THE EFFECT OF RELATIVE AGE ON ANTHROPOMETRIC AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF 8-YEAR-OLD GIRLS

This study investigates the Relative Age Effect (RAE) on the anthropometric and physical performance characteristics of 8-year-old girls participating in basketball try-outs in XXX, Turkey. A total of 73 participants, grouped into birth quartiles (Q1-Q4), underwent anthropometric measurements (height, weight, arm span, sitting height) and physical performance tests (20m sprint, standing long jump, medicine ball throw, and T-HALF agility test). The results showed no significant differences across quartiles in anthropometric characteristics, including height (mean: 140.45 cm, F(3,69) = 0.53, p = 0.66) and body weight (mean: 31.98 kg, F(3,69) = 1.55, p = 0.21). Similarly, physical performance outcomes were not significantly influenced by relative age: 20m sprint (mean: 5.32 s, F(3,69) = 1.88, p = 0.14), standing long jump (mean: 92.77 cm, F(3,69) = 1.04, p = 0.38), medicine ball throw (mean: 3.88 m, F(3,69) = 1.50, p = 0.22), and T-HALF agility test (mean: 9.65 s, F(3,69) = 1.40, p = 0.52). These findings suggest that RAE does not significantly influence physical or anthropometric characteristics at this age, highlighting the predominance of genetic factors over relative age advantages in early childhood. The study underscores the need for longitudinal research to explore how RAE evolves over time, particularly during adolescence when growth spurts may amplify physical disparities. These insights contribute to optimizing talent identification and fostering equitable participation in youth basketball programs.