"What's the score?": A study of sporting and cultural serious leisure careers in Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

An investigation of "serious leisure" among New Zealand professional and amateur rugby players and musicians. The study is based on the framework associated with Robert Stebbins. Thirty-six serious leisure practitioners were interviewed, representing professional and amateur rugby players and musicians. In-depth interviews were used to investigate the development of serious leisure "careers", and the impact of financial rewards on attitudes to the "leisure" or "work" characteristics of these careers. The study uncovered important factors that influenced individual's experiences. These included: cultural continuity; family influence; peer group influence; perseverance; ability; specific activity organisation and coaching/teaching; payment for performing; differences in rewards and costs; and career span. These factors help distinguish the serious leisure careers of amateur and professional rugby players and musicians. Recommendations are made for the management of professional and amateur leisure.