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Guidelines for Buddies & Volunteers

As a Volunteer (18 years and older) or Buddy (ages 13—17), you serve a key role helping ensure our players stay safe and enjoy playing the game. During most games, you will accompany a designated player for the duration of the game while she/he bats, runs the bases, plays in the field, and sits with the team awaiting her/his turn to bat.

Before you arrive at the Miracle Field, please watch our instructional videos from another Miracle League team posted on the Miracle League website to learn more about your role as a Volunteer or Buddy. Please arrive at the Miracle Field at least 15 minutes prior to game time and sign in at the table behind home base. Coaches will provide a quick briefing to all new Volunteers and Buddies and assign them each a player to accompany.

• Please note the following Guidelines to assist in your role with our Miracle League players:
• Protect the safety of players at all times from thrown or hit balls, as well as from baserunners and other players.
• Always allow players as much freedom as possible to play baseball with her/his own style of playing (as long as it is safe to do so).
• Assist players, as needed, when they bat, run, and throw. Accompany the player as she/he runs between bases.
• Show good spirit, enthusiasm, a positive attitude, and compassion to players and their families as you assist them.
• Become the player’s (and their family’s) friend, so that the player feels comfortable on the Miracle Field with other players, coaches, and volunteers.
• Proactively anticipate players’ needs before and during the game, and work quickly, efficiently, and constructively to resolve them. Seek assistance from League coaches if necessary. If appropriate, speak with the player’s parent(s) or guardian(s) prior to the game about potential needs and other concerns. Note that players in wheelchairs may require assistance when transporting themselves.
• Try to attend as many games as you can during the season to develop a relationship with a particular player for the duration of the season.
• Dress appropriately and wear closed, rubber-soled shoes. Cleats are never allowed on the Miracle Field.
• Demonstrate model volunteer behavior and integrity while participating in the Miracle League program.

Have fun!

Training Video

Please watch this several minute video before attending your first Miracle League game as a Buddy or Volunteer. It was created by the Miracle League of San Diego. Although not all of what is portrayed in the video is the same as what we do at the Miracle League of Montgomery County, Maryland, it is very similar. The video will give you a good context for the Miracle League game format, its players, its customs, and the fun it creates!

Watch the video by clicking here.

Registration Policy

Please find a copy of our registration policy for Players, Volunteers, and Buddies by clicking here.