Relative Age Effect (RAE) Among Malaysia University Athletes; [Efecto de la edad relativa (RAE) entre los atletas universitarios de Malasia]

• Published in: Retos
• Main Author: Hassan N.A.; Abd. Kahar Z.; Nadzalan A.Md.; Lee J.L.F.; Azmi A.M.N.; Pratama R.S.; Purwoto S.P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Federacion Espanola de Docentes de Educacion Fisica 2025
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85217103544&doi=10.47197%2fretos.v63.105308&partnerID=40&md5=806a940fc4d2db2cb2edb1e9b154e628

Introduction: Currently, most research on RAE in sports is focused on youth and top levels, leaving university athletes, especially in Malaysia, with very little information to work Objective: This study aims to investigate the RAE in more depth by adding variables such as gender, sports category, and the type of higher education school (IPTS/IPTA). Methodology: A quantitative research strategy was used with 4,683 athlete birth dates. The chi-square test showed that SUKIPT 2022 athletes had a high rate of RAE. Results: The distribution of athletes' birth dates over the four quarters of the year exhibited a substantial imbalance, as seen by the chi-square statistic (χ2 (3, N = 4683) = 59.618, p =< .001; V = 0.080). The data shows a strong RAE among players born in the fourth quarter, which could mean an RAE bias. The study also found that RAE was common among all genders and in various sports, including IPTA players. However, there was interesting RAE seen in athletes from private universities (IPTS) (χ2 (3, N = 1372) = 5.429, p =.143). Discussion: The results validate the presence of the RAE within the population of university athletes, indicating that variances in development could potentially impact the selection and performance of athletes. This study enhances the comprehension of the RAE within the university sports domain. It establishes a basis for forthcoming research endeavours to investigate approaches to alleviate RAE and foster equitable athlete growth and selection. Conclusions: The frequency of RAE in athletes competing for the university at the 2022 Higher Education Institution Games (SUKIPT). © 2025 Federacion Espanola de Docentes de Educacion Fisica. All rights reserved.