- Published: December 14, 2021
- Updated: December 14, 2021
- University / College: University of Missouri, Columbia
- Level: Secondary School
- Language: English
- Downloads: 35
Running head: DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AMATEUR AND PROFESSIONAL SPORTS Difference between Amateur and Professional Sports DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AMATEUR AND PROFESSIONAL SPORTS
Difference between Amateur and Professional Sports
Very often in the sport news we can hear the words “ professional” and “ amateur”. In the past there was a clear division between professional sportsmen and amateurs. Amateurs participate in competitions only because of the “ sport” interest and for the sake of victory, and for professionals sport is an activity for which they get salary (“ Amateurs and Professionals” Web). Often professional sportsmen participate in mass entertainment events.
Nowadays, the differences between amateur and professional sports are more blurred. Sportsmen, who have formally considered as amateurs, participate in various championships and perform at the Olympic Games, though they receive cash prizes only for winning. Such activity is no longer considered to be professional sport.
Records, awards and any other sporting achievements are not important for a professional sportsman. The primary aim of success is a commercial benefit for them.
Among the most influential and well-known sports that involve professionals football and boxing and hockey can be distinguished. In some sports, such as figure skating, the transition to professional status means the end of amateur`s career.
If we look through the history of sport, for example, to the place of its origin – Ancient Greece – we can notice that professional chariot races required a lot of costs – only rich people could keep four thoroughbred horses. The winner was not the “ driver”, but the owner of the chariot. Chariot races took place in an amphitheater, which was specially built for this sport and attracted thousands of spectators. This show resembles modern football with different teams and fans. Official demarcation of sport at the
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AMATEUR AND PROFESSIONAL SPORTS
amateur and professional categories occurred at the International Congress on the study and dissemination of amateur principles in the Olympic movement.
However the period of the active life of a sportsman is not long. The average age of person`s exit from professional sports is no more than 35-37 years in average. Furthermore sportsman changes his profession, becoming a coach, referee, manager or even he ” retires”.
References
Amateurs and Professionals, www. teachpe. com. Web
