Fact check: Is the word ‘Elite’ used in any skill level hierarchical models?

1. Summary of the results

The use of the word 'Elite' in skill level hierarchical models appears to be context-dependent and controversial. While some traditional skill development models explicitly avoid using the term "Elite," preferring instead terms like "Novice," "Competence," "Proficiency," "Expertise," and "Mastery" ^[1], the term is widely used in sports-related hierarchical models ^[2]. However, its usage lacks standardization and consistency, being applied to various levels from youth sports to international competition ^[2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual elements need to be considered:

• Standardization Issues: The term "Elite" is used inconsistently across research and practical settings, creating confusion in classification systems ^[2].
• Age Group Applications: The term has been applied across vastly different contexts, from under-9 age groups to senior international levels, often without clear definition ^[2].
• Sociological Perspective: The term "elite" inherently creates a binary classification, implying the existence of "non-elite" groups, which has broader social implications ^[3].
• Alternative Systems: Some professional models deliberately avoid the term, opting for more specific skill-based descriptors ^[1].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question's simplicity could lead to misleading conclusions. Several biases need to be acknowledged:

• Sports Industry Bias: The sports industry benefits from using the term "elite" as a marketing tool and status symbol, which may explain its prevalent use in sports contexts despite lack of standardization ^[2].
• Academic vs. Practical Usage: There's a clear divide between academic skill development models that avoid the term ^[1] and sports-related models that embrace it ^[2], suggesting different motivations and purposes in different fields.
• Classification Complexity: The question implies a simple yes/no answer, when in reality, the use of "elite" in hierarchical models is highly complex and context-dependent, varying significantly across different domains and applications.