Does Relative Age Effect Exist among Norwegian Professional Soccer Players?

Abstract

The cut-off date used in selecting athletes for competitive sports may give individuals born early in the year an advantage over those born late when physical development and maturation are the selection criteria. This advantage is referred to as the relative age effect (RAE). In soccer, such criteria may be detrimental, as specific motor skills needed to enhance team performance levels further may be more important than physicality. We examined if the RAE exists among Norwegian professional soccer players. Data on 217 players from 14 profes sional teams, born between 1969 -1991 were analysed. Players born in June had the highest incidence of being members of the Norwegian Football League (Incidence ra te ratio = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.39, 5.78). Despite the non-linear relationship betwee n month of birth and membership of the League, players born during the first half of the year were overrepresented in the League compared to those born during the second half (130 versus 87, p = .02). The RAE thus appears to exist among Norwegian professional soccer players, potentially reflecting selection criteria at ea rlier age levels that may not be optimal. The non-linear relationship observed suggests t hat more functional selection criteria as well may be in operation.

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