Planning a cornhole tournament fundraiser is a fantastic way to bring people together for a good cause while enjoying some friendly competition. Whether you’re a seasoned organizer or hosting your first fundraising event, this guide covers everything you need to know to make your tournament a success. From understanding the rules and choosing the right tournament format to attracting sponsors and spreading the word, we’ve got you covered.
Cornhole Tournament Rules
First thing’s first- it’s important to establish and communicate the rules of cornhole. Here’s a quick rundown of the standard rules:
1. Setting Up:
Place the boards 27 feet apart from front edge to front edge. Players stand on either side of their respective boards.
2. Gameplay:
- Players take turns throwing bags at the opposite board.
- Each player throws four bags per round.
- Players must throw from behind the front edge of their own board.
3. Scoring:
- A bag in the hole scores 3 points.
- A bag on the board scores 1 point.
- No points are awarded for bags that touch the ground before landing on the board.
- Only one team can score in each round. If Team A scores 6 points and Team B scores 4 points in the same round, Team A gets 2 points (6 – 4 = 2).
4. Winning:
The game continues until a team reaches or exceeds 21 points at the end of a round. If both teams exceed 21 points in the same round, the higher score wins.
5. Fouls:
Fouls occur if a player steps past the foul line or throws out of turn. Foul bags are removed from the board before calculating the score for the round.
Following these rules helps ensure the tournament is fair and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Organizing the Cornhole Tournament Bracket
Next, you’ll want to decide on the type of tournament you want to run. You can do a cornhole tournament bracket or round robin format- both have their perks.
Bracket Tournament
A cornhole tournament bracket is straightforward and exciting. Teams compete in a series of elimination rounds until one team remains undefeated. Here’s how you can set it up:
1. Seed the Teams:
Arrange the teams based on skill level or randomly draw names.
2. Create the Bracket:
Use an online bracket generator or draw one by hand. Depending on the size of your tournament, you could do a single or double elimination tournament by having a consolation bracket.
3. Schedule Matches:
Plan your matches, ensuring you have enough boards and time for each round.
4. Play and Eliminate:
Teams compete head-to-head, and the loser of each match is eliminated until a champion emerges.
Round Robin Tournament
In a round robin tournament, every team plays against each other at least once, making it great for ensuring everyone gets plenty of game time.
1. List the Teams:
Write all participating teams.
2. Schedule Games:
Each team should play against all other teams. This format can be more time-consuming but ensures fair play. You can also limit the initial round so each team plays at least 3 games to help reduce overall time of the tournament.
3. Track Wins and Losses:
Keep a record of each match’s results.
4. Determine the Winner:
The team with the most wins at the end of all rounds is declared the champion.
Getting Sponsors for Your Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser
Securing sponsors can elevate your cornhole tournament fundraiser by providing financial support, prizes, and additional resources. Here’s how to attract and manage sponsorships effectively.
Attracting Sponsors
1. Identify Potential Sponsors:
Look for local businesses, restaurants, and community organizations that align with your event’s goals. Consider companies that have a stake in community engagement or sports activities.
2. Create a Sponsorship Package:
Outline different sponsorship levels with corresponding benefits. Include options like logo placement on banners, social media mentions, and opportunities to set up a booth at the event.
3. Reach Out:
Craft a compelling pitch that highlights the benefits of sponsoring your tournament. Personalize your approach by explaining how their support will make a difference and the exposure they’ll gain.
4. Follow Up:
After initial contact, follow up with potential sponsors. Address any questions they have and reinforce the value their sponsorship brings to the event.
Managing Sponsorship Sign Ups
Cheddar Up makes managing sponsorships simple and efficient. Here’s how you can leverage the platform:
1. Set Up a Sponsorship Page:
Use Cheddar Up to create a dedicated sponsorship page. Customize it to include your event details, sponsorship levels, and benefits. This page serves as a professional and streamlined way for sponsors to learn about and commit to your event.
2. Include Sponsorship Options:
List the different sponsorship levels and their associated costs. Each option should clearly state the benefits, such as banner advertisements, mentions in event materials, or exclusive rights to provide products or services at the event.
3. Online Payment and Forms:
Cheddar Up allows sponsors to make payments online securely. Include fields for sponsors to provide their business information, upload logos, and specify any other relevant details.
4. Track Sponsorships:
Keep track of all sponsorship commitments in one place. Cheddar Up’s management tools let you see who has signed up, what level they’ve chosen, and handle any necessary follow-up communications.
5. Communicate with Sponsors:
Use the platform to send updates and thank you messages to your sponsors. Keeping them informed and appreciated fosters long-term relationships and encourages future support.
By utilizing Cheddar Up for sponsorship management, you simplify the process, making it easier for sponsors to contribute and for you to stay organized.
Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser Flyer & Registration
Organizing registrations can be a breeze with Cheddar Up. Here’s how to use a Cheddar Up template to streamline your process:
Attracting Sponsors
1. Choose a template:
Pick a template designed for cornhole tournament fundraisers. Cheddar Up offers customizable templates that include registration forms, payment collection, and waivers.
2. Customize your cornhole tournament flyer page:
Add your event details, such as date, location, and tournament rules. You can also include fields for team names, player information, and any additional options like t-shirt sizes or meal preferences.
3. Share and collect registrations:
Share the registration link via email, social media, or your event website. Participants can easily sign up and pay online.
4. Manage registrations:
Track all your registrations in one place, making it simple to organize teams, communicate with participants, and ensure you’re ready for the big day.
Additional Considerations for Your Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser
Beyond the structure of the tournament itself, a few extra details can take your event from good to great. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Equipment
Cornhole Boards and Bags:
Ensure you have enough regulation-size boards and bags for the number of teams playing. Typically, boards should be 24″ x 48″ with a 6″ hole centered 9″ from the top.
Scoreboards:
Use simple scoreboards (white board, chalkboard, or paper) to keep track of each game’s progress.
Boundary Markers:
Use tape or cones to mark the playing area, ensuring safety and organization.
Scoring the Games
Tracking Scores:
Use scoreboards to keep an ongoing tally of each team’s score. This helps avoid confusion and ensures everyone knows the current standing.
Winning the Game:
The first team to reach or exceed 21 points wins the game, but the winning team must win by at least 2 points in some variations of the rules.
Reporting Scores:
After each match, teams should report their scores to the tournament organizer to keep the bracket or round robin schedule updated.
Food and Beverages
Snacks and Drinks:
Keep your players and spectators happy with a variety of food and drinks. Consider having water, soda, and light snacks like chips and fruit.
BBQ or Potluck:
For a more festive atmosphere, host a BBQ or ask participants to bring a dish for a potluck. This not only fuels the players, but also adds to the community feel.
Food Trucks:
If your event is larger, inviting local food trucks can be a great way to offer diverse meal options without the hassle of organizing food yourself.
Seating and Shade
Seating:
Provide ample seating options like folding chairs or picnic tables for participants and spectators to relax between games.
Tents and Umbrellas:
Set up tents or large umbrellas to offer shade, especially important if you’re hosting the tournament outdoors on a sunny day.
Spreading the Word About Your Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser
Getting the word out about your cornhole tournament fundraiser is essential for attracting participants, spectators, and sponsors. Here are some effective strategies to ensure your event reaches a wide audience.
Social Media & Email
1. Create Event Pages:
Set up event pages on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms. Include all relevant details, such as the date, location, link to register, and what participants can expect.
2. Engaging Content:
Post regular updates with engaging content like photos of past tournaments, videos explaining the rules of cornhole, and behind-the-scenes looks at your preparation process. Use hashtags to increase visibility.
3. Invite and Share:
Invite your friends, family, and community members to the event page. Encourage them to share the event with their networks to amplify your reach.
4. Regular Updates:
Send regular email updates leading up to the event. Provide information on registration, share exciting news, and remind recipients of the event date.
Local Media
1. Press Releases:
Send press releases to local newspapers, radio stations, and TV channels. Highlight the purpose of the fundraiser, details of the event, and any unique features or special guests.
2. Community Calendars:
Submit your event to online community calendars. Many towns and cities have websites that list local events.
Cornhole Tournament Flyers and Posters
1. Design Eye-Catching Materials:
Create visually appealing flyers and posters with all the essential information. Include your event’s name, date, location, and QR code to register.
2. Distribute Widely:
Place flyers in high-traffic areas such as community centers, libraries, coffee shops, and local businesses. Ask friends and volunteers to help distribute them.
With these considerations and guidelines, your cornhole tournament fundraiser is sure to be a hit. Whether you’re going for a laid-back vibe or a more competitive atmosphere, the key is in the details. So, get your boards ready, your snacks stocked, and let the games begin!
Before you go
Ready to make your cornhole tournament fundraiser a smash hit? Sign up for Cheddar Up today to streamline your event registration, sponsorship management, and promotion, so you can focus on the fun and fundraising!
