It is strongly recommended that each Challenger Division program holds a Buddy Training Day prior to the start of a new season. Below is a sample Buddy Training Agenda. This agenda can be adopted as needed for use by a local Challenger Division
1. Welcome
The role of a Challenger Buddy during game play is to protect the Challenger player and to assist in any way necessary. Below are some general guidelines for assisting players while playing in the field, while at bat and while running the bases. These guidelines are intended to give general instruction on how to assist Challenger players, but do not cover every situation. It is important to remember that each Challenger player will need a different level of assistance and may face unique challenges while participating.
2. Introduction to Challenger Baseball
During this portion of the training, give a general overview of the Challenger Division, philosophy, rules, etc. To assist in providing an overview of the program, Little League recommends sharing this profile of the Savin Hill Little League Challenger Program with your league.
3. Guest Speaker – Dealing with Some Common Challenges
During this portion of the training, invite a guest speaker who commonly works with children who face physical and mental challenges. Many leagues invite an educator who specializes in special education, or a member of a local community organization that serves those who face Challenges. The speaker can focus on the dos and don’ts of working with those who have physical and mental challenges.
4. Season Program/Outline
Give an overview of the season schedule and other activities that will take place throughout the year.
Fielding
Position & Readiness:
- Make sure fielders are a safe distance from the batter. No fielder should be located in front of the pitcher’s mound
- Avoid standing in the base paths
- Stand near your player in a position that will allow you to protect him or her from a batted or thrown ball if necessary
- When your player is ready to throw a ball, be sure the receiver is ready to receive the ball
Player with unlimited mobility:
- Softly Hit Ball
- Allow the player to field the ball alone
- Direct the player with respect to where to throw the ball
- Hard Hit Ball
- If the ball is heading to the outfield, let it go
- If the ball is in the infield, knock it down, if necessary, and then allow the player to field the ball
Player with limited mobility (walker, wheelchair, etc.)
- Field the ball, or ask another player to field the ball and hand it to your player to allow them to throw it or hold it momentarily
- Assist the player in throwing the ball, if necessary
- When talking with a player using a wheelchair, always position yourself at their eye level and talk face-to-face
At the end of an inning, all players and buddies should remain on the field until the last base runner scores.
Batting
- If necessary, help your player choose a bat and helmet and get into batting position
- Some players may also need guidance on where to run after they hit the ball. In this case move towards first base and encourage the player to follow you
Thrown Pitch
- Allow the player to swing at the pitch and assist if needed
- If the player is not successful at hitting a thrown pitch, encourage them to use the tee
Tee
- Set the ball in place when the fielders are ready and get the player into batting position
- Assist the player in swinging the bat if needed
Note: Make sure the player drops the bat before running.
Base Running
- In most cases, runners advance one base each time a batter hits the bal
- You should run with your player and stay close enough to protect him or her from a batted or thrown ball
- In some cases, you may need to direct your player where to run next
5. Player Profiles
Distribute information to the volunteer Buddies about the player(s) that they will be working with. This will give them an opportunity to become familiar with the players and their challenges prior to working with them.
6. Questions
Allow a time for any questions about Challenger Baseball or league activities.
7. Adjourn
The role of a Challenger Buddy during game play is to protect the Challenger player and to assist in any way necessary. Below are some general guidelines for assisting players while playing in the field, while at bat and while running the bases. These guidelines are intended to give general instruction on how to assist Challenger players, but do not cover every situation. It is important to remember that each Challenger player will need a different level of assistance and may face unique challenges while participating.