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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.
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Aptidão , Futebol , Fatores Etários , Atletas , Epidemiologia Descritiva , Estudos RetrospectivosRESUMO
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.
Assuntos
Humanos , Aptidão , Fatores Etários , Atletas , Esportes Aquáticos/tendências , Epidemiologia Descritiva , Estudos RetrospectivosRESUMO
The present study aimed to investigate the influence of months of birth on anthropometry, body composition, biological maturation, and motor performance in young Brazilian soccer players. Young Brazilian soccer players from the Under-13 (n = 50; 13.6 ± 0.3 years), Under-15 (n = 50; 15.5 ± 0.4 years), and Under-17 categories (n = 46; 17.7 ± 0.3 years) took part in this study. Athletes were divided according to chronological age, 1st tertile (January to April); 2nd tertile (May to August); and 3rd tertile (September to December). Anthropometry, body composition, biological maturation, and motor performance variables were evaluated for all participants. There were no differences between the U-13, U-15, and U-17 categories regarding birth tertiles (p > 0.05). Differences between the ages and birth tertiles were observed for the stature, body mass, and lean body mass (p < 0.05). Moreover, differences were found in maturational status between the ages and birth tertiles (p < 0.05). In general, U-13 players showed lower values compared to U-15 and U-17 players in tests of motor performance. In addition, there was a difference in motor performance between the birth tertiles only for RSA variables. The months of birth influenced the stature, body mass, lean body mass, and repeated sprint ability in the U-13 and U-15 categories. Thus, care should be taken during the process of talent selection, as many young players could be underestimated due to their date of birth.
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The relative age effect (RAE), within the sporting scope, refers to the possible advantages of participation and performance of athletes born in the first months of the year of selection in relation to others within the same age category. The aim of the present study was to investigate the RAE in girls' volleyball players participating in the U-18 World Championship, analysing the differences between the medal teams and other teams in the tournament, and considering this phenomenon in relation to the continents. Data collection was obtained from the website of the International Volleyball Federation with a sample made of 1654 youth players in the last six world championships (2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017). A greater representation of athletes born in the first months of the year of all the world championships was observed. In the comparison among the continents, it was observed that in Africa, there was a more equal distribution of quartiles compared to America, Asia and Europe. It should be noted that there was a higher percentage of medalist athletes born at the beginning of the year in comparison to the countries that placed in the last three positions of the championship. Therefore, in U-18 female volleyball, there is an advantage to have the closest birth age at the beginning of the competitive biennium.
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To investigate the presence of a relative age effect (RAE) and the influence of birth quarters (BQ), semesters (S) as well as skeletal maturation on anthropometric characteristics and aerobic peak speed (PST-CAR) in youth male soccer players. Methods: One hundred players were recruited to participate in this study. Players were allocated into 4 BQ's and 2 S. Skeletal maturity status was assessed using the Fels method. Assessments for players included determination of body size and composition and PST-CAR. Results: Overall, more players were born in BQ1 (38 %) and S1 (75%). The likelihood of players born in BQ1 and BQ2 being selected was 3.61 to 4.96 times higher than players in BQ3 and BQ4. Players in BQ4 maturing earlier were biologically older than their peers in BQ1. The players in BQ3 and S2 displayed higher PST-CAR compared with players in BQ2 and S1, respectively. However, players of contrasting skeletal maturity status did not differ in aerobic performance. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that coaches and talent scouts are systematically retaining average and early maturing players born in S1 and excluding late maturing players born in BQ4. However, aerobic performance appeared to be dependent on the relative age, but independent of skeletal maturation during puberty.(AU)
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Adolescente , Esqueleto/anatomia & histologia , Futebol/fisiologia , Desempenho Atlético/fisiologia , Fatores Etários , Teste de Esforço/métodos , Atletas/classificaçãoRESUMO
Resumo O objetivo deste estudo consistiu em comparar a frequência de datas de nascimento entre atletas de futebol e a população brasileira e verificar possíveis diferenças entre categorias. Participaram 868 atletas avaliados entre 2001 a 2009, pertencentes às categorias sub-15, sub-17, sub-20 e profissional. As datas de nascimento foram classificadas por trimestres. Usou-se o teste qui-quadrado para análise, adotou-se P < 0,05. Houve diferença significativa entre os quartos de ano, com tendência a nascimentos no primeiro semestre, similar à distribuição da população brasileira. Não foram identificadas diferenças significativas entre as categorias. Concluiu-se que há uma tendência de nascidos no início do ano que desfavorece possíveis talentos nascidos no fim do ano competitivo.
Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare the birth dates of soccer players and the Brazilian population as well as assess possible differences among categories. 868 players participated in this study, distributed according to the U-15, U-17, U-20 and professional categories. The birth dates were classified by quartiles. The chi-square test was used for the analyses, considering P < 0.05. Significant difference was identified among quartiles of births with a tendency to births in the first half, similar to the distribution of the Brazilian population. No differences were significant among categories. It was concluded that there is a tendency for births in the beginning of the year, discouraging potential talent ones who were born at the end of the competitive year.
Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la frecuencia de las fechas de nacimiento entre jugadores de fútbol y la población brasileña, e investigar las posibles diferencias entre categorías. Participaron 868 jugadores nacidos entre 2001 y 2009, y pertenecientes a las categorías sub-15, sub-17, sub-20 y profesional. Las fechas de nacimiento se clasificaron por trimestres. Se utilizó la prueba de chi cuadrado y se utilizó el valor de P < 0,05. Hubo diferencias significativas entre los diferentes cuatrimestres, con tendencia al nacimiento en el primer semestre, de forma similar a la distribución de la población brasileña. No hubo diferencias significativas entre las categorías. Se concluye que existe una tendencia de nacimientos a principios de año, lo cual trae consigo una desventaja para aquellos posibles talentos que nacen a finales del año competitivo.
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The purpose of this study was to verify the date of birth is a decisive factor for the success of players selected by the coaches to participate in the FIFA U-17 World Cup Emirates 2013. The players' date of birth were classified into four quartiles of three months each (Q1 to Q4). In the qualifying round, 46.5% of the selected players born in Q1, while 12.5% in Q4. This significantly different distribution occurred until the semi-finals. However, in the final match, there were no significant differences between Q1 and Q4. A similar relative age effect also occurred when analyzed only players who actually participated to the matches. Interestingly, despite there was birth date effect on performance in all World Cup stages except in the final, other issues should take into consideration for a team became champion.
O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se a data de nascimento é um fator decisivo para o sucesso de jogadores selecionados pelos treinadores para participar da Copa do Mundo Sub-17 Emirates 2013. As datas de nascimento dos jogadores foram classificadas em quatro quartis de três meses de cada (Q1 a Q4). Na qualificação, 46,5% dos jogadores selecionados nasceram em Q1, enquanto 12,5% em Q4. Esta distribuição significativamente diferente ocorreu até às semifinais. Entretanto, na final, não houve diferenças significativas entre Q1 e Q4. Um efeito similar da idade relativa também ocorreu quando analisados apenas os jogadores que efetivamente participaram das partidas. Curiosamente, apesar de haver efeito da data de nascimento sobre o desempenho em toda Copa do Mundo, exceto na final, outras questões devem levadas em consideração para uma equipe sagrar-se campeã.
La finalidad de este estudio fue verificar la fecha de nacimiento es un factor decisivo para el éxito de los jugadores seleccionados por los entrenadores para participar de la Copa Mundial sub-17 FIFA Emirados Árabes Unidos 2013. Fecha de nacimiento se clasificaron en cuatro cuartiles de tres meses (Q1 a Q4). En la qualificación, 46,5% de los seleccionados nacieron en Q1, mientras 12,5% en Q4. Esta distribución diferente ocurrió hasta las semifinales. Sin embargo, en la final, no hubo diferencias entre Q1 y Q4. Un efecto similar también ocurrió cuando se analizaron sólo los jugadores que efectivamente hugaron. Curiosamente, mismo con efecto de la fecha de nacimiento en toda la Copa Mundial, excepto la final, otros temas deben tener en cuenta para un equipo hacerse campeón.