Key result
First-quartile birthdates are linked to ~376% higher FC Barcelona selection likelihood, diminishing with age.
Why the study?
The study sought to evaluate the relative age effect within an elite multi-sport context at FC Barcelona.
Population
6542 players affiliated to FC Barcelona across multiple sports from U10 to Senior
Comparison
Birth-date quartiles from start of selection year (Q1 vs Q2 vs Q3 vs Q4)
Design
Cross-sectional observational study
Authors
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Relative age bias persists in multi-sport talent selection; leaves open mitigation strategies for prospective cohorts.
Cross-Sectional (n=6,542)
No
Odds Ratio: 4.76 (95% CI 1.96–11.57)
Absolute Event Rate: 46.1% vs 9.7%
p-value: p=<0.01
A significant relative age effect exists in elite multi-sport talent identification, with athletes born earlier in the selection year being significantly more likely to be selected despite the use of psychological and perceptual-cognitive markers.
Doncaster et al. (2020) conducted a cross-sectional in Athletic talent identification (n=6,542). Birth in the first quartile of the selection year (Q1) vs. Birth in the fourth quartile of the selection year (Q4) was evaluated on Likelihood of selection (birthdate distribution) (OR 4.76, 95% CI 1.96-11.57, p=<0.01). Being born in the first quartile of the selection year increased the likelihood of selection into FC Barcelona's sporting programs compared to the fourth quartile (OR 4.76), though this relative age effect diminished with increasing age.
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