Here are the specifics on "rookie" status.
There are two categories of member who qualify for special entry fees:
- Not sailed in an NAs, European, or Worlds in the past three years: no late fee
- New member or membership lapsed five years: Pay for two-years membership
4. Entries
- The regatta is open to any member of the Association who has paid all current dues and who has mailed an entry form with entry fee prior to January 1. Late registration at two times the normal fee will be accepted up to one day before the regatta. Current members who have not sailed in a continental regatta for three or more years are not required to pay the late registration penalty.
- Novice entries: Novice DN racers may enter one or both regattas if two years association dues are paid. No other event registration fee will apply. A DN racer shall be considered a novice if that person has never belonged to IDNIYRA, or if their membership has lapsed five or more years. A novice must comply with all other entry requirements.
https://ice.idniyra.org/Yearbook/IDNIYRA_Bylaws#Entries