BFA State of the Association Annual Meeting October 2, 2017

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1 BFA State of the Association Annual Meeting October 2, 2017 Youth sports as an industry sector continues to thrive and is capturing attention at multiple levels from professional sports, public and private business, local government, public safety and educators. $8B, $15.5B, $14B, $41.2B, 45%, 37%, +2%, 6%, 7%, 52%, 49%, 45%, 40%, 4493, 2187, 4% What are these numbers? $8 billion was the size of the youth sports market in the US in 2005 $15.5 billion was the size of the youth sports market in the US in 2016 $14 billion was the size of the NFL market in 2016 $41.2 billion is the estimated size of the US youth sports market by % of kids age 6 12 in the US played youth sports in 2008 compared to 37% in 2016 o US youth sports participation increased 2% in households with an income of at least $100K but decreased 6% in households with annual income levels of $50K $75K and decreased 7% in household with annual income levels under $25k 4,493 is the Bloomington public schools 2016 K 5 enrollment; a decline of 1% (60) compared to o 2,187 of the total K 5 enrollment is female and 82 (4%) of those girls participated in BFA summer 2017 teams. o 52% ethnic diversity in Bloomington public schools K 5 enrollment compared to 49% total K 12 enrollment. o 45% Bloomington public schools K 5 enrollment qualifying for free / reduced lunch compared to 40% total K 12 enrollment. We care about these numbers and statistics because while national participation rates are declining BFA participation in the core summer season continues to increase. We need to understand what we are doing well to drive increases at the community level when the national trend is declining. We need to further understand the broader industry trends as well as the community level trends in our core K 5 growth demographic to continue to support and meet the needs of our current and potential players and member families. Data Sources: Wintergreen Research; Sports & Fitness Industry Association; Aspen Institute; Time Magazine 9/4/17 Issue; Bloomington Public Schools Enrollment Report October 2016; scholarships.com; BFA Summer 2017 Registration Report

2 TEAMS / MEMBERSHIP Player numbers continue to rise albeit at a slightly lower year over year rate (+4%) in 2017 compared to 2016 year over year growth (+13%). Summer registration totaled 180 players of which 134 were returning players from summer 2016 for a 77% return rate. Summer 2017 registration also had 43 new players and 3 players that left 1 or more years and returned for a net roster increase of 7 players compared to summer The fall season as a shorter season with lower entrance costs continues to support program growth with 28 (65%) of the 43 new summer players representing girls that were new to the program in the fall. Fall registration results were mixed. Total registration of 130 is 10 players (7%) lower than fall The drop comes at the 10U level, while 8U fall numbers continue a 3 year upward trend and 12U and 14U fall numbers hold steady. Annual registration results by age level are found in Appendix 1. The alliance with Clutch Hitters to provide Bloomington girls a club level of play close to home also continues to show strong Bloomington participation. Since the 2012/2013 club year Clutch Hitters has grown from 4 teams and 45 players to 7 teams and 80 players for the 2017/2018 softball year. Bloomington girls make up 28 (35%) of the total 80 rostered players. 14U 2 teams 23 players (10 Bloomington) 16U 3 teams 34 players (11 Bloomington) 18U 2 teams 24 players (7 Bloomington) SUMMER MEMBERSHIP SURVEY Surveys are conducted using Survey Monkey and individual respondents are not identified. We do ask respondents to identify their age level and coach allowing us to review the results with the coaching staff by team and to allow us to review responses for any coach or age level trends. We had a 70% response rate in 2017 compared to 51% response rate in 2016 and 45% in 2014 indicating an increase in member engagement. The table below shows member responses for 2 key indicators, overall experience satisfaction, and whether our current membership is willing to recommend BFA to other families. Members rating above average and high are more likely to be active promotors of BFA, while below average and low scores are more probably to be detractors. In addition to seeking to understand and address the source of the 13% that expressed overall dissatisfaction, efforts should be made to understand how to convert neutral scores into higher ratings and members more apt to actively promote BFA. Overall Satisifaction I will recommend BFA Question Responses High Above Average Average/Neutral Below Average Low

3 Surveys are reviewed with the coaching staff to show where the staff is doing well in addition to areas that need improvement. The 2017 results are an excellent example of how the evaluation surveys are used to get in front of an issue flagged in the survey responses. On a comparative basis there was a significant increase in below average overall satisfaction responses in Further review of the surveys at the individual team level revealed that 10 of the 16 below average satisfaction ratings were attributable to 2 teams, with a theme to respondents that provided a comment to their rating. It is worth noting that these 2 teams combined had 17 responses and 20 players, and 14 of those families also responded that they agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that they would recommend BFA. FINANCIAL OVERVIEW After extensive discussions around how much longer registration fees could remain flat as expenses continued to increase, the Board approved an operating budget of $146k for fiscal year 2016/2017. The board first approved a reduction in registration fees in 2015 and then approved budgets holding registration fees flat in 2016 and again this year for 2017 despite continued annual increases in operating costs (umpires, insurance, tournament costs, uniforms, equipment replacements etc.). This has only been possible as a result of continued year over year increases in fundraising revenue. Our Treasurer Sarah Johnson is beginning the process of financial close out for the fiscal year end of 10/31/17. The financial results provided here are preliminary, pending the final fiscal year close out. Current Fiscal Year Income YTD: $175k Current Fiscal Year Expenses YTD: $175k Estimate Pending October Close out Expenses: $4k Estimate Pending October Close out Revenue: $4k (volunteer deposit checks for unworked tournament hours) Prior year excess funds from reserves approved for current year use if needed: $4K Current general reserve funds are approximately $63K. It is important to maintain reserves of at least $40K $50K because we incur significant costs before fundraising, to ensure adequate funds for off season clinics and training costs and to hedge against tournament rain outs. FUNDRAISING Fundraising is a key factor in our ability to control operating expenses and reduce the impact of rising costs to registration fees. The success of our fundraising efforts is largely attributable to David s tireless promotion of BFA and our commitment to giving all Bloomington girls affordable access to a quality youth sports experience. Raffle sales as a source of revenue continues to grow with the secret sauce combination of a high level of membership excitement and participation via ticket sales and the amount of in kind donations David is able to secure as prizes. The 3 rd Annual 2017 Catch the Fire Raffle generated over $14,000 in gross sales. Corporate sponsors continue to renew and support BFA. Net revenue from fundraising continues to increase each year. The 2017 fiscal year close is in progress and indicates 2017 net revenue from combined fundraising activities will be $19,800 compared to $16,400 in 2016 which was an increase of $2600 over 2015 which was up $1200 from our inaugural year in 2014.

4 In addition to the Catch the Fire Raffle and corporate sponsorship renewals, David successfully applied for and received a Minnesota Twins Junior Twins Grant for $5000. The program provides youth baseball and softball organizations in the Upper Midwest with monetary grants (up to $5,000) for resources they need to promote their league and recruit new participants, as well as train coaches, purchase necessary equipment, and administer their league. BFA also received grants from RBCU ($750) and Sam s Club ($500). A continued emphasis on fundraising revenue growth is critical. Fund raising growth continues to help BFA keep the cost to play Fastpitch softball affordable and will decrease our dependence on tournaments and the inherent risk of poor weather to BFA s financial health. Fundraising proceeds are used towards lowering operating expenses. Fundraising Summary: o The Catch the Fire Raffle was a huge success and key source of revenue to supplement increase in expenditures. o Junior Twins Grant award allowed us to hire Cynbad Media, invest in Heritage Days, and participate in other new marketing initiatives. o Youth 1 st partnership cost was approved from FY16 fundraising activities and was key to getting Twins grant. o All 2016 major sponsors renewed again for the 2017 season. TOURNAMENTS BFA hosted two tournaments in The annual Bloomington BASH Invitational with 73 participating teams and for the 6 th consecutive year we acted as the host city for the 10U NAFA Northern Nationals with 86 participating teams. Net operating revenue from the BASH was hurt by the rain out, however the lost operating revenue was partially offset by better than expected NAFA financial results. Final Tournament accounting is in process as part of the financial closeout for the fiscal year ending 10/31/16. PLAYER / COACH DEVELOPMENT BFA continues to have many quality coaches and team managers dedicated to developing both softball and life skills in our athletes. These coaches and managers also spend a lot of time planning practices, maintaining websites and organizing team events. For our 16 summer teams over 50 people filled these roles as coaches or team managers. Our 12 fall teams had over 40. We also have many parent helpers that provide support at practices and games. These volunteers gave up their time to help shape the culture of the BFA program and could not be successful without the effort and dedication of our parent volunteers. Our coaches are committed to providing great opportunities for girls to develop, versus coaching to the scoreboard. This dedication to the culture of the Double Goal Coaching philosophy is leading to results on the field and with our overall membership growth. The Board approved renewing BFA s membership with Positive Coach Alliance (PCA) for 2017 as well as beginning a partnership with Youth 1st.

5 BFA partnered with Youth 1 st and our umpires to offer Youth 1 st Sportsmanship awards as part of the 2017 BASH activities. The award is received based on sportsmanship scores for coaches, players and team fans provided by the umpires. Award recipients are recognized by Youth 1 st and are invited to be recognized on the field at a Twins Game. Bloomington 10U Blue, 10U Red, 10U White and 12U Red were all Youth1st award recipients at the BASH. BFA provided coaches with clinic opportunities. The University of St. Catherine s Head Coach Colleen Power led a clinic on softball skills and coaching philosophy. Danielle Bloom of Positive Coaching Alliance and former player at the University of Minnesota led the second clinic which focused on coaching skills. Trainers from TRIA also lead a clinic addressing player safety, how to respond to an on field injury (practice or game) as well as updating our dynamic warm up routines. Coaches were again invited to assist with winter clinics and the opportunity for receive handson experience working with various practice drills in the winter skills clinic setting. This year we were also assisted by Coach Powers and players from St. Catherine s University. The age levels rotated between JAC with a focus on fielding and throwing skills and the batting cages at Game Changes with a focus on hitting skills. BFA will follow this format again during the 2018 winter inviting Jefferson and Kennedy High School coaches as well as BFA coaches to assist with the clinics. Team results as reported by the coaches are found in Appendix 2. Looking forward.. BFA membership continues to increase while youth sports participation nationally is on the decline. This indicates that as an organization BFA is doing something right, so let s understand what we are doing well and the areas where we can continue to improve. Registration and member survey data gathered over the past 3 4 years provides a tool to help identify trends both positive and negative to help evaluate and improve BFA as a program and capitalize on the tailwinds of a highly engaged and satisfied membership base. BFA as organization is focused on increasing its membership through an initiative led by Molly Bellmont to increase awareness of BFA and increase the cool factor of Fastpitch by creating a fresh new brand for the program and increasing the use of social media. The goal of the marketing program is to increase participation in BFA across all Bloomington K 5 schools. A successful program should increase membership across the wide demographic spectrum represented in Bloomington s public schools and the multiple private schools within our community. We should further expect that increased representation of the broader community will also increase the importance of minimizing the impact of rising costs on registration fees to keep participation in the program affordable. This will be a challenging task as current state program costs increase and we seek to increase the quality of our program through continued emphasis on coach training and for specialized skills training in the form of subsidies for pitching, catching, and hitting clinics and lessons.

6 APPENDIX Registration Statistics Season / Year Total 8U 8U 10U 10U 12U 12U 14U 14U 16/18U Team 16/18U Total Summer Summer Summer Summer Variance YOY Summer Variance YOY Summer Variance YOY Variance 2016 to Summer Season Total 8U 10U 12U 14U 16U 18U New New Prior Fall Returns Prior Drop & Return Prior Summer Returns Totals player increase from Summer 2016 to Summer potential summer returning players 134 (77%) YOY summer 2016 returns New 2016 Fall with 67% returning Summer prior year drops returning summer 2017 & 18) Season/ Year Total 8U 8U 10U 10U 12U 12U 14U 14U 16U 16U Total Fall Fall registered 10 Fall YOY Variance Fall YOY Variance Fall YOY Variance registered 2 Fall registered 12 YOY Variance players registered (active)- 12 teams total 8u- 4 teams- 45 players (23 are new players) 10U- 3 teams- 31 players (3 are new players) 12U- 4 teams- 42 players (7 are new players) 14U- 1 team- 12 players (2 are new players) *new players total includes 3 past players that they did not play Summer 2017

7 APPENDIX 2 BFA 2017 Coach Reported Season Results 2017 Summer Season 8U Red Farmington Frenzy 3rd, Bloomington BASH 1st, State Tournament 3 rd. 8U White State Tournament - Bracket 6 Champions 10U Black East Ridge Spring Bash- First Place 10U Silver Queen Bee Classic - first place in the "A" bracket 10U Red State - Tier 6 - Consolation Champions Youth First Award 10U Blue Youth 1st Award 10U White 1st Place - Jordan Summer Bash Youth First Award 12U Silver 2nd Place Silver Bracket - Shakopee Father's Day Tournament 12U Blue Edina Mayfly - 1st Gold, Chanhassen Challenge 4th Gold, Forest Lake Frenzy - 3rd Gold, Big West A League Champions with an 18-0 record, Big West A State Qualifier tournament Champions, Minnesota State Tier 1 - T5th, NAFA Nationals - T11th Platinum Overall Record 12u and 14u outscored our opponents in 54 12u Games. We had a team of 11 players of which 10 players move up to 14u in the fall. Of those 10 moving up, 7 tried out and made Top Tier club teams. 4- Clutch Hitters, 1- MN vortex, 1-MN Sting, 1- SD Renegades. Our most memorable moments were assisting at 8u blue practices and Games throughout the season. We also had 9 of 11 players, 2 coaches, and 2 parents participate in packing Feed My Starving Children. 12U White 2nd Place East Ridge Tournament, NAFA BID received at BASH Silver Bracket, and 1st Place Finish at State Tourney 12U Red Youth First Award 14U Blue Shakopee 2nd Place Gold Bracket State 5-0 Tier 5 Champs

8 18U Champions of the Under The Lights Cottage Grove tournament. State Tier 2 - Top 10 Finish Combined 16U and 18U team with 6 16U and 9 18U girls, 3 Pitchers, 3 Catchers, 5 Schools - Jefferson, Kennedy, Richfield, Washburn, and Holy Angels. No Drama! Great season! 2017 Fall Season 12U Blue Fall Minnesota State Tournament Tier 2 -- Consolation Champions 12U Red Fall Ball State Tourney - 12U Tier 10-4th Place 8U Blue 2017 Minnesota Softball Fall State Tournament - 8U Tier 1 Runner-Up (2nd Place)