| the clause in the contract of a professional player in some sports that binds the player to a team for a season beyond the expiration of the contract in the event a new contract has not been made meanwhile or the player has not been sent to another team. |
| reserve clause n. A clause formerly included in the contract of a professional athlete that allowed the automatic extension of the contract for a year beyond its expiration, thus binding the player to the organization until release, retirement, or a trade. |