Challenger Division Buddy Volunteers

Buddies are individuals who assist Challenger athletes in the areas of batting, base running and defense, but only as needed. The buddies assist the Challenger players on the field, but whenever possible, encourage the players to bat and make plays for themselves.  However, the buddy is always nearby to help when needed.  In addition to assisting players, buddies should also help teach players baseball skills and fundamentals. It is important to remember that the role of the buddy is to assist when necessary and to help the participants learn the game, not to play the game for the participants.

Each player will be paired with a buddy.

Requirements:

• Ages 12 and up
• A warm heart, patience, and a love for our community.
• Each Buddy will be assigned to a specific player or to a specific position/role on the field

Game Play Guidelines for Buddies

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 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