Relationship between Athletes and Role Models

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between athletes and their responsibility as role models to youth. The study was conducted due to the expressed debate over the expected roles of professional athletes. On one side of the debate are those who feel that athletes choose to be in the limelight, thus being an athlete requires a need to acknowledge that they are role models and it requires that they act accordingly. On the other side are those who feel that athletes may have chosen their profession, but they are entitled to have a "private life" regardless of the youth who may or may not aspire to be like them. The issue in context with youth and the potential influence of athletes as role models lies with three main factors. The three main factors are the moral development of youth, the potential influence by athletes on the behavior of youth, and athletes seen through media as exceptions to the rules.