3.1.3 – Making informed decisions: Vocational opportunities for becoming involved in physical activityLearning objectives

To understand the difference between professionals and amateurs.

To explain how open competitions work and who can enter them.

To describe the different careers opportunities available through sport.

Anyone can choose to pursue a career in sport and earn a living from it. It requires hard work and dedication to achieve professional status.

Sports performer

Modern day professionals

To the professional athlete sport is their job. They receive financial rewards for participating and winning competitions. Professionals train everyday and usually sign a contract to their club.

How else do professionals earn their money?

Professionals

Professionals earn money from:• Wages• Bonuses• Appearance money• Winnings• Transfer fees• Sponsorship• Endorsements

Amateurs

Amateur sportspeople participate in their own time and there is no payments involved. In fact amateurs usually pay fees and annual subscriptions themselves.

Amateurs can receive some money for performing.

• Expenses covered: Travel and personal expenses can be covered by funds/grants/government initiatives. • Gifts: Cash prizes for winning events.

• Scholarships: Players can go to universities to receive expert training at no expense.

• Trust funds: Money can be given for the athlete’s use.

• Sponsorships: Companies can sponsor local team or individuals and in return will have their logo placed on club clothing.

How do amateurs make a living?

Open competitions

Open competitions invite all performers to compete irrespective of gender or amateur or professional status. In golf, the British Open is a good example. If a professional wins they would receive the prize fund BUT if an amateur wins they would not be eligible for the money.

Better sports facilities and more free leisure time has allowed amateurs to dedicate more time to practice.

Careers

There are a large number of careers associated to sport. More people are making a living from coaching or managing sport teams.

TASK: Discuss other careers could you pursue in sport?

Careers

PE Teacher: You would need a wide range of knowledge about different sports, be a good communicator and a degree/teaching qualification.

Physiotherapist: An understanding about anatomy and physiology is necessary.

Sports Manager: Needs to be a communicator, organiser and be able to work will other team members. E.g. Football level 1, 2 & UEFA licences.

Trainer: Requires a specific knowledge of a sport and be a good motivator.

Summary Questions:

Describe the types of jobs sport can offer.

Can you explain the difference between amateurs and professionals?

What is a open competition? Who can enter?

How can professional earn a wage?