Talent Identification In Sport Research Articles

Exploring the Multidisciplinary Factors Affecting Sports Talent Identification.

Talent is one of the most significant factors to promote the development of sports undertakings. The present study aimed to explore the factors affecting the identification of sports talents in China's physical education curriculum. Based on the literature review, this study puts forward a model to examine the influencing factors of sports talent identification in China's physical education curriculum using structural equation modeling and uses the structural equation modeling and factor analysis method to verify the hypothesis combined with the results of 310 effective questionnaires. The article summarizes influencing factors from four aspects, namely, physical, psychological, coach, and environmental factors. On the basis of relevant literature, the hypothesis model was established by structural equation modeling. The results show that the main factors affecting the identification of sports talents in the physical education curriculum are personal physical quality performance, psychological quality, coach's knowledge, and the identification policies of schools to sports talents. The conclusion of this study can provide guidance for the reform of the physical education curriculum, the growth of sports talents, and the development of sports talents in China.

An IoT/FOG based framework for sports talent identification in COVID-19 like situations.

COVID-19 crippled all the domains of our society. The inevitable lockdowns and social distancing procedures have hit the process of traditional sports talent identification (TiD) severely. This will interrupt the career-excellency of athletes and will also affect the future talent in the years to come. We explore the effect of COVID-19 on sports talent identification and propose an IoT/Fog-based framework for theTiD process during COVID-19 and COVID–like situations. Our proposed novel six-layer model facilitates the sports talent identification remotely using the various latest Information and Communication Technologies like IoT, fog and cloud computing. All the stakeholders like experts, coaches, players, institutes etc. are taken into consideration. The framework is mobile, widely accessible, scalable, cost-effective, secure, platform/location independent and fast. A brief case study of cricket talent identification using the proposed framework is also provided.

Sport talent identification among children in Malang

Talent Identification is essential to identify the potential of young athletes to succeed in senior elite sports. This study aimed to identify talent in sports among children in Malang. This research was an observational cross-sectional study involving 356 children (68% boys) who were purposively selected in Malang city based on age criteria (age 11 years old). Several tests and measurements were conducted for talent identification, including anthropometric tests, eye-hand coordination, leg muscle power, arm muscle power, agility, speed, and VO2max. Sports talent identification was conducted based on Norm developed by Narlan and Juniar. The results were matched into a sports talent profile table according to the age and gender of the participants. Results with the sports branch profile norms were matched, if the test results were at least the same or better than the sports study program, then the child was "talented" in that sport. The results of data analysis showed that two children (0.56%) were in the potential category, 58 children (16.29%) were in the moderately potential category, 172 children (48.31%) were in the low potential category, and 124 children (34.83 %) were included in the non-potential category. Judo, triple jump, long jump, high jump, javelin throw, table tennis, and shot put were sports identified as gifted by children in the categories of potential, moderate, and low potential. The results of the study report that children have the potential to be able to excel in Judo, triple jump, long jump, high jump, javelin throw, table tennis, and shot put.

Influence of biological maturation status on selected anthropometric and physical fitness variables in adolescent male volleyball players.

BackgroundThe identification of sport talent among adolescent athletes is a topic that in recent years has been a major focus of interest for both the scientific community and sport managers. Both anthropometry and physical performance through fitness tests have demonstrated to be key elements. Biological maturation, due to its influence on anthropometric variables and physical fitness, has also been studied in relation to sport talent identification.ObjectiveTo analyse differences according to biological maturation status in anthropometric characteristics and performance in physical fitness tests, and to determine which variables predict better performance in physical fitness tests in adolescent volleyball players.MethodsA cross-sectional design was followed to collect the data. A total of 48 male sub-elite volleyball players (14.17 ± 0.73 years) completed a socio-demographic and sports ad hoc questionnaire. Anthropometric variables were measured following the guidelines of the International Society for the Advancement in Kinanthropometry (ISAK) including four basic measurements (body mass, height, sitting height and arm span); eight skinfolds (triceps, biceps, subscapular, iliac crest, supraspinale, abdominal, thigh and calf); four girths (arm relaxed, flexed and tensed arm, middle thigh and calf); five breadths (biacromial, biileocrestal, humerus, femur and bi-styloid); three lengths (acromiale-radiale, radiale-stylion and stylion-medio dactilion); and a height (ilioespinale). Physical fitness was assessed, including the sit-and-reach, back scratch, long jump, medicine ball throw, counter movement jump (CMJ), 20 meters sprint, and agility tests. Furthermore, maturity offset and age at peak height velocity (APHV) was calculated.ResultsSignificant differences were found in the body mass (Mean Difference, MD = 20.86–30.75), height (MD = 11.72–19.09), sitting height (MD = 4.27–10.27), arm span (MD = 12.91–20.78), body mass index (MD = 3.72–5.63), upper limb length (MD = 7.76), corrected muscle girths (MD = 2.06–9.31), ∑6 and 8 skinfolds (MD = 3.67–50.21) fat mass and percentage (MD = 0.30–11.58), muscle (MD = 4.13–10.64) and bone mass (MD = 1.61–3.54) (p < 0.001–0.030), showing higher values the early maturers. In the physical fitness tests, significant differences were observed in the medicine ball throw (MD = 1.26–2.80) and in CMJ power (MD = 156.71–379.85) (p < 0.001). Regression models identified fat mass percentage predicted worse physical test performance (p < 0.001), while age, maturation offset, muscle and bone variables were predictors of better physical performance (p < 0.001).ConclusionsSignificant differences based upon the stages of biological maturation were found in the anthropometric and physical condition variables in favor of the players whose maturation process was more advanced, with the variables related to fat and adipose, muscle and bone development conditioning their performance in the physical condition tests.

The Effect of 16 Weeks of Lower-Limb Strength Training in Jumping Performance of Ballet Dancers.

Jumping ability is considered a determinant of performance success. It is identified as one of the predictors and talent identification in many sports and dance. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 16 weeks of lower-limb strength training on the jumping performance of ballet dancers. A total of 24 participants from the same dance school were randomly selected in the control group [CG; n = 10; aged 13.00 (1.49) years; 43.09 (9.48) kg and 1.53 (0.11) m] and the intervention group [IG; n = 14; aged 12.43 (1.45) years; 38.21 (4.38) kg and 1.51 (0.07) m], evaluated before and after the applied strength training program mainly using the body weight of each participant. Jump performance was assessed using MyJump2, a scientifically validated mobile phone app. Intergroup and intragroup comparisons were assessed, and the magnitude of change was calculated using the effect size (ES). While CG significantly decreased the relative power over time (p < 0.001, ES = −0.29: small), results from the intragroup comparisons suggest that IG significantly increased the countermovement jump (CMJ) height (p < 0.001, ES = 1.21: large), the relative force (p < 0.001, ES = 0.86: moderate), maximal velocity (p < 0.001, ES = 1.15: moderate), and relative power (p < 0.001, ES = 1.37: large). We concluded that a 16-week strength training program of lower limbs is an effective way to improve CMJ height in young dancers. Supplementary strength training appears to be the determinant for the improvement of the jumping performance of ballet dancers.

일본 스포츠 탤런트 발굴 · 육성 시스템 탐색

It is well known that strengthening the national brand through olympic stars has brought hope and happiness to the people. From this background perspective, many countries, including Germany, Australia, and United Kingdom have also adopted sports talent identification and development(STID) as a national project and strategically invested government budgets to win medals in various international competitions, including the olympic games. In the case of Japan, STID’s policy endeavour have been attempted in earnest since around 2004, and voices have been raised on national countermeasures against low birthrates, polarization of sports participation, and women’s avoidance of sports. As a results, Japan ranked third in the Tokyo olympic game, which ended in August 2021, while Korea ranked 16th, the lowest in the top 10 with Beijing (7th), London (5th) in 2012, and Rio (8th) in 2016. This study aims to improve international performance against the backdrop of hosting the Tokyo olympic game in Japan and explore the transition process of the STID program that has been carried out for a long time as a national project from a future-oriented perspective. Through this exploration process, the purpose is to examine the characteristics of each type of talent identification and development in Japan by region and examines useful physical fitness tests and motor performance tests used to detect and select sports talents. The significance of the research is that the sports policies and inspection items investigated in this study are efficiently used to foster Korea’s sports gifted children in the future and contribute to improving international performance.

Correlations of Anthropometric Measurement and Handgrip Strength between Collegiate Cricket Fast and Spin Bowlers

Background: More dimensions in anthropometric variables and dominance of the hand aid in bowler’ssuccess and is easier for coaches/teams to pick and hire on the basis of fast and spin bowlers. Little isknown to date on the relationship between anthropometric measures and handgrip power in collegiatebowlers. Present study is an attempt to quantify the handgrip power of collegiate male cricketers, andto explore its correlations with some selected anthropometric variables.Methods: Forty fast and 37 spin bowlers, aged between 20-25 years (mean age= 22.7±1.2 years) wereselected from match practice group of different colleges in Rahata taluka, Maharashtra. Body heightand mass were measured to calculate body mass index. Handgrip strength was measured with standarddynamometer. Statistical analysis was carried out for each variable and independent t-test was used toanalyze differences between the two groups. Pearson’s correlation coefficient test was done to obtainrelationship between handgrip strength and selected anthropomorphic variables. The significance wasset at 0.05.Conclusion: Anthropometric variables were directly related to handgrip strength among bowlers inthis study. Forearm lengths of spinners were longer than fast bowlers. Handgrip strength was more indominant hand and spinners had more handgrip strength than fast bowlers. These parameters will helpin future for talent identification in handgrip-related sports and/or clinical settings.

The development of swimming in Brazil and its structural intervening factors (El desarrollo de la natación en Brasil y sus factores estructurales intervinientes)

This study aimed to identify how relationships are established in the development of swimming in a Brazilian sports entity, and hypothesized the existence of a structural dynamics sustained by hidden mechanisms of domination. The research consisted of a case study and the sample was a Brazilian sports entity in swimming, chosen from the analysis of the national classification in the period 2013-2018. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with two managers, two athletes and two coaches of the entity. The study had the following analytical categories: structured relationship between performance and participatory sports; coach influence on athlete development; financial support; sports facilities that provide good training conditions; club strategic planning; organization of a public policy framework for sport; political and sports structure; sports talent identification. After systematizing the data, these were analyzed together with Pierre Bourdieu's sociological theory. From the analyzed case, one can confirm the hypothesis that swimming has a relative social distinction in the Brazilian sports sphere, as links hidden mechanisms of domination in a structural way in its management, such as the different positions held in the specific subfield, the principle of capital differentiation, as well as the importance of raising public funds and the symbolic power of the entity.

Developing a tool to assess technical skills in talented youth table tennis players\u2014a multi-method approach combining professional and scientific literature and coaches\u2019 perspectives

BackgroundThe assessment of technical skills as part of a multidimensional approach for talent identification and development in sports seems promising, especially in a technique-based sport like table tennis. However, current instruments mostly focus on a single element of technical skills, mainly use quantitative outcomes, and/or are not developed for talent purposes. Practice would benefit from a new instrument using a more ecologically valid approach. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify the essential elements of technical skills in young table tennis players and to establish a first tool while using a multi-methods study design including an archive search for professional literature, a systematic search for scientific literature, as well as ten in-depth interviews with expert coaches.ResultsThis approach taken ensured empirical findings to be combined with knowledge and experiences from the practical field and detailed explications by high-level expert coaches. Results for the literature searches yielded 23 professional and 21 scientific articles while data saturation was reached through all ten interviews. The triangulation process resulted in two general (i.e., individuality, interconnection between elements) and five specific (i.e., bat grip, ready position, footwork/body positioning, service, stroke) elements of technical skills in young table tennis players. In addition, criteria for both flawed and excellent executions were identified for each of the five specific elements. Finally, these results were used to create an observation sheet usable for an assessment during competition.ConclusionsThis study revealed the crucial elements of technical skills that should be taken into account when assessing sport-specific technical skills of youth table tennis players (8–12 years). Moreover, it provided concise descriptions of what is considered to be flawed or excellent executions of technical skills. Based on these findings, a first observation sheet, the Oldenburg observation sheet for Table Tennis Technique (O3T), was created to be used for the assessment of the current technical skill level within a competitive context at the early stage of a table tennis player’s career. Future research should focus on its measurement properties and its value within a multidimensional assessment for talent purposes.

"Looking for a Golden Needle in the Haystack": Perspectives on Talent Identification and Development in Paralympic Sport.

Despite rapid increases in research on talent identification and development in able-bodied sports, there remains limited knowledge regarding how talent is identified and developed in Paralympic contexts. The purpose of this study was to capture the perspectives of experts (coaches, high-performance managers, and pathway specialists) working in elite Paralympic sport to better understand how they conceptualize, measure, and develop talent. Eight coaches and three performance directors from six Paralympic sports, along with two pathway specialists from Paralympics Australia participated in semi-structured interviews. The results suggest impairment type and, therefore, classification are key indicators of identification and anticipated success, highlighting the importance of educating talent selectors in these areas. In addition, familial (e.g., overprotectiveness, sporting background) and biopsychosocial factors (e.g., resilience, work-ethic, sport-specific skills, other life commitments) were noted as being influential when selecting athletes. There were concerns regarding the disproportionately low number of female athletes in the system, suggesting a need for new initiatives to support early-entry points for female athletes (e.g., education on the benefits of sport participation, supportive environments). High-performance staff also lacked resources to better understand the nuances associated with different impairments and their implications (physiological response to training, associated psychological stresses from injury, identity change). Recruitment strategies included “talent search” days, collaborations with school programs and rehabilitation centers, and helping local clubs support “drop-in” athletes. However, limited funding impacted the sustainability of programs, resulting in a regular turnover of staff, loss of intellectual property, and a weakened pathway system. Results from this study generated several practical implications and future directions for research.

Valores de referencia para estatura, peso e índice de masa corporal en niños, niñas y adolescentes de 2 a 18 años. Una revisión sistemática con énfasis en la población colombiana

Introducción. Las dimensiones corporales básicas (estatura, peso e índice de masa corporal) de niños, niñas y adolescentes son indicadores indispensables tanto en el ámbito de la salud, como en procesos de selección de talentos deportivos. Objetivos. Identificar y sintetizar los estudios originales de investigación sobre dimensiones corporales básicas en niños, niñas y adolescentes de 2 a 18 años publicados entre 2003 y 2018. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura en PubMed, Epistemonikos y Google Académico entre mayo de 2017 y junio de 2018. Se buscaron artículos originales de investigación en inglés, español o portugués que abordaran el perfil morfológico, que hubieran utilizado como criterio de referencia las dimensiones corporales básicas o las de la condición física; que en su población de estudio incluyeran niños, niñas y adolescentes de 2 a 18 años, y que hubieran sido publicados entre 2003 y 2018 en revistas con factor de impacto y de libre acceso. Resultados. Se encontraron 18 artículos que describían el perfil morfológico en niños, niñas y adolescentes de 2 a 18 años, todos de corte transversal. De estos, 5 se realizaron en Colombia y los 13 restantes en países o regiones de América, Europa y Asia. Conclusión. La presente revisión sistemática permitió establecer un valor de referencia para las variables estatura, peso e IMC, y destacó la variabilidad del perfil morfológico básico asociada con el sexo, la edad y el país de evaluación.

Language and Structure in Polarized Communities

In this thesis, we address the problem of stance detection (SD) in social media focusing on polarized political debates in Twitter. SD consists in automatically determine whether the author of a post is in favor or against a target of interest, or whether the opinion toward the given target can not be inferred. We deal with political topics such as electoral events and consequently the targets of interest are both politicians and referendums. We also explore the communications which take place in these polarized debates shedding some light on dynamics of communications among people having concordant or contrasting opinions, particularly focusing on observing opinions' shifting. We propose machine learning models for addressing SD as a classification problem. We explore features based on the textual content of the tweet, but also features based on contextual information that do no emerge directly from the text. Using the English benchmark dataset proposed for the shared tasks on SD held at SemEval 2016, we explore the contribution on SD of investigating the relations among the target of interest and the other entities involved in the debate. Participating to the ``Stance and Gender Detection in Tweets on Catalan Independence'' shared task held at IberEval 2017, we proposed other textual and contextual based features for detecting stance on Spanish and Catalan tweets. With the main aim of facing SD in a multilingual perspective and having an homogeneous setting for multi-language comparisons, we collected tweets in French and Italian also. The multilingual extension of our SD model (multiTACOS) shows that SD is affected by the different styles used by users for communicating stance towards target of different types (persons or referendum) more than the used language. With the aim of retrieving contextual information about the social network of Twitter's users, we created other two datasets, one in English and one in Italian, respectively about the Brexit (TW-BREXIT) and the Italian Constitutional referendum (ConRef-STANCE-ita). In both the case studies, we show that users tend to aggregate themselves in like-minded groups. For this reason, the model takes advantage of knowing the online social community the tweeter belongs to and outperforms the results obtained by using only features based on the content of the post. Furthermore, experiments show that users use different type of communication depending on the level of agreement with the interlocutor's opinion, i.e., friendship, retweets, and quote relations are more common among like-minded users, while replies are often used for interacting with users having different stances. Addressing SD in a diachronic perspective, we also observe both opinion shifting and a mitigation of the debate towards an unaligned position after the outcome of the vote. Then, we observe that accessing to a larger diversity of point of views can influence the propensity to change the personal opinion. We finally show that the usefulness of features based on a graph representation of a domain of interest is not limited to SD, but can be applied to different scenarios. Proposing another classification task that performs talent identification in sport, particularly focusing on the case study of table tennis, we show that networks metrics based on centrality are strong signal for talent and can be used for training a machine learning algorithm model for this task too.

The Contact Between Sports Talent Identification and Tracking of Tall and Short Height

Understanding the qualities of elite athletes is necessary in trying to determine ability as sports talent. However, there are few findings based on analyses that objectively grasp the characteristics of exceptional athletes. If the characteristics of changes with age in tall and short height ranking could be clarified, the physical characteristics of tall and short height judged to be advantageous in certain sports could be identified. In this study, we analyzed the tracking status of tall and short individuals and verified the changes in height ranking level with changes in age. We then verified a logical system for the viewpoint of sports talent identification from the genetic contribution to height after birth. We then established a span evaluation chart for height with age using the wavelet interpolation model, and demonstrated the tracking of height rankings. In other words, individuals ranked as short or tall moved within that rank without change into adulthood. The major significance of this study is thought to be that, by verifying the tracking phenomenon for height, it paradoxically revealed a potential methodology for discussing heritability. By elucidating the tracking of height ranking, a logical system for the viewpoint of identifying sports talent based on the genetic contribution to height after birth could be seen in this study. Thus, if people with superior athletic ability and tall height could be identified from a very young age, it would lead to the identification of future talent in sports where height is an advantage. In sports where short height is an advantage, identifying individuals with superior athletic ability and short height would be beneficial. Therefore, a logical system for sports talent identification may have been established in this study by establishing a tracking analysis for tall and short height rank.

An eye for talent: The recruiters' role in the Australian Football talent pathway.

Talent identification and recruitment (TIR) in elite sport is a complex process with performance and career longevity implications for athletes, sports organisations, and scouts (hereafter referred to as recruiters). Although there is an established body of published research on TIR the critical roles that recruiters perform has only recently gained attention from researchers. In this study, we report on the practices that 12 full time Australian Football recruiters use to inform their TIR decisions. Inductive qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted using open-ended questions. Thematic analysis resulted in the identification of four primary themes (the recruiter, processes and practices, assessment and selection). The results and discussion provide insights and an occupational 'road map' into the important role recruiters perform in sporting organisations.

Understanding the “gut instinct” of expert coaches during talent identification

ABSTRACT Coaches are an integral part of talent identification in sport and are often used as the “gold standard” against which scientific methods of talent identification are compared. However, their decision-making during this process is not well understood. In this article, we use an ecological approach to explore talent identification in combat sports. We interviewed twenty-four expert, international-level coaches from the Olympic disciplines of boxing, judo, and taekwondo (age: 48.7 + 7.5 years; experience: 20.8 + 8.3 years). Findings indicated that when coaches identify talent they rely on “gut instinct”: intuitive judgements made without conscious thought, used to direct attention to particular athletes or characteristics. Our analysis revealed four major contributors to coaches’ intuition: experiential knowledge, temporal factors, seeing athletes in context, and what can be worked with. Our findings demonstrate that i) athlete selections may be influenced by the coaches’ perceived ability to improve certain athletes (rather than solely on athlete ability); and ii) “instinctual” decisions are the result of years of experience, time spent with the athlete, and the context surrounding the decision. Based on these findings, we recommend that future research focuses on the duration and conditions that are required for coaches to confidently and reliably identify talented athletes.

Ethical Principles for Talent Identification in Sports from the Liberal Perspective

ABSTRACT Even though talent identification in sport is considered by many to be a positive phenomenon, there are several controversies associated with the issue. This article deals with these disputations from the liberal position placing the individual at the centre of our focus. Talent identification is viewed as an example of Maxwell’s demon. Based on questionable methods, it provides children with unequal opportunities and builds a barrier preventing their involvement in sport and development. Equality, as defined by Rawls’ theory of justice, and the child’s right to an open future stipulated by Feinberg, may be easily violated by current practice. Further concerns are connected with placing undue emphasis on effort, limitation of resources, pressure on children to specialise at young age and necessity to undergo the whole process of identification, false positive and negative decisions in talent identification and consequential self-fulfilling prophecies. As a result of these issues, seven principles for talent identification in sport from the defined liberal perspective are formulated.

Challenges and [Possible] Solutions to Optimizing Talent Identification and Development in Sport.

The modern-day landscape of Olympic and Professional sport is arguably more competitive than ever. One consequence of this is the increased focus on identifying and developing early athletic talent. In this paper, we highlight key challenges associated with talent (athlete) identification and development and propose possible solutions that could be considered by research and practice. The first challenge focuses on clarifying the purposes of talent identification initiatives such as defining what talent is and how its meaning might evolve over time. Challenge two centers on ways to best identify, select and develop talent, including issues with different approaches to identification, the need to understand the impact of development and the need to have appropriate resourcing in the system to support continued development of knowledge. Finally, we discuss two challenges in relation to the ‘healthiness’ of talent identification and development. The first examines whether a talent identification and development system is ‘healthy’ for athletes while the second focuses on how sport stakeholders could discourage the apparent trend toward early specialization in youth sport settings. Whilst this paper discusses the research in relation to these challenges, we propose multiple possible solutions that researchers and practitioners could consider for optimizing their approach to talent identification and development. In summary, talent is a complex and largely misunderstood phenomenon lacking robust research evidence, and given concerns that it is potentially unhealthy, talent identification and selection at younger ages is not recommended.

Are Physical Education Lessons Suitable for Sport Talent Identification? A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Objectives: The goal of this study was to shed light on the existent knowledge, internationally published over the last decade (2009–2019), on how to deal with talented children in physical education (PE). Methods: A mixed systematic review (SR) was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), registration number: CRD42019117211. Study eligibility criteria: The articles included were selected using the following criteria: (a) studies published in peer-reviewed international journals; (b) studies published from 2009 to 2019 (both inclusive); (c) studies that included quantitative and/or qualitative methods and findings; (d) research conducted within school contexts; (e) articles that focused on both talent/gift and PE, and (f) studies published in English or Spanish. Results: A total of 11 articles were identified. Results showed a gradual change in both methods and instruments used for talent identification (TI) in PE, focused currently on children’s health and involvement in sports. Second, there is consensus on the lack of clarity in schools’ policies and guidelines on how to deal with talented children in PE. Conclusions: Finally, there are alternative programs to elite athlete models that better fit in PE to deal with talented children and to avoid child disengagement in PE and sports.

Comparison of anthropometric profile and handgrip strength between inter-university volleyball players and a reference group

Summary Study aim: In a volleyball game, multiple elements can influence competitive success, e.g. height, arm span and other anthropometric variables. The present cross-sectional study was undertaken to find out whether any differences exist between Indian inter-university male and female volleyball players as well as between players and a reference group in terms of anthropometry and handgrip strength. Materials and methods: The present cross-sectional research was conducted on 114 randomly selected Indian inter-university male (n = 50) and female (n = 64) volleyball players aged 18–25 years. An equal number of reference group individuals who did not participate in any exercise or training programme were also taken. Height, body weight, body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2), hand length, hand breadth, second digit length, fourth digit length, second and fourth digit ratio (2D/4D ratio), upper arm length, forearm length, total arm length, upper arm circumference, hip circumference; humerus and femur biepicondylar diameters, handgrip strength (dominant/non-dominant), arm muscle area, arm area, arm fat area, arm fat index, % body fat, and % lean body mass were measured with equipment including an anthropometer, sliding caliper, handgrip dynamometer and skinfold caliper using standard techniques. The data were analysed using SPSS version 17.0. Student’s t-test was applied for the comparison of data between players and the reference group. Differences between the groups were analysed using the oneway ANOVA test. Bonferroni post hoc test was applied after application of the ANOVA test. Effect size was also calculated. Statistical significance (p &lt; 0.05) was indicated using a 5% level of probability. Results: Male volleyball players had higher mean values in height, body weight, hand length, hand breadth, second and fourth digit length, dominant and non-dominant handgrip strength, humerus and femur biepicondylar diameter, upper arm length, forearm length and total arm length, arm muscle area, arm area and percent lean body mass than the reference group. Similar findings were observed between female players and the reference group also. Statistically significant differences (p &lt; 0.05–0.001) were also observed between male and female players except BMI, 2D/4D ratio, and arm fat area. These findings were supported by the effect size (η) calculations. Conclusion: Volleyball players had better height, weight, hand and arm anthropometrics, handgrip strength and % lean body mass as compared to the reference group. Significant differences were found in anthropometry and handgrip strength between players and reference group individuals, suggesting that these findings could be very useful for player selection and talent identification in sports.

Pattern Recognition on Anthropometric and Fitness Components Relative Birth-month Quartiles among Malaysian Boys and Girls

Biasness selection during talent identification program in sports may occurred due to the chronological age system applied nowadays. The aim of this study is to recognize pattern on anthropometric and fitness components relative birth-month quartiles among studied population. A total of 39372 boys (aged 7.36 ± 0.29 year) and 33723 girls aged (7.34 ± 0.29 year) were classified into four chronological birth-month groups which is first quartile (Q1 - Jan to March), second quartile (Q2-Apr to June), third quartile (Q3 - July to Sept) and fourth quartile (Q4 - Oct to Dec) involved in this study. Multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed significant difference of F(18, 111336), p &lt; 0.0001, p &lt; 0.05 and F (18, 95358), p-value &lt; 0.0001, alpha=0.05 between four birth-month quartiles for boy and girl participants, respectively. Tukey (HSD) follow up test of analysis of variance revealed that studied population are significantly difference in body weight, standing height, explosive leg power, hand-eye coordination and speed for all the contrast with p-value &lt; 0.0001, alpha=0.05. However, result found no significant different for flexibility within all the contrast for boys and girls. Present study also revelaed a stronger influence of RAE among boys as compared to girls. The information of evidence-based of anthropometric and fitness performance according birth-month quartile would able to reduce RAE that may cause bias and subjective decision making for talent identification in sports.