In some sports or individual competitions, a policy remains in place within the sport, allowing only amateur sports. The Olympic Games began with the principle of amateur competition, when those who practiced any sport professionally were considered to have an unfair advantage over those who practiced it simply as a hobby. Since 1971, Olympic athletes have been allowed to receive compensation and sponsorship, and since 1986, the IOC has decided to grant all professional athletes the right to participate in the Olympic Games, with the exception of boxing and wrestling.
