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Relative age effects in Elite Chinese soccer players: Implications of the ‘one-child’ policy

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  • Zhen Li
  • Lijuan Mao
  • Christina Steingröver
  • Nick Wattie
  • Joseph Baker
  • Jörg Schorer
  • Werner F Helsen

Abstract

The relative age effect (RAE) refers to the asymmetrical distribution of birthdates in a cohort found in many achievement domains, particularly in sports with many participants like soccer. Given the uniqueness of the one-child policy in China, this study examined the existence of the RAE in elite Chinese male and female soccer players generally and relative to their playing position on the field. Results showed a clear and obvious RAE for all age groups (U20 male, U18 male, adult female and U18 female) with the observed birthdate distributions for each age group significantly different from expected distributions (p VGK = 0.215>VMF = 0.178>VFW = 0.175). In female players, GKs had a larger RAE (VGK = 0.184>0.17, VDF = 0.143, VMF = 0.127, VFW = 0.116). To reduce the negative consequences associated with RAEs throughout player development systems, potential solutions are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhen Li & Lijuan Mao & Christina Steingröver & Nick Wattie & Joseph Baker & Jörg Schorer & Werner F Helsen, 2020. "Relative age effects in Elite Chinese soccer players: Implications of the ‘one-child’ policy," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(2), pages 1-10, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0228611
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228611
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    3. Luca Fumarco & Benjamin G Gibbs & Jonathan A Jarvis & Giambattista Rossi, 2017. "The relative age effect reversal among the National Hockey League elite," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(8), pages 1-16, August.
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