Where this can be interesting is in the case of the Olympic Games. Most Olympic events require that the athletes be amateurs, or non-professionals. To receive pay to perform the sport could disqualify an athlete from an event.
Also in the areas of Computer programming and Open source, as well as Astronomy many amateurs make very meaningful contributions equivalent to or exceeding those of the professionals. To many, amateur is losing its negative meaning, and actually carries a badge of honor.
The other, perhaps somewhat obsolete usage, stems from the Latin root of the word meaning a "lover of". In this sense, an amateur may be as competent as a paid professional, yet is motivated by a love or passion for the activity. For example, see Wikipedia.
See also hobby.\n