Buddy Ball Registration
 

PLAYERS 5 to 21 YEARS OLD

BUDDIES  5^TH GRADE AND UP

Being a buddy to our Buddy Ball Players is very easy. If you haven't done it before, you'll feel like you have in just a few minutes. To help, here are some very simple thoughts:

1. The main objective of a buddy is to be a friend to our players. Talk, laugh, kid around, see what's up.
2. It might take a few minutes to gauge how much assistance a player might need. Don't be afraid to ask if you're not sure
3. Don't catch the ball that is hit by a player (don't use a glove), and don't throw the ball. If it gets by and they don't get it, take your player to the ball. Let them throw it, let them catch it.

Children that have physical and /or intellectual disabilities can play baseball on a team in the DBAA. The league is entering its fifteenth year, and our Buddy Ball Division is beginning its twelfth season. We are looking for buddies to help our Buddy Ball players play baseball.

The Buddy Ball Division is open to any youngster between the ages of 5 and 21.
Buddy Players will play on the same fields, use the same equipment and wear the same uniforms (including jerseys and hats) as non-disabled teams.
The most fundamental goal of the Buddy Division is to give everyone a chance to play. To realize that goal, Buddy Ball has some basic thoughts: each child will bat every inning, and each child will play in the field. No score is kept during games and nobody is ever out. Beyond following basic safety rules, Buddy Ball will adjust certain rules to the skill levels of the children playing. (For instance, players can be pitched to by a coach, or they can hit from a batting tee.)

To help the players, Buddy Ball also provides for a buddy system in which young volunteers (from 5^th grade and up) can assist players when needed both at bat and in the field. For instance, buddies can push players using wheelchairs around the basepaths after a hit or take a player to the ball when it gets past them. Among the many benefits of our buddy program is the social interaction between the players and the non-disabled buddies. Our buddies gain valuable insights and realize that they are not very different from themselves. Not only is participating in Buddy Ball rewarding for our buddies, but it is equally rewarding for our players. Many terrific friendships have been struck through Buddy Ball. Our players think the world of our buddies.  (In most instances, this program can be used toward required community service projects in your school)

Buddy Ball will start on DBAA opening day. 

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Traditional Buddy Ball Team….any player 5 years old to 21 years old

Unified Buddy Ball Team….based on skill level….3 outs, run bases, play own position                    

Are you interested in having your Player participate in?