If I'm talking about work ethic of a basketball player to someone who has played basketball their entire life, I'm going to defer to them as knowing more about what it takes work ethic wise to be a good basketball player. I can speak to it generally, but I'd give them a bit more respect on their knowledge. If I'm talking hockey, I feel confident knowing a bit more about the work that goes into it than someone who has never played. I respect they can speak to it generally, but I think it helps to have played.