PhD Study : Towards the reduction and elimination of Relative Age Effects in sport. Assessing the influence of social agents in youth sport.

Summary

The term ‘relative age’ refers to the subtle age differences in the same chronological based or typical annual age grouping (Wattie et al., 2007). The phenomenon of relative age effects (RAEs) describes the advantages afforded to relatively older members within peer groups due to chronological categortisation. In a sporting context, these groupings are regularly based on annual or bi-annual ages, typically designed in attempt to offer a fair developmental and competitive platform for participants. However, variations in development have led to participation and achievement (dis)advantages referred to as relative age effects (Barnsley et al., 1985).

RAEs prevalence in sport has been established across various activities, cultures, and age profiles including soccer (Helsen et al., 2005; Malina et al., 2007), ice hockey (Boucher & Mutimer, 1994), basketball (López de Subijana & Lorenzo, 2018), rugby league (Till et al., 2009), and rugby union (Kearney, 2017). The RAE has impacted on short-term participation and long-term attainment constraints (Cobley et al., 2009; Baker et al., 2009). RAEs are exhibited through cognitive, physical, and emotional differences between the oldest and the youngest within each cohort (Malina, 1994; Musch & Grondin, 2001).

The opportunities for late developers are diminished due to the advantages that early developers receive through perceptions of increased ability resulting in additional coaching and playing time at higher levels (Cobley et al., 2009; Vaeyens et al., 2008). Further, studies found that relatively younger athletes within age cohorts were more likely to cease participation (Delorme et al., 2010a; 2010b). The predominantly cross-sectional nature of RAE research to date has led to calls for emphasis on longitudinal research designs to enhance understanding of moderating and mediating variables (Baker et al., 2020).

The proposed PhD research project will provide an opportunity to test the Social Agents Theory of RAEs proposed by Hancock et al. (2013) which proposes that the primary drivers of RAEs are a combination of the parents whom initially enrol their children and the coaches responsible for their development and selection (Hancock et al., 2013). The project will focus on the longitudinal analysis of RAE antecedents and potential intervention(s) with a view towards reduction or elimination of the effect.

The target sample will be multi-sport youth athletes selected to regional development or representative squads ranging in ages from 13 to 17 over a minimum three year span. Potential intervention(s) will primarily involve education of social agents including coaches and parents, bio-banding, and semi-annual splitting of age groupings. The project will facilitate the testing and development and underpinning of theoretical concepts and assist in determining the effects of relative age differences in long term athlete development.

The successful candidate will have a background (masters degree preferred) in either sport psychology, developmental psychology, sport management, coaching science, sport science, kinesiology, or a related field. The successful candidate will have experience across different research methods (e.g., quantitative and qualitative). The successful applicant will study within the School of Sport and the Institute of Mental Health Sciences, within the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences at Ulster University.

References will be requested for shortlisted candidates.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 65%
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living