Amateurism vs Professional Flashcards
Amateur definition
A person who plays sport for the love of it and receives no financial gain
What are the amateur values
Manliness- robustness striving for physical endeavour
Appreciating the value of health and fitness
High moral integrity
What are the characteristics of a 19th century gentleman Amateur
Upper/middle class
Wealthy
Lots of free time
No desire to train to improve performance
High morality
Empathises on taking part/fair play/sportsmanship
What are the characteristics of a 19th century working class professional
Working class
Poor
Very little free time due to long working hours
Committed to train and perform as well as possible
Low morality- winning was alll that was important (cheat to win/bribes)
What were the positive aspects of a 19th century Amateur
- High status
- Elite sport dominated by upper class
- Code of amateurism (playing sport to rules)
- Code of ethics (playing sport to a high set of moral values)
- Social elite (love of it)
- Character building
- Regarded as the elite
What were the positive aspects of a 19th century Professional
- Broken time payments
- Paid according to their results so increase dedication to training
- Earnt more money playing sport than in the factories
- Employment in factory based on talent at sport
- Potential for social mobility created a determination to succeed
Key features of a modern day amateurs
- Lower status
- Some high level performers still not professional
- Blurring of amateur and professional distinctions- achievement based on merit
- Top level sport open to all
- Some receive finance for training expense- National Lottery
Key features of a modern day professional
- All classes can complete- social class not a barrier
- High rewards- media and sponsorship
- More time to train as full time job = better standards
- Celebrity status and positive role models
- Lots more spectators- more affordable travel
