scholarly journals The relative age effect in FIFA U-17 World Cup: The role of the playing position and the continent

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 12-18
Author(s):  
ALI IŞIN ◽  
TUBA MELEKOĞLU
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Age Effect ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Football Players ◽  
World Cup ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Relative Age ◽  
Relative Age Effect

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the relative age effect of the countries which attended the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup and to research the relative age effect in terms of continents and the players’ position. Material and methods: 504 male football players from 24 countries which participated in the U-17 World Cup in India in 2017 were included in the study. Football players’ dates of birth were grouped into periods of three months in quarter years (Q): Q1 – January-March, Q2 – April-June, Q3 – July-September, Q4 – October-December. To study the sub-group differences of the relative age effect, meaningful chi-square (χ²) values were followed by calculating the odds ratio and %95 confidence intervals. To determine the effect size, Cramer’s V was used. Results: The relative age effect was based on quarter years’ distributions. Significant differences were found among age quartiles for all teams in FIFA U-17 World Cup. However, when the variables analysed were according to the continents, the relative age effect disappeared in Africa, Asia and Oceania. Conclusions: In the comparison of the players’ continents, a relative age effect was observed in Europe, North America, and South America. When the players’ positions are compared, a relative age effect was found in defenders, midfielders and forward players.

Relative age effects in American professional football

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 185-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack F. Heneghan ◽  
Michael C. Herron
Keyword(s):  
Football Player ◽  
Age Effect ◽  
Age Effects ◽  
American Football ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Physiological Factors ◽  
Relative Age ◽  
Relative Age Effect ◽  
Athletic Success

Abstract We test for the existence of relative age effects in professional American football. In a sample of 18,898 football players born on or after 1940, there is an excess of January and February births – consistent with a relative age effect associated with calendar year – as well as a slight increase in September births – consistent with the fact that some football players we analyze attended high school in states with fall school cutoff dates. We consider the possibility that relative age effects may affect skilled football positions more than positions relying heavily on player weight, and we find suggestive evidence of this. Lastly, and contrary to what has recently been shown in professional hockey, we find no evidence that misguided preferences for relatively older players lead to selection-based inefficiencies in football player drafting. Our results have implications for evaluating potential football players and speak broadly to the role of physiological factors beyond player control on athletic success.

scholarly journals The Relative Age Effect in Spanish Female Soccer Players. Influence of the Competitive Level and a Playing Position

2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Sedano ◽  
Roel Vaeyens ◽  
Juan Carlos Redondo
Keyword(s):  
Age Distribution ◽  
Age Effect ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Birth Date ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Level Of Involvement ◽  
Relative Age ◽  
Relative Age Effect ◽  
Almost All

Abstract The purposes of the study were to examine relative age effects (RAEs) in Spanish female soccer and to identify the influence of a playing position. The sample comprised all female players (n=4035) of five different competitive levels in the 2010-2013 seasons: First, Second and Third divisions (n=936, n=1711 and n=870, respectively), and National and Regional (n=232 and n=286, respectively) teams were included. Differences between the observed and expected birth-date distributions were tested based on data from the general Spanish population, using the chi-square statistic followed up by calculating odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results revealed that the birth-date distributions of almost all groups of football players showed an overrepresentation of players born in the first quartile. Only in the lowest level was age distribution not significantly different from that of the general population. Moreover, the RAE risk progressively increased with a higher level of involvement. It was also observed that at some playing positions the birth-date distributions were significantly biased. That was the case for goalkeepers and defenders. It could be concluded that in the current structure of Spanish female soccer there is a relative age effect, probably due to the early processes of talent identification.

scholarly journals Relative Age Effect in Elite German Soccer: Influence of Gender and Competition Level

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Götze ◽  
Matthias W. Hoppe
Keyword(s):  
Effect Size ◽  
Age Effect ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Large Effect Size ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Relative Age ◽  
Relative Age Effect ◽  
Small Effect Size ◽  
Competition Level ◽  
German Adult

The relative age effect (RAE) is associated with (dis)advantages in competitive sports. While the RAE in elite male soccer reveals a skewed birthdate distribution in relation to a certain cut-off date, research of RAE in elite female soccer is affected by small number of samples and conflicting results. The purpose of this study was to investigate the RAE in elite adult German soccer regarding gender and competition level. The sample comprised 680 female and 1,083 male players of the two top German leagues during the 2019/20 season and German national teams (A-Team to Under 19). Differences between the observed and expected birthdate distributions were analyzed using chi-square statistics and effect sizes followed by calculating odds ratios. Results showed a statistically significant RAE with small effect size across all players included for both genders (female players: P < 0.001, W = 0.16, male players: P < 0.001, W = 0.23). The identified RAE was based on an over-representation of players born at the beginning of the year. According to gender and competition level, RAEs were more pronounced in German male soccer. While significant RAEs were found among males in the first two leagues (first league: P < 0.001, W = 0.19, second league: P < 0.001, W = 0.26), the RAE of females was more pronounced in the second league (first league: P = 0.080, W = 0.16, second league: P = 0.002, W = 0.20). The analysis of RAE regarding the national teams revealed a statistically significant RAE with large effect size for only the youngest investigated age group of male players (Under 19: P = 0.022, W = 0.52). Our data show an RAE in female and male German adult soccer, which could be accompanied by a loss of valuable elite players during the youth phase of the career. Consequently, the pool of talented players at the adult level would be limited.

scholarly journals The relative age-related participation trends in European Badminton

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 37-45
Author(s):  
MERT BILGIC ◽  
ERHAN DEVRILMEZ
Keyword(s):  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Age Effect ◽  
The Other ◽  
Equal Opportunities ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Relative Age ◽  
Goodness Of Fit Tests ◽  
Relative Age Effect ◽  
Age Related ◽  
European Youth

Background: T he purpose of this study was to identify the relative age effect (RAE) in European youth badminton through examining participation trends. Material and methods: T he birthdate distributions of 1909 badminton players (males = 994, females = 915) participating in the last three consecutive European U15, U17 and Junior (U19) Badminton Championships were analysed. Chi-square (χ²) goodness-of-fit tests were used to determine inter-quartile differences, and odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated in order to compare quartiles with each other. Results: Statistically significant over-representation of players born shortly after the cut-off date was determined. Regarding gender, RAE was more notable in males compared to females, and the strongest results were determined in U15 compared to the other age categories. Moreover, striking trends were determined in Q1–Q4 comparisons, particularly as players in Q1 were more than twice for females and thrice for males as likely to participate in the European Badminton Championships. Conclusions: F indings of this study confirm the presence of RAE in European youth badminton though decreasing its intensity with age. Certain precautions or different approaches should be taken into consideration to organize the age categories, such as biological markers, variations, rotations or age quota for equal opportunities.

scholarly journals RELATIVE AGE EFFECT AMONG YOUNG CROATIAN TAEKWONDO COMPETITORS

2021 ◽  
pp. 86-89
Author(s):  
Matej Babić ◽  
Dražen Čular ◽  
Igor Jelaska
Keyword(s):  
Age Effect ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Weight Category ◽  
Relative Age ◽  
Relative Age Effect ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Effect Of Age ◽  
Selection Of

Aim of this research was to identify and analyse relative age effect (RAE) on sample composed of young Croatian taekwondo competitors. In order with aim of research, for medal winners (n1=72) and other competitors (n2=187) who competed at Croatian taekwondo cadet championship 2015, date of birth, weight category and sport success were extracted. By conducting of Chi-square test on all competitors (n=259) it is proven there is non-significant difference (χ2=12.28; p=0.34) between expected and observed frequencies according to month of birth. Furthermore, significant difference between observed and expected frequencies according to year of birth of medal winners (χ2=45.31; p<0.01) is confirmed. Results of this research are pointing on presence of RAE which could lead to mistakes in selection of young athletes. Authors are suggesting to minimize allowed age range for competition, or to separate competitors in more age categories, which would enable more equal competitions and reduce effect of age on sport success.

scholarly journals The Relative Age Effect in Czech U14 Male and Female Tennis Players in 2007–2016

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 50-60
Author(s):  
Roman Koloničný
Keyword(s):  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Age Effect ◽  
Goodness Of Fit Test ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Tennis Players ◽  
Relative Age ◽  
Relative Age Effect ◽  
Junior Tennis ◽  
The Impact

The issue of the Relative Age Effect (RAE) has been long researched, discussed and published both in the academic and coaching community and the number of studies on it in various sports has significantly grown in recent years. The aim of this study was to verify the existence of RAE among Czech male (n = 6552) and female (n = 4131) junior tennis players and to identify possible differences in birthdate effect between male and female players. The research was carried out in players registered in the years 2007–2016 in the U14 age category in Czech Tennis Association (CTA) database; the athletes were divided into three subgroups (‘Ranked’, ‘Top 100’, ‘Top 10’). Research data were analysed by the methods of descriptive and inferential statistics: relative and absolute frequency, chi-square goodness of fit test () and chi-square test of independence () with the use of effect size (ES index w). A declining tendency of frequencies from Q1 to Q4 between male and female junior players was proven in all three subgroups.In the whole period of 2007–2016, a significant and strong RAE was demonstrated only in the ‘Top 10’ male subgroup (RAE was significant and ES was small or trivial in the other two subgroups). Among the female players, RAE was significant in all three subgroups (ES was small or trivial). Gender differences in RAE in favour of male players were significant in ‘Top 100’ and ‘Ranked’ (ES was small or trivial in all three subgroups). In the short and long term, RAE can have significant implications for the sport development of athletes; both coaches and the professional public can therefore be recommended to pay attention to this issue. The impact of RAE in sport, i.e. the uneven distribution of athletes’ birthdates, is more pronounced especially among junior athletes and often significantly affects their sports development and career.

The Relative Age Effect in Top100 Female Tennis Players (2014–2018)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrián Agricola ◽  
Michal Bozděch ◽  
Martin Zvonař ◽  
Jiří Zháněl
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Age Effect ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Tennis Players ◽  
Relative Age ◽  
Relative Age Effect ◽  
Small Influence ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Medium Influence

The theory of Relative Age Effect (RAE) works on the assumption that athletes born at the beginning of a calendar year are more successful than athletes born in the end of the year. The athletes born early have a significant probability of a higher level of physiological, mor-phological and psychological abilities than later born athletes. Several studies show that the RAE was not found in females or it was significantly lower than in males. The research objective was to find out the influence of RAE in WTA Tour TOP100 female professional tennis players (n=500) in 2014–2018. Cohen’s effect size (ES) w was calculated to assess the level of the influence of RAE. To assess the differences between the observed and the expected relative age quarter distribution, Chi-Square test (ꭕ2) was used. In terms of effect size (ES), a medium influence of RAE has been proven in 2016 and 2017 (w = 0.33, resp. w = 0.30); a small influence has been proven in years 2014, 2015, 2018 and in the whole observed period 2014–2018. Based on statistical analysis, the influence of RAE cannot be rejected in years 2016 (p 0.05). The next step was to assess the influence of RAE on the final WTA ranking in 2014–2018. Players have been divided into four intervals: 1–25, 26–50, 51–75 and 76–100 positions. ES has showed the medium influence of RAE in 76–100 positions (w = 0.34); only small influence of RAE was found in other positions. Statistical analysis showed that the influence of RAE cannot be rejected in 1–25, 26–50 and 76–100 positions (p < 0.05): it can be rejected in 54–75 positions. The results of the research have shown the medium influence of RAE in 2016 and 2017: in the recent years (and in the whole observed period of 2014–2018), the influence of RAE was small. The influence of RAE on the final WTA ranking is also small, except the 76–100 positions.

scholarly journals Academic Timing and the Relative Age Effect Among Male and Female Athletes in Canadian Interuniversity Volleyball

2019 ◽  
Vol 127 (1) ◽  
pp. 182-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabrina Safranyos ◽  
Laura Chittle ◽  
Sean Horton ◽  
Jess C. Dixon
Keyword(s):  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Student Athletes ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Age Effect ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Relative Age ◽  
Playing Field ◽  
Goodness Of Fit Tests ◽  
Relative Age Effect

This study examined the moderating effects of academic timing on the relative age effect in men's and women's U Sports (formerly Canadian Interuniversity Sports) volleyball. Interuniversity sport exists within an academic setting and encompasses different age groups within a single team, making it necessary to account for the academic timing of student athletes when studying the relative age effect. To be considered “on-time,” a student athlete's birthdate and expected athletic eligibility status must coincide, while a “delayed” student athlete will have an athletic eligibility corresponding with a younger cohort. We collected birthdates and eligibility years from the U Sports eligibility certificates of 2,780 male and 3,715 female athletes for the years 2006–2007 through 2013–2014; we then classified athletes as either on-time or delayed. We used a chi-square (χ2) goodness-of-fit tests to compare the observed distributions of student athletes' actual versus “expected” births across each quartile. Our analyses demonstrated an advantage for athletes born in the first half of the selection year. These results suggest that delaying entry into university may help equalize the playing field for relatively younger athletes wishing to compete in U Sports volleyball.

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