Amateurism and Professionalism Flashcards
Define amateurism.
A person who plays sport for the love of it and receives no financial gain.
Define professionalism.
A person who plays sport for financial gain.
What are the values of amateurism?
manliness/physical endeavour
Appreciating the value of health and fitness
Appreciating the value of rule regulated activity
High moral integrity
What are the characteristics of a gentleman amateur?
Being a respected member of society with a public school background
Belonging to the social elite
Participation in sport was viewed as a character-building exercise, training was frowned upon
playing a range of sport using their natural talents
Playing sport with a high moral code (shows restraint in victory and humour in defeat)
What are the positive impacts of amateurism?
The elite sport was run by the upper and middle class who had high status in society, amateurs held a higher status than professionals
The code of amateurs was based on playing the sport with a clear set of rules (formed NGBs)
Amateurs played with a code of ethics (sportsmanship and fair play)
Belonging to the social elite meant they could partake in sport for the fun, not the monetary gain
Participating in sport was viewed higher than winning
What are the key features of early 20th century amateurs?
They held a high status in sport and society
The middle and upper class controlled sport
It was most likely that the top performers would be from the middle or upper class
They had sufficient income and free time to play sport for the fun of it.
What are the key features of modern-day amateurs?
They hold low status in sport and society (professionals are now of higher status)
Performance at the top level of sports is now open to all
Some amateurs receive financial support to pay for training
What are the positives of modern day amateurism?
Codes of amateurism are still present in modern-day sport, fair play
It is still viewed positively and promoted in a number of ways such as fair play awards
What are the key features of modern-day professionalism?
All classes can compete, social change is no longer a barrier to participation
People are respected for their talents and efforts in reaching the top
There are high rewards for professionals through media and sponsorship
Professionals gave more time to train
They have celebrity status
Viewed as positive role models
