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Challenger FAQ's

FAQ’s
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?
MYO Challenger Division will accept players between the ages of 6 to 14 for the 2023. Being that this is our first year we want to make sure we have the volunteers to participate in the program.

Who is accepted in the league?
The league is designed for participants with physical and developmental challenges.

Is there a cost to participate in the Challenger Program?
For the 2023 season Soldotna Little League is waiving the Challenger fee. No player may be denied the opportunity to participate based on the inability to pay a registration fee.

Are there different rules for the Challenger Division?
The Challenger Division uses Little League rules with some modifications. Flexibility and adaptability are key during Challenger games. 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. Typically games are 1-2 innings long and last about an hour. Complete rules can be found in the Challenger Rules section.

How many Challenger Programs are currently operating?
In Alaska, we are the only league registered with a Challenger program in 2023. There are currently over 950 Challenger programs in 10 countries around the world. Over 30,000 athletes participate in the Challenger Division every year.

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 who are participating in the Little League Baseball or Softball program.

What type of field are Challenger Games played on?
At Soldotna Little League, the best field available is our softball field, Field 6. Little League encourages the use of traditional fields for the Challenger Program so that participants can enjoy playing on the same fields as other Little Leaguers in the community.

How are teams set up?
The Challenger Division teams will be set up based on abilities, rather than age. Challenger games can be played as tee ball, coach’s pitch, player pitch or a combination of the three. We adapt to the need of our athletes.

What equipment does a player need?
Challenger Division players wear the same uniforms and safety equipment as other Little Leaguers. SLL will provide jerseys and visors/hats and coaches will have bats and helmets for the team. Players will need a glove. The league also uses a low flight baseball.

Is the SLL Challenger Division for only Soldotna Residents?
NO! SLL will accept players from surrounding communities as long as there is not a Challenger Division in your area.

When do the Challengers play?
SLL will offer two programs Spring and Fall as long as there is continued interest in the program. In the Spring, SLL Challenger will form teams that will play from May through June. Requires registration to participate.

When does registration take place?
Registration is from January 1st through April 14th.

How do I get involved?
SLL is a volunteer organization. SLL Challenger Division has plenty of opportunities to get involved.
• Volunteer to be a head coach or assistant coach for a Challenger team.
• Sponsorship programs
• Buddy Program (Please see Challenger Buddy Program)

For information on the Little League Challenger Division