NYC Social Cornhole Rules

NYC Social Rules

Remember, this is a Social League. Keep a relaxed attitude, meet some new people, and have a good time.

  • In League play, you always need your Team T-Shirts. They are our only way of identifying you, and not having them hurts your Team's ranking!
  • Our Referees are not professionals. They are people just like you, so please treat them with respect.
  • Referees will be judging your Sportsmanship; it’s best to be gracious whether you’re winning or losing.
  • Any aggressive behavior will not be tolerated and may result in suspension or expulsion from our Leagues; let’s avoid that.
  • Please be on time. We recommend showing up at least 15 minutes early to avoid any confusion and the chance of Forfeiting.

Number of Players

A team consists of 4 players. A fifth player is accepted though not encouraged. A minimum of 2 players (from the team’s league roster) is needed to start and/or continue a game. There are no co-ed minimums for this league.

Substitutions

If a team is short the required number of players in a regular Season game, the team may invite players from other teams in their division to Sub in for their game. Teams can only invite enough Subs to put them at regular strength (in this case 2 players to get to 6 players) Substitutions from outside the division are allowed; for more info and to register as a Sub, CLICK HERE.  Substitutions during the playoffs are not permitted.

Substitute players must check in with the Game Coordinator onsite to receive a league issued pinnie to wear in the Game. Substitute players must leave a form of identification with the Game Coordinator in exchange for the participation pinnie. The ID will be returned to the player when the pinnie is turned in after the Game.

Game Length and Structure

Each match will be 45 minutes. A match consists of 2 games to 21. In the event that the match is tied 1-1, both teams will play 2 frames (8 pitches each) with the highest score winning. If teams are still tied, each will play 1 frame (4 pitches each) until there is a winner. Cancellation scoring will not be used.

GENERAL CORNHOLE RULES

Starting the Game

Each team should have 2 teammates on opposite sides of the board facing each other. The home team will throw first. All 8 bags will start on one end and players will alternate throws between the two opposing teams until all 8 bags have been thrown. Teams will alternate who throws first per team.

Player Rotation

All four players are allowed to play during each game. Teammates may rotate who throws during each game in the match.

Basic Gameplay

There are 8 bags on each court and a team is designated 4 bags of the same color. Players may throw from anywhere behind the foul line (see foul line). A game will continue until one team reaches 21 points first.

Scoring

The object of the game is to score 21 Points by throwing beanbags onto, or through the hole of, the Cornhole Board opposite from you.

  • Landing the beanbag through the hole - 3 Points
  • Beanbag knocked into the hole by another bag – 3 Points
  • Landing the beanbag on the board - 1 Point
  • Beanbag half on the board -1 Point
  • Beanbag half on the board and touching the floor- 0 Points
  • Landing the beanbag anywhere other than the board - 0 Points
  • Beanbags landing on the board after hitting the floor-0 Points and Bag removed from board
  • Beanbag resting on the board, then getting knocked off by another bag – 0 Points

Points are scored at the end of each frame, after both teams on the same side have each thrown four beanbags. Every team has the opportunity to score on every throw; cancellation scoring is not in effect.

If teams are tied at 21 at the end of a game, both teams will play 2 frames (8 pitches each) with the highest score winning. If teams are still tied, each will play 1 frame (4 pitches each) until there is a winner.

Foul Line

A foul occurs when a player’s foot goes past the edge of the front of the board during a throw. If a foot foul occurs, the player will get the bag back and have one more opportunity to throw the bag. If they go past the line again, the throw will not count.

Forfeits

Teams should report to the games at least 15 minutes before their scheduled starting time of the match. A game will be ruled a forfeit if any of the following occur:

  • No one from one of the teams is present at game time.
  • The minimum number of players are not present (2).
  • Improper conduct by one or more players on any team.

Teams will receive a forfeit loss of 2-0 in the official standings, if they have not shown up by the scheduled game time.

Teams will forfeit the first game of the match if they have not shown up by their scheduled time. After 10 minutes from start time, if the team still cannot meet the minimum requirement, the entire match will be called a forfeit. Exceptions can be made if a team is waiting on a couple of players (e.g. transit issues) with the understanding that the delay will cut time from the end of their match, and that the final decision is subject to the Referee’s discretion.

Sportsmanship points will be deducted from teams that forfeit a game due to a 'no-show' or a 'low-show.' Teams can minimize the deduction by Contacting Us ahead of time. Teams will receive:

  • 3.5 Sportsmanship points when contacting us before a forfeit of any kind.
  • 3.0 Sportsmanship points when not contacting us before a 'low-show' forfeit.
  • 2.5 Sportsmanship points when not contacting us before a 'no-show' forfeit.

Inclement Weather

In the event of weather that results in travel conditions being unsafe, NYC Social will update the Weather Line (347.491.7001) with any postponements 90 minutes before game time.

Any games postponed for weather will be rescheduled and information on the rescheduled Game will be sent to all Players and Gamestaff by email.

Season Abandonment

Registered Teams that miss two weeks of play will be considered to have abandoned their place in the League. Teams in this category will be contacted by an NYC Social Staff Member to confirm their status. Teams failing to respond within two business days will be removed from the Season schedule and will Forfeit their registration fees. Teams that do respond will be required to supply reasoning for lack of attendance and petition the League for reinstatement. Season abandonment and reactivation decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis at the sole discretion of the League management and must be resolved before returning to play in the current Season or in Subsequent Seasons.

Team T-Shirts

Each player on an official team roster will receive a league-issued Team T-Shirt at the start of the Season. The shirt must be worn and visible during each and every game of the Season. Players who forget their Team T-Shirt will cause their team a 0.5 point deduction (each) from that week's Sportsmanship Rating. Players who forget their Team T-Shirt or wear an illegally altered shirt (see below) to the game will be made to wear a pinnie in order to participate in the game.

Players must leave a form of identification with the Game Coordinator to receive the participation pinnie. The ID will be returned to the player when the pinnie is turned in after the Game.

Team T-Shirts are also used by staff at the sponsor bar to determine whether a player is eligible to receive league discounts.

While shirt customization is allowed, teams/players must abide by the following rules when personalizing shirts:

  • No company names or logos
  • No offensive language
  • No design that obscures or alters the NYC Social logo

Names, nicknames, numbers, and team logos are all welcome additions to the Team T-Shirts. Please also feel free to bedazzle, tie-dye, or apply patches to them, if you are so inclined.

If a player's shirt no longer fits into the guidelines above, the player will be charged $10 and issued a replacement shirt.

Alcohol, Controlled Substance, and Safety Policy

Individuals (players, fans, or friends of players) will, at the discretion of NYC Social, be ejected immediately if any of the following are true:

  • found bringing alcohol, weapons, or controlled Substances to any venue or sponsor bar in use by NYC Social.
  • suspected of excessive pre-Game alcohol consumption
  • suspected of abusing a controlled Substance
  • deemed unruly or a danger to themselves or others at any time

Anyone who is ejected from one of our venues or sponsor bars will be required to petition the Club for reinstatement before participating in or attending any Subsequent NYC Social event. Team(s) associated with the offending player, friend, or fan will lose 2 sportsmanship Points from its Sportsmanship Rating.

These policies are in place for the safety, enjoyment, and continued camaraderie of all Players, the sponsoring venues, sponsor bars, and the entire Club.

Sportsmanship Score

A Sportsmanship score (SP) is given to every team after every game, and is factored into overall league ranking. Teams (and their fans) begin with a ‘4.5’ and can gain an extra .5 point for displaying exceptional sportsmanship and spirit. Conversely, points are deducted for policy infractions, poor attitudes, low attendance, or absence as described below.

Any team receiving a score below 3.5 must email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to explain their actions and receive official approval prior to participating in future Club games, leagues, or hosted events.

  • 5.0 – Exemplary Conduct - Going above and beyond, being extra friendly and social with teammates, opponents, and staff.
  • 4.5 – Good - Always cooperative with Gamestaff and other players. Rule interpretation and call discussions always polite. Captain has full control of players & fans.
  • 4.0 – Passable Conduct - Team complains about Gamestaff decisions and/or shows minor dissent. Minor taunting, running up the score, excessive celebration, or other actions which diminish overall fun.
  • 3.5 – Needs Improvement, Without Penalty - Team frequently complains or is unpleasant, but no penalties are assessed. Teams alerting the office by 3pm the day of a Forfeit (Friday for weekend Games) will receive a ‘3.5’.
  • 3.0 – Unsportsmanlike Conduct Penalty - Team verbally argues or is disrespectful. Team continues to attempt to distract the other Team during throws. Captain helps control Team. Team is found cheating on counts score.
  • 2.5 – Two Penalties, No Ejection - No more than two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Captain attempts to help. Teams not providing timely notice prior to Forfeits receive a ‘2.5’.
  • 2.0 – Single Ejection - Team has multiple unsportsmanlike penalties and/or Player gets ejected.
  • 1.5 – Single Ejection (Involving Captain) - Captain is ejected or is part of unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. 
  • 1.0 – Multiple Ejections - Captain has no control of Team and/or is unwilling to work with Staff. Team receives a Forfeit loss.
  • 0.5 – Multiple Ejections (Involving Captain) - Captain has no control of self or Team. Team receives a Forfeit loss.
  • 0.0 – Game Discontinued - Physical confrontation, multiple ejections, or poor behavior resulting in discontinuation of Game.

Note: Players must wear appropriate colored, league-issued Team T-Shirts during games. Half a Point (.5) will be deducted from a Team’s Sportsmanship Rating for each missing Shirt.

Ejected Participants

Any ejected individual must get approval by NYC Social prior to attending or participating in future Club Games, Leagues, or hosted events, including Post-Game Parties. Attempted participation without approval is Subject to further penalties. Rulings may include, but are not limited to, probation, Game/League suspension, or permanent expulsion.

Playoffs

Regular Season Standings are determined by 1) number of wins, 2) Sportsmanship Points, and 3) Point Differential.

Teams not advancing to the Playoffs will be awarded a Consolation Game.

Top Teams will advance to the Playoffs – typically a Single Elimination Tournament – where they will compete for Gold and Silver Medals and Prizes. Please note: Spirit Champ and Bar Champ Awards are given to deserving Teams, regardless of ranking.

To be eligible for playoffs, teams must have an average sportsmanship rating of at least ‘4.0’ and cannot have forfeited more than one game during the regular season. Sorry, no substitute players are allowed in the playoffs. Any team receiving less than ‘3.5’ Sportsmanship in a playoff game forfeits its spot in the bracket, plus they must receive approval from NYC Social prior to participating in future Club games, leagues, or hosted events.

MOST IMPORTANTLY!

THIS IS A SOCIAL League: Have fun and make new friends. The Game may or may not go your way, but the beer is still cold and cheap afterwards!