tested however in order to have this stamp, the manufacturer MUST be on the approved manufacturer list for the American Cornhole League. These bags would be a great option if you are not competing and just playing for fun in the backyard, tailgating type of setting.

What Are The ACL Bag Parameters That Must Be Met?

When an approved manufacturer submits a series to be tested by the ACL, there is a set parameters that must be met. These parameters have set the bar in the industry of how cornhole bags are produced. So what are these parameters?

The below has been taken directly from the ACL BYOB Policy.

  • Length: Bags should measure 6" x 6" when laid flat - accepted tolerance is 5.75"– 6.25". Bags over or under accepted tolerance will not pass inspection.
  • Weight: Bags should weigh 16 ounces – accepted tolerance is 15.5 ounces – 16.25 ounces. Bags over or under accepted tolerance will not pass inspection.
  • Thickness: Bags should measure 1.25" - accepted tolerance is 1.125" to 1.5". Bags under or over accepted tolerance will not pass inspection.
  • Outside Material may be any fabric that does not damage or create residue on the board. A fabric can be woven, nonwoven, or knitted. A bag that damages a board in any way as caused by the material of the bag will automatically forfeit the player throwing that particular bag. If a bag is found to gradually leave a residue or marks on the board during gameplay, that player or team will forfeit the match.
  • Inside Material may be anything that does not damage or create residue on the board. A bag that damages a board in any way as caused by the material of the bag will automatically forfeit the player throwing that particular bag. If a bag is found to gradually leave a residue or marks on the board during gameplay, that player or team will forfeit the match. .
  • Rounded Corners: Bags may have rounded corners but cannot be rounded more than 0.5” on a 6” x “6 bag. A bag slightly less than 6” x 6” will require a rounded corner more than 0.5” to remain in spec because the max curve is measured from a 6” x 6” bag.
  • Bag Manufacturers MUST be able to provide bags all of one color for players to purchase. 
  • Bags MUST have a clear visible ACL Equipment Level, manufacturer logo AND series name; Bags with faded or missing logos are not acceptable and will not pass inspection for players at events. Restamped bags are also not acceptable.
Are All Gladiator Bags ACL Approved?

Yes! Every series that we make are ACL approved and stamped. We are continually brainstorming and developing new products with ACL Pros that are meant for every single player no matter what your level. ACL cornhole bags have undergone the ACL testing and have met the prestigious guidelines in which the ACL has set forth.

Don't be fooled by other non approved companies throwing a 'pro' stamp on their bags. Only the bags marked with the official ACL stamp have been tested and approved by the ACL!