Common Rules
The following information is the same for all divisions in the Miracle League of Western PA.
- Have fun!!!!!
- All games are played on the Bill Mazeroski Miracle Field at the Rotary Miracle Sports Complex in the Community Park of Murrysville.
- The Miracle League Field has an all-weather surface that is wheelchair accessible.
- Only water is allowed on the field or in the dugout. No Gatorade, food or colored drinks are allowed.
- The Miracle League season consists of a spring and fall season.
- The spring season consists of 8 weeks from mid-April to early-July.
- The fall season consists of 6 weeks, from mid-August to late-September.
- Every effort will be made to make up cancelled games due to the weather.
- The Miracle League is made up of two Divisions: Miracle Division and Competitive Division.
- All players and volunteers must register to participate. No one is allowed on the field without registering.
- Every effort will be made to meet requests by players and volunteers.
- All equipment (bats, balls, tee, etc.) are provided by the Miracle League.
- Players are encouraged to bring their own gloves, but gloves are available.
- Each team’s coaching staff will have a Manager, Coach(es) and Team Parent(s).
- Players receive a team uniform shirt and hat for the year to be used for the spring and fall seasons.
- Players are to make every effort to wear the current team sponsored uniform with their current jersey number. Every player issued a team sponsored uniform must wear their uniform to play. We want every player to feel like a Major Leaguer by looking like a Major Leaguer!
- Players must wear tennis shoes only. No spikes, cleats, sandals or flip flops are permitted on the field.
- Managers and Coaches receive a team sponsored uniform shirt and hat for the season.
- Every Manager and Coach must wear their team sponsored uniform to participate. Remember you are setting the example!
- Players receive a trophy or medal at the end of each season.
- Players and volunteers have the option to participate in Photo Day during the spring season.
- Sportsmanship: Players are to always encourage each other. Bragging, teasing, name calling, foul language and any other demeaning actions will not be tolerated.
Miracle Division
The following rules are for the Miracle Division.
- Players must be at least 5 years old before April 1st for the spring season and August 1st for the fall season.
- This is a non-competitive division.
- Each player has an assigned Buddy for all games, if available and if needed.
- Two innings per game.
- All players bat each inning.
- Batting helmets are supplied & required but special circumstances will be considered.
- Batters may hit off a tee or from a pitcher. There are no strikeouts or walks.
- After 10 pitches without a hit, the player may be asked to hit off the tee, if necessary, to keep the game moving.
- All players get to circle the bases to score a run each inning.
- Players are never called “Out”.
- The score is tied after each inning no matter how many players are on each team.
- Buddies are involved in the game for these three reasons:
- Protect the players.
- Assist the player, but only as needed, allowing the player the opportunity to play as much as possible.
- Encouragement and friendship
Competitive Division
The following rules are for the Competitive Division:
- For safety concerns a players must be at least 10 years old before April 1st for the spring season and August 1st for the fall season. Also, for safety concerns a player must demonstrate the skills necessary to pay attention to the game and always protect themselves from batted balls when on the field. The manager and coaches from that team, along with the League President will determine if a player is ready to play in the Competitive Division. If deemed not ready, they will be assigned to a Miracle League team and may tryout the for the Competitive Division the following year.
- This is a competitive division. Players can be called “Out” and a team can lose a game.
- Buddies will not be permitted in the Competitive Division.
- 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.
- Sportsmanship: Player are to always encourage each other. Bragging, teasing, name calling, foul language and any other demeaning actions will not be tolerated.
Game/Inning Length:
- All rules apply as in Little League unless otherwise listed.
- The game is played for 5 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 unless a home run or ground rule double is hit and the runners on bases would have scored. An example is, with 4 runs already in, a player hits a Grand Slam. All 8 runs count for that ½ inning
- In the final inning, the away team can score as many runs as possible to catch up but cannot go up by more than 10 runs.
- The away team will always get to bat in the top of the 5th inning and score 5 runs regardless of how many runs they are up.
- If the away team is stopped from hitting in the top of the 5th inning because they scored 5 runs and are up by 10 or more runs, the home team will have a chance to tie the game but not win the game.
- Extra innings will not be played under any scenario.
Fielding Rules:
- Fielding gloves are required.
- The first baseman must stay on the “fair” side of the new double wide first base. If the first baseman is on the “foul” side of the base the runner will be safe, and the first baseman will be issued a warning. After the second warning the first baseman will not be allowed to play 1st base the rest of the game, because of the safety issue.
- The following positions will be filled.
- Pitcher: must be an adult (18 years of age or older and not a player). They are not permitted to make fielding plays. If they catch the ball protecting themselves, they are to drop the ball immediately and let the play resume.
- 1st, 2nd, 3rd, SS and catcher. The catcher must wear a chest protector and mask at a minimum.
- The remaining players will be spread throughout the outfield. No player is to play directly behind second base like a fifth infielder.
- Outfielders are not allowed to throw out runners going to first.
- 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.
- An infielder may not play on the infield grass before the ball is hit.
- If the umpire determines a violation, the batter is awarded the base.
- Outfielders may not encroach to the infield.
- Once the outfielder throws the ball in (does not have to reach the infield), the play is over and no runners may advance, unless they are halfway to the next base.
Batting Rules:
- A batter will be pitched to either overhand or underhand. Their manager has the power to override their choice.
- A batter may choose either option for each at-bat if there is no manager objection.
- A batter may change their choice in the middle of an at-bat if there is no manager objection.
- A ball hit foul, follows foul ball rules.
- A batter can foul out.
- Batters must wear helmets.
- “Inside the Park” home runs are not allowed.
Base running Rules:
- For safety reasons, our new field will have a double wide first base. This is to avoid collisions between the first baseman and the runner. The runner must run in the running lane and touch first base on the foul side of the base.
- Runners may not steal bases.
- Runners may not advance a base on overthrown balls.
- Runners may not lead and cannot run until the ball is hit.
- Runners cannot be picked off.
- Runners must wear helmets.
- Runners may have a teammate run for them.
- When a hit ball hits a runner, the runner is out, and the batter gets 1st base. Runners may move up accordingly, but no runs can score when the runner is hit by a batted ball.
- 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.
Buddy Program
What is a Miracle League Buddy?
Miracle League Buddies are assigned a player for each game. The buddy is there to protect the player from balls, assist the player in batting and running the bases (if needed), and to be friends on and off the field. Buddies may receive a Miracle League Buddy t-shirt for their participation if they are available.
Who is eligible to be a buddy?
Buddies are youth (ages 12 and up) and adults who play or enjoy baseball and softball-or just like to have fun. These include family members and local youth and civic groups to mention a few. Though we call them Buddies, many people refer to volunteers as Angels in the Outfield.
How do I become a Buddy?
Formal Buddy registration is open for the upcoming season. If you are interested or want to get more information, please register in the registration section of the web site and indicate you are interested in being a Buddy.
What is the idea behind the Buddy Program?
Being a buddy allows parents, children and volunteers to come together to help special needs individuals. The Buddy Program has a great impact on all participants. Buddies and players alike learn valuable skills like patience, understanding and compassion.
What is required of a Buddy?
Buddies need to be energetic, committed and enthusiastic for each game. We encourage buddies to keep a consistent schedule. This allows Miracle players to grow more comfortable with their new friends. Buddies are responsible for their individual player from the time of introduction until the player is back in the care of their parent/guardian. This means that no matter where their player goes the buddy must go.
Do I stay with the same player all season?
To encourage friendships, Buddies may be assigned to the same child or team for the entire season. However, we also welcome buddies who may not have assigned players, but who cover where needed.
Is there special training involved?
Each buddy is required to complete a basic skills training course. This “sensitivity” training provides guidelines, suggestions, and directions on how to have fun and make the experience safe and enjoyable.
What is expected of me on game days?
Buddies are expected to always protect the Miracle League player. When a hard hitter is up at bat, buddies are to step in front of the Miracle League player for protection. Always allow the Miracle League player as much freedom as possible to play his/her game and position. Assist the Miracle League player according to their needs. Arrive at the field 30 minutes prior to game time. Notify the Miracle League Buddy Coordinator at least 24 hours prior to game time if they will not be able to attend the game. Demonstrate high morals and integrity on and off the field.
Can I receive credit for service hours?
Students can receive credit and, if necessary, a written recommendation towards their service hour requirements for school or other organizations upon completion of a full season.
Managers
- Insure a safe playing environment.
- A Manager is an important volunteer position in the Miracle League. It is probably one of the most rewarding, too.
- Each team will have one Manager.
- A Manager is responsible for all aspects of their team including communicating to parents, players, and team volunteers.
- The two Managers during the game are responsible for everything that happens inside of the fence on the field.
- All Managers must pass a criminal background and child abuse background check.
- Coordinate team activities with the coaching staff and maintain contact with players and families.
- Ensure that each player receives a uniform.
- Communicate concerns regarding specific players or rules to the League officials.
- Manage team equipment and ensure its arrival before each game.
- Provide copies of team line-up to the announcer before each game.
- Make sure players can learn new skills. Keep up the team spirit.
- Arrives 30 minutes prior to game time to organize the players and practice as appropriate.
- Demonstrates high morals and integrity both on and off the field.
- Assure that the game keeps moving.
- Monitor weather before and during the game and help determine whether to cancel or postpone.
Coaches
- Insure a safe playing environment.
- Arrive 30 minutes before game time.
- Demonstrates enthusiasm, love and concern for each player, Buddy and volunteer.
- Demonstrate high morals and integrity both on and off the field.
- Assist the Manager with the team as needed.
- If a pitcher is not available, pitch.
- Act as the Manager when the Manager is not available.
- Verify that each player has an assigned Buddy if needed.
- Always encourage the players on the field and assists as necessary with batting.
Announcers
- Start the games on time. Sing the “National Anthem” with any players wishing to sing Say the “Pledge of Allegiance” or allow a player to say it and say a prayer before every game.
- Insure a safe playing environment.
- Get lineups from each team before starting the game.
- Be enthusiastic.
- Announce each batter and jersey number when they come to bat.
- Announce each runner as they score at home.
- Play music between innings.
- The Announcer sets the tone for the game.
Scoreboard Keeper
- Operate the scoreboard. Pay close attention to the game. You will sometimes be asked how many runs scored or the count on a batter.
Umpires
- Insure a safe playing environment.
- Always call the balls and strikes as you see them. Players tend to not swing with 2 strikes if you never call a third strike.
- You should always demonstrate enthusiasm, respect and concern for each player, and volunteer.
- There should be one to two umpires per game.
- The umpire is to call each player safe at first base and home plate when they are.
- The umpire should wear the approved Miracle League umpire shirt and should be presentable and clean at all games.
- The umpire should arrive 15 minutes before each game.
- The umpire is to assist coaches and players as necessary.
- The umpire’s call is always right. An umpire may ask the managers for assistance if they are not sure of the call, but the umpires’ decision is always final. Arguing with the umpire will never be tolerated and may result in a player or coach to be asked to leave the game.
Team Parents
- Insure a safe playing environment.
- Assist the Manager and Coaches with communication to the team.
- Demonstrates enthusiasm, love and concern for each player, and volunteer.
- Watch for overheating, dehydration and overexertion.
- Provide health issues and special requirements to the manager and coach.
- Express any concerns with the manager.
- Express any opinions (good or bad) that will enhance the league and the players’ experience to the league President.