SFBI Baseball Pitch Deck Teardown

Introduction: An Operational Manual, Not a Pitch Deck

The document provided is the 2010 SFBI Baseball Rulebook. It is a 21-slide presentation that functions as a handbook for South Farmington Baseball Inc. (SFBI), located in Farmington, MI. As a fundraising analyst, it is important to note that this deck contains zero financial projections, market sizing, or competitive analysis. Instead, it serves as a governance document for a non-profit community sports organization. The following teardown treats the slides as a study in organizational structure and operational transparency.

Slide 1: Title and Contact Information

The cover slide features the 'Farmington South' logo and identifies the document as the '2010 Baseball Rules & Regulations.' It provides a PO Box in Farmington, MI, establishing the geographic focus of the organization. There is no mention of a founding team or investment stage, as this is a seasonal update for an existing entity.

Slide 2: Letter from the Commissioner

This slide sets the tone for the organization. The 'Commish' emphasizes that the league is for 'house baseball,' where the focus is on learning and community rather than winning at all costs. It introduces the core philosophy: 'These are games to be played, not battles to be won.' This serves as the organization's cultural foundation.

Slide 3: Mission Statement and Conduct

The mission statement defines the target audience: 'young people of both sexes.' It explicitly lists five priorities: safety, nurturing growth, volunteer organization, quality instruction, and fun. The 'Conduct' section establishes the hierarchy of authority, noting that managers are responsible for the behavior of coaches, parents, and fans. It introduces the consequence of forfeiture for unruly behavior by spectators.

Slide 4: Safety Rules and General Rules

Slide 4 contains 15 safety mandates. Key requirements include: 1) Official Baseball bats only , 2) Mandatory batting helmets with cages for 12 U and below , and 9) Mandatory athletic supporters . The general rules section establishes basic game-day etiquette, such as the requirement for a post-game handshake at home plate and the prohibition of 'chatter' or 'ragging' directed at pitchers.

Slide 5: Player Participation (All Leagues)

This slide outlines the league's commitment to inclusivity. It mandates that all players must play in the field and bat. Rule 2 is particularly specific: 'All players must play 2 innings in the infield by the designated inning for each league.' It also addresses pitching, stating that any player who requests to pitch must be given a chance during the season, provided they can reach the plate.

Slide 6: Manager Selection and Draft Information

The organizational logistics are detailed here. Manager selection follows a six-tier priority list, starting with returning managers. The draft information section explains how teams are formed for the 10 U, 12 U, and 14 U leagues. It notes that 'Completed ratings from the prior year will be used for the ranking of players for draft,' ensuring a data-driven approach to team balance.

Slide 7: Umpires

This slide focuses on the management of game officials. It sets arrival times (15 minutes before game time) and establishes a protocol for rule clarifications. Crucially, it states that 'Judgment calls are not to be changed.' It also outlines strict penalties for verbal or physical abuse of umpires, including season-long suspensions for repeat offenders.

Slide 8: Equipment, Uniforms, and Logistics

Operational details regarding physical assets are covered here. The league requires a 'deposit check' for equipment, which is provided to each team. Uniform distribution is managed by a specific 'Uniform manager.' This slide also sets the schedule for practices (2 times per week) and directs participants to the organization's website (SFBI.org) for game schedules.

Slide 9: Scoring, Weather, and Protests

Slide 9 introduces a financial element: a '$50 non-refundable protest fee' that must accompany any formal protest of an umpire's rule interpretation. The weather policy is also rigorous, mandating that all activities be suspended for 30 minutes after the last observed lightning or thunder. Scoring responsibilities are assigned to managers, with a 3-business-day deadline for entry.

Slide 10: Game Length

This slide defines the temporal boundaries of the games. It establishes a 'no new inning' rule at 1:50 minutes for most leagues, extending to 2:20 minutes for the 14 U division. It also introduces the concept of a 'CALLED' last inning to ensure games conclude within time limits while allowing for a full rotation of play.

Slide 11: Playoffs (All Leagues)

The competitive structure for the end of the season is outlined here. It specifies that 'no pitcher may pitch in three consecutive games' during the quarterfinals and beyond, regardless of innings pitched. It also mandates 'FULL DISCLOSURE' of lineups before playoff games to prevent tactical manipulation of participation rules.

Slide 12: Tee Ball Rules

The deck transitions into age-specific rules. For Tee Ball, the focus is purely instructional: 'No official Scorekeeping, No umpires, No Forfeits.' The base length is set at 50 feet. It includes practical advice for volunteers, such as using 'Dish soap' to make adjustable tees easier to move.

Slides 13-14: 8 U Pinto Rules

The Pinto division introduces a pitching machine set at 38 MPH . Slide 13 notes that 'No official Scorekeeping occurs in Regular Season.' Slide 14 lists prohibited actions, including intentional walks, balks, and the infield fly rule, reflecting the developmental stage of the players.

Slides 15-16: 10 U Mustang Rules

The Mustang division introduces live pitching. Slide 15 limits pitchers to 2 innings per game and 4 innings per week. It also introduces a 'Mercy rule' of 15 runs after 5 innings. Slide 16 allows bunting but continues to prohibit intentional walks and the infield fly rule.

Slides 17-18: 12 U Bronco Rules

The Bronco division increases the complexity of play. Slide 17 allows 'Stealing all bases... including home.' Slide 18 marks the introduction of the Infield Fly Rule and the Dropped Third Strike rule as allowed elements of the game, signaling a transition toward standard baseball regulations.

Slides 19-20: 14 U Pony Rules

The oldest division featured, 14 U Pony, uses an 80-foot base length and a 54-foot pitching mound. Slide 19 notes that metal spikes are still prohibited, though flak jackets are allowed. Slide 20 confirms that the only major rule still prohibited is the 'Intentional Walk,' likely to ensure all players get an opportunity to bat.

Slide 21: Definitions and Penalties

The final slide provides a glossary for complex rules like 'Balk' and 'Interference.' It also lists eight specific penalties, including automatic game forfeiture for the illegal use of a pitcher and a one-game suspension for any manager or coach ejected from a game.

What Works in This Document

Granular Detail: The rules are highly specific, leaving little room for ambiguity in high-stress game situations. · Safety Focus: By placing safety rules early (Slide 4) and repeating them in age-specific sections, the organization demonstrates a clear priority. · Participation Mandates: The explicit requirement for infield play (Slide 5) ensures that the developmental goals of the league are met, regardless of a manager's desire to win. · Clear Hierarchy: The document clearly defines the roles of the Commissioner, League Directors, Managers, and Umpires.

What is Missing

Financial Transparency: As a rulebook, it lacks a budget or disclosure of how registration fees are utilized. · Organizational Chart: While titles are mentioned, there is no slide showing the board of directors or the organizational structure. · Emergency Procedures: While weather is covered, there is no specific protocol for physical injuries beyond the mention of an 'Incident report' on Slide 4. · Strategic Roadmap: There is no information on the long-term goals or growth of the SFBI organization.

Founder/Manager Takeaways

While not a startup deck, this rulebook offers lessons in operational governance . Founders of community-based organizations should emulate the clear definition of 'success' found in the Mission Statement (Slide 3) and the explicit conflict resolution protocols (Slide 9 and Slide 21). The use of a centralized digital platform (SFBI.org) for scheduling and scoring is a standard best practice for maintaining transparency with a large stakeholder base of parents and volunteers.