The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has teamed up with Influential Athlete to help its member schools understand Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. This move comes as the OHSAA’s 819 member schools get ready for an emergency vote that could change endorsement rules for high school athletes.
The vote is happening after a lawsuit from Ohio State football recruit Jamier Brown and his mother, who say high school athletes should be able to earn NIL money. Brown recently won a temporary restraining order, stopping the OHSAA from enforcing its current NIL policies until December 15.
Principals will cast votes for their schools between November 17-21. There’s a lot riding on this decision, and the timing feels pretty urgent for everyone involved.
Understanding NIL and Its Impact on High School Sports
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) is basically the idea that athletes can make money from their personal brand. This can happen through things like social media, endorsements, paid appearances, and branding deals.
The concept took off in college sports and now it’s knocking on the door of high school athletics. It’s a big shift, honestly.
What is NIL?
NIL means athletes can earn cash by using their public recognition and athletic fame. Some ways they might do this include:
- Social media endorsements
- Brand partnerships
- Licensing deals
- Paid appearances
OHSAA’s current rules say high school athletes can’t profit from their NIL, but that could all change soon, depending on the vote.
The Legal Landscape and the Role of Influential Athlete
The lawsuit from Jamier Brown and his mom has really brought NIL into the spotlight. They believe high school athletes deserve the same shot as college athletes to cash in on their personal brand.
The restraining order they won has forced the OHSAA to take a hard look at its stance on NIL. It’s not clear what’s coming next, but the pressure’s definitely on.
Influential Athlete’s Role
To help figure this all out, the OHSAA is working with Influential Athlete, a group that specializes in NIL education and advocacy. They’ve already helped the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association pass NIL rules with a strong majority.
OHSAA Executive Director Doug Ute says this partnership will help school leaders and athletic directors make informed choices for their athletes and communities. That sounds good in theory, but the details will matter.
The Upcoming Vote and Its Implications
The emergency vote from November 17-21 will decide if Ohio high school athletes can start earning money from their NIL. Each school’s principal gets one vote, and the outcome could open up a whole new world for student-athletes.
Details of the Proposed NIL Bylaw
The proposed NIL bylaw spells out a few key rules for athletes:
- No use of school or OHSAA logos, mascots, or trademarks while getting paid.
- No deals with school-affiliated groups like booster clubs or foundations.
- No NIL activities during school or team time.
- No payment based on athletic performance.
- No offers to switch schools for NIL money.
- No promoting things like gambling, alcohol, or firearms.
Athletes would also have to report their NIL deals to the OHSAA within 14 days. They’d still need to follow other bylaws and school rules, too.
Challenges and Considerations
Letting high school athletes earn NIL money is exciting, but it’s not simple. Athletes and families have to think about how this could affect eligibility with groups like the NCAA, NJCAA, and NAIA.
It’s smart for them to get professional advice before signing anything and to keep their schoolwork and sports commitments in mind. There’s a lot to balance here.
Potential Penalties
If athletes break the NIL bylaw, they could be benched for up to 20 percent of their season and face other penalties under Bylaw 11. Schools and coaches need to make sure everyone understands the rules and what could happen if they’re ignored.
Looking Ahead
The outcome of the upcoming vote could really shake things up for high school sports in Ohio. If it passes, maybe other states will take notes and follow along.
The OHSAA teaming up with Influential Athlete shows they’re trying to help schools get the right info and support. It’s a big moment, and they’re not just sitting on their hands.
High school sports keep changing, and the idea of athletes making money from their NIL might just become normal someday. That’d bring fresh opportunities, but also headaches, for students, schools, and the folks in charge.
Curious to dig deeper? Check out the original article on Cleveland.com.
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