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North Kitsap Little League

Welcome to North Kitsap Little League!

Challengers

CHALLENGER DIVISION

The Challenger Division of Little League is a program for mentally and physically challenged youth, helping them to enjoy the full benefits of Little League participation in an athletic environment structured to their abilities.

Any child who is currently enrolled in Special Education and has an Individualized Educational Program (I.E.P.) is eligible for Challengers. More than the skills of baseball are 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 of 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. Challengers is open to boys and girls ages 5—18 years old.

Challenger Baseball participants learn not only the fundamentals of baseball, but also experience pulling together as a team, being cheered on by a crowd, and being encouraged by their peers. 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 necessary.

22898 Viking Way NW

Poulsbo, WA 98370

E-mail: challenger@nkll.com


CHALLENGER FAQ'S

Q: What is the age limit?
A: We accept players from the ages of 4 to 18, or up to 22 years of age if still enrolled in school.

Q: Who is accepted in this league?
A: The league is designed for mentally and physically handicapped young adults. Learning disabled students should have an IEP in place.

Q: Is this league for only North Kitsap County Residents?
A: No, even though we are named “North Kitsap” Challengers we accept kids from all over Kitsap County.

Q: When is registration open?
A: Players can register between January and and our opening day each year.

Q: How much is the registration fee?
A: There is no registration fee. It’s completely free.

Q: How long is the Baseball season for Challenger Little League?
A: Games are played every Saturday morning. They start the first weekend of the Opening Day Ceremony and end the weekend before Memorial Day.

Q: Where and when are games played? Is there practice?
A: Our games are played at A Field at Snider Field, which is located just off of Highway 305 and Viking Road in Poulsbo. Games are played every Saturday. No, there is no practice required.

Q: Where do we park?
A: The best place to park is where Snider Park ends, at the end of the road near A Field.

Q: Is A Field wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, our league as redesigned A Field so that children in wheelchairs can navigate into the dugout and out onto the playing field.

Q: What times are the games?
A: Games start at 11:00 AM. We ask children to be at the field by 10:30 AM, in order to warm up, get teams sorted, and get children ready to play.

Q: How long does a game last?
A: The games last about an hour. All parents are REQUIRED to remain at the field at all times during games to support their player.

Q: What are Challenger "Buddies"?
A: "Buddies" are players assigned to help at every Challengers game, typically from Majors or AAA baseball/softball teams.  For the younger challenger teams, the buddies are paired with a Challenger player to help them hit, field and run the bases.  For older challenger teams (the "super sluggers") the buddies play with the Challenger players to help round out the teams.

Q: Why is it important to arrive early?
A: Games are scheduled to begin on time. We encourage you to arrive at the ballpark at least 30 minutes before the game to allow your player some transition and "warm-up" time. As soon as your family arrives, your player should enter the field area and check in with one of the coaches. If your player's Buddy is not present, a coach will assist you in finding another adult, if available. If one is not available, you will need to assist your player on and off the field.

Q: What happens if it is raining? Do we still play?
A: Games are not rained out unless posted on the North Kitsap Little League website, North Kitsap Little League Challenger Facebook Page, via email, or a Team Mom calls you. Due to our weather and county differences, it may be raining where you live but not at the field.

Q: What should my child wear? Does my child need baseball pants or cleats?
A: Your child will receive a shirt and a hat as part of their uniform. They can wear whatever type of pants they feel comfortable in. If they want to wear sweatpants, jeans, or shorts, that is fine. No, your child does not need cleats. We ask that they wear closed toed shoes like tennis shoes or sneakers.

Q: Do I have to provide a helmet, glove or a bat for my player?
A: Helmets and bats are provided to each team in a variety of sizes and weights. If a player prefers and/or needs to have their own helmet or bat, parents will be required to provide it. It is very helpful for the child to have their own glove, we have a few but not enough to go around.

Q: Does the parent need to be with the child on the field?
A: Typically, no. We have a team assigned to Challengers each game and one of the Little League players will be with your child to provide support. In some cases, a parent will need to be with the child but that is decided under special circumstances.

Q: What if my child cannot hit a thrown ball or catch a hit ball?
A: The coaches are on the field at all times or behind the plate. This is where the Buddy becomes so important. The Buddy will help the player bat, whether pitched to or hitting off of a tee. The Buddy also helps the player in the field to assist in catching the ball. If the ball is hit towards a player and they do not make an attempt to field the ball, the Buddy stops the ball with their foot and encourages the player to get the ball and throw it to the appropriate base. Players with severe impairments will have the Buddy pick up the ball, place it in their glove, then take the ball and throw it for their players, giving the player a sense of actually fielding the ball.


A baseball league for kids with disabilities

 

A chance for kids to come together as a team and be cheered.

 

We don’t count outs and we don’t count runs.

 

Everybody plays. Everybody scores. Everybody wins.

Contact Us

North Kitsap Little League

22898 Viking Way NW 
Poulsbo, Washington 98370

Email: [email protected]

North Kitsap Little League

22898 Viking Way NW 
Poulsbo, Washington 98370

Email: [email protected]
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