Relative Age Effect Analysis in the History of the Ballon d'Or (1956-2023).

Ballon d'Or is the most important individual award in football, and is a significant measure of excellence. From our knowledge, this is the first study that explored the relative age effect (RAE) throughout the history of the Ballon d'Or. A total of 1899 football players nominated for the award from the first edition in 1956 to the most recent edition (2023) were analyzed. To assess the RAE, the birthdate distributions were categorized into four trimesters. The comparison involved correcting for the uniform distribution using chi-square analysis, with Cramer's V serving as a measure of effect size. Standardized residuals were computed to identify quarters that exhibited significant deviation from the expected values. Odds Ratio and 95% confidence intervals were used to identify discrepancies between trimesters. The results indicated a pronounced presence of an RAE at the global level. However, the longitudinal analysis revealed variations in the behavior of the RAE over time. In the initial decades, there is an overrepresentation of players born in the last months of the year. Subsequently, there is no discernible RAE. In the most recent decades, there has been a clear resurgence of RAE, with an overrepresentation of players born in the first quarters of the year.

Prevalence of hip femoroacetabular impingement deformities in high-level (La Liga) male professional football players.

BACKGROUND: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is considered one of the main causes of hip osteoarthritis in young adults, especially in athletes. In recent years, morphological changes in FAI in the hip have been linked to early and intense sports participation, but studying top-level athlete samples is not easy. This paper presents the prevalence of FAI radiological markers in 120 active white male professional football players in the Spanish First Division League (La Liga) and compares the morphological changes with those of a control group of healthy individuals without significant sport activity. METHODS: The precontract medical evaluation hip X-rays of 120 white male professional football players from four different First Division Spanish football teams were prospectively filed and retrospectively reviewed by a dedicated skeletal radiologist. The footballers' hip X-rays were compared with those of a control group of 80 healthy individuals (age-sex matched) without significant sport activity (obtained from routine work medical checks). RESULTS: The femoral head-neck deformity associated with the Cam type of femoroacetabular impingement was observed in 61.6% of professional football players and only in 11.6% of the control group (p <0.01). The presence of "herniation pit" (11.6%) and os acetabuli (13.3%) also reached statistical significance in the professional football players group. In the other analyzed parameters, no statistically significant differences between the groups were observed. CONCLUSIONS: White professional top-level football players have an increased incidence of abnormal lateral epiphyseal extension ("pistol grip deformity"), os acetabuli and herniation pits.

Influence of quality of life related to perceived foot health between in a rural an urban population: A case-control research.

Foot problems are very common in the community. Studies indicate that between 18% and 63% of people have foot pain or stiffness and that foot problems have a large impact on people's functional decline and a significant detrimental impact on measures of quality of life related to health. The general objective of this research was to compare foot health in people from the rural population compared to people from the urban population and its relationship with quality of life. A case-control descriptive study was developed with a sample of 304 patients, 152 patients from the rural population and 152 patients from the urban population. Quality of life was measured through the SF-36 Health Questionnaire in its Spanish version. The rural population group had a mean age of 46.67 ± 13.69 and the urban population group 49.02 ± 18.29. Regarding the score of the lowest levels of quality of life related to foot problems, the rural population group compared to the urban population group showed: for body pain (52.21 ± 30.71 vs. 67.80 ± 25.28, p < 0.001); and for mental health (69.58 ± 18.98 vs. 64.60 ± 14.88, p < 0.006). Differences between groups were analysed using Student's t-test for independent samples, which showed statistical significance (p < 0.05). This research offers evidence that the rural population presents better levels of mental health and lower levels of bodily pain in the domains of the SF-36 Health Questionnaire comparing with the urban population.

Concurrent Validity and Reliability of Two Portable Powermeters (Power2Max vs. PowerTap) to Measure Different Types of Efforts in Cycling.

The purpose was to assess the concurrent validity and reliability of two portable powermeters (PowerTap vs. Power2Max) in different types of cycling efforts. Ten cyclists performed two submaximal, one incremental maximal and two supramaximal sprint tests on an ergometer, while pedaling power and cadence were registered by both powermeters and a cadence sensor (GarminGSC10). During the submaximal and incremental maximal tests, significant correlations were found for power and cadence data (r = 0.992-0.997 and 0.996-0.998, respectively, p < 0.001), with a slight power underestimation by PowerTap (0.7-1.8%, p < 0.01) and a high reliability of both powermeters (p < 0.001) for measurement of power (ICC = 0.926 and 0.936, respectively) and cadence (ICC = 0.969 and 0.970, respectively). However, during the supramaximal sprint test, their agreement to measure power and cadence was weak (r = 0.850 and -0.253, p < 0.05) due to the low reliability of the cadence measurements (ICC between 0.496 and 0.736, and 0.574 and 0.664, respectively; p < 0.05) in contrast to the high reliability of the cadence sensor (ICC = 0.987-0.994). In conclusion, both powermeters are valid and reliable for measuring power and cadence during continuous cycling efforts (~100-450 W), but questionable during sprint efforts (>500 W), where they are affected by the gear ratio used (PowerTap) and by their low accuracy in cadence recording (PowerTap and Power2Max).

Los Músculos Isquiosurales y su Capacidad Profiláctica sobre la Translación Tibial Anterior en Lesión de Ligamento Cruzado Anterior: Una Revisión Sistemática / The Hamstrings Muscles and their Prophylactic Capacity on Anterior Tibial Translation in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: A Systematic Review

La ruptura de ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) es la lesión de rodilla más común que se trata de una reconstruc- ción quirúrgica. El objetivo principal de esta revisión fue analizar la importancia de la función de los músculos isquiosurales como factor de riesgo de posibles lesiones de LCA. Se llevó a cabo siguiendo las normas Preferred Reported Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta- analyses (PRISMA). La fuente de la recopilación de datos fue la consulta directa de las bases de datos Pubmed, Sportdiscus, Web of Science y Scopus. Para la recuperación documental, se utilizaron varias palabras clave y se evaluó la calidad de los estudios que fueron seleccionados mediante la escala PEDro. Los déficits de la función muscular en los músculos isquiosurales se han relacionado con una mayor translación tibial anterior y, como consecuencia, un incremento del estrés tensional sobre el LCA entre los 10° y 45° de flexión de rodilla. Una co-activación de los músculos isquiosurales con el músculo cuádriceps femoral puede ser de gran ayuda para reducir los factores de riesgo de la lesión LCA.

SUMMARY: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is the most common knee injury to undergo surgery in the sports setting. The main objective of this review was to analyze the importance of hamstring function as a risk factor for potential ACL injury. It was conducted following the Preferred Reported Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The source of data collection was direct consultation of the Pubmed, Sportdiscus, Web of Science and Scopus databases. For documentary retrieval, several key words were used and the quality of the studies that were selected was assessed using the PEDro scale. Muscle function deficits in the hamstrings have been related to increased anterior tibial translation and, as a consequence, increased tensional stress on the ACL between 10° and 45° of knee flexion. A co-activation of the hamstrings with the quadriceps may be helpful in reducing the risk factors for ACL injury.

Efecto de la edad relativa en la élite del balonmano femenino español y su relación con aspectos antropométricos, de rendimiento y velocidad de lanzamiento / Efeito relativo da idade na élite do andebol feminino espanhol e sua relação com aspectos antropométricos, desempenho e velocidade de arremesso / Relative age effect in Spanish elite of female handball and its relationship with anthropometry, physical performance and throwing speed

El efecto de la edad relativa(RAE)es un aspecto de relevancia en el deporte en general y en balonmano en particular. Ha sido objeto de gran cantidad de estudios centrados mayoritariamente en deporte masculino. Los estudios sobre RAEen balonmano femenino, no son tan numerosos, y no aclaran el efecto de la misma en esta modalidad deportiva. Por ello, el objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la existencia deRAEen jugadoras de élite de balonmano, así como valorar dicho efecto en función de variables antropométricas, de condición física y técnico tácticas (velocidad de lanzamiento). Han sido evaluadas 136 jugadoras de balonmano de los ocho primeros equipos de división de honor. Se ha encontrado un RAE(con la prueba de chi-cuadrado) en las jugadoras de balonmano, sustentado por aquellas que formaron parte de los equipos nacionales. No se apreció RAEen las variables antropométricas, ni en las velocidades de lanzamiento con y sin interacción. La lateralidad y el Squat Jump, presentaron RAE. El RAEes importante para llegar a la selección, pero para jugar en la máxima categoría el efecto de la edad relativa no es tan importante. Son necesarios más estudios sobre el RAEen el balonmano femenino. (AU)

Relative age effect(RAE)is an aspect of relevance in sport in general and in handball in particular. It has been the subject of a great number of studies focused largely on men's sport. RAE studies in female handball are not so numerous, and do not clarify the effect of female handball on this sport. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish the effect of RAEon élite handball players, as well as to assess this effect based on anthropometric variables, physical fitness and technical and tactical skills (throwing speed). 136 handball players from the first eight honour division teams have been assessed. RAE has been found (with chi-square test) in the handball players supported by those included in national teams. No RAEwere found on anthropometric variables, nor on throwing speed with and without interaction. Laterality and Squat Juam presented RAE. RAEis important to reach the national team, but to play in the highest category the effect of relative age seems to lose weight Further studies on the effect of RAEon women's handball are needed. (AU)

O efeito da idade relativa(RAE)é um aspecto de relevância no desporto em geral e no andebol em particular. Tem sido objeto de elevado número de estudos centrados em grande parte no andebol masculino. Os estudos sobre RAEno andebol feminino, não são tão numerosos, e não clarejam o efeito da mesma nesta modalidade esportiva. Por isso, o objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a existência do RAEem jogadoras de élite de andebol, assim como valorar este efeito em função das variáveis antropométricas, de condição física e técnico-táticas (velocidade de remate). Foram avaliadas 136 jogadoras de andebol das oito primeiras equipas da divisão de honra. Encontrou-se um RAE(foi usado o teste qui-quadrado) nas jogadoras de andebol sustentado pelas que participam nas seleções nacionais. Não se encontrou RAEnas variáveis antropométricas, nem na velocidade de remate com e sem interação. A lateralidade e o Squat Juam apresentaram RAE. O RAEé importante para chegar às seleções, mas para jogar na categoria máxima o RAEparece perder significado. São necessários mais estudos sobre o RAEno andebol feminino. (AU)

Skateboarding Injuries in Spain: A Web-Based Survey Approach.

BACKGROUND: The inclusion of skateboarding in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games reinforces this activity as a sport. As the number of skateboarders around the world and the difficulty of skateboarding maneuvers continue to increase, the number of skateboarding injuries may also rise. Thus, there is a need for more comprehensive investigations into the practice habits and injuries of skateboarders. PURPOSE: To describe the sports habits and skateboarding injuries of a sample of skateboarders in Spain. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. METHODS: A web-based survey was shared among skateboarders in Spain. The survey collected data related to sports habits, skateboarding practice habits, and injury history. Comparisons between subgroups of sex, age, and experience were also conducted. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 197 participants (89.3% male) with a mean age of 24.4 ± 7.1 years and a mean experience of 9.7 ± 7.2 years. Most respondents (87.8%) reported not participating in any type of skateboarding-specific physical training program. Only 27.4% took part in skateboarding competitions, with a larger number of respondents younger than 18 years participating in competitive events. The mean number of sessions per week was 3.3 ± 1.7, and the mean length of sessions was 3.3 ± 1.5 hours. The majority of participants (87.8%) reported having suffered injuries (n = 323) as a result of skateboarding, mainly affecting the lower limbs (69.7%). The most common injury type was a ligament sprain (39.6%), especially of the ankle (39.3%). This injury was also reported as the most likely to recur (70.1%). A large number of injuries (54.2%) were considered severe (ie, >21 days to recover). Most injuries occurred while skateboarding gaps or stairs, including any type of a jump that involved a difference in height between the take-off and landing surfaces (25.7%). Female participants accounted for a larger number of ligament sprains than expected, and experienced skateboarders were more likely to suffer more severe injuries and head/trunk injuries. CONCLUSION: Respondents to this survey were mainly young male adults who practiced skateboarding recreationally. Respondents of different sexes, ages, and experiences demonstrated different habits and injury patterns. The greater number of severe injuries highlights the need for injury surveillance in skateboarding to inform better prevention and rehabilitation practices.

A 47-Year Comparison of Lower Body Muscular Power in Spanish Boys: A Short Report.

Much of the evidence examining temporal trends in fitness among youth has found a decrease in measures of muscular strength and muscular power over recent decades. The aim of this study was to examine trends in lower body muscular power in Spanish boys over 47 years. In 1969 140 boys (10-11 years; body mass index = 19.24, SD = 2.91 kg/m2) and in 2016, 113 boys (10-11 years; body mass index = 19.20, SD = 3.15 kg/m2) were recruited. Lower body power was assessed using the vertical jump (VJ) and standing long jump (SLJ) tests. Significant differences and a large effect size were shown between groups in the SLJ (p = 0.001; d = 0.94) and the VJ (p = 0.001; d = 0.66). SLJ data in 1969 were higher (1.52 m, SD = 0.19) when compared to the 2016 data (1.34 m, SD = 0.18). The VJ performance of the 1969 sample was also higher (25.95 cm; SD = 6.58) than the 2016 sample (21.56 cm; SD = 4.72). SLJ and VJ performance of the 2016 group decreased 11.8% and 16.9%, respectively. There were no significant differences between groups in body mass index. The results indicate a secular decline in lower body muscular power in 10-11-year-old Spanish boys with no significant changes in body mass index over the 47-year study period.

A new approach to study the relative age effect with the use of additive logistic regression models: A case of study of FIFA football tournaments (1908-2012).

The relative age effect plays an important role in the pursuit of excellence, providing advantage to athletes born at the beginning of the year or near the cut-off date. This phenomenon has been observed in areas such as sports, education or business. Traditionally, the chi-square test has been used to analyze whether there are statistically significant differences in the distribution of births in each of the four quarters of the year. However, this approach is limited, focusing only on the analysis of the response variable, without taking into account the effect of a set of predictive variables. In this paper a new approach is proposed to study the relative age effect with the use of a logistic regression additive model. The new method has been evaluated with a sample of 21,639 players involved in football tournaments organized by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) between 1908 and 2012. New conclusions have been established that the relative age effect exists regarding player age and the year of the competition in male FIFA competitions and its effect is dynamic and complex.

Quadriceps tendon autograft and platelet rich plasma injection to treat chronic Achilles tears-a minimum two-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The possibility of using a bone-tendon quadriceps tendon graft and platelet rich plasma (PRP) injection to enhance healing capability, to solve the defect created by stump retraction in chronic Achilles tendon ruptures was studied in a series of 8 patients. METHODS: A series of 8 patients studied prospectively and followed for more than 24 months is presented. Results were evaluated using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and evaluating pain, level of activity, footwear restrictions, and satisfaction. Statistical analysis was done by the sign test for matched pairs and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Alpha error was set at 0.05. RESULTS: Preoperatively, patients showed an average AOFAS score of 77.25 (range, 67-88). After surgery, AOFAS score showed a marked improvement in all the cases, with an average of 95.6 (range, 87-100). Improvement in AOFAS score results was statistically significant, both for sign test for matched pairs (P=0.008) and for Wilcoxon signed-rank test (P=0.012). All of the patients were satisfied with the results of the procedure, and would undergo it again. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous quadriceps tendon graft (in bone-tendon configuration) has proved as a simple technique that offers good results to patients with tissue defects in the Achilles tendon.

Efecto de la edad relativa en el atletismo español / Efeito da idade relativa no atletismo español / Relative age effect in Spanish athletics

La influencia del trimestre de nacimiento sobre el rendimiento de los atletas ha sido ampliamente estudiada, pero siempre en relación a un periodo temporal. La novedad de este trabajo es estudiar el efecto de la edad relativa en relación a los resultados deportivos. Para ello se analizó el efecto de la edad relativa (EER), denominado RAE en inglés, en los atletas españoles (3.313) que han conseguido las mejores marcas de todos los tiempos atletas desde 1940 hasta la actualidad. Se ha identificado la fecha de nacimiento de los atletas y se ha extraído el mes y el trimestre de nacimiento. La prueba de Chi-cuadrado (χ2 ) se ha utilizado para elaborar los resultados, que muestran que este efecto es consistente tanto en el atletismo masculino como en el femenino. En el atletismo masculino existe en todas las categorías de edad, mientras que en el atletismo femenino el efecto es mucho más débil, apareciendo sólo en la categoría absoluta y en la juvenil. En cuanto a los sectores de competición los resultados no muestran un patrón de comportamiento claro (AU)

A influência do trimestre de nascimento sobre o rendimento dos atletas é uma temática amplamente estudada, mas sempre em relação a um determinado período temporal. A novidade deste trabalho é o estudo do efeito da idade relativa em relação aos resultados desportivos. Assim, analisou-se o efeito da idade relativa (RAE) nos atletas espanhóis (3.313) que conseguiram as melhores marcas de todos os tempos desde 1940 até à atualidade. Utilizou-se o teste do Qui-quadrado para o tratamento dos dados, e os resultados, demonstram que este efeito é consistente tanto no atletismo masculino como no feminino. No atletismo masculino existe em todas as categorias de idade, enquanto no atletismo feminino o efeito é menos claro, aparecendo apenas na categoria absoluta e na juvenil. Relativamente aos setores de competição, os resultados não mostram um evidente padrão de comportamento (AU)

The influence of the trimester of birth on the athlete’s performance has been widely studied, but always related to a temporary term. What is new about this work is that the effect of relative age (RAE) related to sports results is studied. We focus on the effect of relative age on Spanish athletes (3.313) who have achieved the best records ever, what lets us analyse athletes since 1940. The Chi-square test (χ2 ) have been used for the compilation of results, which show that this effect is consistent both in male athletics and in female. In male athletics, it exists in every age category, while in female athletics; the effect is much weaker and only exists in absolute category and young category. With regard to competition sectors, results do not show a clear pattern of performance (AU)

Análisis de las conductas de los entrenadores después del tiro en baloncesto / Análise do comportamento dos treinadores no basquete após o disparo / Analysis of the behavior of coaches in basketball after shot

La presente investigación analiza las conductas de los entrenadores de baloncesto después del lanzamiento a canasta (tanto de los jugadores de su equipo como del equipo contrario) en situaciones de competición en categorías de formación. Intervinieron en el presente estudio tres entrenadores, todos poseen la titulación española oficial necesaria para entrenar en las diferentes categorías. Se han analizado 9 partidos oficiales de la Liga Gallega (3 por cada uno de los 3 entrenadores participantes) y se registraron 1196 conductas tras lanzamiento. El instrumento utilizado para la recogida de datos procede de una adaptación del Coach Behavioral Assessment System (Smith, Smoll y Hunt, 1977; Cruz, 1989) y del Sistema de Observación de las Conductas del Entrenador (Montero, 2004). Tras los resultados obtenidos, se puede afirmar que las conductas de inhibición ('ignorar el error' y 'no reforzar') son las más frecuentes y que el resultado en el marcador está asociado a cambios en el comportamiento de los entrenadores (AU)

O presente trabalho analisa o comportamento dos treinadores de basquete após arremesso à cesta (dos jogadores de sua equipe e da equipe adversária) em situações competitivas nas categorias de formação do basquetebol. São participantes deste estudo três treinadores, todos com as certificações necessárias para ser treinador em diferentes categorias na Espanha. Foram analisados nove jogos oficiais da Liga Gallega (três de cada um dos três treinadores participantes) e 1.196 observações foram feitas após arremessos. O instrumento utilizado para a coleta de dados foi adaptado do Coach Behavioral Assessment System (Smith, Smoll e Hunt, 1977; Cruz, 1989) e Sistema de Observación de las Conductas del Entrenador (Montero, 2004). Como resultados, observou-se que a conduta de inibição ('ignorar erro' e 'não reforçar') são os mais frequentes, e resultado no placar influencia o comportamento dos treinadores (AU)

The study presented below is an analysis of the behavior of basketball coaches after the shot (players of both teams) during the competition in youth categories. In this study, three coaches participed, everybody have the official Spanish qualifications needed to train in different categories. It was analyzed 9 official games of the Galician league (3 each of the 3 coaches participants) and 1196 behaviors were registered after shot. The instrument used for the data collection was an adaptation of the Coach Behavioral Assessment System (Smith, Smoll & Hunt, 1977) and of the Sistema de Observación de las Conductas del Entrenador (Montero, 2004). After the results obtained, we can say that the inhibition behaviors (ignore mistake and not reinforcement) are the most frequently and that the score is associated with changes in the behaviors of coaches (AU)

Efecto de la edad relativa en los mundiales de baloncesto FIBA en cateogrías inferiores (1979-2011) / Efeito da idade na no basquete FIBA mundo em baixa cateogrías (1979-2011) / Relative age effect in lower categories of FIBA basketball world championships (1979-2011)

El efecto de la edad relativa, en inglés, relative age effect (RAE) ha sido ampliamente estudiado en deporte, pero generalmente se centra en estudios realizados en un mismo año o en una misma temporada. El presente trabajo incluye una amplia muestra de Campeonatos del Mundo de Baloncesto FIBA que abarca desde 1979 hasta el 2011, analizando las fechas de nacimiento de 3699 jugadores de baloncesto (1975 hombres y 1724 mujeres) participantes en categorías U17, U19 y U21. Mediante la prueba de chi-cuadrado y utilizando como distribución de contraste la distribución de probabilidad uniforme corregida en función de los días de cada trimestre, se ha encontrado un efecto de la edad relativa en el baloncesto masculino y en el femenino y también agrupando ambos géneros de forma conjunta. Además el efecto de la edad relativa se presenta en todas las categorías de edad (U17, U19 y U21) tanto en el baloncesto masculino como en el femenino (excepto en U21 masculino), siendo en ambos casos más pronunciado en las competiciones en las que participan los deportistas más jóvenes (U17) y progresivamente menos acentuado hasta llegar a las competiciones donde los deportistas tienen más edad (U21) (AU)

O efeito da idade relativa, em inglês relative age effect (RAE), tem sido amplamente estudado no desporto, mas centra-se habitualmente em estudos realizados num mesmo ano ou numa mesma época desportiva. O presente estudo inclui uma ampla amostra de campeonatos do mundo de basquetebol FIBA desde o ano de 1979 até 2011, analisando as idades de nascimento de 3699 jogadores de basquetebol (1975 do sexo masculino e 1724 do sexo feminino) participantes em escalões Sub-17, Sub-19 e Sub- 21. Mediante a prova do qui-quadrado e utilizando como distribuição de contraste a distribuição de probabilidade uniforme corrigida em função dos dias de cada trimestre, encontrou-se um efeito de idade relativa no basquetebol masculino, no basquetebol feminino e também quando se agruparam ambos os géneros. Verifica-se ainda o efeito de idade relativa em todos os escalões etários (Sub-17, Sub-19 e Sub-21) tanto no basquetebol masculino, como no basquetebol feminino (exceto em Sub-21 masculino), sendo em ambos os casos mais evidente nas competições em que participam os desportistas mais jovens (Sub-17) e sendo progressivamente menos evidente até chegar às competições onde os desportistas têm idade mais elevada (Sub-21) (AU)

The relative age effect (RAE) has been widely studied in sports, however these studies are generally focused on the same academic year or sport season. A large sample of FIBA Basketball World Championship between 1979 and 2011 had been included in the current paper, analysing birth dates of 3699 basketball players (1975 men and 1724 women) participants in U17, U19 and U21 categories. Chi-square goodness-of-fit tests were used to compare the trimester of birth distribution (corrected based on the days of each trimester), it has been found a relative age effect in male and female basketball also gathering together both genders. In addition the relative age effect occurs in all age categories (U17, U19 and U21) in both men’s and women’s basketball (except males in U21), being more strong in both cases in the competitions in which younger athletes (U17) participate and progressively less pronounced up to competitions where athletes are older (U21) (AU)

Measuring home advantage in Spanish handball.

Since Pollard established the system for analysing home advantage in 1986, it has been demonstrated and quantified in various sports, including many team sports. This study aims to assess whether home advantage exists in handball, using a sample of more than 19,000 Spanish handball league games. Results of the games played at home and away, the sex of the players, and the levels of the competition were included as variables. In Spanish handball, there was a home advantage of 61%, which means, on average, the team playing at home wins 61% of points available. This value varies according to sex and according to competition level, increasing as competition level decreases and season rank improves.