Amateurism Vs. Professionalism

In most cases, the difference between amateurism and professionalism is not one of skill, time or desire. Though amateurs are generally considered less skilled than professionals, this is not always the case. In golf, as one example, amateurs can often beat some professionals on any given day. Therefore, the best way to define the different between amateurism and professionalism is to look at the motivations.

The decision to stay amateur or turn professional is often difficult.

Identification

The American Heritage Dictionary defines an amateur as "a person who engages in an art, a science, a study, or an athletic event as a pastime rather than a profession." In other words, professionals get paid for what they do; amateurs do not. Therefore, no matter what your job is, you are a professional at it. In this way, you may have more than one profession, such as a primary and secondary profession. Many people may consider only their first job a profession, though this would be a modification of the given definition.

Types

In most cases, the delineation between amateurism and professionalism takes place at the sports level. Particular attention is focused on whether a person is an amateur or professional simply because it affects eligibility. Those who are professionals cannot participate in amateur events. Amateurs may be able to participate in professional events and still keep their amateur status, provided they do not accept any prize money or other forms of prizes.

Warning

Many amateurs must be constantly aware of the rules governing their field. For example, some competitions considered amateur may award a small cash prize or some other type of prize. No matter how small the prize may be, this could transform the participant from the rank of amateur to professional, if accepted. For example, the NCAA, the governing body of collegiate athletics, has very strict rules on what an amateur athlete can accept and still be eligible for college sports.

Benefits

The reason why professionals are often considered better in their fields is because they simply have more time to devote to it. Anyone doing something as a living would ordinarily have an advantage over someone who is making a living doing something else and only devoting their spare time to the other activity. In most cases, those who are devoting their spare time enjoy what they are doing and likely would turn professional if they had the time or ability to develop the skills needed.

Insight

With amateurism, it is important to note there is no true definition that may fit all categories. For example, though those playing sports in the NCAA may be considered amateurs, many are receiving scholarships for their participation. Therefore, they are receiving a financial reward, even though they are not considered professionals. The value of that award is tens of thousands of dollars over the course of their college careers. Thus, there is some debate about whether these are truly amateurs.

Considerations

For those looking to take an activity or sport from an amateur one to a professional one, there are a number of things to consider. First, honestly have your talent assessed by another professional in the field. This may be a colleague, coach or some other person with experience in the field. Second, consider the consequences based on your current life circumstances. If the benefits outweigh the possible drawbacks, then it may be time to act on your idea.

References

• American Heritage Dictionary; 3rd Edition; Houghton Mifflin, 1992
• Amateur Status rules
• Sports Law - Amateur Athletes

Resources

• NCAA Amateurism
• Paying College Athletes