The American Cornhole Organization (ACO) was founded in 2005 by Frank Geers[1][2] and is an organization created for the purpose of transforming the game of cornhole, often played recreationally for fun, into a competitiveNational Sport.[3][4][5]
Headquartered in Camp Dennison, Ohio, the ACO built a network of ACO Certified Officials across the United States to facilitate ACO Major and Pro Series cornhole tournaments and cornhole leagues.[5]
The ACO introduced standardized and sanctioned equipment to the game including ACO Star Logo Cornhole Boards,[6] ACO Soft Touch Resin Fill Cornhole Bags,[3] and ACO Governing Body Sport of Cornhole Rules.[4][5] Structure and consistency gave legitimacy to cornhole as a sport,[5] which helps ACO spread professional cornhole on a national scale.[5]
In 2009 the ACO introduced the PlayersChoice Cornhole Bag - a bag with a two-sided playing surface, which added complexity to the sport.[7]
The American Cornhole Organization held its first ACO Nationals Championship in December 2006[6] in Northern Kentucky and crowned the ACO National King of Cornhole.[8] 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 in June 2006.[3][6]