Exploring the existence, strength, and independence of relative age and maturation selection biases: a case study in Gaelic football talent development programmes

Background: Biological maturity and relative age player selection biases are well documented in youth sports. However, there has been limited examination of the relationship between these biases.

Aim: This study investigated the presence, strength, and independence of relative age and biological maturity selection biases in Gaelic football.

Subjects and methods: A total of 247 male players from U14 to U16, from two talent academies were assessed for relative age (decimal age (DA)) and biological maturity (discrepancy between biological and chronological age (BA-CA)).

Results: Relative age effects (RAE) were observed in the U14 (DA = 0.62, d=0.40) and U15 squads (DA = 0.57. d=0.26) only. A bias towards advanced maturity status was present at U14 (BA-CA = 0.60, d=0.83), U15 (BA-CA = 0.78, d=0.89), and U16 (BA-CA, d=1.01). There was a trivial (U14, r(83) = −0.210; U15, r(88) = 0.060) and low (U16, r(76) = 0.352) correlation between relative age and maturity status.

Conclusion: Substantial maturity selection biases and, to a lesser degree, relative age biases are evident in youth Gaelic football. Critically, these biases are independent constructs. Coaches and policy makers should be educated on the distinct influences of relative age and maturation, and on strategies to address these biases.