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This paper explores the Relative Age Effect (RAE) after nearly 40 years since its initial examination in sports. Two original studies identified significant participation differences between relatively older and younger players in age-grouped elite hockey and soccer. In the current study, we replicate the original analyses using 2023 data. By comparing data from the original studies and 2023, focusing on Major Junior A hockey in North America and the Under-17 and Under-20 World Soccer Tournaments, we observe remarkably similar RAE patterns. For instance, both the original and the 2023 studies indicate that about 40% of elite young adult players were born in the first quarter of the age cohort, compared to just 10% in the last quarter. This paper underscores the ongoing advantages and disadvantages created by RAE and calls for greater focus on strategies to mitigate its unfair effects in sports and education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Date of birth influences the chances of success in sports. Compared to players born just before a cutoff date for marking the admissibility in a category (age groups), players born soon after are overrepresented. However, it is not yet known whether the effect of date of birth in sports applies beyond the players' active participation in the game. The aim of the study was to determine whether there is a date of birth effect among ice hockey's coaches. The birthdates of 3,380 coaches in minor league hockey for the 2023–2024 season were obtained from Hockey Québec. The investigation indicated that people born in the first half of the year were more likely to become minor hockey coaches than those born in the second half. This significant birthdate effect is observed with coaches born in 1980s (53.42% vs. 46.58%) and after 1989 (55.73% vs. 44.27%), but not with coaches born before 1980 where the effect tended to reverse. This finding is interpreted as a consequence of the birthdate effect during the development as a hockey player and suggests a loss of potential coaches to the ice hockey system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Few studies have shown that relatively younger children and adolescents (those born later in the same school year) were less likely to engage in physical activity in a phenomenon termed the relative age effect. Although these studies mainly targeted elementary and middle school students, no study has reported on the relative age effect on physical activity in ordinary high school students. Moreover, the relative age effect on sedentary behavior might show an opposite association with physical activity. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the relative age effects on physical activity and sedentary behavior across different school stages in Japanese children and adolescents. Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted with 21,491 children and adolescents (elementary, middle, and high school students aged 10–18 years) in various Japanese regions from January 2018 to July 2019. Overall, 18,281 children and adolescents (10,299 boys and 7,982 girls) were finally included in our analysis. Data on the birth month, frequency and duration of their physical activity (vigorous, moderate, and moderate-to-vigorous intensity), and sedentary behavior (weekday and weekend total sedentary time, television viewing, playing video games, and Internet use) were obtained. We utilized two-part model regression analyses. Statistically significant association with birth month indicated that a relative age effect was observed. Results The relatively younger individuals were less likely to engage in physical activity (especially vigorous physical activity (VPA)); this association was observed in middle and high school students. Conversely, the relatively younger boys spent more time during weekends with sedentary behaviors and Internet use. Based on school stage, the relative age effect on VPA time was observed in middle school boys (average margin effect (AME) = -0.74, p

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the longitudinal prevalence of relative age effects (RAEs) across playing levels and positions in Northern Ireland international male soccer. Birthdates of U17 (n = 276), U19 (n = 320), U21 (n = 331), and senior (n = 108) international players between 2011 and 2023 were recorded. Chi-square tests and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to compare observed and expected birthdate distributions. A selection bias toward relatively older players was evident at U17 and U19 playing levels as well as defensive and midfield positions. In contrast, more relatively younger senior and forward players were selected. Longitudinal analyses revealed that of those players who were initially selected at U17, more relatively older players were re-selected at subsequent playing levels, but there were no birthdate asymmetries amongst new players added after U17. The results of this study demonstrate RAEs are prevalent across Northern Ireland international male soccer and are influenced by playing level as well as position. These findings have important implications for policy makers and practitioners as relatively older players are overrepresented at youth but not senior level, which questions the efficacy of this (un)conscious bias in the talent pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives. The goal of this study was to assess the relative age effect and its relationship with the development of physical abilities and emotional intelligence in Colombian child athletes according to gender and the sport practiced. Methods. A cross-sectional correlational design was used. A total of 135 Colombian soccer and volleyball athletes, 62 boys and 73 girls, voluntarily participated with an average age of 13.25 ± 0.59 years. Physical skills such as SJ, CMJ, CMJA, 5, 10, and 15 m speed, CODS agility, and emotional intelligence were evaluated. Results. Statistically significant differences were found in the mood variables between Q1 and Q4 (p = 0.047, ηp2 = 0.08) and Q2 and Q4 (p = 0.035, ηp2 = 0.08). These differences are also present in the interpersonal variable between Q1 and Q4 (p = 0.003, ηp2 = 0.12), Q2 and Q4 (p = 0.009, ηp2 = 0.12), and, finally, in the total emotional quotient between Q1 and Q4 (p = 0.013, ηp2 = 0.13), Q2 and Q3 (p = 0.024, ηp2 = 0.13), and Q2 and Q4 (p = 0.005, ηp2 = 0.13). Conclusions. Based on the findings of this research, it can be concluded that the relative age effect appears to be sensitive to CODS agility, 15 m speed, and SJ power variables concerning gender and sport. Jump height for CMJ concerning gender and CMJA jump concerning sport were considered. Emotional intelligence appears to be a variable sensitive to the relative age effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to examine the prevalence of the Relative Age Effect (RAE) across an international soccer programme in male and female players aged 12 years old to seniors. One hundred forty-five male (age: 18.8 ± 4.6 years; body mass: 68.1 ± 10.2 kg; body height: 177.3 ± 10.5 cm) and 218 female (age: 15.9 ± 4.6 years; body mass: 66.2 ± 10.5 kg; body height: 170.6 ± 8.3 cm) players from a National Association were assessed. All participants were divided into four quartiles: January to March (BQ1), April to June (BQ2), July to September (BQ3), and October to December (BQ4). The results showed that the distributions for all male squads were significantly skewed, with more players than expected from BQ1 in the U-21, U-19, and U-17 and less players than expected from BQ4 in the U-19 squad. The distributions for all female squads showed significantly more players than expected from BQ1 in the U-16 and less players than expected from BQ4 in the U-14 squad. The distributions across the different positions for the male squads combined were significantly skewed with more forward players than expected from BQ1 and less forward and midfielder players than expected from BQ4. For the female squads, there were significantly more BQ1 defenders from the U-16 squad than expected. In conclusion, this study unveils significant disparities in quartile distributions among male and female squads. Moreover, the data emphasize the potential impact of heightened physical demands in certain positions on the RAE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine whether the Relative Age Effect (RAE) was present in different sexes and age categories in 12 elite-level international amateur boxing competitions. A total of 4813 athletes competing between 2013 and 2022 were analysed. Athletes were split into four quartiles according to their birth date and compared to the expected (equal) birth date distribution using chi-squared goodness of fit. The results revealed greater RAE prevalence in youth compared to the senior group. RAE was more prominent in males compared to females, with the female group showing an inverse RAE trend. Odds ratio (OR) showed an overrepresentation of male boxers born in Q1 compared to Q4 (OR > 1.19-1.33), while senior female boxers presented an inverse trend (OR < 0.95). Odds Ratios for medallists within the youth group were greater than 1.07 (except Q3 × Q4 = 0.93) highlighting an overrepresentation of boxers born earlier in the year. A shift in strategy to reduce the RAE in young boxers whereby coaches focus less on the short-term pursuit of sporting success is encouraged. Organisations and coaches should increase awareness and provide systematic education around RAE, whilst creating equal competitive opportunities for all young boxers to reduce the extent of RAE in boxing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most education systems have arbitrarily chosen annual cut-off dates for school enrolment, which create age differences of up to a year within a cohort of pupils. Prior research has shown that the oldest in a cohort systematically outperform their relatively younger peers. Yet, little is known about the temporal persistence of relative age effects in education. In this article, we investigate how relative age effects on educational achievement evolve over different stages of compulsory education. Drawing on administratively linked test score data comprising entire student cohorts in Northwestern Switzerland, we employ two complementary analytical approaches to examine for how long the advantages of relatively older pupils prevail. The results indicate that relative age effects diminish the more pupils progress in their educational careers. However, effects of relative age at school enrolment are still identifiable beyond sixth grade, which marks the transition into secondary education in Switzerland.

This paper explores the Relative Age Effect (RAE) after nearly 40 years since its initial examination in sports. Two original studies identified significant participation differences between relatively older and younger players in age-grouped elite hockey and soccer. In the current study, we replicate the original analyses using 2023 data. By comparing data from the original studies and 2023, focusing on Major Junior A hockey in North America and the Under-17 and Under-20 World Soccer Tournaments, we observe remarkably similar RAE patterns. For instance, both the original and the 2023 studies indicate that about 40% of elite young adult players were born in the first quarter of the age cohort, compared to just 10% in the last quarter. This paper underscores the ongoing advantages and disadvantages created by RAE and calls for greater focus on strategies to mitigate its unfair effects in sports and education.

Date of birth influences the chances of success in sports. Compared to players born just before a cutoff date for marking the admissibility in a category (age groups), players born soon after are overrepresented. However, it is not yet known whether the effect of date of birth in sports applies beyond the players' active participation in the game. The aim of the study was to determine whether there is a date of birth effect among ice hockey's coaches. The birthdates of 3,380 coaches in minor league hockey for the 2023–2024 season were obtained from Hockey Québec. The investigation indicated that people born in the first half of the year were more likely to become minor hockey coaches than those born in the second half. This significant birthdate effect is observed with coaches born in 1980s (53.42% vs. 46.58%) and after 1989 (55.73% vs. 44.27%), but not with coaches born before 1980 where the effect tended to reverse. This finding is interpreted as a consequence of the birthdate effect during the development as a hockey player and suggests a loss of potential coaches to the ice hockey system.

Students born in the days before the school-entry cutoff date are one year younger at school entry than their counterparts born in the days following the cutoff, which causes an achievement gap between the youngest and oldest students within each cohort. I assess this so-called relative age effect in the Spanish context, where the school-entry rule is strictly enforced. By means of a sharp Regression Discontinuity Design, I report a remarkable effect in fourth grade that is still visible in eighth grade. The heterogeneity of the effect by social origin and gender is explored. Following the compensatory advantage model, I reason that the relative age effect should be smaller among high-SES students when assessing academic outcomes that might endanger the probability of attaining higher education (such as repetition), but not for low-stakes external examinations. I confirm this expectation. As for gender, I argue that the relative age effect might be lower among girls either because younger girls are not ever affected by their birth month or because they are better able to catch up with their older peers than boys. I provide evidence supporting this second hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cuadernos de Psicología del Deporte is the property of Cuadernos de Psicologia del Deporte and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Currently, most research on RAE in sports is focused on youth and top levels, leaving university athletes, especially in Malaysia, with very little information to work Objective: This study aims to investigate the RAE in more depth by adding variables such as gender, sports category, and the type of higher education school (IPTS/IPTA). Methodology: A quantitative research strategy was used with 4,683 athlete birth dates. The chi-square test showed that SUKIPT 2022 athletes had a high rate of RAE. Results: The distribution of athletes' birth dates over the four quarters of the year exhibited a substantial imbalance, as seen by the chi-square statistic (χ2 (3, N = 4683) = 59.618, p =< .001; V = 0.080). The data shows a strong RAE among players born in the fourth quarter, which could mean an RAE bias. The study also found that RAE was common among all genders and in various sports, including IPTA players. However, there was interesting RAE seen in athletes from private universities (IPTS) (χ2 (3, N = 1372) = 5.429, p =.143). Discussion: The results validate the presence of the RAE within the population of university athletes, indicating that variances in development could potentially impact the selection and performance of athletes. This study enhances the comprehension of the RAE within the university sports domain. It establishes a basis for forthcoming research endeavours to investigate approaches to alleviate RAE and foster equitable athlete growth and selection. Conclusions: The frequency of RAE in athletes competing for the university at the 2022 Higher Education Institution Games (SUKIPT).

Background Biological maturity and relative age player selection biases are well documented in youth sports. However, there has been limited examination of the relationship between these biases.Aim This study investigated the presence, strength, and independence of relative age and biological maturity selection biases in Gaelic football.Subjects and methods A total of 247 male players from U14 to U16, from two talent academies were assessed for relative age (decimal age (DA)) and biological maturity (discrepancy between biological and chronological age (BA-CA)).Results Relative age effects (RAE) were observed in the U14 (DA = 0.62, d = 0.40) and U15 squads (DA = 0.57. d = 0.26) only. A bias towards advanced maturity status was present at U14 (BA-CA = 0.60, d = 0.83), U15 (BA-CA = 0.78, d = 0.89), and U16 (BA-CA, d = 1.01). There was a trivial (U14, r(83) = −0.210; U15, r(88) = 0.060) and low (U16, r(76) = 0.352) correlation between relative age and maturity status.Conclusion Substantial maturity selection biases and, to a lesser degree, relative age biases are evident in youth Gaelic football. Critically, these biases are independent constructs. Coaches and policy makers should be educated on the distinct influences of relative age and maturation, and on strategies to address these biases.

Purpose: Given that previous research on relative age effects (RAEs) has only focused on organized sport, the aim of this exploratory study was to examine whether this phenomenon also existed among self-organized practitioners. In relation to that, a second aim was to know whether self-organized sport practices could be favored by late-born practitioners as a result of a strategic adaptation. Method(s): Representative sub-samples of 474 soccer players, 363 basketball players, 2,536 swimmers, 1,788 strength training practitioners, 1,873 pétanque players, 973 table tennis players and 2,136 runners were analyzed. Results: The results did not show any significant RAEs, including in sport practices that are sensitive to this phenomenon such as soccer or basketball. The results did not show any significant overrepresentation of late-born people either. Conclusion: This study suggests that self-organized sport practices are not impacted by the RAEs. This finding is interesting because self-organized sport practice is the most important one in numbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertical jump is an important skill that influences volleyball performance. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between vertical jump performance and birth quartile of Brazilian male youth volleyball players. We calculated chi-square goodness-of-fit tests to compare the athletes' birthdate distributions in quarters of their birth years (Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4) according to player age categories (U17, U18, U19, and U21). We calculated one-way ANOVAs to compare spike jump and block jump heights of players born in different quarters of the same year. Overall, we found a relative age effect (i.e., more players with birth dates early in the birth year) in U17 (p <.001), U18 (p <.001), U19 (p <.001), and U21 (p =.04). Regarding vertical jump performance, U18 athletes born in Q2 reached higher spike jump heights (p =.006) and block jump heights (p =.002) than athletes born in Q4, and U19 athletes born in Q1 reached higher block jump heights than athletes born in Q3 (p =.049). There were no significant differences in vertical jump performance across birth quartiles among U17 and U21 athletes. Thus, a relative age effect was present in all age categories but not always reflected in vertical jump performance. Volleyball coaches and policymakers are still advised to employ strategies to ensure fairer opportunities for players born later in the year of their eligibility dates, as we found RAE to be sometimes, but not always, related to higher spike or block jump heights even among these older adolescents and young adult athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In countries with a school-entry cutoff date, individuals born right after the cutoff are almost 1 year older than individuals in the same school cohort born right before that date. Abundant research has documented that, as a result of that extra year of maturation and skill accumulation, older students in a cohort outperform their younger peers. It is also well-established that this effect peaks at the initial stages of the educational career and wanes as students grow. However, it remains unclear whether or not the age at school entry affects final educational attainment. In this work, we use Spanish census data to assess whether individuals born right after the school-entry cutoff (January 1) are more likely to complete post-compulsory education, a university degree and post-graduate education. We also assess if the age at school entry affects the probability of completing education in a STEM field of study. Our findings indicate that males born after the cutoff accumulate more years of education than males born before that date, but are less likely to complete their education in a STEM field of study. Interestingly, the effect concentrates among the youngest and oldest students in each cohort, is less intense for higher levels of education and disappears among females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Relative age effect (RAE) in sport is extensively described in the literature. However, there is scarcity of data on how to avoid problems in the talent identification process and, consequently, how to avoid dropping out or losing a potential volleyball talent. The aim of the study was to carry out a retrospective analysis of RAE at Men's U-19 and U-21 World Championships as well as Men's World Championships over the last 12 years and to investigate possible differences in quarterly age distribution depending on anthropometric features, geographical regions the teams under study came from as well as their performance (results) at the championships. Material and Methods: The analysis was based on volleyball players (n = 3,887) participating in Men's U-19 and U-21 World Championships as well as Men's World Championships over the last 12 years (2010-2022). Results: It was noted that RAE differed depending on age category, body height, geographical region of origin as well as the place taken during the championships. Conclusions: The findings indicate that there is a need to better understand RAE in order to avoid losing young volleyball players, which could contribute to the development of volleyball in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Relative age effect (RAE) in sport is extensively described in the literature. However, there is scarcity of data on how to avoid problems in the talent identification process and, consequently, how to avoid dropping out or losing a potential volleyball talent. The aim of the study was to carry out a retrospective analysis of RAE at Men’s U-19 and U-21 World Championships as well as Men’s World Championships over the last 12 years and to investigate possible differences in quarterly age distribution depending on anthropometric features, geographical regions the teams under study came from as well as their performance (results) at the championships. Material and Methods: The analysis was based on volleyball players (n = 3,887) participating in Men’s U-19 and U-21 World Championships as well as Men’s World Championships over the last 12 years (2010–2022). Results: It was noted that RAE differed depending on age category, body height, geographical region of origin as well as the place taken during the championships. Conclusions: The findings indicate that there is a need to better understand RAE in order to avoid losing young volleyball players, which could contribute to the development of volleyball in the world.

Background: Within the same school class, it is usual to find children who differ in age by almost a full calendar year. Although associations between being relatively young and poor academic outcomes are well documented, and relatively consistent, the associations between being relatively young and psychosocial outcomes are less clearly documented. Aims: To review research which presents data relating to associations between a child's relative age and their psychosocial development. Methods: A systematic review was conducted and reported in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Results: Fifty‐nine papers met the inclusion criteria. The outcomes of the narrative synthesis and three meta‐analyses found consistent, but very small, associations with relative age indicating that those who are relatively young are more likely to have more negative behaviour, mental well‐being, and social experiences. Conclusions: Although being relatively young is associated with more negative psychosocial outcomes, the magnitude of these associations is consistently small. Furthermore, many of the outcome measures used are likely to be the result of multiple influences, not limited to the effects of relative age. Therefore, the findings are reassuring as they suggest that relative age itself is unlikely to substantially increase an individual's risk of poor psychosocial development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ice hockey is a sport that has gained much attention in recent times, particularly concerning the development of young players. In the domain of youth sport development, one significant factor that must be considered is the perceived competence of players. This variable is closely linked to positive psychological outcomes and sustained practice. However, there is a lack of understanding about how other important developmental factors such as age, early sport specialization, players’ position and relative age affect players’ perceived competence. Therefore, the objective of this study is to explore the relationships between these developmental factors, perceived ice hockey competence and a global measure of perceived sport competence. Methods: Data was drawn from 971 players (14.78  ±  1.61 mean age), who completed on-line questionnaires, from which we conducted path analyses involving all variables. Results: Younger players tend to display higher perceived competence scores than older players. Additionally, players who opted to specialize earlier also reported higher perceived competence. Furthermore, forwards and defensemen had differing perceptions of their competence, which was in line with their respective roles on the ice. The study also showed relative age effects, in which players who were born earlier relative to the selection period tend to perceive themselves more advantageously in three components of perceived competence. Discussion: Based on these findings, several recommendations are proposed for coaches and decision-makers to encourage the positive development of ice hockey players. The study highlights that ice hockey-specific competencies are influenced by various factors, such as early sport specialization, relative age effect, player age, and position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Biological maturity and relative age player selection biases are well documented in youth sports. However, there has been limited examination of the relationship between these biases. Aim: This study investigated the presence, strength, and independence of relative age and biological maturity selection biases in Gaelic football. Subjects and methods: A total of 247 male players from U14 to U16, from two talent academies were assessed for relative age (decimal age (DA)) and biological maturity (discrepancy between biological and chronological age (BA-CA)). Results: Relative age effects (RAE) were observed in the U14 (DA = 0.62, d = 0.40) and U15 squads (DA = 0.57. d = 0.26) only. A bias towards advanced maturity status was present at U14 (BA-CA = 0.60, d = 0.83), U15 (BA-CA = 0.78, d = 0.89), and U16 (BA-CA, d = 1.01). There was a trivial (U14, r(83) = −0.210; U15, r(88) = 0.060) and low (U16, r(76) = 0.352) correlation between relative age and maturity status. Conclusion: Substantial maturity selection biases and, to a lesser degree, relative age biases are evident in youth Gaelic football. Critically, these biases are independent constructs. Coaches and policy makers should be educated on the distinct influences of relative age and maturation, and on strategies to address these biases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigated (1) the transition rate of elite world-class throwers, (2) the age of peak performance in either elite junior and/or elite senior athletes, and (3) if relative age effect (RAE) influences the chance of being considered elite in junior and/or senior category. Methods: The career performance trajectories of 5108 throwers (49.9% females) were extracted from the World Athletics database. The authors identified throwers who had reached the elite level (operationally defined as the World all-time top 50 ranked for each age category) in either junior and/or senior category and calculated the junior-to-senior transition rate. The age of peak performance and the RAE were also investigated. Results: The transition rate at 16 and 18 years of age was 6% and 12% in males and 16% and 24% in females, respectively. Furthermore, elite senior throwers reached their personal best later in life than elite junior throwers. The athletes of both genders considered elite in the junior category showed a large RAE. Interestingly, male athletes who reached the elite level in senior category also showed appreciable RAE. Conclusions: Only a few of the athletes who reach the top 50 in the world at 16 or 18 years of age manage to become elite senior athletes, underlining that success at the beginning of an athletic career does not predict success in the athlete's senior career. Moreover, data suggest that being relatively older may confer a benefit across the whole career of male throwers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionIce hockey is a sport that has gained much attention in recent times, particularly concerning the development of young players. In the domain of youth sport development, one significant factor that must be considered is the perceived competence of players. This variable is closely linked to positive psychological outcomes and sustained practice. However, there is a lack of understanding about how other important developmental factors such as age, early sport specialization, players’ position and relative age affect players’ perceived competence. Therefore, the objective of this study is to explore the relationships between these developmental factors, perceived ice hockey competence and a global measure of perceived sport competence.MethodsData was drawn from 971 players (14.78 ± 1.61 mean age), who completed on-line questionnaires, from which we conducted path analyses involving all variables.ResultsYounger players tend to display higher perceived competence scores than older players. Additionally, players who opted to specialize earlier also reported higher perceived competence. Furthermore, forwards and defensemen had differing perceptions of their competence, which was in line with their respective roles on the ice. The study also showed relative age effects, in which players who were born earlier relative to the selection period tend to perceive themselves more advantageously in three components of perceived competence.DiscussionBased on these findings, several recommendations are proposed for coaches and decision-makers to encourage the positive development of ice hockey players. The study highlights that ice hockey-specific competencies are influenced by various factors, such as early sport specialization, relative age effect, player age, and position.

This present study aimed to verify the impact of birthplace and birthdate on the identification and development of talented Brazilian female players. The sample comprised 876 players from the Brazilian Serie A1 Championship between 2003 and 2020. Players' birthdate and birthplace data from their hometowns were collected. The birthplace's variables used were city size and Human Development Index (HDI). Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and Pearson correlation tests were performed. Results indicated that the players who were born in small cities (up to 100,000 inhabitants) and large urban centres (> 6,000,000 inhabitants), also with high HDI (> 0.701), have a greater chance to play in the most important tournament of the country. Results did not indicate significant differences in the frequencies of players born in each quartile according to players' positional roles. Based on these findings, it is possible to conclude that the environmental conditions of birthplace are essential to promote initial conditions for the training processes related to soccer. They bring a relevant contribution to facilitate the pathway to high-level performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Online Journal of Recreation & Sports is the property of Online Journal of Recreation & Sports and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Although there are many studies on the Paralympic Games and athletes, which are an international organization, there are not enough studies in the literature on the "relative age effect" in Paralympic athletes. The research is the first study to examine the successful Paralympic athletes in terms of "relative age effect", especially in this respect. The aim of this research is to examine the effects of the relative age effect of the successful paralympic athletes. The model of the research was determined as "Basic Qualitative Research" and the data collection technique in the research was determined as "Document Analysis". The analysis of the data in the research was made according to the Miles and Huberman model. The universe of the research consisted of athletes who participated in the Paralympic Games between 1960 and 2022. The sample of the study consisted of 30 elite athletes, including the athletes who won the most gold medals in the Paralympic Games. The sampling method of the research is density sampling based on heuristic approach. As a result, it was understood that for the successful Paralympic athletes, the number of athletes born in the first six months of the election year is higher than those born in the last six months. Thus, it has been concluded that the elite Paralympic athletes with medals in the Paralympic Games are affected by the relative age effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to analysis the birth date distributions of the champion players between the years 1930-2022 to determine whether the FIFA World Cup champion national team football players between the years 1930-2022 were affected by the "Relative Age Effect" phenomenon. The universe of the research consisted of the national teams that were champions in the 1930-2022 FIFA World Cup Finals. The samples consisted of the football player group of the national teams that won the championship. The model of the research was determined as "Basic Qualitative Research". The data collection technique in the research was determined as "Document Analysis". The data analysis was made according to the Miles & Huberman model, which is a descriptive analysis form. In the study, the information of the athletes was detailed by looking at the squad structure for the FIFA World Cup champion national team football players between the years 1930-2022. In the highest level of professional football, it has been seen that the champion national team football players are numerically close to each other in terms of "relative age effect". As a result, it has been observed that the relative age effect in senior football decreases with increasing age. It was shown that the relative age effect in professional elite national teams changed negatively due to the high number of football players born in the second half of the year. In this case, it was not a negative situation for football players who transition to professionalism and reach the elite level, being born in the last months of the year. Looking at the intercontinental comparison, even considering the different football culture and structure, it has been revealed that late-born athletes have caught up with their peers at a professional level and even left them behind.

Study aim: The aim of this study was to try to determine the factors that differentiate the height, weight, BMI, and age of high-level female handball players participating in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to analyse the Relative Age Effect (RAE) on European elite football teams segmented by type of ownership. The study presents the RAE incidence in the Academy of the UEFA top 10 ranking clubs near the conclusion of the 2020–21 season. The sample (n = 746) comprises players aged 17 to 23 years of age. The frequency of the players’ date of birth adjusting to a Poisson regression was used in order to confirm the presence of RAE. The existence of RAE in the whole sample was verified (p

Purpose: To investigate the anthropometric profile of youth soccer goalkeepers in relation to the maturity offset after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Forty-two young male goalkeepers took part in the study. The anthropometric profile and body composition were assessed through the anthropometric method and the peak height velocity (PHV) was estimated. Participants were classified as pre-PHV (n = 16, age = 11.31 ± 0.94), circa-PHV (n = 7, age = 13.27 ± 1.02) and post-PHV (n = 19, age = 16.86 ± 2.00). Results: The adiposity was significantly higher in pre-PHV goalkeepers than circa- and post-PHV and in circa-PHV than in post-PHV, according to BMI (p = 0.017), the percentage of fat mass (p < 0.001) and the fat mass index (p = 0.023). Compared with similar sample in literature assessed before the COVID-19 pandemic, the pre-PHV subgroup showed a higher prevalence of children at abdominal obesity risk (62.5 vs. 33.3%). Conclusion: The current study shows a relationship between the maturity offset and goalkeepers' anthropometric profile. The COVID-19 pandemic seemed to affect the abdominal obesity risk of pre-PHV children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to compare the status of somatic maturity, anthropometry, strength, speed, and soccer-specific technical skills of players from leading youth soccer academies born in different quarters of the same calendar year. A total of 678 young male soccer players from eight leading Russian soccer academies took part in the study. The following anthropometric measures and physical characteristics were measured: height, weight, body mass index, countermovement jumps (CMJ), 5, 10, and 20 m sprints, speed dribbling, foot and body ball juggling, and short and long pass accuracy. The determination of somatic maturity as a percentage of projected adult height was collected. All subject dates of birth were divided into four quartiles according to the month of birth. The analysis of all data obtained was conducted both within the total sample and by quartiles of birth, according to the age group categories of 12–13 years, 14–15 years, and 16–17 years and the degree of somatic maturity. There was a widespread relative age effect, with 43.5% of early-born players and only 9.6% of late-born players representing the sample. Early-born players were more mature than late-born players (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001) but had no statistically significant differences in strength, speed, or soccer-specific skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of considering information related to athletes' biological maturation within talent identification and development processes is frequently emphasized by both sport scientists and practitioners. Although there is evidence for the use of objective diagnostics for assessing biological maturation, little is known about its subjective determinations by coaches. Such approaches are particularly relevant when scientific support is limited. Therefore, the current study aimed to compare a practical subjective approach (coaches' eye) to assess biological maturity timing (BMT) with objective reference diagnostics (MRI). For this purpose, data were collected from 63 male elite soccer players of the U12 and U14 age group who were part of the German talent promotion program. Players' BMT (i.e., skeletal – chronological age) was assessed by MRI and a subjective rating of two coaches. Data analyses revealed high-rank correlations (rs =.55; p <.001) for the total sample as well as for U14 players (rs =.65; p <.001) and moderate rank correlations for U12 players (rs =.42; p <.05). Single case analyses showed substantial agreements between the diagnostics. However, particularly for U12 players, judgements did not always correspond with the MRI rankings. Although coaches seem to have the ability for recognizing the earliest and latest maturing players in the sample, inconsistencies exist in single cases, especially for players that were identified on-time by objective MRI diagnostics. Although utilizing subjective coach assessments as an alone-standing tool to assess a player's BMT is not recommended in applied practice, its use can be beneficial when applied in addition to common objective diagnostics or in circumstances where objective data are not available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary aim of this study was to identify levels of fundamental movement skills (FMS) proficiency in primary school children. A secondary aim was to establish if these FMS proficiency levels differentiated between children born in different quartiles of the school year. The results demonstrated overall levels of FMS proficiency were low in both genders with significant differences in FMS proficiency established between genders on several of the skills. In addition, significant differences were shown with some FMS and quartiles of the school year in boys only. In summary, these findings suggest that there is a greater need for a clearer strategy or focus to promote and develop FMS proficiency within the primary school environment. It is also important, for PE teachers, and practitioners, to be aware of the effect of the RAE with FMS proficiency on development, assessment, and selection at this age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Our purpose was to verify the existence of birthplace and relative age effect (RAE), as well as the association between birthplace effect and RAE among Brazilian athletes competing in the Olympic Games. Methods: Data included information about Brazilian Summer Olympic athletes from 1920 to 2021. To investigate RAE, athletes' birthdate was distributed into birth quartiles (Q1: Jan-Mar; Q2: Apr-Jun; Q3: Jul-Sep; Q4: Oct-Dec), while birthplace effect was assessed considering the state and the region (Southeast; Northeast; South; North; and Midwest) of birth. The Chi-square test (X²) was used to verify differences between the birthplace effect and RAE. Results: The sample consisted of 388 Brazilian athletes of both sexes, distributed in 38 sports modalities from 23 Brazilian states (Southeast = 66.5%; South = 14.4%; Northeast = 12.1%; North = 1.5%; Midwest = 5.4%). For both sexes, most of the athletes were from the São Paulo state (37.4%), followed by Rio de Janeiro (18.3%), both from the Southeast region. For birthdate distribution according to birthplace, it was observed that the North region presented the highest frequency of athletes born in Q1 (50%), followed by the Northeast and Southeast regions. No significant differences were found for the birthplace effect (X² = 5.69, value of p = 0.128) and RAE between sexes (X² = 0.530, value of p = 0.912), nor was shown an association between the birthplace effect and RAE. Conclusion: Most Brazilian Olympic athletes are from the Southeast region, but no RAE was established regarding their birthplace. Results from the present study can guide sports public policies in Brazilian regions, especially in the Midwest, North, and Northeast regions, which are underrepresented in Brazilian highperformance sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to examine sex-based age differences in the Norwegian top soccer league, the relationship between age and performance level, and the presence of the relative age effect (RAE) in the same population of players. Players' birthdates were obtained from publicly available databases, and the total sample comprised 663 players (231 women, 432 men) from 26 teams (10 women's teams and 16 men's teams). For the RAE analyses, birth months were categorised in birth quartiles: Q1: January-March, Q2: April-June, Q3: July-September, Q4: October-December. The median age of the players was significantly lower for women than for men [22.1 (15.0-38.2) vs. 24.5 (15.5-38.4) p < .001]. A very large correlation between the median age of the team and the team performance was found in the women's league (rs(10) = -0.72, p = .019), while no correlation was found in the men's league (rs(16) = 0.22, p = .405). Chi-square analysis showed a difference between the observed and expected birth quartile distributions for the total sample, male players, and female players (p < .05). The lower age observed for the women than for the men indicates the need to prolong female players' careers through greater support, allowing them to reach their performance potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to systematically examine the effect of the "Relative Age Effect" on the competitive performance of Turkish National Paralympic athletes in individual and team sports at the international level. The literature between January 1985 and December 2022 was reviewed for a comprehensive assessment of the relative age effect. The methodology of the study was determined as "Basic Qualitative Research" and "Document Analysis" was used as the data collection technique. A descriptive analysis approach such as the Miles-Huberman model was adopted to analyze the data. The population of this research consists of Paralympic national athletes, while the sample consists of Turkish Paralympic national athletes. Density sampling was used as the sampling method, meaning that the selection of the sample was concentrated according to certain criteria. The results obtained highlight that the birth dates of Paralympic Turkish National athletes are concentrated in certain periods and which period of the election year they fall in. Additionally, by examining the birth dates of Turkish athletes who won medals at the Paralympic Games, it was seen that the majority of athletes were born in the first half of the election year. In another dimension of the analysis, paralympic national athletes of both genders, men and women, are also affected by the relative age effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inequalities in relative age distribution have previously been demonstrated to influence participation and performance achievements in Masters athletes. The purpose of the present study was to examine the participation- and performance-related constituent year effect among Masters athletes (N = 2,474) from the European Masters Track and Field Championships across subdisciplines and age. The results indicated that a participation-related constituent year effect was observed. The likelihood of participation was significantly higher for athletes in their first year of any 5-year age category (χ2 = 149.8, p <.001) and decreased significantly when they were in the fourth or fifth year. The results also indicated a performance-related constituent year effect. Masters athletes in their first year won significantly more medals than expected based on observed participation rate (χ2 = 23.39, p <.001). We compare our results with the existing literature and discuss potential mechanisms for this constituent year effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]