Not trying to be rude, but this isn't work. Getting a working solution out fast is what flys in competitive programming. I got the solution out fast and didn't think about refactoring code to make things more extensible - for future use.

If you haven't noticed already, this Kata cannot be editted. Also making an extra function doesn't really mean much in this scenario....

Yes, you're correct. At the time of writing this Kata I did not read the problem carefully enough - a nasty habit of mine. I can't edit this solution, and haven't the need for re-practicing this Kata. I guess this Kata and your, and my comments can be a learning experience for other's.

This part needs rewording as I found myself tripping over the solution because of confusing text

Surplus Pidgeys can be transferred to Professor Willow in exchange for 1 Pidgey Candy - you won't get the Pidgey back. "

I also feel you should add examples of the exchange. This may lessen the difficulty of the Kata. Feel free to choose examples at your own discretion.

This makes me think I might be a sadist/masochist for what I did.

1^3 is 1. Ternary here is a bit pointless.

Smacks his own hand Literally submitted this and thought to myself why I added that unecessary 'else' statement. Tsk Tsk.

Where are you seeing that a senior member has a handicap of "greater than 8?" It says greater than 7, from what I see. This solution is correct.