Challenger Division

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Category: Information
Published on Friday, 03 February 2012 01:17
Written by Bob Picard
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challenger

The Challenger Division of Little League is a program for mentally and physically challenged youtth, helping them to enjoy the full benefits of Little League participation in an athletic environment structured to their abilities.  More than the skills of baseball learned through the experience, the value of the Little League Challenger Division is found in the proven therapeutic and socialization benefits of participating in sports, the strengthening participants' self-esteem, the opportunities to mainstream into other divisions of play, and the disciplines of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play, which are hallmarks of the Little League program.  The Little League Challenger Division provides the framework so Little League programs may offer a structured, athletic activity for all youth in their communities.  Playing with the same equipment on the same filds, Challenger Division participants have the opportunity to experience the joys of pulling together as a team, being cheered, and earning awards for their achievements.

What is the Challenger Division? The Challenger Division offers boys and girls with physical and mental challenges, ages 5 to 18 (or the completion of high school), the opportunity to participate in an organized baseball program. The most fundamental goal of the Challenger Division is to give everyone a chance to play.

The Rules of the Challenger Division:

  • All children ages 5 through 18, or who remain in school, with physical or mental disabilities are encouraged to participate. Level of play based upon player’s size, age and skill level may occur if numbers allow.

  • Each player in Tee Ball or Coach-Pitch may use the “Buddy” system where a player is paired up with a buddy to assist them in course of the game on and off the field.

  • Every player on the roster is in the batting order and shall play defensively for the entire game.

  • No team is scheduled to play more than one game in one day. The side is retired when the offense has batted through the roster or when three outs are recorded.

  • Little League recommends that no score be kept during games.

  • Challenger Division players wear the same uniforms, shoulder patches and safety equipment as other Little Leaguers.

  • Challenger games are played on a standard Little League field.

  • Standard Little League equipment can be used. However, the option is available to adjust equipment to accommodate individual challenges, such as using a lighter or smaller bat for children who cannot use an aluminum or wooden bat.

For more information or to register to play in the Challenger Division, contact:
Kelly Paine at JLIB_HTML_CLOAKING or 508-867-8620

Registrations will be taking place on Wednesday February 8th and 15th from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the East Brookfield Elementary School Cafeteria.

You can mail registration forms in as well. Please contact Kelly for more information.

Additional information