INFLUENCE OF THE RELATIVE AGE EFFECT ON MALE SCHOOL FUTSAL IN MATO GROSSO: A CATEGORY-BASED ANALYSIS

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the existence and influence of the Relative Age Effect (RAE) in male Mato Grosso’s futsal student-athletes according to age category. The sample consisted of 486 male futsal student-athletes from Mato Grosso, in categories A (15 to 17 years old) and B (12 to 14 years old) who competed in the 2021 Mato Grosso School Games and the Mato Grosso Student Selections Games. For analysis, chi-square (χ2) goodness of fit tests were performed. Results showed the presence of RAE in the overall analysis and in categories A and B, with a greater representation of athletes born in the first quarter of the year. It is concluded that RAE is a phenomenon present in male futsal student-athletes in the state of Mato Grosso.