Table I.

Required contact hours for each age group based on age and academy classification. Adapted from the Elite Player Performance Plan Guidance Framework (2011).

Academy classification	Age group range: 5–11 years	Age group range: 12–16 years	Age group range: 17–21 years
Category 1	4 rising to 8 h per week	12 rising to 16 h per week	Up to 16 h per week
Category 2	3 rising to 5 h per week	6 rising to 12 h per week	Up to 16 h per week
Category 3	3 h per week	6 h per week	Up to 12 h per week
Category 4	n/a	n/a	Up to 16 h per week

Note: Academy classification is determined by an audit of facilities, staff, budgets, and player development history.