The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) is on the verge of a pretty big decision that could shake up high school sports across the state. An emergency vote among its member schools will decide the fate of a proposed Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) bylaw.
This vote follows a lawsuit filed by the family of Dayton-area high school wide receiver Jamier Brown. A Franklin County judge issued a 45-day Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against the OHSAA as a result.
The TRO blocks the enforcement of a bylaw that currently keeps student-athletes from getting paid for their NIL. With the OHSAA Board of Directors getting ready to meet and set voting dates, the outcome could change the future of NIL for Ohio high school athletes.
The Lawsuit That Sparked Change
Jamier Brown’s family filed their lawsuit on October 15th, bringing the NIL debate into the spotlight. They challenged the OHSAA’s rule that stops student-athletes from making money off their NIL.
The court responded by handing down a 45-day TRO, which pauses the restriction for now. This gives the OHSAA a chance to rethink its position.
Temporary Restraining Order: What It Means
The 45-day TRO from the Franklin County judge is a big deal. It means the OHSAA can’t enforce its current NIL ban for now.
This temporary pause opens the door for an emergency vote among member schools about the proposed NIL bylaw. So, there’s a window for change—if folks want it.
The Emergency Referendum Vote
OHSAA Executive Director Doug Ute says the emergency vote will happen within the 45-day window. The Board of Directors is meeting on October 23rd to nail down the voting dates.
Each member high school gets one vote, with the principal making the call. There’s a lot riding on those ballots.
What’s at Stake
If the membership votes yes, OHSAA schools will have a say in NIL rules. If not, the courts will likely decide how NIL shakes out in Ohio.
The Proposed NIL Bylaw
The new NIL bylaw would let student-athletes make deals and get paid for their NIL in a few ways, like:
- Appearances
- Licensing
- Social media
- Endorsements
Ensuring Compliance and Eligibility
The bylaw would also set up reporting rules and limits to keep student-athletes from risking their eligibility under OHSAA recruiting and amateur rules. That’s a big part of keeping high school sports fair while letting athletes earn something.
The National Context
High school NIL rules have spread fast since colleges started allowing them. Right now, OHSAA is one of just six state associations that still bans NIL deals for high schoolers.
So, in a way, Ohio’s lagging behind when it comes to giving athletes these opportunities. That’s not a great look if you ask some folks.
Previous Attempts
Back in 2022, OHSAA member schools shot down the first NIL proposal by more than two to one. That shows just how split opinions are on this topic.
But the lawsuit and this new TRO have brought the issue roaring back to the front. Now, the OHSAA has to revisit its approach.
The Role of Member Schools
Member schools are at the heart of this decision. Each school, through its principal, gets a single vote that could change the rules for everyone.
The OHSAA has stressed that schools should really dig into the details before voting. It’s not something to rush.
Conclusion
The OHSAA’s emergency vote on the proposed NIL bylaw is a big deal. It’s not every day you see something with this much impact on high school sports.
Depending on the outcome, Ohio high school athletes might get the green light to profit from their name, image, and likeness. But there are still a lot of questions about how all of this would actually work in practice.
With that 45-day TRO in place, there’s a short window to figure things out. The OHSAA and its member schools have a rare shot to influence what comes next for student athletes in Ohio.
If you’re curious and want all the details, check out the full article on the ABC6 On Your Side website.
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