1. The Little League Challenger Program
An Adaptive Program for Children with
Physical and Intellectual Challenges

2. The Little League Challenger Program
Founded in 1989
Senior League Challenger Division introduced in 2015
Little League’s adaptive baseball/softball program for boys and girls with intellectual and physical challenges
Today nearly 1,000 leagues in 10 countries offer the program providing more than 30,000 children the opportunity to participate

3. Purpose of the Challenger Program
To provide a community the framework to offer a structured, athletic activity for all youth in their community
To provide all youth the opportunity to enjoy the full benefits of Little League in an environment structured to their abilities

4. Recent Program Updates
Senior League Challenger Division
Approved by delegates at the 2014 Little League International Congress
For players ages 15 and above
Offered by over 100 leagues in 2015
Regulation II – Boundaries
Changes approved at the 2014 Little League International Congress
Leagues may sign up players from any area in their district, or an adjacent district, that does not offer the Challenger Program

5. Who can participate in the Challenger Program?
Any individual with a physical or intellectual challenge that cannot participate in the age appropriate Little League Baseball or Softball Division with reasonable accommodations
Little League Challenger Division: Ages 4-18*
Senior League Challenger Division: Ages 15 and above
*Players age may participate in the Little League Challenger Division if they are still enrolled in a school program and their league does not offer the Senior League Challenger Division

6. Methods of Offering a Challenger Program
3 Options
District operated program managed by the DA/ADA for Challenger – ideal option for districts that cover a small geographical area
District wide program operated by a local league
Operated by local leagues using interleague play – ideal option for most districts

7. Growing the Challenger Program in Your District
Evaluate the current status of the Challenger Program within your District
How many leagues are offering Challenger?
Little League vs. Senior League?
Is there an ADA for Challenger?
What organizations are located in your district that could partner with Challenger Programs?
Are local Challenger Programs a well integrated part of the district and local leagues?
Leagues may operate a district wide program per Regulation I with the permission of the DA.
Leagues may accept players from out of their boundaries for Challenger only per Regulation II(g) if the player is released from their home league’s boundaries (if applicable) and if the DA approves

8. Growing Challenger – Encourage Leagues to Offer the Challenger Division
Encourage leagues to consider adding a Challenger Division during the first District Meeting of the year
Even small communities can offer the Challenger Division - check with local special education departments and service organizations to determine potential interest
Allow leagues looking to start a program to combine with an existing program for the first year to help get their program started
Leagues may operate a district wide program per Regulation I with the permission of the DA.
Leagues may accept players from out of their boundaries for Challenger only per Regulation II(g) if the player is released from their home league’s boundaries (if applicable) and if the DA approves

9. Growing Challenger – Encourage Leagues to Offer the Challenger Program
If no leagues in the district are offering Challenger:
Consider starting a District operated program
Consider allowing a number of leagues to combine to start a program (allowing 2-3 leagues to combine is ideal)
Appoint an ADA for Challenger and encourage all leagues to appoint a VP of Challenger to work together to start the program in the District
Leagues may operate a district wide program per Regulation I with the permission of the DA.
Leagues may accept players from out of their boundaries for Challenger only per Regulation II(g) if the player is released from their home league’s boundaries (if applicable) and if the DA approves

10. Growing Challenger – ADA for the Challenger Program
If the district does not have any Challenger participation, the ADA for Challenger should work with leagues to start the Challenger Program
If the district does have Challenger, the ADA for Challenger should:
Encourage leagues not offering Challenger to offer the program
Work with local leagues to get sponsorships and establish partnerships for Challenger
Develop a relationship with special education departments in the district to promote Challenger
Coordinate district interleague play and scheduling for Challenger
Leagues may operate a district wide program per Regulation I with the permission of the DA.
Leagues may accept players from out of their boundaries for Challenger only per Regulation II(g) if the player is released from their home league’s boundaries (if applicable) and if the DA approves

11. Growing Challenger – Partnering with Community Organizations
Developing partnerships with community organizations can benefit Challenger Programs both by increasing participation numbers and increasing sponsorships. Some organizations to consider include:
Special Education Departments (Participation)
Service Organizations such as The ARC, Easter Seals, Autism Speaks, Parent Support Groups, etc. (Participation)
Service Organizations such as Kiwanis, the Rotary Club, Lions club, etc. (Sponsorships/Funding)
Leagues may operate a district wide program per Regulation I with the permission of the DA.
Leagues may accept players from out of their boundaries for Challenger only per Regulation II(g) if the player is released from their home league’s boundaries (if applicable) and if the DA approves

12. Include the Challenger Program in any district activities
Growing Challenger – Integrating the Challenger Program into the District
Consider playing a Challenger Exhibition Game during the district tournament to raise awareness for the program
Include the Challenger Program in any district activities
If operating a District chartered program, schedule Challenger games around regularly scheduled local league games to increase exposure
Leagues may operate a district wide program per Regulation I with the permission of the DA.
Leagues may accept players from out of their boundaries for Challenger only per Regulation II(g) if the player is released from their home league’s boundaries (if applicable) and if the DA approves

13. Growing Challenger – Integrating the Challenger Program into a Local League
Include Challenger teams/players in all regularly scheduled activities
Schedule Challenger games between league play games on weekend, if possible to increase exposure for the Division
Play games on the same fields as other league games
Use Little League players as buddies for the Challenger Program, rather than the parents or other family of the player
Leagues may operate a district wide program per Regulation I with the permission of the DA.
Leagues may accept players from out of their boundaries for Challenger only per Regulation II(g) if the player is released from their home league’s boundaries (if applicable) and if the DA approves

14. Challenger Program FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there enough interested players in my community?
Who will run the Challenger Program?
Are special fields needed?
What are the costs involved in adaptive baseball?
What support can Little League provide?
Are grants available to assist leagues?
What rules are adapted for the Challenger Program?

15. Are there enough interested players in my community?
To determine the number of interested participants, leagues can work with special education departments and other community organizations
Develop relationships with special education departments and have them assist in recruiting – explain Challenger as “adaptive baseball”
Encourage parents of Challenger participants to recruit their players classmates/friends that may have challenges to join the program
Other community organizations may include: The ARC, Easter Seals, Autism Speaks, Autism Society, Physical Therapists, etc.

16. Who will run the Challenger Program?
The district should appoint a ADA for Challenger and the local league should appoint/elect a board representative for the Challenger
Local leagues and districts may choose to create a subcommittee to assist in operating Challenger
Challenger ADAs and Challenger board members should provide regular reports to the district and local league boards on Challenger Proram activities
All districts should appoint an ADA for Challenger, even if they do not have any leagues offering Challenger currently. In that case, that individuals main responsibility is starting the Challenger Division.

17. Are special fields required for the Challenger Program?
Challenger games may be played on traditional baseball or softball fields
Synthetic fields may be used
Fields should be easily accessible and near ample parking
Cost of a synthetic field: $500K - $1 million – not an option for most leagues
Using traditional fields allows the players to “get their uniforms dirty” and be more a part of the local league

18. What are the costs involved in offering Challenger?
The costs to operate a Challenger Program are similar to those involved with operating any other baseball/softball program and include:
Little League Charter Fee: $10 per team
Equipment
Uniforms
Trophies/Awards
Field Usage Fees

19. What support can Little League provide?
Free Training Materials
Full time staff to answer questions
Grants Available – Up to $20,000 through Little League’s Grow the Game Grant Program
Affordable Insurance Options
Free Rule Books/Guides to operating the Challenger Program

20. Are grants available for the Challenger Program?
Leagues starting or operating a Challenger Program may apply for grants through Little League’s Grow the Game Grant Program
Maximum Award: $20,000
May be used for facility improvements, field adaptations, equipment, etc.

21. What rules are adapted for the Challenger Program?
Games typically are one or two innings (about 1 hour) – time limits are recommended
Everyone bats every inning and everyone plays defensively
“Buddies” assist players, but only as needed
Games are non-competitive

22. What rules are adapted for the Challenger Program? (cont’d)
Teams may include up to 15 players – 10 recommended
Players are assigned to a team based on a combination of size, age, and skill level
Players use “buddies” to assist them, as needed, during game play
All teams must use a continuous batting order
A combination of player pitch, coach pitch, and t-ball can be used in a game
If a league has enough players for 4 or more teams, they may want to consider structuring their Challenger Division as a minor/major program with more advanced players participating in the major division. Participation is not determined strictly on age

23. League Testimonials
“The Challenger Division is the best thing that our league has done in 50 years.”
“Every league needs a Challenger Division. The Challenger players taught their “buddies” life lessons that no other could. The Challenger Games reminded us that it is not always about the scoreboard.”
“Challenger allowed more children to play recreational sports and instilled a new sense of volunteerism in adults and players across our town. Community support has been remarkable; sponsorships have increased along with community involvement in our league.”
Testimonials from leagues that started the Challenger Division in 2011

24. Questions? For additional information, please contact: Sam Ranck
Director of the Challenger Division
(570) ext. 2254