Abstract
The organization of adult sport in 5-year categories (35-39, 40-44, etc.) is intended to level the competitive field by controlling for age-related slowing, thereby motivating individuals to maintain participation. Despite this aim, international- and national-level Masters swimmers (Medic, Young, & Medic, 2010) and runners (Medic, Starkes, Weir, Young, & Grove, 2009) are more likely to be absent from competitive events in years 4 and 5 of an age-category, compared to years 1 and 2, when they are more likely to participate. This study investigated similar effects in a sample of diverse competitors (ranging from regional-level to elite) in a previously unexplored Masters sport (triathlon). Cross-sectional data (N = 12,283) for participants’ ages were compiled for seven consecutive years of the St. Anthony’s (Florida) Triathlon. Chi-square analyses were run separately by sex, for each 5-year age category from 35 until 59 yrs, to compare frequencies in each of the five constituent years in an age category. Results indicated a relative age effect for females at 45-49 (p < .001, ?=.21), 50-54 (p = .01, ?=.20), and 55-59 yrs (p < .01, ?=.29), and for males at 45-49 (p = .01, ?=.09), 50-54 (p < .01, ?=.14), and 55-59 yrs (p < .01, ?=.03). An inverse effect, showing under-representation in years 1 and 2, but overrepresentation in year 5 was seen for 30-34 yrs in males (p < .001, ?=.17) only. Discussion focuses on possible psychological explanations for such effects, gender roles and lifespan influences, and future methods to interpret such influences.
