NCAA Adopts Interim Name, Image, Likeness Policy

(photo courtesy of the NCAA)

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The NCAA has adopted an interim policy regarding name, image and likeness for student-athletes in all sports. The Indianapolis-based organization says the decision, which affects all three divisions, will give athletes the ability to benefit from their name, image and likeness, beginning Thursday.

In a statement Wednesday evening, NCAA President Mark Emmert called the move “an important day for college athletes.”

“With the variety of state laws adopted across the country, we will continue to work with Congress to develop a solution that will provide clarity on a national level,” said Emmert. “The current environment — both legal and legislative — prevents us from providing a more permanent solution and the level of detail student-athletes deserve.”

The policy includes guidance for college athletes, recruits, families and member schools:

• Individuals can engage in NIL activities that are consistent with the law of the state where the school is located. Colleges and universities are responsible for determining whether those activities are consistent with state law.
• College athletes who attend a school in a state without an NIL law can engage in this type of activity without violating NCAA rules related to name, image and likeness.
• Individuals can use a professional services provider for NIL activities.
• Student-athletes should report NIL activities consistent with state law or school and conference requirements to their school.

However, the NCAA says the policy does not allow for pay-for-play, as well as “improper inducements” for choosing to attend a particular school.

“The new policy preserves the fact college sports are not pay-for-play,” said Division II Presidents Council chair Sandra Jordan, chancellor at the University of South Carolina Aiken. “It also reinforces key principles of fairness and integrity across the NCAA and maintains rules prohibiting improper recruiting inducements. It’s important any new rules maintain these principles.”

The NCAA says the interim policy will remain in place until federal legislation or new NCAA rules are adopted. Additionally, schools and conferences will have the option to adopt their own additional policies.