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Relative age effect in the 2022-2023 World Fencing Championships
Fabiana Bonito1, Joana Viães2, Júlia Teles1
1Interdisciplinary Center for Human Performance, Faculty of Human Motricity, University of Lisbon, Dafundo, Portugal.
Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
|July 17, 2025
Summary
The relative age effect (RAE) was found in the 2022-2023 World Fencing Championships overall and by sex. Coaches should be aware of this RAE in elite fencing.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Talent Identification
- Fencing Performance Analysis
Background:
- The relative age effect (RAE) is a well-documented phenomenon in sports, where athletes born earlier in the selection year have a performance advantage.
- Research on RAE in fencing is limited and shows inconsistent findings, necessitating further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and extent of the relative age effect (RAE) in the 2022-2023 World Fencing Championships.
- To analyze RAE across different age categories (cadet, junior, senior) and sexes within elite fencing.
Main Methods:
- Data from 2,791 fencers (cadets, juniors, seniors) at the 2022-2023 World Championships were analyzed.
- Chi-square goodness-of-fit tests were used to assess birth quarter distribution.
- Standardized residuals, Cramér's V, and odds ratios were calculated to quantify RAE. Non-parametric tests compared relative classification across birth quarters when RAE was detected.
Main Results:
- RAE was statistically significant in the overall sample (p < 0.001) and for both female (p = 0.016) and male (p = 0.046) fencers.
- The effect size (Cramér's V) for RAE was small across all analyses.
- RAE was inconclusive when examining individual fencing events.
Conclusions:
- The relative age effect is present in elite fencing, affecting both male and female athletes.
- While statistically significant, the practical impact of RAE in fencing may be limited due to small effect sizes.
- Coaches and talent development programs in fencing should consider the potential influence of RAE on athlete selection and progression.
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