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Undersanding the OHSAA Name, Image, Likeness - Personal Branding Rights Bylaw

Beginning in November 2025, OHSAA member schools approved a measure allowing Ohio student-athletes to enter into agreements and receive compensation for the use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL). This includes payments for appearances, licensing, social media content, endorsements, and other forms of personal branding linked to their public recognition.

This NIL provision is one of 11 bylaws governing student eligibility. Under Bylaw 4-1-1, every student must continue to meet all requirements of Bylaw 4 to remain eligible for interscholastic athletics. Notably, these rules still do not permit students to be paid to play the sport in which they compete as amateurs. Bylaw 5 (Awards/Gifts/Prizes) also remains unchanged: student-athletes may accept awards, gifts, or prizes based on their participation or finish in a competition only if (a) the total value does not exceed $500 per event and (b) the award is not cash.

The updated NIL language further outlines reporting procedures and necessary limitations to help students avoid inadvertently violating OHSAA recruiting or amateurism regulations. Please review the resources below to learn more about the OHSAA NIL/Personal Branding Rights Regulations.

Name, Image, Likeness - Personal Branding Rights

BYLAW 4-11, OHSAA NIL/Personal Branding Rights (Full Language)

  • Optional Digital Courses Provided by Influential Athlete
    • NOTE: The OHSAA has established an in-kind partnership with Influential Athlete to provide NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) education and resources to member schools and families. All materials and content supplied by Influential Athlete, LLC are for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or professional advice. Families and schools may seek or utilize any educational services or providers they deem appropriate.

    • 1. Getting Started with NIL in Ohio — Safely & Compliantly
      A simple, step-by-step introduction to NIL in Ohio—built exclusively around the new OHSAA rules. This course explains what NIL is, what high school athletes can and cannot do, how to protect eligibility, how to disclose deals properly, and how to start safely exploring NIL opportunities. Perfect for anyone who wants clarity, confidence, and complete compliance from Day 1.

      2. Navigating NIL as a Coach
      Coaches are often the first people athletes and parents turn to with NIL questions—but under OHSAA rules, your role is limited. This course breaks down exactly what coaches need to know: what’s allowed, what’s not, how to answer questions without crossing compliance lines, and how to support athletes responsibly. A must-have guide for any coach who wants to communicate clearly, stay compliant, and create a healthy NIL culture within their program.

      3. Preparing for NIL in College (For athletes & parents planning for the next level)
      College NIL looks very different from high school. This course helps families understand how the landscape changes — covering collectives, NCAA/NAIA rules, deal disclosures, the role of universities, and what incoming athletes should expect on Day 1. A practical roadmap to help you feel fully prepared, avoid surprises, and transition confidently into the college NIL era.

    • For Schools/Conferences: Interested in an 'Institutional Strategic Partnership with Influential Athlete? Email [email protected]

​​How to Report NIL/Personal Branding Agreement to OHSAA

  1.  Once a student enters into an NIL agreement, the student and his/her family have 14 days to report the agreement to the OHSAA via the platform below (See Step 4).
    1. Ensure the agreement does not require the student to violate any provision within Bylaw 4-11-2.
  2.  The student AND a parent must complete the Affirmation page and have the document notarized by a legal notary.
    1.  Click here to access the Affirmation page. 
  3.  Gather a copy of the notarized Affirmation page, ALONG with a full copy of the NIL agreement.
  4.  Complete the reporting requirements at the following link, and be prepared to upload a copy of the affirmation page and the NIL agreement.
    1. Click here to access the Reporting Page
  5.  Upon receipt by the OHSAA Office, the student/family will recieve a confirmation email from the OHSAA within 24 hours; and the member school the student attends will also be notified of the report/agreement.
  6.  Completing these steps will fulfill the reporting requirements for an OHSAA student-athlete who enters into an NIL agreement. Questions about the reporting process? Email [email protected] 

NIL Referendum - November 2025