Youth Division

The following rules are for the Youth Division as of 2/28/19 Rule changes starting with the 2019 Season are noted in red.

General

You must be six (6) years or older to play. Players must be 6 years old before May 1st.
Teams and player assignment will be determined by the League’s Director. Every effort will be made to accommodate team requests. They will be made on a first come first serve basis.
No score will be keep for Youth League games. Runs will however need to be tracked for the 5-run rule per inning.
Buddies are optional for a player. This is a Parent/Guardian decision.
An umpire covers each game to call fair/foul, out/safe and has the final call on all plays.
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 four (4) innings.
A half inning is completed when either three (3) outs are reached, or five (5) runs cross the plate.
Only five (5) runs may be scored in a half inning, with the exception of the final (4th) inning
- In the final inning, each team will be permitted to have every player bat one time permitted three (3) outs have not occurred
If a home run or extra base hit results in more than five runs:
- Play will continue until its end
- Only up to five runs will count
- If a team has less than 9 players, they can only go through their batting line-up one time per inning.

Player 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.
Teams are not allowed to take a fielder and make them a catcher to have a play at the plate.

Player 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 five (5) swings. After five swings, a tee will be used.
A tipped ball foul follows foul rules.
A ball must be hit off of the tee (if a tee is used) to be considered in play.
A batter cannot foul out.
Batters must wear helmets.

Player Base Running 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.
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.
There will be no sliding into any base.
We will use the basic rule of whether the ball beat the runner to the base or not. Related to this concept and because there is no sliding, a player will not be called out if he over runs the base and is tagged out.

Youth Buddy Rules

Safety is the number one priority of the buddy to the player they are helping to support.
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.