Convergent validity between two fundamental movement skills assessment tools: the test of Gross Motor Development-3 and the Canadian Agility and Movement Skill Assessment

Background: In response to China’s recent educational policies mandating a focus on fundamental movement skills (FMS) in school physical education, this study investigated the convergent validity between two widely used FMS assessment tools: the Test of Gross Motor Development-3 (TGMD-3) and the Canadian Agility and Movement Skill Assessment (CAMSA). Methods: A random sample of 134 9–10-year-old children were tested with both the CAMSA and the TGMD-3. Results: The outcomes from both the TGMD-3 and the CAMSA revealed a superiority in object-control skills among boys compared to girls, with a significant correlation between the two (r = 0.265–0.482, p < 0.01). Additionally, the Kappa correlation coefficient between the CAMSA and the TGMD-3 was 0.395, while the Kappa correlation coefficient between the CAMSA total skill and the TGMD-3 was 0.654. Conclusions: Both assessment tools effectively identified gender disparities in FMS, demonstrating correlation and consistency within acceptable ranges. Considering the slight variations in scoring methods, it is recommended to employ a variety of assessment tools in future evaluations of children’s FMS to enhance the overall comprehensiveness of the assessment.