Competitive Youth Division

See the rules that are the same for all Miracle League Divisions.

For players who are 5 to 17 years old.  Players must be 5 years old before May 1^st and can’t be 18 years old or older after April 30^th.

Special consideration can be made for children outside of that range on a case by case basis.  Please contact the Miracle League Coordinator for approval.

This is a competitive division.  Players can be called out and a team can lose a game.

Buddies are optional for a player.  This is a Parent/Guardian decision.

An umpire covers each game to call balls/strike, fair/foul, out/safe and has the final call on all plays.

The score will be kept.  A team can win, lose, or tie.

Teams consist of no more than 10 players.

 

Game/Inning Length:

• All rules apply as in Little League unless otherwise listed.

• Game is played for 4 innings.

• A half inning is completed when either 3 outs are reached, or 5 runs cross the plate.

• Only 5 runs may be scored in a half inning, with the exception of the final (4^th) inning

• In the final inning, each team will be permitted to have every player bat one time permitted 3 outs have not occurred

• If a home run or extra base hit results in more than 5 runs:

  • Play will continue until its end

  • Only up to 5 runs will count

   

Fielding Rules:   

• Fielding gloves are optional for fielders, though highly advised

• The following positions will be filled in the infield:

  • Pitcher (must be in the pitcher’s circle as the ball is pitched)

  • 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, SS

  • Rover (directly on 2^nd base)

• The remaining players will be spread throughout the outfield

• Fielders are not permitted to block the bases.

• If the umpire deems that the base has been blocked, the runner will be awarded the base.

• Fielders may use a Buddy.

• A coach or other designated person will pitch to their team.

• A fielder may not advance towards home past the pitcher's mound until the ball is hit.

• If the umpire determines a violation, the batter is awarded the base.

• Outfielders may not encroach to the infield .

• Fielders must tag a runner, not their Buddy, to tag them out.

 

Batting Rules:

• A batter may choose to be pitched to, or use a tee

• A batter may choose either option at each at bat

• A batter may not change their choice in the middle of an at-bat

• A batter being pitched to will have 5 swings.  After 5 swings, a tee will be used.

• A tipped ball foul follows foul rules.

• A ball must be hit off of the tee to be considered in play.

• A batter cannot foul out.

• Batters must wear helmets.

• A Buddy may not hit for a batter.

 

Baserunning Rules:

• Runners may not steal bases.

• Runners may not advance a base on overthrown balls.

• Runners may not lead off.

• Runners cannot be picked off.

• Runners must wear helmets.

• Runners may use a Buddy to help them run the bases.

• Buddies must make every effort to avoid balls hit into play.

• If the Buddy is deemed to have purposefully interfered, the runner is out, and a warning is given.

• A hit ball that hits a runner is considered a dead ball.

• On a dead ball, the batter is given first, and every forced runner is given one base.

• Since the bases are not raised (flat), as long as a base runner is close to the bag while running the bases, the umpire may accept that as a “touched” base.  The same argument can be made about the fielders.

 

Competitive Buddy Rules

• Buddies are there to assist the players and ensure an enjoyable experience for all the kids involved, not just their partner.

• If the umpire determines that a Buddy is in violation of the spirit of what is in the best interests of the kids, a warning will be given. If a second offense occurs, the Buddy will be removed from the game.

• Buddies are optional for the players.

• Buddies may help a player run the bases by pushing their chair.

• Buddies who are helping their players run must make every effort to avoid balls in play.

• If a Buddy intentionally interferes, it is considered a violation and will result in their player being called out, as well as a warning for first offense, or a removal if given a prior warning.

• A Buddy may not be tagged to tag their runner out.

• A Buddy may not interfere with their player being tagged.

• A Buddy may not bat for their player.

• Buddies in the field.

  • A Buddy must always play behind their player, unless a “more advanced” player is at the plate.  A buddy may then move beside the player for safety.

  • A Buddy may not catch or throw a ball for their player.

  • A Buddy may not stop a ball for a player if it is considered to be beyond their reach.

  • A Buddy may stop a ball that is hit at a player if the player needs help fielding it.

  • A Buddy may pick up and hand a stopped ball to their player if help is needed picking up the ball.

  • Buddies must give every opportunity for their player to play the ball.