Propuesta de indicadores para la selección de atletas en poomsae para el alto rendimiento. Validación práctica

La investigación propuesta, en el área de selección de talentos en el alto rendimiento, específicamente en la modalidad de poomsae, en su evento free style, representa un estudio estratégico, pues se encontraron limitaciones en el proceso de selección en dicha modalidad deportiva. Por lo que este trabajo presentó como objetivo evaluar los indicadores técnicos para la selección de atletas con respecto a la modalidad de poomsae en su evento free style. Esta selección se realiza acorde con las exigencias reglamentarias competitivas actuales, aplicadas por la Federación Mundial de este deporte. Se utilizaron métodos de nivel teórico inductivo-deductivo, analítico-sintético, así como histórico y del nivel empírico, la revisión documental y la medición. Se midieron los ángulos de los indicadores propuestos, a través del software biomecánico Kinovea. La técnica estadística utilizada fue el procesador estadístico SPSS 20. Se definieron y evaluaron de forma práctica los indicadores flexibilidad (splits central, lateral izquierdo, lateral derecho) con una media de 10.25 puntos; técnicas de pateo (pateos básicos, mantención, pateos con giro en el aire) con resultados de media de 2.5; 1,9 y 1.87 puntos; saltos acrobáticos (saltos en horcajadas, saltos en splits izquierdo, saltos en splits derecho) y los elementos acrobáticos con resultados de media de 8.69 y 2.21 puntos, para el proceso de selección de las escuelas de iniciación deportiva escolar en la modalidad de poomsae en su evento free style.

A pesquisa proposta, na área de seleção de talentos no alto rendimento, especificamente na modalidade poomsae, em sua prova de estilo livre, representa um estudo estratégico, uma vez que foram encontradas limitações no processo de seleção na referida modalidade esportiva. Portanto, este trabalho apresentou o objetivo de avaliar os indicadores técnicos para seleção de atletas no que diz respeito à modalidade poomsae em sua prova de estilo livre. Esta seleção é feita de acordo com os requisitos regulamentares competitivos em vigor, aplicados pela Federação Mundial desta modalidade. Foram utilizados métodos de nível teórico indutivo-dedutivo, analítico-sintético, bem como de nível histórico e empírico, revisão documental e mensuração. Os ângulos dos indicadores propostos foram medidos através do software biomecânico Kinovea. A técnica estatística utilizada foi o processador estatístico SPSS 20. Os indicadores de flexibilidade (abertura central, lateral esquerda, lateral direita) foram definidos e avaliados de forma prática com média de 10,25 pontos; técnicas de chutes (chutes básicos, segurar, chutes com giro no ar) com resultados médios de 2,5; 1,9 e 1,87 pontos; saltos acrobáticos (saltos de passada, saltos divididos à esquerda, saltos divididos à direita) e elementos acrobáticos com resultados médios de 8,69 e 2,21 pontos, para o processo seletivo das escolas de iniciação esportiva escolar na modalidade poomsae em sua prova de estilo livre.

The proposed research, in the area of talent selection in high performance, specifically in the poomsae modality in its free style event, represents a strategic study, since limitations were found in the selection process in said sporting modality. Therefore, this work presented the objective of evaluating the technical indicators for the selection of athletes with respect to the poomsae modality in its free style event. This selection is made in accordance with the current competitive regulatory requirements, applied by the World Federation of this sport. Theoretical level methods like inductive-deductive, analytical-synthetic and historical were used and from the empirical level, documentary review and measurement, and the angles of the proposed indicators were measured through the Kinovea biomechanical software. The statistical technique used was the SPSS 20 statistical processor. There were defined and evaluated in a practical way the indicators of flexibility (central, left lateral, right lateral splits ) with an average of 10.25 points; kicking techniques (basic kicks, holding, kicks with spin in the air) with average results of 2.5; 1.9 and 1.87 points; acrobatic jumps (stride jumps, left split jumps , right split jumps ) and acrobatic elements with average results of 8.69 and 2.21 points, for the selection process of school sports initiation schools in the poomsae modality in their free style event .

Reliability of Two Recently Developed Procedures Assessing Biological Maturity by Ultrasound Imaging-A Pilot Study.

During puberty, the biological maturity of children of the same chronological age differs. To generate equal opportunities for talent selection in youth sports, the athlete's biological maturity should be considered. This is often assessed with a left hand and wrist radiography. Alternatively, ultrasound (US) could be advantageous, especially by avoiding ionizing radiation. This pilot study aimed to assess intrarater and interrater reliability of an experienced and a non-experienced examiner in an US-based examination of the knee in 20 healthy females (10-17 years). Epiphyseal closure at five anatomical landmarks was staged (stages 1-3) and its interrater and intrarater reliabilities were analyzed using Cohen's kappa (k). Interrater reliability of the calculation of the ossification ratio (OssR) was analyzed using the Bland-Altman method and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Interrater reliability for the stages was almost perfect for four landmarks. Interrater reliability ranged from k = 0.69 to k = 0.90. Intrarater reliability for the stages was almost perfect for four landmarks. Intrarater reliability ranged from k = 0.70 to k = 1.0. For the OssR, ICC was 0.930 and a minimal detectable change of 0.030 was determined. To conclude, experienced and non-experienced examiners can reliably assign individuals to different ossification stages and calculate an OssR using US-based imaging of the knee.

An early start at a professional soccer academy is no prerequisite for world cup soccer participation.

Introduction: 829 players from 32 nations on five continents participated in the 2022 men's World Cup tournament in Qatar. Not much is known about the youth careers of World Cup players from all over the world, especially about the age at which they began playing youth soccer in a professional academy. This study aimed to provide insights in the age national team players participating in World Cup Qatar 2022 started playing for a professional soccer academy and whether their starting age relates to continent and their current playing position (i.e., goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards). Method: Systematic online desk research was conducted to determine the age at which World Cup players started playing for professional youth soccer organizations. The median and interquartile ranges were expressed for the starting age in professional youth soccer organizations and the current age at the World Cup. The variables were compared with playing position, the continent of the player's World Cup nation, and the continent on which the player was raised. Results: The results reveal that World Cup Qatar 2022 players started playing for professional soccer academies at a median age of 13.2 years (range: 4.2-22.6). In Europe, players started playing for professional youth soccer organizations earlier than players on other continents [χ2 (4) = 142.0, p < 0.001]. We also found a younger starting age in forwards than goalkeepers (p < 0.05). Discussion: In most established soccer nations in Europe and South-America, World Cup players started playing for professional soccer academies before the age of 12. However, a significant number of players started later, especially players on other continents, which reveals the different pathways youth players can follow to the elites.

Mechanistic or Relational Worldview for Talent Identification Research in Sport Science? Both-But With a Preference!

This paper situates talent identification research in sport science within the broader context of developmental science, offering a conceptual framework informed by two (meta-)theoretical worldviews: the Cartesian-split-mechanistic and processual-relational worldviews. Although these worldviews are not explicitly named in the field of talent identification research, we demonstrate their implicit adoption through theoretical and methodological discourse. After comparing applications, benefits, and limitations of each worldview, we briefly discuss whether their bodies of knowledge are incompatible, competitive, or complementary. We suggest each worldview provides complementary insights with a penchant for generating nomothetic and group-specific and type-specific and idiographic knowledge, respectively.

Análisis de Datos Antropométricos y Madurativos para la Selección de Talentos en Voleibol / Analysis of Anthropometric and Maturational Data for Talents Selection in Volleyball

El proceso madurativo tiene una gran influencia sobre los factores antropométricos y las capacidades físicas del atleta, y por tanto, sobre el proceso de selección de talentos deportivos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar el estado madurativo y las características antropométricas junto con la comparación de estos datos por sexo en una muestra de 39 jugadores jóvenes de voleibol dentro de un proceso de selección de talentos (19 damas de 14,88±1,05 años y 13 varones de 15,1 años). Se obtuvieron datos de edad cronológica, altura, peso, altura sentado, altura de la madre y padre, la edad pico de crecimiento, el "timing" o periodo de tiempo por encima o por debajo de la edad pico, altura al final del proceso madurativo, el porcentaje actual de altura máxima, los centímetros restantes y el estado madurativo (pre-púber, púber o pos-púber). Los jugadores mostraron una mayor altura en el momento de las mediciones (179,92±6,87 vs 171,05±4,80; p<0,001), así como una mayor altura final calculada (189,46±3,73 vs 178,52±5,17; p<0,001), en comparación a las jugadoras. El pico en la velocidad de crecimiento también fue superior en los jugadores (14,56±0,44 vs 12,60±0,57; p<0,001), aunque su timing era inferior al de las jugadoras (0,531±1,19 vs 2,27±0,64; p<0,001). Esto se debió a un mayor porcentaje de jugadores masculinos en estados puberales, incluyendo un jugador en estadio pre-puberal, mientras que fue abundante la presencia de jugadoras en estado pospuberal. Estos datos reflejan la gran cantidad de jugadores que tienden a estar en periodos avanzados de maduración en procesos de selección de talentos. Por tanto, entrenadores y seleccionadores deben contemplar estas variables para evitar sesgos en el proceso de identificación del talento deportivo.

SUMMARY: The maturation process has a great influence on the anthropometric factors and physical capabilities of the athlete, and therefore, on the selection process of sporting talents. The objective of this work was to analyze the maturational state and anthropometric characteristics together with the comparison of these data by sex in a sample of 39 young volleyball players within a talent selection process (19 ladies of 14.88±1. 05 years old and 13 males aged 15.1 years). Data were obtained on chronological age, height, weight, sitting height, height of the mother and father, peak age of growth, timing or period of time above or below the peak age, height at the end of the process. maturation, the current percentage of maximum height, the remaining centimeters and the maturation status (pre-pubertal, pubertal or post-pubertal). The players showed a greater height at the time of the measurements (179.92±6.87 vs. 171.05±4.80; p<0.001), as well as a greater final calculated height (189.46±3.73 vs. 178.52±5.17; p<0.001), compared to the female players. The peak in growth speed was also higher in male players (14.56±0.44 vs 12.60±0.57; p<0.001), although their timing was lower than that of female players (0.531±1.19 vs 2.27±0.64; p<0.001). This was due to a higher percentage of male players in pubertal states, including one player in a pre-pubertal stage, while the presence of female players in a post-pubertal stage was abundant. These data reflect the large number of players who tend to be in advanced periods of maturation in talent selection processes. Therefore, coaches and selectors must consider these variables to avoid biases in the process of identifying sporting talent.

Disagreement between talent scouts: Implications for improved talent assessment in youth football.

Reliable talent identification and selection (TID) processes are prerequisites to accurately select young athletes with the most potential for talent development programmes. Knowledge about the agreement between scouts who play a key role in the initial TID in football is lacking. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the agreement within four groups of a total of n = 83 talent scouts during rank assessment of under-11 male youth football players (n = 24, age = 11.0 ± 0.3 years) and to describe scouts' underlying approach to assess talent. Krippendorff's α estimates indicated disagreement of scouts' rankings within all groups of scouts (αA = 0.09, αB = 0.03, αC = 0.05, αD = 0.02). Scouts reported relying mainly on their overall impression when forming their final prediction about a player. Reportings of a consistent, structured approach were less prevalent. Taken together, results indicated that different approaches to TID may be associated with disagreement on selection decisions. In order to overcome disagreement in TID, football organisations are encouraged to establish a more structured process. Future research on the elaboration and benefit of ranking guidelines incorporating decomposed and independently evaluated sub-predictors is recommended to improve the reliability of TID.

Are relative age effects pervasive in lower competitive tiers of school sports? An investigation of student-athletes from Minas Gerais / Los efectos de la edad relativa son dominantes en los niveles menos competitivos del deporte escolar? Una investigación de estudiantes-deportistas de minas gerais / Os efeitos da idade relativa são pervasivos nos níveis menos competitivos do esporte escolar? Uma investigação de estudantes-atletas de Minas Gerais

Este estudio investigaba el Efecto de la Edad Relativa (EEA) en atletas escolares, según categorías y género. Han sido analizados 1356 jugadores masculinos y 1044 femeninas (de 9 a 17 años) que participaron en competencias escolares en Minas Gerais-Brasil en 2018 y/o 2019 en las categorías Sub-11, Sub-14 y/o Sub-17. Los jugadores fueron divididos en cuartos, de acuerdo con el mes de nacimiento: Q1 (enero-marzo), Q2 (abril-junio), Q3 (julio-septiembre) y Q4 (octubre-diciembre). Se realizaron pruebas de chi-cuadrado para verificar la presencia de EEA. El nivel de significación fue 5%. La distribución observada difirió de la esperada cuando todos los jugadores fueron analizados juntos (p = 0.019; ⍵ = 0.06), y en los hombres, cuando los jugadores fueron analizados por género (p = 0.017; ⍵ = 0.09). En ambos casos se encontró una mayor proporción de jugadores nacidos en los primeros meses del año (p < 0.008). Los resultados indicaron una distribución desigual de nacimientos en la categoría Sub-11 (p < 0.001; ⍵ = 0.25), en la que deportistas nacidos en Q1 y Q2 fueron más frecuentes (p < 0.001). Cuando se analizaron juntos categoría y género, se observó que atletas nacidos en Q1 fueron más frecuentes que los deportistas nacidos en Q3 (p < 0.002) y Q4 (p < 0.001) en la Sub-11, independientemente del género (p < 0.002), pero no en las categorías Sub-14 y Sub-17. Teniendo en cuenta que el deporte escolar puede ser el primer paso para alcanzar mayores niveles competitivos, es importante instruir a los entrenadores sobre el EEA, con el fin de reducir las desigualdades en el acceso al deporte escolar. (AU)

This study investigated the Relative Age Effect (RAE) in school athletes, according to sex and age categories. Birthdates from 1356 male and 1044 female athletes (aged 9 to 17 years) who played scholar competitions in Minas Gerais-Brazil in 2018 and/or 2019 in categories Under-11, Under-14 and/or Under-17 were analyzed. Athletes were divided into quarters according to their month of birth: Q1 (January-March), Q2 (April-June), Q3 (July-September), and Q4 (October-December). Chi-squared tests were performed to verify the presence of RAE. The significance level was set at 5%. The observed distribution was different from expected when all athletes were analyzed together (p = 0.019; ⍵= 0.06), and in males when athletes were analyzed separately by sex (p = 0.017; ⍵= 0.09). Athletes born in the three first months of the year were more frequent in both cases (p < 0.008). The age category analyses indicated uneven distribution of births in Under-11 category (p < 0.001; ⍵= 0.25), where athletes born in Q1 and Q2 were more frequent (p < 0.001). When age category and sex were considered together, it was observed that athletes born in Q1 were more frequent than athletes born in Q3 (p < 0.002) and Q4 (p < 0.001) in the U-11 category regardless of sex (p < 0.002), but not in the Under-14 and Under-17 categories. Considering that school sport can be the first step towards achieving higher competitive levels, it is important to instruct coaches about RAE, in order to reduce inequalities in the access to school sport. (AU)

Este estudo investigou o Efeito da Idade Relativa (EIR) em atletas escolares, de acordo com categorias e sexo. Analisaram-se datas de nascimento de 1356 atletas do sexo masculino e 1044 do sexo feminino (de 9 a 17 anos) que participaram de competições escolares em Minas Gerais-Brasil em 2018 e/ou 2019 nas categorias Sub-11, Sub-14 e/ou Sub-17. Os atletas foram divididos em quartis, de acordo com o mês de nascimento: Q1 (janeiro-março), Q2 (abril-junho), Q3 (julho-setembro) e Q4 (outubro-dezembro). Realizaram-se testes de chi-quadrado para verificar a presença do EIR. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. A distribuição observada diferiu do esperado quando todos os atletas foram analisados em conjunto (p = 0.019; ⍵= 0.06), e no sexo masculino, quando os atletas foram analisados por sexo (p = 0.017; ⍵= 0.09). Encontrou-se maior proporção de atletas nascidos nos primeiros meses do ano em ambos os casos (p < 0.008). Os resultados indicaram uma distribuição desigual de nascimentos na categoria Sub-11 (p < 0.001; ⍵= 0.25), onde atletas nascidos nos Q1 e Q2 foram mais frequentes (p < 0.001). Quando a categoria e o sexo foram analisados conjuntamente, se observou que atletas nascidos no Q1 foram mais frequentes que atletas nascidos em Q3 (p < 0.002) e Q4 (p < 0.001) no Sub-11, independentemente do sexo (p < 0.002), mas não nas categorias Sub-14 e Sub-17. Considerando que o esporte escolar pode ser o primeiro passo para alcançar maiores níveis competitivos, é importante instruir os treinadores sobre o EIR, a fim de reduzir as desigualdades de oportunidades de acesso ao esporte escolar. (AU)

Relative age effects on speed trials in Brazilian athletics.

BACKGROUND: Relative age effect (RAE) is a concept related to the possible advantage that older athletes would have over younger ones within the same category. Although many studies have approached this subject in individual sports, there are few clippings by events within the sport. More detailed analyses are necessary for a better understanding of how RAE behaves in sports, especially in athletics, the subject of this study. The objective of this study was to analyze the RAE on speed in track and field events as a whole, separating the flat races from the hurdles races. METHODS: The Brazilian Ranking of Brazilian Athletics Confederation was used for data analysis, and the sample was composed of the 50 best-placed marks in the ranking of speed events in athletics in the categories Under(U)-16 and U-18 (female and male). Statistical analysis was calculated by chi-square, and the effect size was checked by Cramer's V. Likelihood-ratio test (L-Ratio) assessed the probability of the RAE occurring in the total sample and by age groups. RESULTS: In the total sample the results pointed to the emergence of RAE in males in both categories (U-16: p < 0.001; V: 0.13; L-Ratio: 3.64, U-18: p < 0.001; V: 0.13; L-Ratio: 3.80), whereas in females no such effect was found in any category (U-16: p = 0.6; V: 0.09; L-Ratio: 0.09, U-18: p = 0.6; V: 0.07; L-Ratio: 0.12). When the results were separated by type of event, there was only a RAE in the shallow event in the U-18 female category (p = 0.3; V: 0.11; L-Ratio: 8.72). CONCLUSION: The results allow us to conclude that there is a RAE in the speed trials of Brazilian athletics in the U16 and U18 categories for men, while this effect appears only in the shallow trials of the U18 category for women, indicating that the RAE has incidence when there is more participation and competition in the sport.

Age and Maturation Matter in Youth Elite Soccer, but Depending on Competitive Level and Gender.

This study aimed to explore the relevance of the relative age effect (RAE), maturity status and anthropometry, and their influence on coaches' assessment of players' performance, analyzing both genders and different types of academies (elite vs. non-elite). The sample included 603 soccer players (385 male), from the under 12 (U12), under 14 (U14) and under 16 (U16) categories, belonging to elite and nonelite teams. Coaches' assessment of players' performance, chronological age, anthropometric characteristics, maturity offset (MO) and peak height velocity (PHV) were registered. Our results showed that RAE was present in both genders within the elite, but not in the nonelite academies. Early maturity players were overrepresented in the male elite, but not in the female academies. No relationship was found between RAE and anthropometry in male elite academies. Male elite players showed better anthropometric characteristics than nonelite players, while this pattern of results was not found for female players. The coaches' assessment on players' current performance was not influenced by the chronological age nor anthropometry, but it was linked to the PHV. Coaches from nonelite academies rated better in current assessment of performance the taller players. Our findings suggest that maturity status and RAE play an independent and important role in the talent selection process.

Relative age effects and the youth-to-senior transition in Italian soccer: the underdog hypothesis versus knock-on effects of relative age.

Relative Age Effects (RAEs) appear largely throughout youth soccer. However, little is known about how RAEs at youth levels can impact transition at senior levels. Accordingly, this study aimed to: (a) provide further test of RAEs by exploring the birth quarter (BQ) distribution of 2,030 Italian players born from 1975 to 2001 who have played in any of the Youth National Italian Soccer Teams; and (b) investigate how RAEs influence future career outcomes, by exploring the BQ distribution of players who completed the transition from youth squads to the Senior National Team (n = 182). Chi-square statistics revealed significantly skewed BQ distributions for all Youth squads (P values <0.0001), and for the cohort of players who completed the transition (P = 0.003). In contrast, results from the Odds Ratios highlighted how BQ4s were more likely to transition from youth-to-senior compared to BQ1s. Results showed BQ1s remained overrepresented at senior level due to a residual bias effect. Whereas BQ4s who were able to overcome selection processes at youth levels recorded the highest likelihood of competing at senior levels. Involving players' career trajectories in RAEs studies is needed to understand how RAEs impacts career outcomes of early selected players.

Talent identification and development in Olympic triathlon: a perspective from Brazilian coaches / Identificação e desenvolvimento de talentos no triatlo olímpico: uma perspectiva de treinadores brasileiros

Abstract The knowledge of coaches has been used in research on talent identification and development. The objective was to investigate how Brazilian triathlon coaches identify talents and what is the importance of different factors and indicators for the development of young triathletes. 37 coaches (89% male; 36.2 ± 8.3 years; 43% international competitive level) answered an online questionnaire about anthropometric, physical-motor, technical, tactical, psychological and environmental characteristics. On a scale of 1 (not very important) to 5 (extremely important), coaches indicated to what extent a factor/indicator of sporting potential was important for talent development in triathlon. 45.9% of the coaches perform talent identification, mainly by physical-motor tests and triathlon simulations. In talent development, the physical-motor factor was the most important, followed by the technical, psychological and anthropometric factor, and finally the tactical and environmental factor. Most coaches considered as extremely important the following indicators: determination (70%), aerobic endurance (65%), specific swimming skills (62%), ability to withstand pressure (59%), and efficiency of the cyclic gesture of swimming, cycling, and running (57%). We conclude that Brazilian triathlon coaches identify talents mainly through batteries of tests and triathlon simulations and consider the physical-motor factor the most important for the development of young talented triathletes, but not the only one.

Resumo O conhecimento dos treinadores tem sido utilizado na pesquisa sobre identificação e desenvolvimento de talentos. O objetivo foi investigar como os treinadores de triatlo brasileiros identificam os talentos e qual é a importância de diferentes fatores e indicadores para o desenvolvimento de jovens triatletas. 37 treinadores (89% homens; 36,2 ± 8,3 anos; 43% nível competitivo internacional) responderam um questionário online sobre características antropométricas, físico-motoras, técnicas, táticas, psicológicas e ambientais. Em uma escala de 1 (não muito importante) a 5 (extremamente importante), os treinadores indicaram em que medida um fator/indicador do potencial esportivo era importante para o desenvolvimento de talentos no triatlo. 45,9% dos treinadores realizam identificação de talentos, principalmente por testes físico-motores e simulados de triatlo. No desenvolvimento de talentos, o fator físico-motor foi o mais importante, seguido pelo fator técnico, psicológico e antropométrico, e por fim o fator tático e ambiental. A maioria dos treinadores considerou como extremamente importante os indicadores: determinação (70%), resistência aeróbica (65%), habilidades específicas de natação (62%), capacidade de suportar pressão (59%) e eficiência do gesto cíclico de nadar, pedalar e correr (57%). Conclui-se que os treinadores de triatlo brasileiros identificam talentos principalmente por meio de baterias de testes e simulados de triatlo e consideram o fator físico-motor o mais importante para o desenvolvimento de jovens triatletas talentosos, mas não o único.

Prevalence of the Relative Age Effect in Elite Brazilian Volleyball: An Analysis Based on Gender, the Playing Position, and Performance Indicators.

Athletes born closer to an arbitrary cut-off date are more likely to reach an elite level in sport, which is supported by a phenomenon called the relative age effect (RAE). It is important to determine whether this phenomenon is present in a sport to minimize this selection bias. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of RAE in elite volleyball athletes, considering the influence of gender, the playing position (Setter, Middle, Libero, Opposite, and Outside Hitter) and the performance level (attack points, aces, and block points). The sample comprised 203 male and 193 female athletes competing in the Superliga A in the 2020/2021 season, which was equivalent to all of the teams of the championship. The data collection was performed during May and June, 2021. Athletes were organized according to gender, the playing position, and performance in the Superliga. For performance variables, athletes were separated based on the median value (90.0), and classified as high- or low-performance. Chi-squared tests were performed to verify differences between birth date distributions in relation to the aforementioned variables. Results indicated overrepresentation of relatively older male athletes (Q1 = 35.96%; Q2 = 27.59%; Q3 = 19.21%; Q4 = 17.24%), especially in Middles, Opposites, and Outside Hitters, regardless of their performance level. Considering females, no differences were found. Our findings suggest that RAE operates differently for men and women in elite Brazilian volleyball. The characteristics of the games played by male and female elite athletes may lead to different talent selection processes, affecting the likelihood of RAE prevalence.

From Junior to Elite in Soccer: Exploring the Relative Age Effect and Talent Selection in Spanish Youth National Teams.

The implications of relative age grouping in sport are known as the Relative Age Effect (RAE). This study has the twofold purpose of analyzing RAE in Spanish youth national soccer teams and examining the prediction value of being selected for national youth teams to be a professional. The sample was composed of 548 players divided into five groups. A descriptive analysis of distribution and participation, frequencies, mean and standard deviation, crosstabs, Sankey charts, coefficient correlation and Cohen's effect size criteria and two regression analyses were performed. Results established that the RAE is present in U'17 to U'21 Spanish youth national teams. Talent detection and selection programs are more reliable the closer they are to adulthood, reaching a success rate of almost 100% at the U'21 stage. The selection of players for such programs should be delayed as much as possible, thus, preventing younger players from dropping out and those selected from thinking they have already reached their goal. To this end, they should focus on long-term improvement, not short-term performance. In addition, factors such as the RAE or the maturity level of the athletes should be monitored.

Edad relativa en baloncesto U12 español: Análisis de la última década / Relative Age Effect in U12 Spanish Basketball: The Past Decade Analysis

Los objetivos de este estudio fueron: (a) analizar el efecto de la edad relativa (RAE) en los jugadores que participaron en el Campeonato de España de Minibásquet durante la última década, y (b) determinar una posible relación entre RAE y la clasificación final de los equipos analizados. Los participantes analizados fueron todos los jugadores (n = 2268) de los 19 equipos participantes durante los años 2009-2018. Se dividió a los jugadores, según su fecha de nacimiento, en cuatro cuartiles y se agruparon a los 10 mejores equipos de la clasificación en tres categorías diferentes. Los resultados mostraron el RAE durante la última década (χ2 = 380.57, P = .000). Los tres mejores equipos incluyeron un mayor número de jugadores nacidos en la primera mitad del año (83.40%, χ2 = 183.15, P = .000). En conclusión, el rendimiento en baloncesto U12 podría verse afectado por el RAE. (AU)

The objectives of this study were: (a) to analyze the relative age effect (RAE) in the players participating in the Spanish Championship of Minibasket during the last decade, and (b) to determine a possible relationship between RAE and the final classification of the analyzed teams. All players (n = 2268) from the 19 participating teams during the years 2009-2018 were analyzed. We subdivided the players according to their date of birth into four quartiles and grouped the top 10 teams of the ranking into three different categories. The results showed RAE during the past decade (χ2 = 380.57, P = .000). In addition, the top three teams included a greater number of players born in the first half of the year (83.40%, χ2 = 183.15, P = .000). In conclusion, RAE could affect the U12-basketball performance. (AU)

Psychosocial and Physiological Factors Affecting Selection to Regional Age-Grade Rugby Union Squads: A Machine Learning Approach.

Talent selection programmes choose athletes for talent development pathways. Currently, the set of psychosocial variables that determine talent selection in youth Rugby Union are unknown, with the literature almost exclusively focusing on physiological variables. The purpose of this study was to use a novel machine learning approach to identify the physiological and psychosocial models that predict selection to a regional age-grade rugby union team. Age-grade club rugby players (n = 104; age, 15.47 ± 0.80; U16, n = 62; U18, n = 42) were assessed for physiological and psychosocial factors during regional talent selection days. Predictive models (selected vs. non-selected) were created for forwards, backs, and across all players using Bayesian machine learning. The generated physiological models correctly classified 67.55% of all players, 70.09% of forwards, and 62.50% of backs. Greater hand-grip strength, faster 10 m and 40 m sprint, and power were common features for selection. The generated psychosocial models correctly classified 62.26% of all players, 73.66% of forwards, and 60.42% of backs. Reduced burnout, reduced emotional exhaustion, and lower reduced sense of accomplishment, were common features for selection. Selection appears to be predominantly based on greater strength, speed, and power, as well as lower athlete burnout.

The AFLW draft combine: Seasonal changes and relationships to draft success.

This study aimed to identify seasonal changes in AFLW Draft Combine assessments, examine the physical and anthropometric assessments associated with draft outcome and investigate the presence of a relative age effect. Three seasons (2017-2019) of the AFLW Draft Combine assessment data were obtained (n = 131). Testing data between seasons were examined using a MANOVA. A factor analysis using principal components (identifying speed, lower body power, aerobic capacity, and anthropometry) was conducted prior to the construction of a binary logistic regression model. Speed (including 5, 10 and 20 m sprint times) significantly contributed to the binary logistic regression model discriminating drafted and non-drafted players (p = 0.040). A significant main effect of season was reported (p ≤ 0.01) with post-hoc tests confirming 5, 10 and 20 m sprint times were faster in the 2018 AFLW Draft Combine compared with the 2017 AFLW Draft Combine. No relative age effect was observed in this dataset. Overall, the 20 m sprint test showed the greatest difference between drafted and non-drafted players, while speed (collectively) was the greatest predictor of draft outcome. This data provides insight into the physical qualities of prospective players that were associated with selection to the AFLW competition in its first 3 years.

Relative Age Effect in Brazilian water polo: analysis of male and female athletes from U16 to senior categories

Abstract Aim: To investigate the existence of relative age effect (RAE) in Brazilian water polo athletes according to sex and age category. Methods: The birthdate of 574 Brazilian water polo athletes were organized according to the athletes' birthdates into quarters of the year (Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4), and classified according to sex (male and female) and age category (U16, U18, U20, and senior). To verify the existence of RAE, the Chi-Square tests (χ2) were performed, and the effect sizes (ω) were calculated for each of the tests. We also calculated odds ratio (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals, setting the level of significance to 0.05. As post hoc analysis, multiple comparisons between quarters were performed, with Bonferroni's correction (significance level set to 0.0083 in these cases). Results: The results indicated an uneven distribution of birthdates for male water polo athletes (χ2 = 12.257; p = 0.007; ω = 0.173), with an overrepresentation of athletes born in the first (p < 0.006) and second (p < 0.002) quarters. When sex and age category were considered, male athletes presented uneven distributions in U20 (χ2 = 10.747; p = 0.013; ω = 0.345) and senior (χ2= 12.614; p = 0.006; ω = 0.383) categories. In females, no differences were found. Conclusion: We conclude that there is an uneven distribution of birthdates in male Brazilian water polo athletes, indicating the presence of RAE in this group.

Relative Age Effect on Brazilian male elite futsal athletes according to playing position and performance by goals scored on Brazil National Futsal Leagues

Abstract Introduction: The relative age effect is prevalent in different elite team sports. However, little is known about this phenomenon in high-level adult male futsal players. Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of relative age effect in Brazilian male elite futsal players, and its relationship with playing position and goals scored on Brazil National Futsal Leagues (BNFL) from 2016 to 2020. Methods: The distribution of birth dates, playing positions, and goals scored by male participants of the Brazil National Futsal Leagues were analyzed. Chi-squared tests were used to analyze the birth dates distribution based on quarters and semesters of the year, according to playing position (defender, winger, pivot, and goalkeeper) and scoring performance (high and low). Results: The overall analysis indicated that the relative age effect is prevalent on the pool of athletes analyzed. However, this effect was position-dependent, since relatively older athletes were overrepresented only in wingers and defenders playing positions. On the other hand, scoring performance was not associated with the relative age effect, since this effect was found in both performance levels. Conclusion: Relative age effects are prevalent in Brazilian male elite futsal athletes, especially for defenders and wingers. Considering the high level of competitiveness for spots in elite futsal teams, coaches and sports administrators must be educated about the prevalence of the relative age effect in this sporting context. This is necessary in order to reduce the inequalities generated by age categories based on arbitrary cut-off dates, which may reduce potential talent loss.

"Coach's eye": psychological and tactical skills discriminate sporting potential of young soccer players / "O olho do treinador": indicadores psicológicos e táticos discriminam o potencial esportivo de jovens futebolistas

Abstract Coaches' subjective evaluations are predominantly responsible for talent identification and selection in soccer; therefore, systematizing the "coach's eye" can optimize this process. Our objective was to compare tactical skills, perceived competence, and sport achievement orientation of young soccer players classified as having high or low sporting potential, according to their coaches' opinion. 101 Brazilian U15 soccer players (14.6 ± 0.7 years; practice time: 7.6 ± 2.6 years) participated in the study. Questionnaires were used to assess their tactical knowledge (TACSIS - Tactical Skills Inventory for Sports), sport orientation (SOQ - Sport Orientation Questionnaire), and perceived competence. Compared with the low-potential soccer players (n = 57), the high-potential soccer players (n = 44) showed higher positioning and deciding skills (4.52 ± 0.73 vs. 4.18 ± 0.63; p = 0.02; d = 0.50), knowledge about others (4.25 ± 0.96 vs. 3.81 ± 0.83; p = 0.02; d = 0.49), and sum of tactical skills (4.43 ± 0.72 vs. 4.14 ± 0.65; p = 0.04; d = 0.46) In turn, high-potential athletes showed higher competitiveness (4.76 ± 0.27 vs. 4.55 ± 0.33; p = 0.01; d = 0.72) and greater perceived competence (7.79 ± 1.32 vs. 7.12 ± 1.13; p = 0.01; d = 0.54), respectively. We concluded that the U15 soccer players evaluated by their coaches as having high sporting potential presented better results in indicators of tactical skills, motivation, and perceived competence than their low-potential peers.

Resumo A identificação e seleção de talentos no futebol são feitas majoritariamente pela avaliação subjetiva dos treinadores. Sistematizar o "olho do treinador" pode otimizar este processo. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar as habilidades táticas, a competência percebida e a orientação motivacional de jovens futebolistas classificados como atletas de alto e baixo potencial esportivo, de acordo com a opinião dos treinadores. Participaram 101 futebolistas brasileiros sub15 (com média de 14,6±0,7 anos; e média de tempo de prática de 7,6±2,6 anos). Foram utilizados diferentes questionários para avaliar o conhecimento tático (TACSIS - Tactical Skills Inventory for Sports), a orientação esportiva (SOQ - Sport Orientation Questionnaire) e a competência percebida. Os futebolistas de alto potencial (n=44), quando comparados aos futebolistas de baixo potencial (n=57), apresentaram maior posicionamento e decisão (4,52±0,73 vs. 4,18±0,63; p=0,02; d=0,50), maior conhecimento sobre os outros (4,25±0,96 vs. 3,81±0,83; p=0,02; d=0,49) e um valor maior no somatório de habilidades táticas (4,43±0,72 vs. 4,14±0,65; p=0,04; d=0,46); os atletas de alto potencial apresentaram maior competitividade (4,76±0,27 vs. 4,55±0,33; p=0,01; d=0,72) e maior competência percebida (7,79±1,32 vs. 7,12±1,13; p=0,01; d=0,54), respectivamente. Conclui-se que os futebolistas sub15 avaliados pelos treinadores como alto potencial esportivo apresentaram resultados melhores em indicadores de habilidades táticas, motivação e competência percebida, quando comparados aos de baixo potencial.

Storm Clouds on the Horizon: On the Emerging Need to Tighten Selection Policies.

Athlete selection is fundamental in elite sport, occurring regularly throughout an athlete's development. Research in this area reveals the accuracy of these decisions is questionable in even the most elite sport environments and athletes are increasingly disputing these decisions as unfair and punitive. As a countermeasure to these dispute and arbitration practices, many elite sport systems have created policies where coaches must outline and stand behind the criteria used for their selection decisions. Selection criteria policies have the potential to help encourage fair selection practices by holding selectors accountable to their selection criteria, but their implementation also has the potential to wrongfully nudge selectors toward developing more defendable, but less-accurate selection practices. The paper concludes with 10 suggestions to help support practitioners when implementing selection criteria.