AUTHOR=Manning Ciara N. , Sekiguchi Yasuki , Benjamin Courteney L. , Spaulding McKenna R. , Dierickx Erin E. , Spaulding Jayson M. , Davenport Dayshia M. , Picard-Busky Jillian R. , Chiampas George T. , Nassis George P. , Casa Douglas J. 

TITLE=Deconstructing stereotypes: Stature, match-playing time, and performance in elite Women's World Cup soccer

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Sports and Active Living

VOLUME=Volume 4 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2022.1067190

DOI=10.3389/fspor.2022.1067190

ISSN=2624-9367

ABSTRACT=Recruiting companies recommend elite female soccer players be ≥165cm (5’5”) in stature. This study investigated if stature limits match-playing time and performance in elite World Cup soccer among players, positions, and countries. We hypothesized stature would not affect match-playing time or performance. Descriptive data were collected on 552 players from 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Odds ratios determined likelihood of starting for players <165cm and ≥165cm. ANOVAs compared playing time between stature groups, among positions, and between countries. Performance factors including assists, goals, attempts, corners, shots blocked, and defending blocks were reported. Independent t-tests compared differences between players (≥165cm, <165cm). Data are reported, mean difference [95% confidence interval] (MD [95%CI]) and effect sizes (ES). On average, 32.3% of players were <165cm. Of total players, no differences existed in total minutes (F=0.98, p = 0.32), matches (F = 0.27 p=0.59), or average minutes per match (F=0.48, p=0.49) between stature groups, regardless of position. No differences existed in playing time between players <165cm and ≥165cm among any positions (p>0.05), or between countries (p>0.05). Taller mid-fielders exhibited greater performance in goals, assists, attempts, shots blocked, and defending blocks (MD [95%CI] ES; assists, -0.44[-0.76,-0.11]0.59, p=0.009; goals, -0.35[-0.69,-0.01]0.44, p=0.047); attempts, 3.14[1.38, 4.90]0.80, p=0.001; corners, 2.04[0.12, 3.95]0.48, p=0.037; shots blocked, 0.96[0.40, 1.51]0.75, p=0.001; defending blocks, 0.43[0.32,0.82]0.48, p=0.035), however, actual differences were minimal. Our findings indicate stature does not inhibit playing and performing elite women’s soccer, as nearly one-third of players were <165cm.