Section C: Olympic Games: a global perspective 7. Amateurism
Syllabus Traditional definition of amateurism in the Olympic Games Definition as a tool for excluding the working class in sports events organised for the upper class Definition as a noble concept Transition to professionalism ‘broken time’ payment Lack of policy from the IOC Abuse of the amateur ideal Necessity for full time pursuit to achieve Olympic success
Why is amateurism no longer viable? In order to achieve success athletes need fulltime pursuit Cannot afford to be amateur – high living / training / equipment costs Olympic Games are now a commercial event Dictated to by world economic climate Host country needs to make a profit or at least break even Many sports are ‘wealth sports’ e.g. sailing