Early Sport Specialization and Relative Age Effect: Prevalence and Influence on Perceived Competence in Ice Hockey Players

Abstract

The relative age effect (RAE) and early sport specialization (ESS) have been of growing interest in the sports world, especially in ice hockey, because of their potential adverse effects. However, little is known about their distribution within each level of play in Canadian minor ice hockey, or whether they influence young people’s perceived competence, a variable of interest in long-term sports development. A sample of elite adolescent players (N = 204) and a sample of recreational and competitive players (N = 404) were used to measure these constructs, and chi-square tabulations were conducted to compare their distribution. Our results reveal that RAE (χ2 = 20.03, p < 0.01, Cramer’s V = 0.13) and ESS (χ2 = 66.14, p < 0.001, Cramer’s V = 0.24) are present, but there are apparently no gender differences in their distributions. Neither the level of RAE nor ESS seems to affect the perceived competence of the players, regardless of gender. The results of this study highlight the presence of RAE and ESS in Canadian minor ice hockey, especially at the elite level, but indicate that they do not affect the self-perception of ice hockey players. Additional research on these concepts is needed to obtain a complete picture of their potential impact on sports development.

The Relative Age Effect in Ice Hockey: Analysis of Its Presence, Its Fading and of a Reversal Effect among Junior and Professional Leagues

“…In fact, early born players displayed higher levels of physical attributes, which justified their selection. More recently, similar results were observed among cohorts of Canadian male and female players who took part in evaluation camps (Huard Pelletier and Lemoyne, 2022). In consequence of such results, the pool of available players for future drafts (e.g., junior, professional, national teams) came mostly from early born athletes.…”

Special Issue “Talent Identification and Development in Youth Sports”

“…In relation to 'relative age effects', relatively older athletes (i.e., those born near the start of the selection cut-off date) are generally considered to have greater potential and likelihood of being selected. This provides them with more exposure to organised activities (e.g., practice, competition) and resources (e.g., facilities, specialist support), which can facilitate their long-term performance towards adulthood [4].…”

Perceived competence in ice hockey and its associations with relative age, early sport specialization, and players’ position

“…Furthermore, this approach is often motivated by the desire to progress rapidly and maximize the chances of success in a given discipline ( Normand et al, 2017 ); the result is increasing reports of negative effects such as a greater number of overuse injuries ( Bell et al, 2018 ) and psychological issues leading players to quit the sport ( Keegan et al, 2010 ). In Canadian youth hockey, early sport specialization is prevalent across all age groups and playing levels, regardless of gender ( Huard Pelletier and Lemoyne, 2022 ). It’s important to determine whether specialization impacts players’ perceived competence.…”

“…However, different studies have produced conflicting results. One study suggests a connection between specialization and perceived physical self-concept ( Huard Pelletier and Lemoyne, 2020 ), while another shows opposite results for perceived competence, specifically in ice hockey ( Huard Pelletier and Lemoyne, 2022 ). According to a review by Mosher et al (2022) , we must now attempt to better understand the mechanisms behind the potentially harmful effects of early sport specialization.…”