## 4. Rookie Phase 

a. Eligibility and Timing 

## AGE ELIGIBILITY AND PLAYER DEVELOPMENT 

## SECTION X - AGE ELIGIBILITY AND PLAYER DEVELOPMENT 

The Rookie Phase begins when a player 18 years of age or younger participates in: 

i. Two (2) or more WTA singles events in a 52-week period; 

ii. A WTA 1000 Mandatory singles event (Main Draw or Qualifying); or 

iii. A Grand Slam singles event (Main Draw or Qualifying). 

A player must complete her Rookie Phase requirements within three (3) additional WTA Tournaments or six (6) months of the Tournament which has triggered her enrollment in the Rookie Phase, whichever comes first. 

b. Rookie Phase Player Requirements 

i. Each player must participate in WTA professional orientation, including: 

(a) Complete assigned online and/or in-person Player Development coursework and pass an examination covering such material; and 

(b) Complete the On-Site Activities portion of the ‘Rookie Hours’ Player Orientation. 

ii. Each player must participate in Educational Programs offered through Player Development. 

iii. Each player must meet with representatives of the WTA for the purpose of developing and agreeing upon the player’s schedule (including but not limited to Professional Tennis Tournaments, Billie Jean King Cup, Olympics, and Exhibitions/Non-WTA Events) for the next twelve (12) months. The player must submit her projected schedule via the online ScheduleZone module, including details on the player’s off-season, pre-competition weeks, active rest and recovery weeks, and appropriate developmental blocks for review and approval. Once approved by the WTA, the player and her coach must also agree to the schedule. Changes to the agreed upon schedule must be submitted to the WTA for approval no less than four (4) weeks prior to such requested change. The approved schedule is subject to review, and failure to comply with the schedule will subject the player to penalties as outlined in Section X.C.2. 

