The Role of Biological Maturation in Talent Selection Decisions Among Youth Athletes
Year: 2026
Type: study-registration
Abstract: Talent selection represents a critical stage in athlete development, as selection decisions determine access to advanced training environments, coaching, and long-term development opportunities. In practice, these decisions are based on both objective assessments, such as sport-specific and physical performance tests, and subjective evaluations reflecting the so-called coach's eye. According to Hohmann (2001), one important criterion for identifying sporting talent is performance prominence, which refers to an athlete's observable performance level relative to peers. However, this criterion is strongly influenced by biological maturation, as maturation substantially affects current physical and motor performance. Previous research has consistently demonstrated that early-maturing athletes often outperform their later-maturing peers in sport motor performance, increasing their likelihood of being selected. The aim of this scoping review is to comprehensively examine the influence of biological maturation on talent selection decisions across different sports and both sexes. Specifically, the review seeks to determine whether early-maturing athletes are systematically favored during selection processes and whether this pattern is consistent across sporting contexts and between male and female athletes. By synthesizing the available evidence, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of biological maturation in talent selection and to establish an evidence base that can support practitioners in developing fairer and more developmentally appropriate talent selection processes.
Source: Open Science Framework
Authors: Leon Brüning, Anne Metschies, Nora Cermak, Kaja Langer, Fabienne Döringer, Mark Pfeiffer
Language: English
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7213270959