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