The relative age effect in alpine ski racing: A review

Abstract

The relative age effect (RAE), which refers to an over-representation of athletes born early in a selection year, represents a problem in various types of sport. The purpose of the present review is to draw together the existing literature concerning the full extent of the RAE, the influence of relative age on the overall performance/results and the influential mechanisms on the RAE in alpine ski racing. A RAE exists in all age categories of national and international alpine ski racing. Relatively older athletes are more successful. Relatively younger ski racers can counteract the relative age disadvantage if they show the same level of physical fitness and maturity as the relatively older athletes. Athletes selected for national final races were significantly more mature than those not selected.