Influential Factors on the Relative Age Effect in Alpine Ski Racing

Abstract

The relative age effect (RAE), which refers to an over-representation of selected athletes born early in the selection year, was proven to be present in alpine ski racing in all age categories at both national and international levels. However, the influential factors on, or the causal mechanisms of, the RAE are still unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine three possible influential factors on the relative age effect in alpine skiing: physical performance, anthropometric characteristics and biological maturational status. The study included the investigation of 282 elite Austrian youth ski racers and 413 non-athletes (comparison group) of the same age (10–13 years) and region. Six physical performance tests were performed, body mass and height were assessed, and the age at peak height velocity (APHV) was calculated. A significant RAE was present in the ski racers. No differences were shown in the physical performance characteristics or in the calculated APHV between the relative age quarters. These results suggest that ski racers born in the last quarter can counteract the relative age disadvantages if they already present the same level of physical performance and maturational status as those born at the beginning of the year. The height and weight of ski racers born at the beginning of the year were significantly higher compared to the non-athletes, and ski racers born in relative age quarter 1 were taller and heavier compared to the ski racers of the other quarters. This indicates that the anthropometric characteristics influence the selection process in alpine ski racing, and that relatively older athletes are more likely to be selected if they exhibit advanced anthropometric characteristics.

Maturity status influences the relative age effect in national top level youth alpine ski racing and soccer

“…These relative age advantages have led to the RAE phenomenon, which was initially documented in Canadian ice hockey [ 7 ], and since then, its presence has been proven in many other sports, as well. 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 ].…”

“…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 ]. The existence of a RAE indicates that many relatively younger athletes do not get the chance to reach elite level despite their talents and efforts, they often drop out of sport early and go unnoticed [ 10 – 13 ]. As a consequence, it can be assumed that there is a severe loss of talent due to the existence of the RAE.…”

“…This is especially true in sports with high demands on strength and power as evidenced by the selection of youth athletes who were identified as being above average in height and weight compared to age-matched non-athletes [ 4 ]. In youth alpine ski racing, Müller et al [ 10 , 11 ] proved the influence of the biological maturity status on the selection and thus, on the RAE. Athletes selected for national final races were significantly more mature compared to athletes competing only at provincial levels.…”

Relative age effects in Japanese athletes: A 25-year historical analysis

“…RAEs have been confirmed in many sports, including soccer [1,2], baseball [3,4], basketball [5,6], handball [7], swimming [8,9], track and field [10,11], sumo wrestling [11], rugby [12], and alpine ski racing [13,14]. The attributes of greater height, mass, aerobic power, muscular strength, endurance, and speed provide performance advantages in most sports, giving relatively older children advantages in sporting ability, psychological confidence, instruction, and playing time [15] In addition to physiological and psychological factors, the competition principle has also been considered as an important factor affecting RAEs.…”

Relative age effects in male Japanese professional athletes: A 25-year historical analysis

“…Within the same age category, there can be a difference of almost a full year between the oldest and youngest children. RAEs have been con rmed in many sports, including soccer [1,2], baseball [3,4], basketball [5,6], handball [7], swimming [8,9], track and eld [10,11], sumo wrestling [11], rugby [12], and alpine ski racing [13,14]. The attributes of greater height, mass, aerobic power, muscular strength, endurance, and speed provide performance advantages in most sports, giving relatively older children advantages in sporting ability, psychological con dence, instruction, and playing time [15].…”