Who can participate in the Little League Challenger Program?
Any individual with a physical or intellectual challenge may participate. If an individual can participate in the traditional Little League Baseball or Softball program with reasonable accommodations they should do so. The Little League Challenger Division accommodates players ages 4-18, or up to age 22 if still enrolled in school. The Senior League Challenger Division accommodates players ages 15 and above (no maximum age).
What is the Little League Challenger Program?
Little League International established the Challenger Division in 1989 as a separate division of Little League Baseball to enable boys and girls with physical and mental disabilities, ages 5-18 or the completion of high school, to enjoy the game of baseball along with the millions of other children who participate in this sport worldwide.
Teams are set up according to abilities, rather than age, and can include as many as 15-20 players, who can participate in one of three levels: T-Ball, Coach-Pitch or Player Pitch.
Each player gets a chance to bat. The side is retired when the offense has batted through the roster, or when a predetermined number of runs has been scored, or when three outs are recorded. Little League recommends that no score be kept during games. The Challenger players wear the same uniforms, shoulder patches and safety equipment as other Little League players.
One of the benefits of having a Challenger Division is that it encourages the use of "buddies" for the Challenger players. The buddies assist the Challenger players on the field but whenever possible, encourage the players to bat and make plays themselves. However, the buddy is always nearby to help when needed.
Become a “Buddy?”
Minimum age to participate as a buddy is 10 years old but all adult buddies please follow our volunteer registration process by signing up as either a Head Coach, Assistant Coach, or Team parent. Once you have completed a background check you will be issued an ID badge that must be worn at all times while participating in the program.
For more information please visit:
https://www.littleleague.org/play-little-league/challenger/