scholarly journals Talent Identification and Relative Age Effects in English Male Rugby Union Pathways: From Entry to Expertise

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam L. Kelly ◽  
Kevin Till ◽  
Daniel Jackson ◽  
Donald Barrell ◽  
Kate Burke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Confidence Intervals ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Age Effects ◽  
Odds Ratios ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Talent Identification ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Relative Age ◽  
Significant Difference

A common practice in youth rugby union is to group players based on (bi)annual age with fixed cut-off dates. The overrepresentation of players born at the start of the cut-off date and the underrepresentation of players born toward the end of the cut-off date are termed relative age effects (RAEs). The aim of this study was to examine RAEs during entry into professional and international rugby union pathways in England, as well as comparing them to their respective senior cohort: U15 Regional Academy Player (n = 1,114) vs. Senior Professional Player (n = 281) and U16–23 England Academy Player (n = 849) vs. Senior International Player (n = 48). Chi-square (χ2) analysis compared birth quarter (BQ) distributions against expected distributions. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals compared the likelihood of a BQ being selected. Findings revealed a significant overrepresentation of relatively older players compared with their relatively younger peers within both youth cohorts (P < 0.001; BQ1 = 42.5% vs. BQ4 = 9.6%; BQ1 = 36.5% vs. BQ4 = 15.2%). In comparison, there was no significant difference in the BQ distributions within both senior cohorts. Further, BQ4s were 3.86 and 3.9 times more likely to achieve senior professional and international levels than BQ1s and BQ2s, respectively. It is suggested that relatively younger players may have a greater likelihood of achieving expertise following entry into a rugby union talent pathway due to benefitting from more competitive play against relatively older counterparts during their development (e.g., reversal effects; the underdog hypothesis). Moreover, possible solutions (e.g., age and anthropometric banding; playing-up and playing-down) are discussed to encourage practitioners and policy makers to create the most appropriate learning environment for every player.

scholarly journals Relative Age Effects in Basketball: Exploring the Selection into and Successful Transition Out of a National Talent Pathway

Sports ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 101
Author(s):  
Adam L. Kelly ◽  
Sergio Lorenzo Jiménez Sáiz ◽  
Alberto Lorenzo Calvo ◽  
Alfonso de la Rubia ◽  
Daniel T. Jackson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Intervals ◽  
Age Effects ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Odds Ratios ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Relative Age ◽  
Successful Transition ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Playing Time

Relative age effects (RAEs) appear consistently prevalent throughout the youth basketball literature. However, the selection into and successful transition out of a national talent pathway in basketball is yet to be explored. Thus, the primary aim of this study was to explore the influence of relative age, gender, and playing time based on the selection into the Regional Talent Hubs and Basketball England youth teams (U16, U18, and U20) and the successful transition into the England National Senior Teams. Participants who were selected into the male (n = 450) and female (n = 314) Basketball England Talent Pathway were allocated into one of three cohorts: (a) Regional Talent Hubs (U12 to U15; n = 183), (b) England National Youth Teams (U16, U18, and U20; n = 537), and (c) England National Senior Teams (n = 44). A chi-square test was used to compare the birth quarter (BQ) distributions of each cohort against the expected distributions, with a Cramer’s V (Vc) used to interpret effect sizes. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were also calculated to compare the likelihood of each BQ being represented. Males revealed significant RAEs across both the Regional Talent Hubs (p < 0.001, Vc > 0.29, OR = 10) and England National Youth Teams (p < 0.001, Vc > 0.17, OR = 3.1). In comparison, females only had significant RAEs in the Regional Talent Hubs (p < 0.001, Vc > 0.29, OR = 2.3). Despite RAEs being prevalent throughout youth levels, there were no significant differences in the BQ distribution based on playing time and those who made the successful transition to the England National Senior Teams. These findings demonstrate the potential mechanisms of RAEs in basketball, as well as the impetus to explore more equitable competition structures within the England Basketball Talent Pathway.

Relative Age Effects in Women’s Ice Hockey: Contributions of Body Size and Maturity Status

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 124-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina A. Geithner ◽  
Claire E. Molenaar ◽  
Tommy Henriksson ◽  
Anncristine Fjellman-Wiklund ◽  
Kajsa Gilenstam
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Age Effects ◽  
Ice Hockey ◽  
Chronological Age ◽  
Age At Menarche ◽  
Physical Factors ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Relative Age ◽  
Hockey Players

Research on relative age effects (RAEs) in women’s ice hockey is lacking data on participant characteristics, particularly body size and maturity status. The purposes of our study were to investigate RAEs in women’s ice hockey players from two countries, and to determine whether RAE patterns could be explained by chronological age, body size, and maturity status. Participants were 54 Swedish elite and 63 Canadian university players. Birthdates were coded by quartiles (Q1–Q4). Weight and height were obtained, and body mass index and chronological age were calculated for each player. Players recalled age at menarche, and maturity status was classified as early, average, or late relative to population-specific means. Chi-square (χ2), odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI) and effect sizes (Cohen’sw) were calculated using population data across quartiles and for pairwise comparisons between quartiles. Descriptive statistics and MANOVAs were run by quartile and by country. Significant RAEs were found for Canadian players across quartiles (p < .05), along with a Q2 phenomenon (Q2: Q3, Q2: Q4,p < .05). Swedish players were overrepresented in Q3 (Q3: Q4,p < .05). Q4 was significantly underrepresented in both countries (p < .05). The oldest, earliest maturing, and shortest players in both countries were clustered in Q2, whereas the next oldest and latest maturing Swedish players were found in Q3. Age, physical factors, and interactions may contribute to overrepresentations in Q2 and Q3. These findings do not suggest the same bias for greater relative age and maturity found in male ice hockey.

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.

Relative age effects in international rugby union: Consequences of changing the cutoff date and exploring youth to senior transitions

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Adam L. Kelly ◽  
Daniel T. Jackson ◽  
Donald Barrell ◽  
Kate Burke ◽  
Joseph Baker
Keyword(s):  
Rugby Union ◽  
Age Effects ◽  
Relative Age ◽  
Cutoff Date

Relative age effects in rugby union

2021 ◽  
pp. 57-73
Author(s):  
Adam L. Kelly ◽  
Don Barrell ◽  
Kate Burke ◽  
Kevin Till
Keyword(s):  
Rugby Union ◽  
Age Effects ◽  
Relative Age

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies among Municipal Staff in the Municipality of Prishtina

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (23) ◽  
pp. 12545
Author(s):  
Bujar Gashi ◽  
Vesa Osmani ◽  
Rrezart Halili ◽  
Teuta Hoxha ◽  
Agron Kamberi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk Population ◽  
Odds Ratios ◽  
Public Servants ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Municipal Workers ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Different Populations

Background: Some studies have assessed the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in different populations. Very few studies have explored seroprevalence in municipal workers, an important and potentially high-risk population. This study aims to determine the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in municipal workers, with the additional examination of the association of prevalence with various demographic, health-related, and epidemiological factors. Methods: We surveyed and tested for seroprevalence 418 public servants from the municipality of Prishtina, the capital of Kosovo. The primary prespecified outcome was the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, IgG, and IgM. Additional outcomes were crude and adjusted odds ratios of seroprevalence by different factors. Results: 21.1% of municipal workers tested positive for either IgM or IgG. Of these, 9.6% were positive for IgM and 19.4% for IgG. Data showed high levels of adherence to protective measures, e.g., social distancing in the office, but calculation of ORs did not show a significant difference between those reporting adherence to such measures and those reporting nonadherence. Of other examined factors, significantly lower odds were observed for smokers (0.52, 95% CI 0.28, 0.97), while municipal workers with infected family members had elevated odds of seropositivity according to both crude (2.19, 95% CI 1.34, 3.59) and adjusted (2.00, 95% CI 1.17, 3.41) ORs. Conclusions: Most answers from public servants demonstrated compliance to social-distancing policies in the workplace, but analysis of crude and adjusted odds ratios did not suggest a significant effect between municipal workers who followed these guidelines and those who did not. Results from this study help Kosovo policy makers in understanding the level of prevalence of COVID-19 in municipal workers and the effect of different factors on such prevalence. Results from the study could inform future decisions on the design and application of protective measures for municipal workers. Our findings should encourage further research to assess the extent of the spread of COVID-19 to other essential workers in Kosovo, including retail workers.

scholarly journals Students Demotivating Factors in the EFL classroom: The Case of Morocco

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 150
Author(s):  
Youssef BABA KHOUYA
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Writing Test ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Cross Tabulation ◽  
Second Year

This study was conducted to investigate the problem of demotivation in English language learning (ELL) within the Moroccan context. To attain this objective, two instruments were adopted: a questionnaire and a writing test. The participants involved in this study were 201 baccalaureate students (second year) from six secondary schools, 84 were males and 117 were females. The data gathered was quantitatively analyzed through frequency distribution and percentages, Cross-tabulation, Chi-Square Tests, Independent Samples t-Test, in addition to the statistical significance which was set at the level of .05 (95%) for all statistical procedures. Six main findings were reported: (1) students positively perceived themselves in ELL; (2) students did not consider English language as a demotivating factor while learning it itself; (3) students were largely positive towards their teachers of English; (4) crowded classrooms were the main demotivators in learning environment among classmates, textbook of English, and classroom atmosphere; (5) generally, learning environment was the main demotivating factor in ELL; (6) as for gender, there was no significant difference between males and females in terms of the number of demotivating factors that they encountered. In the light of these findings, some pertinent implications were provided. 

scholarly journals The influence of nationality and playing position on relative age effects in rugby union: A cross-cultural comparison.

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
P Kearney
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
South African ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Age Effects ◽  
Cultural Comparison ◽  
Relative Age ◽  
Cross Cultural Comparison ◽  
Sport Culture

Background: Recent research in a French context suggested that relative age effects (RAEs) in rugby union may be influenced by playing position; specifically, that RAEs may be more pronounced in back row players who do not have as extreme an anthropomorphic profile as other forward positions. Methods: In the present study, dates of birth of 6 663 players from four nations (Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa) were analysed for relative age effects. Results: The hypothesis that RAEs would be more pronounced in back row players was not supported. South African rugby was an obvious outlier due to the finding that RAEs were present across all playing units. These results suggest that late maturing players have been disproportionately lost to the South African system across all positions. Conclusion: Nation-specific youth sport culture appears to be more important than playing position for determining who is at risk of RAEs in rugby union.

scholarly journals The relative age effect in Brazilian soccer: so what?

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-70
Author(s):  
Dalmo Roberto Lopes Machado ◽  
Pedro Pugliesi Abdalla ◽  
Ana Claudia Rossini Venturini ◽  
André Pereira Dos Santos ◽  
Nilo Cesar Ramos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Partial Correlation ◽  
Technical Skills ◽  
Age Effect ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
Relative Age ◽  
Relative Age Effect ◽  
Significant Difference

Objectiveː our purpose was a) to describe the Relative Age Effect occurrence in Brazilian elite youth soccer players; b) to identify the association between Relative Age Effect and technical skills and c) to examine how Relative Age Effect can affect Physical Fitness. Method: Eighty-one Brazilian elite soccer players from three age-group teams (U-15, U-17 and U-20) were classified by birth quartiles according to their date of birth. Relative Age Effect was determined when there was a statistically significant difference between players who were born in BQ1 (January through March) to the other birth quartiles (Chi-Square). The association between Relative Age Effect and Technical Rankings was verified by the correlation. The partial correlation controlled for date of birth and for maturity offset was also performed. Relative Age Effect on Physical Fitness was verified by the variance (ANOVA) of its components on each team’s birth quartiles. Results: Players born in BQ1 were the most selected in U-15 (60%) and U-17 (35%) teams, but not in U-20 (25%). A low to moderate (Rho = 0.04 to 0.53) correlation was found between birth quartiles and Technical Rankings, while date of birth and maturation (partial correlation) effects were identified in the U-15 team. Although birth quartiles do not affect Physical Fitness (ANOVA), it may favour some Physical Fitness components (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The greater risk of Relative Age Effect in younger teams is due to the greater emphasis on technical skills. When date of birth and maturation are controlled for, the association between Technical Rankings and birth quartiles is reduced. There was no evidence that Relative Age Effect affected the players’ game performance.

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