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The division between amateurs and professionals in competitive sport is out-dated. You only have to wear a sponsor's logo or accept a government subsidy to cease to be a true amateur, in the original sense of the word - somebody who does it for love. But in air sports some still think that a clear line can be drawn between the purity of amateur sport, untainted by crass commercialism, on the one hand, and professional sport on the other, which to many means doping, astronomic transfer fees, bad sportsmanship, energy drinks, virtual advertising, big prize money... and so on. The reality is that there are elements of professionalism in many air sports. Of course very few people actually earn a living out of competitive flying. But quite a number supplement their income in this way, directly or indirectly. In FAI, we don't give prize money for many World Championships. But that is not because we are irretrievably wedded to a superseded doctrine of amateurism, but mainly because we don't yet have the sponsorship money. Professional air show operators and promoters are now bringing air sports to the wide public. Public perceptions are formed by these people, who seek to excite the crowds. If we are not careful, our "amateur" contests may be perceived by the public as dull and boring by comparison. Is this a price we are willing to pay? Our job is to identify the best pilots and parachutists in the world, regardless of financial circumstances. There can only be one world champion. Therefore, world championships must be monopolistic to keep their value and legitimacy. The FAI is the World Air Sports Federation. It must embrace all those who love to fly - even if they are lucky enough to get paid to pursue their passion.
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