br it ish basebal l f eder at ion Th e Nat ion al Gover n in g Body of Baseball
AGM2021PACK AGM: Sat urday, 20t h March 2021 by invit at ion only
The electronic version of this AGM Pack is the latest revision. Any printed version of this
AGM Pack is uncontrolled, except when provided with a document reference and revision. This AGM Pack is the sole property of the British Baseball Federation (BBF), it must not be reproduced or edited in anyway without the express consent of the BBF senior management. www.britishbaseball.org DATE OF PUBLIC RELEASE OF AGM PACK is the 28th February 2021
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BRITISH BASEBALL FEDERATION
| 2021 AGM PACK
The British Baseball Federation (BBF) AGM in response to COVID-19 restrictions and safety guidelines will be via teleconference (virtual) and by invitation only. Voting members will receive log-in details a minimum of 24 hours before the 20th March 2021 (AGM date). All members attending will have to register beforehand and are only able to participate and vote online. All efforts will be done to follow the procedures set-forth in the constitution: however, there will be some inconvenience and we require your patience and understanding under the circumstances. Voting members should monitor our website www.britishbaseball.org and link to this document for any changes.
AGM AGENDA Sat u r day, 20t h M ar ch 2021 1. 9:30 Call the meeting to order. 2. Roll call of voting members. 3. President - Introduction and announcements.
AGMAGENDA
4. Board member reports and comments. 5. Budget and Financials review. 6. Voting for candidates to the board, tally and confirmations. 7. Closing remarks. 8. All other business. 9. AGM adjourned. 10. BREAK
BREAK OUT SESSIONS ONLINE 12:30 Youth Baseball | Rules 13:30 Seniors Baseball | Rules 14:30 Women's Baseball | Rules 15:30 GB Baseball 16:30 All other business
IMPORTANT: Under the constitution click here the board shall have the power to discipline in such manner as the Board thinks fit a voting member or member which is guilty of conduct considered by the Board to be disgraceful or prejudicial or prejudicial to the interests of the BBF. Please we ask everyone to be on their best behaviour.
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BRITISH BASEBALL FEDERATION
| 2021 AGM PACK
The British Baseball Federation (BBF) is dedicated to high standards and best business practice in managing its operations. The BBF is not incorporated, is an all-volunteer organisation and is governed by its constitution, policies, rules and procedures. The BBF is termed a ?non-profit National Governing Body (NGB).?
MISSION
Th e BBF is r ecogn ised as t h e Nat ion al Gover n in g Body of baseball by Spor t En glan d, Lit t le Leagu e, Pon y Baseball, CEB Eu r ope, an d t h e Wor ld Baseball Sof t ball Con f eder at ion (WBSC), et c. Object ives (per it s const it ut ion - sect ion 3)
Toadvanceandpromote baseball opportunities, soparticipantsinour sport canenjoyand expandtheir reach throughour Federation.
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To organise, promote and develop (assigned to BaseballSoftballUK BSUK since 2002) baseball in Great Britain on behalf of its membership. To ensure the operational running of baseball is dealt with satisfactorily. To administer a national teams programme to represent the country in international baseball. To carry out any other duties as the National Governing Body of baseball.
As stated in its constitution (section 5.1), the Board shall be responsible for fulfilling the objectives on behalf of the BBF and its membership in w h at ever w ay it sees f it . The BBF board is made up of elected persons. The Board draws on the experience of the below non-paid (volunteer) individuals with professional backgrounds to manage the affairs of the BBF. BBF Boar d m em ber s -
Gerry Perez - president Amanda Kettle - treasurer Vince O'Brien - secretary Jason Pearce - national team programme official Gabor Erdos - officials Dave Kettle - seniors Peter Bohn - youth
Gover n an ce The BBF board adheres to governance as defined for not-for-profit organisations "the systems and processes concerned with ensuring the overall direction, effectiveness, supervision and accountability of an organisation." (Conforth 2003) The Board is ultimately responsible for matters relating to promoting its sport; Manage the rules and regulations of its sport, including anti-doping, equality; Implement a governance framework for its sport; Administer officials of its sport; Establish and maintain links with the UK/Ireland and the international governing body/federation; Oversee its National Teams (Great Britain Baseball); Organise and host competitions; manage risk and provide insurance to its members, equal opportunities, affiliated to the appropriate international federations, regulates and manages its members through rules, owns develops and administers the rules and practices of its sport, etc. The BBF common board purpose with its stakeholders (individuals, teams and clubs, etc) is to encourage and enable participants to enjoy and progress in baseball.
2021 AGM PACK
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Diversit y, Equit y, Inclusion (DEI) The BBF considers a DEI culture and framework as an essential part of its sport. For example, the BBF is committed to accepting anyone in its sport, regardless of background, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, gender, and ethnic background,. It is the vision of the BBF that everyone should be valued, accepted, respected, and encouraged to participate in our sport fully. The BBF consist s of t he largest concent rat ion under one organisat ion of: -
different baseball playing divisions (NBL, Triple-A, Double-A, Single-A, Women's, Youth), teams and participants (youth and adult), which it organises and manages the most baseball games played in Great Britain. For example, approximately 1,000 in a normal year. six National Baseball Teams (U12, U15, U18, U23, Seniors, Women). That is, the BBF is one of only 21 countries to have a National Team at each division.
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BBF member clubs benefit s Multiple Leagues or other playing opportunities to choose from, an internationally recognised scoring app, opportunities to get coaches certification through the WBSC Academy (at no extra cost), the most comprehensive insurance coverage, club support, fixture and results management, leagues structures and scheduling, high operating standards, officiating support, opportunities to take part in the recognised British National Baseball Championships (with the winners being recognised internationally), BBF YouTube Channel (coverage of BBF - British Baseball fixtures), Anti-Doping framework, technical assistance, awards, COVID safety guidelines, marketing and communications support, governing body club member recognition, commitment to continuous improvement, webinars (baseball skills and officiating), discounts, and much more.
St rat egic Thinking
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Reduce costs Improve members cost structure Increase the sports value to attract external investment PROCESSES Innovation driven League management improvements Operational efficiency to mitigate risks
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Playing opportunities expanded Value creation Members experience improved GROWTH
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GB Baseball expansion Umpire development Participation (leagues, players, teams, coaches)
THEFUTUREBELONGS TOTHOSEWHOSEETHE POSSIBILITIESBEFORE THEYBECOMEOBVIOUS
2021
BOARDOFFICIALS REPORT- SCORECARD
BRITISH BASEBALL FEDERATION
| 2021 AGM PACK
BOARD OFFICIALS REPORTS The Board Officials reports have been collated into a British Baseball Federation (BBF) Key Performance Indicators Scorecard for your review (to follow). Our scorecard aims to provide our members with a clear view of what has been our boards' performance. We have focused not on all performance measures but some of the most critical over the last four years. While we would like to deliver more, we are limited by our financial means. However, when we take over the development of our sport (1st April), we aim to seek private, public donations, sponsorship's, and investment in our Federation. We focus on financial perspectives, stakeholders perspectives, performance milestones, internal process perspective and learning growth perspective to lead into the future.
BRITISH BASEBALL FEDERATION The National Governing Body of Baseball KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs) SCORECARD
Below is the BBF Key Performance Indicator (KPI) scorecard since 2017, as a self-funded and all professionally skilled volunteer managed National Governing Body (NGB): By way of background (below), as a result of COVID-19 in 2020, schools, universities, unaffiliated leagues and the BBF cancelled their regular seasons. However, the BBF was able to organise the only baseball tournament of the size of 150 games or more through its BBF Open Baseball Tournament.
Item 1.
Unaffiliated leagues •
By the numbers
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Item 2.
Operating in a crisis (COVID-19)
In 2020, six unaffiliated leagues (independent of each other) reported to have 53 adult teams, and no youth teams. Reported to estimate there was 14 players on each team. Thus, 53 teams x 14 players = 742 adult players. In 2020, all unaffiliated leagues play cancelled. Number of games in a normal year not reported.
BBF • • •
Note: The BBF began to have all players register, so the above numbers are unique players, no double counting, paid and were registered in 2020.
2020 •
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Comments
In 2020, 96 teams = 48 adults + 48 youth teams 1185 unique players, no double counting = 768 adults + 417 youths. Number of baseball games it oversees in a normal year, 1000. However, in 2020 as a result of COVID-19 156 games played in the BBF Open Tournament.
March: Social distancing becomes legally mandatory. UK national lockdown begins. BBF regular season and UK Little League Qualifiers cancelled. Further, the National Team Programme (GB Baseball) try-outs scheduled for March for U12, U15, U18 were cancelled. March-April: Middle schools, universities, and unaffiliated leagues cancel their seasons. June: Government announces it will accept applications from NGB’s for the safe return of team sport. The BBF plans, organises, develops and submits a comprehensive safety guideline for the safe return of baseball. The government approves the BBF safety guidelines (one of the first nine NGB’s) for the safe return of team baseball which are for all affiliated and unaffiliates teams across the UK. August: The BBF is the only entity which provides organised baseball e.g., BBF Open Tournament which is open to any club/team (affiliated or unaffiliated); Over 150 games of baseball with a championship at every seniors’ division e.g., NBL, AAA, AA, A. Moreover, there are no cases of COVID-19 reported. In addition, we raise donations from all the teams participating for the NHS Charities Together. In 2020, during a pandemic when we had to cancel the regular season, we returned all our members fees (100%). During the 2020 lockdown we were not financially materially impacted because of our financial management and continuity plan over the last four years, to mitigate our risks and expenses.
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The BBF has the largest concentration of organised teams, offers the greatest number of divisions (NBL, AAA, AA, A and Women’s) under one organisation.
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The greatest concentration of participants under one organisation play in the BBF.
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The BBF offers the most amount of organised baseball games under one organisation (e.g., 1000 in a normal year).
Comments In 2021, BBF financial strength and sustainability remains. Amid a new lockdown the BBF was the first NGB to announce a 40% discount in membership fees and 35% discount for insurance, for the new regular season.
BRITISH BASEBALL FEDERATION The National Governing Body of Baseball KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs) SCORECARD
Item 3.
2017
Finances
BBF £21,000 in cash reserves; an annual budget deficit of (negative) £5,558
2020 BBF £21,000+ in cash reserves (note 1); a balanced budget.
Comments We are now financially stable after carefully securing our assets, managing and reducing our costs (we eliminated an SLA agreement with BSUK, reduced the use of Farnham Park), etc. Moreover, unlike other NGB’s in the marketplace, we are financially agile to meet the changing obligations and evolving landscape without having to increase membership or take out emergency grants. Our liquidity ratio aims at 1.0 and above, is well above the NGB national average. We are prepared for the next crisis if we remain on the same financial roadmap.
(Note 1): In comparison the British Softball Federation (BSF) which had over £55,000 in cash reserves, declared in Q2 of 2020, it would be going through its cash reserves, and into an adverse negative financial condition as a result of the impact of COVID-19 on its operations. For example, the above BSF financial notice is a result of the cancellation of their regular season, not being able to collect revenue from its members, expenses incurred and National Teams liabilities forthcoming etc. Separately, BSF, insurer dropped their coverage. Thus, BSF had to take out an emergency grant to cover its costs, put out a notice that it would be raising membership fees to reload its cash reserves and is still seeking a new insurer. Item 4.
2017 •
Membership fees
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Item 5.
2021 •
Tiered fees were £400 per seniors’ team, £125 per youth tiered team (average) fee
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2017 •
Insurance fees
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£133 club insurance fee, per club, £30 personal insurance, per team
£150 flat fee per seniors’ team, 62.5% decrease. Youth teams’ fees are £75 per team, a 40% decrease.
Comments In 2020, during a pandemic when we had to cancel the regular season, we returned all our members fees (100%). During the 2020, lockdown we were not financially materially impacted because of our financial management and continuity plan over the last four years, to mitigate our risks and expenses.
2020 • •
£85 club insurance fee, per club, a 35% decrease, £1 personal insurance, per individual (note 2)
Comments We continue to offer the most comprehensive insurance for our sport.
(Note 2): By reducing the personal accident insurance from £30 per team, to £1 per individual it assists clubs with teams (adult and youth) less than 30 individuals. Item 6.
Seniors baseball
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Four divisions (NBL, AAA, AA, A) Scoring App – Sports Engine which annually cost the BBF £1000 + BSUK servicing to manage. Decentralised collection of feedback and communications.
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Six divisions with the establishment of our new Women’s League. New WBSC Scoring App which is the most internationally used scoring app. A private donation was secured so there would be no financial impact on the BBF
Notes Further, •
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We provided equity across all leagues, e.g., before financially we spent less resources on lower divisions (AA and A). However, we now provide equality to all divisions (AA, A) e.g., we have the same budget for trophies, cost on national championships, marketing, etc. We eliminated the supplemental fees £100 per team for the top divisions.
BRITISH BASEBALL FEDERATION The National Governing Body of Baseball KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs) SCORECARD
financials or membership fees. Introduction of professional communication tools (Monday.com, Slack, digital magazine, to better inform our members and get their feedback.
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Item 7.
Youth baseball
2017, 2018, 2019 •
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In 2017, 2018, and 2019 we organised and delivered Mix-nMatch events for any youth (affiliated or not affiliated to the BBF) to take part in baseball games all day. For free. In attendance over 200 youths at each event. In 2017, 2018, 2019 I organised to finance and delivered on bringing over the hitting director of the Chicago Cubs, pitching coach and former professional pitcher, former catcher from the New York Yankees and Cubs, and former White Sox infielder, to train our youths on Opening Day (2017, 2018, 2019). Moreover, at no fee and open to any youth affiliated or not affiliated to the BBF. We organised and expanded the National Youth Championships successfully, e.g., we professionally broadcasted the YNBCs through our BBF YouTube Channel which is seen in over 50 countries. We decreased the membership fees for youth clubs and teams by 30%. Little League: We lobbied Little League to hold its first UK District Administrator (DA) elections. Prior to the mentioned the
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Annually we update our rulebook (Handbook). In 2020, we conducted a thematic review of our rulebook and upgraded more than the last four years and now include a disciplinary table and moved away from a principal’s enforcement approach to a rules base approach. We now offer greater guidance and clarity in playing our sport. Thus, raising the standards, enforcement process click here and quality of play.
2020
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In 2020, we organised financial grants for socio-economically challenged youths to play our sport. That is, the grants went towards paying for baseball equipment, etc., to alleviate the economic costs of playing our sport. In Feb 2020, at our AGM the Youth Baseball Roadmap was agreed by those in attendance to organise on opening day to bring in international coaches to instruct our youths and hold another national Mix-n-Match day. The roadmap for 2020, and agreed with select clubs (Herts, Mets, Northants, Guildford, Brighton and London Sports) for each club on a respective month (starting in April to August) to support us to organise and host at their home field, a developmental Mix-nMatch event for any youth wanting to take part. Lastly, we were scheduled to host the Youth National Baseball Championships (September). The BBF agreed to pay for the mentioned. However, as a result of COVID-19, all the Mix-n_Match events for the year had to be cancelled until August when the national government lockdowns were lifted. After consulting the clubs, e.g., LYBL and the Mets already had local events
Notes Further, •
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The BBF offered its support to the new elected DA of the UK. Its aim to alleviate the cost of entering the UK Qualifier, which in years past and prior to the new DA election cost was at approximately £165 per team. Our new Scoring App is available for our youth clubs or teams as well for free. A great way to keep up to date on Little League eligibility. We lobbied Little League Europe to hold the UK first District Administrator's (DA) election. Previously, BSUK CEO held the nonelected title for ten years. In 2019, the first DA election took place. While Little League has been on hold because of COVID, we firmly are committed to assisting the elected DA in organising, reducing the fees to enter a team (from the previous fee of £175 per team) and improve the team's experience.
BRITISH BASEBALL FEDERATION The National Governing Body of Baseball KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs) SCORECARD
CEO of BSUK held the position unelected.
Item 8.
Great Britain Baseball National Team Programme (GB Baseball)
Comments •
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Item 9.
Promotion of our sport
going on, and decided they would prefer to continue with their events instead of taking part in a shortened Youth National Baseball Championship. Thus, the YNBCs were cancelled.
Since 2107, the Great Britain Baseball Programme expands by 50%: o The U12 National Team Programme was established. o The first ever Women’s Baseball Team was established. o The first woman was appointed as General Manager of the new GB Baseball Women’s Team. o The Great Britain Baseball Programme becomes one of only 21 countries which has a baseball team at each level (U12, U15, U18, U23, Seniors and Women’s Teams). 2019, the BBF secures a public grant to sub finance the Seniors Team to compete to qualify for the Olympics. 2019, through private donations we sub-finance GB Baseball appreciation day across the Olympic Stadium, at the June 2019 London Series to promote our National Team and raise funds for the programme. The day consisted of bringing together those involved in GB Baseball or wanted to learn more. We offered food and drinks to the attendees, and showcased the coaches and those involved in GB Baseball to promote the programme. Comments
We planned, developed, organised and implemented a digital marketing MarTech plan over the last four years to expand the promotion of our sport. For example, we developed a BBF YouTube Channel, whereby we have produced professional broadcasts of select games. The YouTube channel is seen throughout the world and brings notoriety to British Baseball and aims to secure donations and private equity. Our YouTube channel is visited by over 700 viewers every quarter. We have expanded our social media handles (Instagram, Linkedin,) to showcase our sport and developed social media resources. We now have social media handles in all major forums: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin and Youtube. Making use of professional marketing digital tools incorporated in our marketing strategy has expanded our reach worldwide. Further, we use our digital MarTech strategy to promote our members or provide them support in creating content or websites for their clubs. For example, we provide professional digital content e.g., 2020 Year in Review and we assist our members when required to promote their clubs. For example, in 2020 we developed the first bi-lingual website for the East London Latin Boys Baseball Club, at no cost. We planned, developed and executed Webinars which included professional speakers from the Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, ex-professional umpires. The above free webinars were offered to the public and were seen by viewers in over 40 countries. A great way for viewers during the lockdown to still benefit from professional baseball instruction ranging from topics in umpiring, scouting, hitting, hitting drills, throwing and pitching, conditioning, etc.
Item 10. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
Comments Within the last four years, we have expanded the opportunities for everyone regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, etc. For example, in 2020, the first woman umpire officiated a national championship. The first BBF Women's Baseball League was established. First GB Baseball Women's team and Woman General Manager appointed. There are over 35 nationalities which today play our sport. The above is evidence that the BBF has evolved with society whereby we live in a diverse world of gender, ethnicities, religions, etc., so are doing our part to ensure there are no barriers and our Federation is for everyone.
2021
CANDIDATESTATEMENTS-
2021
CANDIDATESTATEMENTSPRESIDENT GERRYPEREZ- INCUMBENT
Position: President Candidate: Gerry Perez (incumbent) Nominated (1st and 2nd): Richmond Baseball Club and London Sports
I am seeking re-election as the president of the British Baseball Federation (BBF). In my first year as president, I ran on a platform to change our NGB to be sustainable. For example, I proposed we pivot into strategic leadership, implement transformational change and deliver innovation, which would retool our Federation, not just to remain relevant, have financial stability, but to advance in changing times. As a leader of the BBF, I aim to work in the best manner to represent the Federation, its members, stakeholders and sport. I am open to working with any opposing person or entity as long as it is without deception and respectful. The BBF is the NGB of the sport of baseball. Its purpose is to promote our sport, oversee baseball rules and governance, administer the GB Baseball National Team Programme officials, provide playing opportunities, etc. The future of the sport's development will require a careful thematic review of what is best for participation in our sport. I propose if re-elected to continue to work on the following strategic framework and Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) over a two to four-year framework (but not limited to): • •
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Affordable technical (online and in-person) opportunities training for coaches, umpires and scorekeepers'. We plan on having 100 certified (above) participants. Make use of data to manage, verify performance (participation figures to ensure they are accurate and verifiable) and enhance governance. Arthur Conan Doyle (British Physician and writer) "It is a capital mistake to theorise before one has (valid) data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories instead of theories to suit. "The practice and policy of stating development numbers which are grouped with softball (e.g., 25,000) and not being able to display the correct number of unique players and teams are unacceptable and over. We do nothing to build on development or become accountable by overstating the number of baseball participants and teams when we cannot find the fields, officials, or verify they exist. As the NGB, we will require to have all participants registered, so (but not limited to) we can manage our risks, transparently be held accountable for performance, take the appropriate corrective actions and make informed decisions on the best plan forward to develop participation (players, teams, officials, coaches) and promotion. Facilities improvements and revitalise baseball communities, not just one. Support for youth projects, i.e., for enhanced playing opportunities and talent development of not just elite players, but of less experienced and skilled. For example, while our 2020 youth roadmap was disrupted and cancelled because of the lockdown, we agreed with clubs on running Mix-nMatch monthly sessions at clubs' venues and bringing in international instruction to train the players' coaches; I would like to implement the above when we can. GB Baseball funding for enhanced opportunities to train, compete and improve our players and coaches' experiences. Further, to seek private or public investment to develop facilities for indoor and outdoor options for the programme. Great Britain Baseball is ranked 31st globally; we plan to be in the top twenty-five in the next four years and make the EC Championships tournaments in four of the six age divisions (U12, U15, U18 U23, and Seniors). We have the players, the coaches and the exemplary leadership in the programme, so we reach to be in the top brackets of international competition. Senior (NBL, AAA, AA and A) and Women's baseball competition improvement and members experience in the quality and experience of playing opportunities. The above converts to greater recognition of individual and team stats through the WBSC scoring app. Annual BBF awards for divisional and individual accomplishments. We need to minimise travel by expanding divisional fixtures in geographical regions until the playoffs. Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) because we want to make the BBF open to everyone and make sure they feel safe. We will build on a culture of encouraging equality and diversity to match the society we live in. We aim to accept anyone regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. Mitigate our risks and costs further and remain financially strong by retaining our solid cash reserves. The above means we will continue on a lean management approach to run our organisation. Any funds received by the BBF through sponsorships, donations, and private equity investment will be reinvested in the BBF to deliver on performance. Stakeholder strategy, whereby we engage, understand their needs and develop a plan of action for improvement areas, i.e., funding, monitoring, and taking corrective actions to develop robust baseball communities.
Position: President Candidate: Gerry Perez (incumbent) Nominated (1st and 2nd): Richmond Baseball Club and London Sports
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A Safeguarding action plan (1st April) whereby we have clear policies, procedures, training, monitoring and engagement with the baseball community. Safeguarding is meant to protect youths and vulnerable people; thus, I plan on using my own money to sub finance we ensure we do our part to create a framework of safety for those who need it most. We want to assure parents or guardians are convinced the proper framework exists, so their children or vulnerable persons can safely participate in our sport. Over the next two years, I am committed to providing support to develop over 25 new certified officials and lend our officials new means to have continued education to remain engaged and better trained. Further, seek out international recognition for those who are experienced that we have some of the world's best officials. Also, develop a culture whereby we respect our officials, as, without officials, we would not have any high standards of baseball competition. I am committed to continuing a MarTech digital marketing plan to drive British Baseball's reach nationally and internationally. Over the last four years, our reach has driven innovation in developing the YouTube BBF Channel, which is seen in over 50 countries. We have developed and organised free webinars hosted by professional speakers from baseball drawn to our Federation and seen in over 40 different countries. We may not have the funding and are an allvolunteer organisation, but our MarTech marketing plan's first phase was to extend our reach globally. The next phase, if I am re-elected, is geared to bring in sponsorship and private investment. The plan is to seek the NGB of the sport, public and private funding (ESG, etc.) to finance the above. Over the last four years, all our plans to make us a better governed NGB enhance standards and credibility nationally and internationally and provide us with future opportunities. It's time for us now to leverage, seek, and secure external private and public financing and ensure it goes to strategic projects that are defined, measurable, clear, and specific and not wasted opportunities. We become incorporated. The aim is for the BBF to become a private company within the next four years, to leverage our successes and sustainability for the future. The above will minimise liability, ensure professional standards and status, and develop credibility and trust. Seek as the NGB of the sport, public and private funding (ESG, etc) to finance the above. All our plans over the last four years, to make us a better governed NGB, enhance standards and credibility nationally and internationally. It’s time for us now to leverage, seek and secure external private and public financing after earning credibility and to ensure it goes to strategic projects which are defined, measurable, clear and specific and not wasted opportunities. We become incorporated. The aim is for us to become a private company within the next years, to leverage our successes and sustainability for the future. The above will minimise liability, ensure enhanced professional standards and status, and develop credibility and trust. Over the years other NGB’s have done it and it is time for us to do the same.
I welcome to work with any affiliated, non-affiliated member or third-party to strengthen our sport. Just because clubs, teams or leagues are not a part of the BBF, it does not mean we should be distant. In my opinion, a zero-sum competition in which the victor wins the spoils is suitable for the diamond; however, collaboration off the diamond – even between competitors – can result in a positive-sum outcome for our sport. Bio I have been involved in baseball for over forty years internationally, as a player (Little League, middle school and university). I have coached internationally youth and adults (including the UK) at different age levels. I have coached and developed players who have gone on to earn D1 scholarships, and attended D2 and D3, levels in US colleges/universities (University of Minnesota, AU, etc.) and who have gone on to play professionally (Cincinnati Reds). I bring several professional skills and experience to the position of leading the NGB. I have a graduate school degree in systems. I further have attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology – MIT (Sloan Business School), and Cambridge University (Judge Business School). Previously, named for two years in a row as one of the top 50 CEO’s in Europe, in my professional job. I have links to private equity and business contacts throughout the financial world. The mentioned is a source for future sponsorships and donations to GB Baseball and the BBF operations. I have experience sitting on senior management board of directors e.g., non-profit boards and I am a part of company boards. I offer for the next two years, my professional strategic mind set and professional skills to deliver
Position: President Candidate: Gerry Perez (incumbent) Nominated (1st and 2nd): Richmond Baseball Club and London Sports
performance, development, sustainability and success as the NGB of baseball. Moreover, to meet the challenges from the continued disruption of Covid.4 The future we want, the leadership we need When I became the president of the BBF, I started a business programme to secure our assets and cut our costs. When a dispute arose with BSUK, whereby they claimed our data, website and domains (www.britishbaseball.org), I paid out of my own pocket £6,000 to the company to end the disagreement and get them back. Next, we ended the BSUK SLA agreement, so we could leverage our assets and end our expenses with BSUK. As a result, we have been able to financially secure our future, independently run our Federation and deliver performance during a pandemic. In four years as president, I have never expensed anything to the BBF. Instead, whatever costs I had to incur to perform my duties nationally, and internationally I pay for personally to alleviate the financial stress on our self-funded NGB. Last year during a significant disruption (Covid), the BBF board delivered continuity, financial strength, returned (100%) members fees and delivered performance. For example, the BBF provided the largest concentration of baseball games (+150) by any organisation (affiliated or unaffiliated to the BBF) in the country for free. The BBF is the first NGB in the country to declare in 2021, a membership fee decreases of +40%. Why? Because of the BBF boards leadership and dedication to deliver financial stability. In the last four years, the BBF has provided a self-sufficient NGB with high standards, governance and opportunities for our members and public. Our agreement with BaseballSoftballUK (BSUK) ends on the 31st March 2021, with the reasons as outlined in our public statement click here and we take over the development of our sport. To ensure continuous improvement and development for our sport in the future, if re-elected and remain in office, I personally guarantee to raise/donate £15,000 or more over my two-year term to deliver on several development initiatives and not impact the member's fees our financial sustainability. The above is factual, and I expect to be held accountable. In addition, I plan to lead the pledge for the BBF to source public and ESG funding, to finance the BBF strategic projects to develop our sport. We have experienced what a disruption like Covid can have on any sport, organisation and society. The BBF has delivered all of the below performance with no public funding, no material support from BSUK and all done through an all-volunteer skilled leadership. I believe in an evidence approach (above) so you can assess the last four years of performance. I must point out the BBF success over my last term was not solely achieved by me; instead, credit must go to my fellow board members (Vincent O’Brien, Jason Pearce, Dave Kettle, Gabor Erdos, Amanda Kettle and Peter Bohn) who are professionally skilled, dedicated and proven during a historic pandemic, to advancing our sport. Further, a lot of credit should go to the coaches, managers, players, and volunteers of the GB Baseball Programme. Next, the BBF members and other stakeholders for working in their community to deliver our sport. Lastly, to our officials (umpires) who, some of the best in the sport baseball. I ask for your vote to be the president of the BBF. Thank you. Gerry Perez 2020 Year in Review link
2021
CANDIDATESTATEMENTSPRESIDENT LEEMANNING- OPPOSING
Position: President Candidate: Lee Manning (opposing) Nominated (1st and 2nd): Herts Baseball Club and Kent Buccaneers Baseball Club
Lee Manning BBF President Candidacy Statement February 2021 My baseball journey started in 1996 with the Hemel Red Sox, playing at youth level and the Premier League (NBL now). In 1997 I moved to the newly formed Bushey Falcons, what is now Herts Baseball Club. I started coaching in the early 00s and have coached and managed at every level from Teeball to the NBL since. I was an instrumental member of a group of like-minded people in setting up the Herts Youth program in which I’m still heavily involved. This started by working with BSUK to run taster sessions in 22 local schools. It was a huge success and the following year we ran a local league with over 60 children. I’ve also managed adult teams at every level from Single A to NBL, which has enabled me to fully understand the different needs at each level – how to coach, motivate, and develop players not just to improve their baseball skills, but how baseball can improve their own lives. Based on my developed skills, experience, deep passion for the sport, and also lessons learned from some mistakes I've made in my 25-year career as a player, coach, and board member, I am putting myself forward for the position of BBF President. My vision would be to take the federation forward and repair the damage we have seen in the past few years. We currently have more teams outside of the BBF than inside it, with thriving independent leagues across the UK. I feel I can liaise with the various leagues to re-shape the British baseball landscape. By doing this I strongly believe it would result in a fairer, more equal, and stronger federation for the British baseball community which everyone involved could be proud of. However, for this vision to be implemented successfully, it would require an upgrade to the current voting structure and constitution. This would be done in order to improve the relationship among all members and provide a voice to both large and small clubs, the Southern and Northern clubs, the clubs with a long tradition and those clubs just starting their journey. If elected, my commitment and manifesto to the British baseball community would be: · Repair relationships with the independent leagues and invite them to re-join the BBF. · Support the Independent leagues whether they are affiliated or not. · Repair the broken relationship with BSUK and work alongside them to further the growth and expansion of baseball in the UK – for all athletes regardless of gender, ethnicity or disability.
Position: President Candidate: Lee Manning (opposing) Nominated (1st and 2nd): Herts Baseball Club and Kent Buccaneers Baseball Club
· To fully support the BBF Board Members in the roles they have volunteered for and work with them to implement ideas they may hold. · Bring back a youth structure that the BBF can be proud of. Thank you for your time
2021
CANDIDATESTATEMENTSSECRETARY VINCENTO'BRIEN- INCUMBENT
Position: Secretary Candidate: Vincent O’Brien (incumbent) Nominated (1st and 2nd): Brighton Baseball Club and Richmond Baseball Club
My name is Vincent O'Brien, and I am submitting my nomination for secretary of the BBF. This nomination will be my second term. I have been involved with British Baseball for over ten years as a coach, administrator to a club and father to two sons who have or continue to play in this country. My profession is I am a partner in a UK law firm and specialise in corporate law. I specialise in advising clients on a variety of operational, reorganisations, and investments. I have been active with the BBF as their secretary in overseeing legal, strategy and governance responsibilities over my last term. I am also the primary person responsible for our facilities strategy projects for GB Baseball etc. As the secretary of the BBF, I am pleased we are moving into a professionally run organisation which values its members, strategic change management and governance. As the NGB, we must develop and commit to becoming a credible organisation for all our stakeholders to build confidence in participating in our sport and Federation. Being the NGB is more than offering baseball games. It comes with a deep commitment to setting up the proper standards, policies and procedures to elevate our sport and ensure everyone is playing within defined standards and rules to improve their experience and confidence of engagement in our sport. As a father who has their younger son involved in our sport, I have a personal stake interest, we have a sustainable plan for future generations to enjoy our sport. My experience in being a part of this board so far has been positive. I am allowed independently to assess information and make decisions towards a sustainable future. As an NGB run by professionally skilled volunteers, I am most proud that we have developed a sound organisation that values legal governance and financial management policies and forward-looking thinking strategies to grow our sport. Last year, it was an unprecedented year in our sport. Being a part of the board of the BBF, clearly meant a lot to me that we assessed and delivered the sport to our stakeholders (affiliated and unaffiliated) during a pandemic by developing and submitting our safety guidelines to the government. By successfully getting the approval to return to a team sport, adult and youth clubs could resume playing our sport during a break in the disruption. In addition, we came out financially sound. As the NGB and the fast-moving risks that arise, my job is to ensure the legal review of our relationships and agreements do not infringe on our rights and how we can lower our risks. There is a need for continued positive, and sustainable strategic change in our sport. I am asking for your vote and support, to continue my commitment to overcoming barriers and aid in seizing opportunities in developing a successful sport for youths and adults. Electing me, you receive someone with professional skills who understands legal practices and has a proven record to build and work on successful strategic projects. I aim to assist the BBF to lead on the development of the sport when it takes over from our development agency. The above starts by delivering strategic plans and securing investment. For example, I am committed to developing a sound facilities strategic plan, raising investments, secure grants and donations in five figures or more within the next two years, making our plans a reality. I look forward to working with anyone committed to driving our sport strategically forward, collaborating with everyone (affiliated or unaffiliated members), and leveraging—relationships which are mutually fair and beneficial for all parties. I look forward to your vote to continue to be the BBF secretary.
2021
CANDIDATESTATEMENTSSECRETARY DEBORAHPATERSON- OPPOSING
Position: Secretary official Candidate: Deborah Paterson - Debby (opposing) Nominated (1st and 2nd): LYBL and Kent Buccaneers Baseball Club
Please accept this letter as LYBLs nomination for the position of Secretary Official. Having played competitive sports myself, I understand the commitment required by player, coaches and in the youth games parents. Playing a sport like baseball in UK, is even more difficult, fields are limited, equipment is hard to come by and is very expensive. Due to lack of fields, most baseball in the UK is played miles away from where people live and only on weekends. I would like a position on the board to make a difference. I want to work with the board to make baseball in the UK a great experience for all involved, from the smallest T-baller to the adult who has been playing for over 30 years. I have a great working relationship with BSUK and hope with the rest of the board can figure out how to work together. I am well organized; have a great understanding of baseball, the rules and know I can make a difference. I have been procurement manager for LYBL for the past 5 years and Treasurer for the last 4 years. In 2018 I helped to organize the first International u13 tournament in the UK. That same year. I coached a combined LYBL/Brighton U15s team to win the championship. Last year during the pandemic, with the help of Kent Boswell we developed a summer training Program at Farnham Park, followed by a Youth FallBall League with over 100 players from all over the UK, while following all the rules set up by the BBF and the UK Government. The role requires attention to detail and to ensure compliance with rules and regulations, I have proved my adherance to this by organizing numerous leagues and tournaments. I acted as ‘team Mom’ for U15s arranging all meals, making sure all player were at field with all their kit and arranging travel, accomidations and obtaining travel insurance for GB U12 and U15 Teams. If elected, my commitment and manifesto to the British baseball community would be: • • •
Make sure all board meetings are reported accurately and transparently Work as part of a working group with any other board members that need assistance Work with board to help repair relationship with BSUK and help to get baseball on equal footing as softball
I have been involved with baseball in the UK for the last 6 years, my son plays baseball for team GB, Archers (Youth Travel League), LYBL and last summer for the Legends NBL team. I can be found most weekends sitting at the baseball field, scoring a game or walking around making sure my coaches have everything they need.
2021
CANDIDATESTATEMENTSTREASURER EVELINAPERNICHEVA- UNOPPOSED
Position: Treasurer Candidate: Evelina Pernicheva (unopposed) Nominated (1st and 2nd): Richmond Baseball Club and East London Baseball Club I would appreciate your nomination to be the Treasurer of the British Baseball Federation (BBF). I am motivated to work and support the efforts of the BBF as their elected Treasurer. I believe I have several valuable professional skills and experience I would bring to the board of the BBF. I have 16 years of regulatory compliance specialist experience. I have worked for Intel as a Compliance Manager (financial controls and compliance). I am a former treasurer for Friends of Karin Dom Charitable Trust (a registered charity) dedicated to helping children and young adults with disabilities. I have nine years of experience of being certified and authorised Senior Manager with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as a Compliance Officer and Money Laundering Officer. Currently, I hold the position of the above for an International financial company. I have an MBA from the University of Manchester Alliance Manchester Business School with a concentration in finance. I hold a variety of professional qualifications, e.g., Compliance and Regulation diploma. Further, I am a member of various financial associations, e.g., CISI, ACAS member. I have an interest in all sports. I have a greater appeal to contribute to an organisation which is forward-looking, practices diversity, and bringing youths and adults together in sport. If elected, I will work diligently with other board members to develop a robust National Governing Body of baseball to create innovative opportunities for all its stakeholders, build a sustainable financial organisation, promote diversity and set high corporate governance standards. I would appreciate your clubs support to nominate my candidacy.
2021
CANDIDATESTATEMENTSNATIONALTEAMSPROGRAMMEOFFICIAL JASONPEARCE- INCUMBENT
Position: National Teams Programme Official Candidate: Jason Pearce (incumbent) Nominated (1st and 2nd): London Mets and Legends Baseball Club
Being elected to the role of National Teams Programme Official was both the biggest honour and the most onerous role I have been charged within all my many years of working in baseball. As well as being the physical projection of our sport on the world stage, it encapsulates the hopes and dreams of many young men and women who put their hearts and souls into this great game. One cannot take that kind of responsibility lightly. Along with the collaborative group I work with in the British Baseball Federation. We have been able to keep our sport moving forward in a global pandemic. I am proud of the group I work with. The fact that during 2020 when most other sports were in financial troubles with significant declines the BBF was able to hold a successful open tournament event that was so successful. The countless hours of planning for the safety of those on and off the field was evident by the incredible atmosphere at the finals. The programme has grown by 50% over my time at the helm, with 6 teams (U12, U15, U18, U23, Seniors & Women's) operating currently, making it one of the most wide-ranging operations in Europe. One of 21 countries in the world with team represented in each division. This has not been without its difficulties, especially in the current world environment, but I have been fortunate to be supporting a great team who have been tireless in their pursuit of improvement. With support of the BBF board GB Baseball is financially sound. Our bold plans for 2020 included multiple practices, try-outs, international tournaments and fun gatherings. These plans were postponed due to pandemic with safety for all in mind. GB is lucky to have such dedicated and loyal managers, coaches, administrators and players, and I am confident that, given time and opportunity, their hard work will be rewarded with the success we all crave. The recent rapid expansion of the programme has meant that new coaches and administrative staff have had to be identified. A careful selection process has enabled us to find great highly skilled, experienced and like-minded individuals from all over the UK. This process is ongoing. To me, it is important that the men and women that play in Great Britain Baseball jerseys are given top coaching in baseball and life skills. With the difficulty in being able to have time on the field, we have provided video conferences that keep everyone engaged and assist with being game ready when the time comes. In addition to the expansion of teams, we have added coordinator roles for specific categories to assist the players and staff. This will allow the individual head coaches the time needed to concentrate on being a field manager and coaches the time to work with the individual players and families. During my time as NTPO, our expansion has also involved our largest ever on-field evaluation. This event was the starting point for 5 teams travelling to various tournaments
Position: National Teams Programme Official Candidate: Jason Pearce (incumbent) Nominated (1st and 2nd): London Mets and Legends Baseball Club
or events during the 2019 season. The programme saw its overall world ranking improve significantly based on their performance. I am asking for your vote to continue the job we have started. Consistent management is vital to see continued improvement. I will strive to keep the level of service and diversity as a priority in an effort to offer the best experience for everyone involved. Jason Pearce National Teams Programme Official
2021
CANDIDATESTATEMENTSNATIONALTEAMSPROGRAMMEOFFICIAL ERIKGUSTAFSON- OPPOSING
Position: National Teams Programme Official Candidate: Erik Gustafson (opposing) Nominated (1st and 2nd): LYBL and Brighton Baseball Club
Please accept my candidate statement to stand for the role of the BBF National Teams Programme Official. My wife and I arrived in the UK in 1997 and have made London our home since then. Following my undergraduate and MBA degrees in the United States, I have worked for over 30 years in both Madrid and London, managing portfolio companies owned by private equity property funds. I have experience in project management, project finance, construction, and legal oversight of property investments across Europe. In 2011, I have been able to coach my sons and other players at LondonSports. Since then, I have been both a League Director and head coach for teams in the Minors and Majors age divisions, as well as volunteering as a Commissioner. Since 2019, I have served as one of the Trustees for this charity. In 2018, I was asked by Liam Carroll to join him on his coaching staff for the re-created u12 Great Britain National Team to play in the European baseball tournament in Hungary. In 2019, I was asked by Eric Anderson to join his coaching staff to train and manage the GB u12 selection to compete in the European Qualifier in Czech Republic. Our squad achieved the fantastic result of qualifying GB to participate in the next u12 European Championship. In 2018, I became involved in the management and coaching of the London Archers youth travel team programme. Thanks to participation and hard work by many other volunteers, these British players have achieved many significant European tournament victories against tough competition. I have extensive experience organising the logistics and other requirements needed for British travel teams to play in the UK as well as for competition in Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Italy. I have assisted with or coached on staffs that were for teams that played as Team GB, London Archers, LondonSports, London Mets, and London Los Amigos. Since 2015, I have been a coach or parent for teams that have played in over 20 tournaments in the UK and Europe. Finally, I have been a parent, fan and a u12 coach for sons that have played for Team GB at the u12, u15 and u18 age divisions. I am running for the National Teams position because I would like to ensure that our British athletes play more competitive baseball. I believe that I have the unique experience of having seen GB Baseball from the inside and out and have created extensive competitive baseball opportunities for players all over the country in the UK and Europe. I believe that what I have learned will take a good National Team Programme to the next level to achieve success in every age category by simply scheduling the play of more baseball and connect the scattered players, parents, and coaches. Additionally, I want to assist the GB head coaches and their coaching staffs to book venues and dates to allow them to regularly train and coach their players. I am interested in overseeing how the Women’s Baseball National Team can be also be expanded and be successful in Europe. Since summer 2019, our GB players have not had any training opportunities or trials. This is not a criticism, but an observation. The initiative by Liam Carroll to establish a National Development Team Programme (NTDP) has yet to be executed in full (in my opinion). One of my objectives, if elected, is to immediately plan for the European competitions that we hope take place this summer by announcing dates for the trials and book training venues. I would also like to fix dates for the next trials to take place this autumn, have the NTDP teams selected, and schedule training dates against venues throughout the winter. A final competition amongst these players at each age division in the spring would allow GB managers and their staff to select their rosters to compete for GB in the European competitions in the summer of 2022. I would like to fix dates in the early 2022 calendar whereby our NTDP athletes could participate in established tournaments in Europe that I have experience with. I also would like to promote the GB Way to UK youth programmes. This will allow our youth pipeline to eventually provide highly competitive athletes to the u23 and Seniors teams in the near future. The quality of the BBF baseball leagues in our country will also benefit because of this effort. There are many other initiatives that I would like to undertake, but this space limits the description of all I would like to start working on if elected. However, I would like to mention that I have experience in fund raising and would want to seek appropriate corporate sponsorship of our national teams. We need to try and
Position: National Teams Programme Official Candidate: Erik Gustafson (opposing) Nominated (1st and 2nd): LYBL and Brighton Baseball Club
make baseball for GB Baseball families more affordable when it comes to tournament travel, and sponsorships would allow us to ensure no one would feel that they cannot play for GB because they could not make a trip. Please contact me at erikandgus – at - gmail.com if I can answer any questions you may have before 20th March.
2021
CANDIDATESTATEMENTOFFICIALSCOMMISSIONER GABORERDOS- UNOPPOSED
Position: National Teams Programme Official Candidate: Gabor Erdos (unopposed) Nominated (1st and 2nd): Bristol Baseball Club and Guildford Baseball Club
Despite living in one of the strangest and most challenging times, I look back on the last year with pride and a sense of satisfaction that significant progress has been made in relation to the development, recruitment and support of baseball officials. BBF Open Tournament 2020 saw a significant increase in one of the main operational KPIs set by the BBF. The proportion of baseball games officiated by BBF assigned umpires increased from 20.5% in 2019 to 40% in 2020. The reduced number of games and change in umpiring systems due to COVID-19 restrictions have played a big part in the increase, however 6 new names appeared on the list of assigned umpires which is the biggest increase in recent years. In a very welcome turn, “team umpires” reached out to the BBF to put their names down for a a gameday when they were not otherwise occupied and volunteered to be assigned to games and asked for help and advice. Umpire Webinar Series Addressing the financial and geographical challenges of organising face-to-face classroom type clinics, BBF launched the online Umpire Webinar Series in January 2020. The bi-weekly sessions quickly became a regular meeting point of umpires across Europe and beyond, even before “zoom calls” became the only way of communicating. In collaboration with ABUA Europe, the series is now serving a community of more than 250 unique users who either dial in to live events (50 - 100 at a time) or watch recorded sessions on the BBF YouTube channel. We welcomed former MLB, MiLB and CEB umpires as hosts during the first season. Season 2 of the Umpire Webinar Series has already started in early February and will continue to run for the foreseeable future on the second Tuesday of every month. Realising the overwhelming demand for online resources to learn and develop, the producers of the Umpire Webinar Series are launching an e-learning solution in the near future, providing “always-on” access to a knowledge central of basic principles and mechanics. Online tests and evaluation will provide the base of the BBF Umpire Certification System. If re-elected, my aim will be to provide help and support to all clubs to have at least 1 Certified umpire within the organisation within the next 2 years. International baseball CEB All CEB tournaments were cancelled or postponed in 2020. There are 6 British umpires on the CEB Umpire List. Assignments for 2021 are expected late February – early March. There is an increasing interest within the community to gain the experience and qualification required to be nominated for CEB and WBSC assignments. Our aim is to provide all necessary help and support to aspiring umpires to set them up for success and reach their goals. If re-elected, my aim will be to enable 5 new umpires to be eligible for CEB tournament assignments over the next 4 years. Individual registrations – _umpire database Among the benefits of the introduction of individual registration for 2021 will be the building of the centralised database of game officials. Recruitment, development and other benchmarks can and will be established. If re-elected, mentoring and localised support scheme will be rolled out to all registered umpires, hopefully as early as the coming 2021 season. Evaluation provided by senior umpires will help track progress and development compared to benchmarks. Scoring, statistics One of the biggest achievements of 2020 is the delivery of a standardised scoring and statistics system for BBF leagues starting in 2021. Training sessions to help teams learn about the league management system and the MyBallClub scoring application are to be set up in the very near future.
Position: National Teams Programme Official Candidate: Gabor Erdos (unopposed) Nominated (1st and 2nd): Bristol Baseball Club and Guildford Baseball Club
Delivered as a joint effort by the BBF board, the benefits of one of the world’s most advanced digital scoring applications and the supporting backend system provided by WBSC are not to be underestimated. The solution will provide absolute transparency of player, staff, officials numbers. Participant profiles will be universally unique and internationally recognised as members of the NGB. Funding secured specifically for MyWBSC and MyBallClub means no financial impact on BBF membership fees. Scorers There are only a very few skilled baseball scorers in the UK. Work has only just begun to build on the motivation and enthusiasm of these individuals and connect them to each other and to local and international resources to extend their knowledge. The introduction of MyBallClub scoring app will bring everyone together to the same platform to form the base of a strong community, similar to the camaraderie of umpires. In the next 2 years, we are planning to organise training for scorers. Online courses through WBSC Academy will also be available for our members. Umpire handbook - Disciplinary Table An updated BBF Handbook was introduced for the start of the 2019 season. 2020 version received a comprehensive update with the re-introduction of the Disciplinary Table. Offering clarity on breach of conduct on the field it established much needed standards and processes to follow-up incidents while helps to protect our umpires and other. An Umpire Handbook will be introduced for the 2021 season with basic principles and guidance on demeanour. The Handbook will follow international standards set by WBSC and CEB.
Personal statement I am a highly skilled professional with a background in digital data, analytics and insight. Bringing my expertise to the Board of British Baseball Federation I am a true believer in measuring our success based on numbers and facts and that the better assessment of data allows better decisions. The BBF’s fantastic working relationship with WBSC, CEB, ABUA Europe (Amateur Baseball Umpires’ Association – Europe) and other domestic and international organisations has been imperative in delivering success for our officials, umpires and scorers alike. As a Board member I enjoyed the full support of my colleagues and I am hoping to continue the work started only 2 years ago. I am committed to provide aspiring or experienced baseball umpires and scorers with training, tools, connections, advice and all possible support they require to improve their game for the benefit of the larger baseball community. Integrity, innovation and the love of the game have been and will be my guiding lights. Father of two, living in South London.
2021
CANDIDATESTATEMENTSSENIORSLEAGUECOMMISSIONER DAVEKETTLE- INCUMBENT
Position: Seniors Commissioner Candidate: Dave Kettle (Incumbent) Nominated (1st and 2nd): London Mets and Bristol Baseball Club
Having been a BBF board member for just over two years, I have observed:• • • • • •
The baseball community are passionate about their sport and competitive by nature. There are lots of different opinions out there on pretty much everything. Satisfying everyone is quite hard. To do the job of board member properly it takes time, a lot of time. There is little or no resource to make it easier. “You should just….” is an often used and usually well-intentioned phrase that tends to oversimplify somewhat more complicated situations. Despite vastly differing opinions, intentions on all sides are overwhelmingly good. Everyone wants our sport to be better.
A community of athletes who are competitive, passionate and challenging about their sport isn’t really that much of a surprise, so the fact that trying to manage and lead that community is quite tricky, shouldn’t be much of a surprise either. The only thing you can be assured of is that we tried our hardest and acted in what we thought was the most appropriate way. When I stood for the board at the end of 2018, I said that my job was to represent the members views and interests and to work to facilitate the best baseball experience for the members. How have I gone about doing that? 1. Communication. To represent the views of the members, first you must know the views of the members. To do this I have tried to make myself available to the membership by:• Making my contact details readily available on the website • Returning call, answering emails/messages as promptly as possible • Canvasing opinion/consulting on key matters • Seeking advice from experts • Explaining decisions when challenged • Setting up a new Slack channel to communicate out more quickly and garner wider views Whilst I have spoken to a considerable number of people over the last two years, I know I haven’t spoken to everyone. I hope those I have had dealings with have seen me as diligent, consistent, responsive, open to suggestion, and above all else, fair. 2. Integrity Although I have two sons who play at differing levels for the London Mets, I am not affiliated to, or involved with the running of any club. I have thus far dedicated my time to:• Rules and handbook development • League structures and schedules • BBF infrastructure • Cost management/value for money offer • Issue Resolution (both on and off the diamond) Whilst I have on occasion been involved in some off-field issue resolution (low flying drones as an example), I have always believed the umpire is best placed to resolve on field issues. For me, one of the key learnings of 2020 was how important knowledgeable umpiring is in all of our leagues. I remain committed to working with Gabor on increasing umpire numbers and improving knowledgeability of those who put themselves forward to umpire games.
Position: Seniors Commissioner Candidate: Dave Kettle (Incumbent) Nominated (1st and 2nd): London Mets and Bristol Baseball Club
3. Flexibility Whilst consistency is at the cornerstone of the BBF offering, I think it is important to offer flexibility wherever it is appropriate. In 2020 we modified league structures to reduce travel times (and minimise potential Covid contamination). This allowed for some local flex to rules (such as A-SW playing with metal bats up to (but not including) playoff stages. We also reduced the warm up schedule to minimise contact time. Feed back suggests that many teams would like to continue with the reduced travel time, so schedules for 2021 are being built accordingly. 4. Equity It is at the core of the BBF’s purpose that it facilitates the best baseball experience available in the UK for all of its members. Each league has different expectations and requirements, and they are dynamic. To that end I have tried to treat each league separately but similarly. I recognise that from an individual position, some leagues look to be favoured over others. Whilst I don’t profess to have got it right all the time, there are normally very good reasons why things happen the way they do. I will try to explain this through the example of league schedules. Everyone would like the schedules published as early as possible. Every club would like the ability to flex their league entries as late as possible. Some clubs have specific requests they want accommodating (running a separate weekend tournament, availability of players/fields early/late in the season etc). Some leagues are smaller (NBL had 4 teams last year), some leagues are bigger (Single A had 16+ teams last year). Trying to accommodate the desire to get the schedules out as early as possible means publishing them as soon as they are ready. Smaller leagues tend to be easier to finalise and are therefore ready earlier. Publishing schedules and then having to amend them can cause confusion, so I have tried to avoid where possible. This can mean delaying for a day or two. I could look to be very arbitrary in cut off dates for league entries etc, but our purpose it to try to facilitate the best baseball experience to the most players and in my experience early player commitment is one of the biggest challenges for teams (especially in the AA & A divisions) so I think the short delays are worth the benefit of having the most teams involved. 5. Value for Money Being an almost entirely self-funded community means that money is probably the biggest single barrier to the growth of our sport. Over the last two years I have worked with the board of the BBF to see how we can offer more for less. This became an acute issue in 2020. Thankfully the BBF is financially secure as well as being agile to its member’s needs. Whilst the ‘free’ open tournament of 2020 is not a sustainable model going forward, we took steps to identify and then reduce all of our major outgoings. After consultation with the membership, we decided to move the venue of our playoff weekends from Farnham Park. This resulted in a saving of +£8,000. We then asked member clubs to tender for the playoff weekends. Feedback at the decision was overwhelmingly positive, so we intend to do the same again in 2021. This has allowed us to reduce membership fees considerably compared to 2019.
Position: Seniors Commissioner Candidate: Dave Kettle (Incumbent) Nominated (1st and 2nd): London Mets and Bristol Baseball Club
We have also negotiated with our insurers and changed the payment structure for insurance to provide a less onerous cost for smaller clubs, whilst not creating a greater financial burden for the bigger clubs. I have also supported Gabor on the great work he is doing with the MyWBSC app. This will provide a new better scoring platform for all leagues, including personal player stats that will be tracked ongoing. This is a terrific solution to request that member have been making for some time. It goes without saying that 2020 was an incredibly challenging year for everyone, but through the hard work and determination of many people at the clubs, in the umpiring community and at the board of the BBF, we pulled off a memorable season, without a single recorded case of Covid transmission between players or officials. For an all to brief period last summer the sun shone, baseball took centre stage in our lives and the world felt normal. I’d like to thank everyone involved for making that happen. Much has been said and written – mainly on social media - about the “implosion” of the BBF in recent times. Like my colleagues on the board, I joined with the intent of ‘fixing’ the BBF/BSUK relationship. A lot of time and effort went into trying to find common ground, but we were met with obfuscation & indifference at every turn. In the end, as we got close to forcing some kind of accountability, BSUK decided to terminate the relationship. This would have left BSUK without a baseball community to represent – and somewhat monikerly challenged – until the ‘independent’ leagues stepped in. ‘Baseball, think not what BSUK can do for you, only what you can do for BSUK’. Is any of this really important to the BBF members? Of course, the answer is yes & no. We decided some time ago that as BBF member clubs had received little or no financial, physical or moral support from BSUK, then the consequences of a split would be minimal to all BBF members. However, just like the schism with the independent clubs, the way it played out in public was never going to look great, and now the single biggest group of players in the UK is at risk of being marginalised. We must all now unite to ensure this does not happen. You may not care about the politics. You are fortunate to have the choice. All I can say is that the board have stood shoulder to shoulder on your behalf, to try and stop our sport being monetised by a body that has shown little regard for the participants. It should be made clear that we eventually fell out over a proposed membership fee that we were at risk of having to accept as part of the plan to move forward together. We did not feel we could accept the risk of this unwarranted and unspecified annual cost to our members. So has the BBF imploded? I just don’t see it. We have delivered for our members in the most trying of times, and we will use the learnings of the recent past to deliver an even better experience for our members going forward. There is still a lot of improvement to make, and while the board remains comprised of just seven individuals, it won’t all be done at the speed we might hope, but progress is being made. Most importantly, the BBF still represents the majority of playing participants of baseball in the UK, and that membership is still growing. We play under the most rigorous rulebook, to a consistent standard, with leagues to suit all levels of play. We have a great foundation for the future. Yes, it needs constant review and development, but we must not ignore the many virtues it continues to provide.
2021
CANDIDATESTATEMENTSSENIORSLEAGUECOMMISSIONER CHRISTIANCARTER-OPPOSING
Position: Seniors Club League Commissioner Candidate: Christian Carter (opposing) Nominated (1st and 2nd): Kent Baseball Club and Tonbridge Baseball Club
As the newly elected General Manager, Head Coach and Triple A Team Manager at Kent Buccaneers Baseball Club, I, Christian Carter, am putting myself forward for the role of Affiliated Seniors Clubs League Commissioner (North/South) on the BBF Board. Having been on the Management Committee of the Kent Buccaneers as well as holding the role of Team Manager of the Single A team since the club’s existence in 2017, I am a committed and driven individual. My current profession being as a Store Manager for a financially successful store, I know that I am able to devote time and offer my skills and expertise (active listening, communication, innovation, and leadership) to the British Baseball community by being part of the BBF Board, focusing on listening to the Baseball community and giving my attention to the Seniors Leagues which I feel it requires a vast amount of. In my years managing a Single A team, I feel that this particular division is not currently prioritised as the most important division – despite the fact that Single A is crucial to increasing growth of participant numbers due to it being the entry level division. My main focus would be to prioritise entry level Baseball (Single A, Double A) in terms of scheduling and guidance, due to the fact that when new participants begin playing Baseball, the lower divisions are where they will start playing (in most cases) and I have personally witnessed new players become less motivated or giving up playing the sport citing game-day travelling distances as the main concern. As a result of this, lower leagues need to be prioritised during the scheduling of the season in order to increase participant growth, as well as reduce the amount of people that give up playing lower-level Baseball. This can be achieved by making the following changes to Single A/Double A: -
Scheduling more local fixtures – leagues can be regionalised in order for each region to be involved with the production of the schedules for their region should they wish to do so. Shorter game lengths (reduce the risk of injuries). Holding BBF organised events aimed primarily at developing players in lower leagues to make the new participants feel valued and encouraged by the NGB. Communicating with club officials regularly and acting on the feedback received by them.
As a club official and a committed member of the British Baseball community, I pledge to always reflect the best interests of the BBF members in any decision I make within this role.
2021
CANDIDATESTATEMENTYOUTHLEAGUECOMMISSIONER KENTBOSWELL- UNOPPOSED
Position: Youth Commissioner Candidate: Kent Boswell (unopposed) Nominated (1st and 2nd): LYBL and Richmond Baseball Club
Please accept this as my Candidate Statement for Affiliated Youth Affiliated Clubs League Commissioner (north/south) (“Youth Commissioner”). My British-American family was introduced to representatives of the GB Baseball family shortly after relocation from the USA in December 2017. Two full seasons in 2018 and 2019 plus an abbreviated one in 2020 have only increased my respect for youth baseball in the UK. I am a baseball lifer whose primary decision-making over the years has more often than not revolved around the game. For example, out of all the law schools I could have chosen to attend, St. Louis was the winner because of my beloved Cardinals. I am not ashamed to admit that I was probably at Busch Stadium more than I was in the law classroom, and I am proudly a student of the high-level strategy involved in baseball that is unmatched in any other sport. I am also proud of making my university team’s All-Conference Academic Team in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s. After my playing career finished, I transitioned to a couple of assistant coaching roles covering ages 11-18 separately in Kentucky and Missouri. While my focus has primarily been a professional business career since that time, some of my happiest moments have been paying it forward on the baseball diamond in the US (in Pennsylvania from 2014-2017) and the UK (2018-Present), attempting to show young children and adolescents the proper way to approach the game. My involvement with youth baseball (and youth league administration) greatly increased after arrival in the UK on a Spouse Visa. Nearly everyone interested in sports considers the UK a football, rugby and cricket country, not necessarily in that order. I will not dispute that collective assertion, but I will say I have been pleasantly surprised at the level of play we have been able to observe with several of the youth baseball events we have been participating in here since our arrival. Most recently, that high level of play was observed in the Fall League at Farnham Park, that the league (LYBL) I am a Board member of, organized and administered. While overseeing the league that covered 4 divisions from ages 4-18, I also managed one of the 4 Intermediate teams. Trends for youth baseball participation were tracking negatively prior to the COVID-19 pandemic in all areas of the world, and I believe it is safe to state that trend has been exacerbated in the UK for several reasons (even with MLB’s great events held here in 2019). However, we were able to take advantage of 2020 uncertainty by following the BBF’s excellent guidance to host a competitive league that had happy participants and familites from at least 8 different UK youth leagues. It reminded me of the “Super League” events we played in 2018-2019. My plan as Youth Commissioner would build off this experience and prior successful YNBCs. I would seek to maximize opportunities to enhance chemistry across all of the youth programs. I would also stress fundamental skills, a competitive spirit and help install a sense of pride. I would focus on bolstered fundraising and brand awareness to boost participation across the nation, all the while being flexible to deal with what will no doubt be a changing governmental landscape for youth sport play over the course of these next months. Thank you for taking the time to review this Candidate Statement and for considering me to fill this important role at a critical time.
2021
NOMOTIONS
2021
VOTINGMEMBERSAND NUMBEROFVOTES
BRITISH BASEBALL FEDERATION The National Governing Body of Baseball
Registered voting members 45 days before the AGM ID
MEMBER NAME
TOTAL OF VOTES
1
Aberdeen Thistles
1
2
Bournemouth Bears
2
3
Bracknell Baseball Club
1
4
Brighton Baseball Club
1
5
Bristol Baseball Club
2
6
Cambridge Monarchs
2
7
Croydon Pirates Baseball Club
1
8
East London Latin boys
2
10
Essex Arrows Baseball Club
3
11
Guildford Baseball Club
6
12
Herts Baseball Club
5
13
Kent Buccaneers
2
14
Kent Mariners Baseball Club
1
15
Legends Baseball Club
2
16
London Mets Baseball Club
11
17
London Youth Baseball
6
18
London Sports
18
19
Long Eaton Storm Baseball Club
1
20
Manchester Baseball Club
4
21
Milton Keynes Bucks
1
22
Norwich Iceni
1
23
Oxford Kings
1
24
RBI Wales
1
25
Redbacks Baseball Club
4
26
Richmond Baseball
3
27
Sheffield Bruins Baseball Club
1
28
South Coast Baseball
2
29
South West Rebeldes
1
30
Southern Belles Baseball team
1
31
Tonbridge Baseball Club
2
32
VETRA
1
33
Women's Baseball UK
1
34
K Macadam (Life Member)
1
TOTAL
91
Note: The above members contact details can be found in the British Baseball Federation website www.britishbaseball.org under BBF clubs or click the respective link (Life time member e-mail: kevinmacadam@hotmail.com )
2021
BUDGET2021
BRITISH BASEBALL FEDERATION The National Governing Body of Baseball
2021 BUDGET INCOME Affiliated club fees Seniors Women Youth Little League
£ £ £ £
7,650.00 525.00 2,550.00 330.00
Insurance Club Individual
£ £
3,060.00 1,245.00
Donations Other
£ £
1,730.50 1,287.02
£
18,377.52
Insurance Club Individual
£ £
4,726.00 2,172.80
Umpires Little League
£ £
2,180.00 330.00
Championships Seniors Women Youth
£ £ £
1,500.00 400.00 1,000.00
£ £ £ £ £ £ £
900.00 300.00 500.00 500.00 300.00 1,730.50 1,838.22
£
18,377.52
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURES
Trophies Website costs National Teams International affiliations Bank charges Scoring app PPE & Other Bad debt write-off TOTAL EXPENDITURES
2021
FINANCIALACCOUNTS2021
BRITISH BASEBALL FEDERATION (AN UNINCORPORATED ASSOCIATION) REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 30 SEPTEMBER 2020
BRITISH BASEBALL FEDERATION FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 30 SEPTEMBER 2020 Contents BBF Board report
1
Statement of profit and loss
3
Statement of financial position
4
Financial statements of the Great Britain Baseball programmes
5
Notes to the financial statements
13
BRITISH BASEBALL FEDERATION FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 30 SEPTEMBER 2019
The British Baseball Federation is the National Governing Body for the sport of baseball in Great Britain. It is an unincorporated body comprising affiliated clubs and their members (players, officials, etc.). The five Great Britain national team programmes also fall under the organisation of the BBF. A General Manager is appointed to each of the five programmes. Officers of the Board: • • • • • • •
President: Secretary: Treasurer: National Teams Programme Official: Officials Commissioner: Senior Affiliate Clubs Commissioner: Youth Affiliate Clubs Commissioner:
Gerry Perez Vincent O’Brien Amanda Kettle Jason Pearce Gabor Erdos Dave Kettle Peter Bohn
1
BRITISH BASEBALL FEDERATION FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 30 SEPTEMBER 2020 We, the Board of the British Baseball Federation, are of the opinion that during the year to 30 September 2020: •
Proper financial records were maintained, and financial statements prepared in accordance with the organisation's constitution.
•
A system of internal control appropriate to the size of the organisation was operated.
•
An effective system of corporate governance was in operation.
•
Value for money was sought in the expenditure of funds.
•
Assets were properly safeguarded.
These financial statements were approved by the Annual General Meeting of the British Baseball Federation on 20th March 2021. On behalf of the Board
……………………………………………..
2
BRITISH BASEBALL FEDERATION FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 30 SEPTEMBER 2020 STATEMENT OF PROFIT AND LOSS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 30 SEPTEMBER 2020 Notes
Year ending 30 September 2020 £
Year ending 30 September 2019 £
Income Affiliated club fees Affiliated club insurance premiums Loyalty discount Donations Other income
1 1 2
Total income
(330) 7,070 10,515 -
23,370 7,585 (3,375) 7,500 250
17,255
35,330
5,516
6,496
734 1,939 -
1,566 2,051
2,988
16,577 8,720 4,574
1,031
1,300 1,053
493 -
432 773
265 1,531
295 285 272 96
14,497
44,490
2,758
(9,160)
Expenditure League Operations Insurance: Civil liability and personal accident Umpire development Coaches development Womens baseball set up Field rentals Championships Senior NBC costs Youth NBC costs Other tournaments and events Communications & Promotion Website costs National teams International Representation International affiliations International meetings General Administrative Costs Bank charges AGM/EGM/League meetings BSUK service charges Other board meeting costs Bad debt write-off Other costs Total expenditure Net surplus
3,4
5 6 7
8 9 10
3
BRITISH BASEBALL FEDERATION FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 30 SEPTEMBER 2020
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2020 Notes
30 Sep 2020 £
30 Sep 2019 £
(430) 0 (430) 0 1,135 0 34,153 35,288
(35) 0 (35) 0 4,135 0 21,573 25,708
4,864
1,563
NET CURRENT ASSETS/(LIABILITIES)
30,424
27,270
NET ASSETS/(LIABILITIES)
29,994
27,236
29,994
27,236
CURRENT ASSETS Affiliated club debtors less: Provision for bad & doubtful debts Net club debtors Stock Other debtors and accrued income Prepayments Cash at bank and in hand CURRENT LIABILITIES Creditors
REPRESENTED BY: Accumulated funds
11
12
13
14
The notes on pages 7 to 10 form part of these financial statements. These financial statements were approved by the members of the British Baseball Federation on 20th March 2021 and were signed on their behalf by:
Amanda Kettle
4
BRITISH BASEBALL FEDERATION FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 30 SEPTEMBER 2020 GREAT BRITAIN NATIONAL TEAMS PROGRAM (including GB Baseball Limited) STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDING 30 SEPTEMBER 2020 Year ending 30 September 2020 £
Year ending 30 September 2019 £
5,560 75 8,500
5,577 11,800 20,460 9,425 10,891 3,885 4,918 20,000
14,135
86,956
-
-
Tournament expenses GB Seniors GB Lions GB Juniors GB Cadets GB U11 Training costs Bank charges Other costs
2,072 462 359 420
41,534 9,546 17,590 13,332 11,938 0 0 1,641
Total expenditure
3,313
95,581
10,822
(8,625)
Income Player contributions GB Seniors (WBC) GB Lions GB Juniors GB Cadets GB U11 Merchandise Sales Player Training Fees Sponsorship Income Donations Grants receivable Total income Expenditure Uniform
Net surplus/(deficit)
5
BRITISH BASEBALL FEDERATION FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 30 SEPTEMBER 2020 GREAT BRITAIN NATIONAL TEAMS PROGRAM STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2020 30 Sep 2020 £
30 Sep 2019 £
2,922 -
2,922 20,000
13,226 3,000 335 2,741 264 732 20,300
820 6,603 241 4,264 1,702 13,630
CURRENT LIABILITIES Creditors Accruals and deferred income
(1,550) (2,050)
(25,702) (2,050)
NET CURRENT ASSETS/(LIABILITIES)
16,700
(14,122)
NET ASSETS/(LIABILITIES)
19,622
8,800
REPRESENTED BY: General accumulated funds Youth hardship funds
18,322 1,300
7,500 1,300
Total retained funds
19,622
8,800
CURRENT ASSETS Stock Debtors and accrued income Cash at bank GB Seniors GB Baseball Limited GB Lions GB Juniors GB Cadets GB U11
6
BRITISH BASEBALL FEDERATION FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 30 SEPTEMBER 2020 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1.
Affiliated club fees 2020 £ (345) 7,070 (7,155)
2019 £ 23,370 7,585 (3,375) (27,615)
Surplus in current year fees
(430)
(35)
Represented by: Norwich Iceni Baseball Club (repaid) Herts Baseball Club Cartmel Valley Baseball Club (repaid) Other (over)/underpayments (net)
(400) (15) (15)
140 115 (290)
Total
(430)
(35)
Affiliated club fees BBF service charges for unaffiliated clubs Affiliated club insurance premiums less: Loyalty discount less: Total fees & insurance premiums received
2.
Donations
Donations of £10,515 were received during 2020. 3.
Insurance : Civil liability
The BBF entered into an insurance contract for 27 clubs at £130 per club. 4.
Insurance : Personal accident
The BBF entered into an insurance contract for 2,000 participants at £0.98 per participant.
7
BRITISH BASEBALL FEDERATION FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 30 SEPTEMBER 2020 5.
Senior NBC costs
Umpires’ fees Trophies and awards Facilities costs Broadcast costs Equipment costs Other costs Prior year costs
6.
2019 £ 1,995 973 5,250 6,000 1,309 1,050
-
16,577
2020 £ -
2019 £ 2,100 1,002 2,000 618 3,000
-
8,720
2020 £
2019 £
2,988 -
3,824 750
2,988
4,574
Youth NBC costs
Umpires’ fees Trophies and awards Facilities costs Equipment costs Other costs Broadcast costs
7.
2020 £ -
Other tournaments and events
BBF Open Tournament BBF Youth Tournaments / Opening day MBL Youth tournament
8
BRITISH BASEBALL FEDERATION FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 30 SEPTEMBER 2020 8.
International meetings
CEB congress
9.
-
773
2020 £ -
2019 £ -
-
-
2020 £ -
2019 £ 272
-
272
2020 £ (400) (15) (15)
2019 £ 140 115 (290)
(430)
(35)
Bad debt write-off
Southampton Baseball Club
11.
2019 £ 773
AGM/EGM/League meetings
AGM
10.
2020 £ -
Affiliated club debtors
Southampton Baseball Club Norwich Iceni Baseball Club Herts Baseball Club (paid) Cartmel Valley Baseball Club Other (over)/underpayments (net)
9
BRITISH BASEBALL FEDERATION FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 30 SEPTEMBER 2020 12.
Other debtors
GB Baseball Other
13.
2019 £
500 635
3,500 635
1,135
4,135
2020 £
2019 £
2,926 1,939
(1,563)
4,865
(1,563)
2020 £ 27,236 2,758
2019 £ 36,396 (9,160)
29,994
27,236
Creditors
BBF open tournament costs BaseballSoftball Shop
14.
2020 £
Accumulated Funds
Opening balance brought forward (Deficit)/Surplus for the year
10