KEY POINTS:
More women than men expect professional athletes to set standards both on and off the sports field, a poll shows.
Research New Zealand director Emanuel Kalafatelis said today that the poll showed 82 per cent of New Zealanders believed professional sportspeople have a responsibility to behave as good role models.
"Our poll clearly demonstrated Kiwis expect more of their sportspeople than just a great on-field performance.
"While some may argue that the responsibility of our professional sportspeople is simply to play their sport, it seems Kiwis think they also have a responsibility to behave as positive role models within the community."
Mr Kalafatelis said the poll found women (88 per cent) felt more strongly about the issue than men (75 per cent).
"There were also differences of opinion among the age groups, with 91 per cent of Kiwis aged between 51 and 59 saying professional sportspeople have a responsibility to behave as good role models, compared to 70 per cent of 15 to 29 year olds."
The poll of 500 people aged 15 and over was conducted between March 11-19.
Research NZ is an independent, NZ-owned research organisation undertaking social and business research.
- NZPA
