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.

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

o   Allow the player to field the ball alone

o   Direct the player with respect to where to throw the ball

• Hard Hit Ball

o   If the ball is heading to the outfield, let it go

o   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 ball
• 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
  

Steps to register a minor to volunteer as a buddy:

1. Visit the Volunteer Opportunities page. 
   
2. Go to "2025 KNLL Volunteer" and click "Sign Up". NOTE: Do NOT select the 2025 Spring Challenger option, as that is meant for manager/coach volunteers only.
3. Log into your existing KNLL Account (caregiver's account), or create a new account as the minor's caregiver.
4. Under "2025 KNLL Volunteer", select "Challenger Buddy" and then "Sign up a new user" ---> click "Continue"
   
5. Fill in the minor's info. NOTE: Email address needs to be different than all other emails associated with the account. All necessary info, like the background check link, will go to this email address.
   
6. After submitting, look for an email from KIRKLAND NATIONAL LITTLE LEAGUE with a link to fill out the background check.
7. Thank you for volunteering!