Abstract

Since the relative age effect (RAE) characterizes a problem in all age categories of alpine ski racing and soccer and the fact that, yet, to date the underlying factors have not been well investigated, the aim of the present study was to assess the influence of the biological maturity status on the RAE among youth alpine ski racers (YSR) and soccer players (SP).In total, 183 male and female YSR selected for national final races and 423 male SP selected for Elite Youth Development Centres were investigated. Additionally, a comparison group of 413 non-athletes was evaluated. The birth months were split into four relative age quarters. The biological maturity status was assessed by the age at peak height velocity (APHV) method; according to the M±SD of the comparison group, the athletes were divided into normal, early and late maturing. Chi2-tests indicated a significant RAE among YSR (χ2(3,N = 183) = 18.0; p<0.001; ω = 0.31) and SP (χ2(3,N = 423) = 33.1; p<0.001; ω = 0.28). In total, only a small number of late maturing athletes were present (0.5–2.3%). Among relatively younger athletes, high percentages of early maturing athletes were found (43.1–43.3%).The findings indicate that relatively younger and less mature athletes are marginalized or totally excluded in alpine ski racing and soccer. Thus, selection criteria in both sports are effectively based on early biological development and relatively older age, both of which should be considered in future in the talent selection process. In this context, the easy feasible method of assessing the APHV can be used.

Highlights

  • The relative age effect (RAE) is a well-documented phenomenon in diverse types of sports

  • A highly significant RAE was found among the ski racers and the soccer players

  • Among the soccer players significant differences were found between quarter 1 (Q1) and quarter 4 (Q4)

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Summary

Introduction

The relative age effect (RAE) is a well-documented phenomenon in diverse types of sports. Maturity influences the relative age effect in youth ski racing and soccer competition categories are classified based on chronological age [2,3,4,5] In this context, January 1 is often used as the cut-off date for each selection year [2,4,6]. Two recently published review-articles demonstrated that the RAE in soccer [8] and alpine ski racing [9] is present in all age categories at both national and international levels Based on these findings, strategies in the talent development systems in these sports should be changed in order to contribute to more fairness because talent in a sport does not depend on the birth month [6].

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