Relative Age Effect in Youth Athletes According to Sex, Sport Discipline, Age Category, and Sport Performance. Analysis of the National Sport Games of Costa Rica
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Abstract
This study aimed to explore the Relative Age Effect (RAE) among youth athletes according to sex, sport discipline, age category, and performance at the National Sport Games (Juegos Deportivos Nacionales 2024 [JDN-2024]) of Costa Rica. A total of 16357 athletes from 22 disciplines who competed in the qualifying phase of the JDN-2024 were analyzed. Of these, 5030 advanced to the final phase. Birth quartiles were established: Q1=January 1 - March 31, Q2=April 1 - June 30, Q3=July 1 - September 30, and Q4=October 1 - December 31. The findings confirmed the presence of RAE among male athletes and in team sports both in the qualifying and final phases for JDN-2024. Those born in Q1 were significantly overrepresented compared with those born in Q4 (V= 0.02 - 0.04). Among male athletes, RAE was found in football in the qualifying phase (V= 0.06) and taekwondo during the final phase (V= 0.16). A quartile imbalance was also shown in male basketball in final phase, outside the Q1-Q4 contrast (V= 0.15). In female athletes, RAE reversal was observed only in chess in the qualifying phase (V= 0.10). RAE appeared at 16, 19, and ≥21 years among male athletes, and at 15 and 19 years within team sports (V= 0.04 - 0.09). Being born in Q1 was associated with a slightly higher likelihood of advancing to the final phase in individual sports (V= 0.02); however, no statistically significant association was found between birth quartile and medal attainment. Therefore, while RAE was present in the selection process, it did not determine sport performance.
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References
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