Relative age effect at men’s volleyball world championships over time

Introduction: Relative age effect (RAE) in sport is extensively described in the literature. However, there is scarcity of data on how to avoid problems in the talent identification process and, consequently, how to avoid dropping out or losing a potential volleyball talent. The aim of the study was to carry out a retrospective analysis of RAE at Men’s U-19 and U-21 World Championships as well as Men’s World Championships over the last 12 years and to investigate possible differences in quarterly age distribution depending on anthropometric features, geographical regions the teams under study came from as well as their performance (results) at the championships. Material and Methods: The analysis was based on volleyball players (n = 3,887) participating in Men’s U-19 and U-21 World Championships as well as Men’s World Championships over the last 12 years (2010– 2022). Results: It was noted that RAE differed depending on age category, body height, geographical region of origin as well as the place taken during the championships. Conclusions: The findings indicate that there is a need to better understand RAE in order to avoid losing young volleyball players, which could contribute to the development of volleyball in the world.