Relative age effect in netball: a qualitative investigation

  The purpose of the present study was to investigate the experiences of international netball players born in different parts of the school year. A total of thirteen international netball players aged 24 to 52 were interviewed (six born in the first half of the school year and seven born in the second half). A qualitative analysis of the interview data was performed using a combination of deductive and inductive analyses. The analysis focussed on five broad themes: participation motives, attrition motives, age issues, support and location issues. The two groups of players experienced similar participation motives and support from coaches, family, friends and peers. Age issues were experienced by both groups of players. Location effects and the need to balance netball with other commitments were also experienced by both groups of players. There were two differences between the two groups with all seven of the players born in the second half of the school year experiencing performance and social attrition motives. These were experienced by 3 and 4 of the 6 players born in the first half of the school year respectively. Coaches and national governing bodies need to be aware of the attrition motives experienced by players, especially those who live some distance from main netball centres. An understanding of the performance attrition motives experienced specifically by players born in the second half of the school year could help coaches to nurture talented players.