Big changes are underway for high school sports in Indiana. The Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) has just approved a new “Personal Branding Activity” (PBA) bylaw.
This rule passed with a 13-5 vote at the IHSAA board of directors meeting. The bylaw aims to set high school athletics apart from the college Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) model.
Commissioner Paul Neidig says the PBA bylaw is about protecting the core of education-based athletics. At the same time, he admits it’s a move to keep up with the times.
There’s been a lot of talk among coaches, parents, and players about what this means. People are weighing the pull between tradition and the realities of modern sports.
The Essence of the PBA Bylaw
Commissioner Neidig laid out his thoughts in a pretty detailed letter. He insists the PBA is not the same as NIL at the college level.
His main worry? That high school sports might lose their educational focus or get too commercial. He’s seen how college athletics have changed and how parents sometimes hope for those big Division I opportunities for their kids.
Clarifying the Distinction
Neidig is clear: PBA and NIL aren’t interchangeable. He’s not a fan of the way NIL has shaken up college sports lately—there’s some real discomfort there.
He draws a line, saying high school sports shouldn’t be about money or recruiting star players with perks. The PBA bylaw, he argues, fits with what’s happening in high school sports nationally, but doesn’t change the core mission.
Maintaining Educational Values
Neidig says this isn’t about changing what Indiana high school sports stand for. It’s more of a guardrail, making sure education, teamwork, grit, and character don’t get lost in the shuffle.
He wants to keep that community spirit alive. For him, high school sports should still bring people together and keep Indiana’s unique traditions going strong.
Community and Legacy
Indiana’s high school sports world recently lost a legend. Fran Chomel, the longtime radio voice of Connersville athletics, passed away at 96.
Chomel’s career in broadcasting spanned more than half a century. Folks in Connersville knew him as “The Voice of Spartan Sports,” and he meant a lot to athletes and fans alike.
His dedication to high school sports left a mark that won’t be forgotten. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine Connersville games without his voice.
A New Chapter for Mooresville Basketball
Switching gears, Mooresville High School has a new boys’ basketball coach. Nate Bingham, who graduated from Mooresville in 2009, is stepping into the role.
Coaching at his alma mater has always been on his mind. Bingham’s path included stints as a manager and grad assistant at Indiana State, plus assistant jobs at Ben Davis, Mt. Vernon, Plainfield, and Mooresville.
Now he gets to lead the team he grew up watching. There’s a sense of excitement, and maybe a little pressure, as he tries to shape the program and give back to his hometown.
Recruiting Updates
The recruiting scene in Indiana is buzzing right now. Lawrence Central defensive back Errol Kerns III is at the center of a lot of it.
Kerns first committed to Miami (Ohio), but that’s just the start. He’s picked up offers from schools like Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Northwestern, Purdue, Texas A&M, and Wisconsin.
He’s got visits coming up at Texas A&M, Michigan, and Indiana. It’s anyone’s guess where he’ll end up.
Izayveon Moore’s Journey
Lawrence North running back Izayveon Moore is also turning heads. He’s already had three 1,000-yard rushing seasons in high school, which is no small feat.
Moore committed to Miami of Ohio, but then Purdue came calling with his first Power Four offer. He’s set to visit Purdue at the end of May, so things could get interesting.
Conclusion
The IHSAA’s approval of the PBA bylaw is a pretty big deal for Indiana high school sports. Commissioner Paul Neidig keeps talking about how important it is to protect the educational values and integrity that make Indiana athletics what it is.
Honestly, as high school sports keep changing, finding the right mix between tradition and new ideas isn’t easy. But it’s worth the effort to make sure the heart of education-based athletics doesn’t get lost along the way.
Want the full story? Dive into the details over at the IndyStar website.
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