Competitive Youth Division

The following rules are for the Competitive Youth Division:

For players who are 5 to 17 years old. Players must be 5 years old before May 1st and can’t be 18 years old or older after April 30th.
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 10-13 players.
See the rules that are the same for all Miracle League Divisions.

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)
- 1st, 2nd, 3rd, SS
- Rover (directly on 2nd 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.