Author(s): BUNDOVÁ, L., ŠVÁBOVÁ, P., THOMKA, M., KABÁT, M., Institution: FACULTY OF EDUCATION COMENIUS UNIVERSITY, Country: SLOVAKIA, Abstract-ID: 2603

INTRODUCTION:
Talent identification in youth sport is increasingly conceptualised as a dynamic and multidimensional process rather than a reflection of current performance (Den Hartigh et al., 2018; Verbeek et al., 2023). However, selection systems based on chronological age often favour early-maturing athletes due to temporary advantages in size and speed (Malina et al., 2004; Albaladejo-Saura et al., 2021). This maturational bias may interact with the Relative Age Effect and reinforce early physical advantages. At the same time, early sport specialization contrasts with long-term athlete development models advocating diversified motor experiences. The present study examined biological maturation, specialization patterns, motor competence, and speed performance in selected female volleyball and basketball players aged 10–13 years.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional sample of N = 62 female athletes (volleyball n = 38; basketball n = 24; basketball age: 11.5 ± 0.8 years; total age: 11.9 ± 1.2 years) participating in regional talent selection programmes was assessed. Biological age was determined using the BAUSport™ ultrasound system for skeletal maturity assessment. Athletes were classified as early (> +1 year SA–CA), on-time (±1 year), or late (< −1 year).Sport specialization history was obtained via structured parental questionnaire.Basic motor competencies were assessed using MOBAK 5–6.Speed performance was evaluated using a 20-m sprint and 5–0–5 change-of-direction test. Independent t-tests and chi-square tests were performed. Effect sizes (Cohen’s d, Cramér’s V) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.
RESULTS:
The distribution of maturation status differed significantly from equal proportions (χ²(2) = 59.44, p < .001, V = .69), with 79% classified as early maturing, indicating substantial maturational selection bias. Early-specialized athletes demonstrated significantly lower fundamental motor competence (MOBAK 5–6; max. 16 points) compared with diversified peers (12.1 ± 2.1 vs. 14.2 ± 2.4; p = .004, d = .82). In contrast, early-maturing athletes performed significantly better in the 20-m sprint and 5–0–5 change-of-direction test (both p ≤ .005, d = .91–.94), indicating better speed level.
CONCLUSION:
The predominance of early-maturing athletes indicates a substantial maturational selection bias, supporting previous evidence that temporary physical advantages may influence talent identification decisions (Malina et al., 2004; Albaladejo-Saura et al., 2021). While early maturers demonstrated superior speed performance, early specialization was associated with lower fundamental motor competence, highlighting potential trade-offs between short-term performance gains and long-term developmental foundations. These findings underscore the importance of integrating biological age assessment, motor competence monitoring, and bio-banding strategies to reduce selection bias and support sustainable long-term athlete development in youth team sports.