What is the Challenger Program?
The Challenger Division offers boys and girls with physical and developmental challenges the opportunity to participate in an organized game of baseball. The most fundamental goal of the Challenger Division is to give everyone a chance to play.
What is the age limit?
ATLL Challenger Division will accept players between the ages of 4 to 18; or up to age 22 if still enrolled in school.
Who is accepted in the league?
The league is designed for youth with physical and developmental challenges.
How are teams set up?
The Challenger Division teams will be set up based on abilities, rather than age, and can include as many as 15-20 players. Our average team has 12 players. Challenger games can be played as tee ball, coach pitch, player pitch, or a combination of the three.
Are there different rules for the Challenger Division?
The Challenger Division uses Little League rules with some modifications. For example, every player on the roster is in the batting order and shall play defensively for the entire game. The side is retired when the offense has batted through the entire roster. Little League recommends no score be kept during games. Complete rules can be found in the Challenger Rules section.
What equipment does a player need?
Challenger Division players wear the same uniforms and safety equipment as other ATLL Little Leaguers. ATLL will provide jerseys and hats, and coaches will have bats and helmets for the team. Players will need a glove. The league also uses a softer, more rubbery baseball.
Is the ATLL Challenger Division only for Anderson Township Residents?
No – ATLL will accept players from surrounding communities.
When do the Challengers play?
ATLL Challengers will form teams in early March, and practice and play games from April through June.
When does registration take place?
Registration for the spring season is open from December through the end of February.
Is there a cost to participate in the Challenger Program?
The cost to participate in ATLL’s Challenger Program is $55.00.
What rules are followed during a Challenger game?
Flexibility and adaptability are key during Challenger games. Little League provides all chartered teams with a rulebook that includes a best practices guide to operating a Challenger Game. Typically, games are 1-to-2 innings long and last about an hour. All players play defensively and bat every inning.
How do I get involved?
ATLL is a 100% volunteer-led organization. ATLL’s Challenger Division has plenty of opportunities to get involved.
- Volunteer to be a manager or assistant coach for a Challenger team.
- Sponsorship programs
- Buddy Program (Please see Challenger Buddy Program)
What are “buddies” and what role do they have in the Challenger Division?
Buddies are individuals who assist Challenger athletes in the areas of batting, base running, and defense, but only as needed. Often buddies are peer athletes from participating ATLL and Aces teams.
[Refer to the Game Play Guidelines for Buddies at this link.]