amateurism in sports

Amateurism in sports refers to athletes competing without receiving payment or financial benefits related to their athletic performance. Historically, it emphasized participation, skill, and dedication over monetary gain, often to preserve the integrity and spirit of competition. While amateurs may receive allowances for training or expenses, they typically do not earn direct compensation like professional athletes. The concept aims to differentiate genuine passion and dedication from commercially driven professional sports, though its boundaries can vary and sometimes lead to debates about fairness and the evolving nature of sports.