Athlete Development Program#

Purpose

To help U.S. National Adult Team players and those eligible for the U.S. National Adult Team compete more regularly in top-level competition that will further develop them as players and expose them to competitors they are likely to face in international competition.

 

Eligible Players

  • Members of the current U.S. National Adult Team
  • Prospective U.S. National Adult Team members with an IRT or LPRT professional singles ranking in the Top 16
  • Champions of the U.S. Junior National Championships 18 and Under singles divisions

 

Program Structure

  • Eligible players will receive $500 from USA Racquetball for each of up to five qualifier events they participate in during the U.S. National Adult Team contract year (typically between June 1 and May 31) up to a total of $2,500 during the program year.
  • The 2021-2022 program year will begin on September 13, 2021, and end on May 31, 2022.

 

Player Eligibility and Details

U.S. National Adult Team Singles Qualifiers

  • Must be an active member of U.S. National Adult Team in good standing
  • Must compete in a Tier 1 or Grand Slam IRT or LPRT pro singles division or National Adult Team Qualifying Singles Division at the USAR National Singles Championships / USAR National Doubles Championships (as offered)
  • Must be current USA Racquetball members

U.S. National Adult Team Doubles Qualifiers

  • Must be an active member of U.S. National Adult Team in good standing
  • Must compete in a Tier 1 or Grand Slam IRT or LPRT pro singles division, pro doubles division, or National Adult Team Qualifying Doubles Division at the USAR National Doubles Championships / USAR National Singles Championships (as offered)
  • Must be current USA Racquetball members 

Prospective U.S. National Adult Team Members with IRT or LPRT Professional Singles Rankings in the Top 16

  • Top 16 is based on IRT and LPRT professional singles rankings as of the first day of each event
  • Must affirm eligibility for, and intention to qualify for and join, the U.S. National Adult Team
  • Must compete in a Tier 1 or Grand Slam IRT or LPRT pro singles division or U.S. National Adult Team Qualifying Singles Division at the USAR National Singles Championships / USAR National Doubles Championships (as offered)
  • Must be current USA Racquetball members

Champions of the U.S. Junior National Championships 18 and Under Singles Divisions

  • Must be an active member of U.S. National Junior Team
  • Must affirm eligibility for, and intention to qualify for and join, the U.S. National Adult Team
  • Must compete in a Tier 1 or Grand Slam IRT or LPRT pro singles division or U.S. National Adult Team Qualifying Singles Division at USAR National Singles Championships / USAR National Doubles Championships (as offered)
  • Are eligible during the program year so long as they are the current champion
  • Must be current USA Racquetball members

Athletes who qualify for the program in multiple categories remain limited to the funding of $500 per event and $2,500 total for the program year.

 

Process for Receiving Funds

  • USA Racquetball will arrange for payment of funds expeditiously following the conclusion of Tier 1 or Grand Slam IRT and LPRT events or USAR National Singles Championships / USAR National Doubles Championships qualifying events.

 

Use of Funds

  • Funds are intended to be used for travel costs to qualifying events and other general training/coaching costs as determined by the athlete.
  • Athletes will receive a Form 1099 from USA Racquetball for funds received during a calendar year unless proper documentation of qualifying expenses is submitted to USA Racquetball no later than December 31 of each year.

 

Disputes/Clarifications

Any disputes regarding IRT and/or LPRT ranking position will be addressed by USA Racquetball in collaboration with the IRT or LPRT as appropriate.

 

Program Funding

The USA Racquetball Athlete Development Program is being funded by anonymous donors and USA Racquetball. Individual donations for this program and other strategic initiatives of USA Racquetball will make a significant difference, and discussions with USA Racquetball staff regarding such donations are encouraged and appreciated.