The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) recently passed a rule that allows high school athletes to monetize their name, image, and likeness (NIL), similar to college athletes. However, there are many restrictions and stipulations that come with this new rule. For example, no school, coach, or booster club can arrange or pay for a student's NIL deal. This means that high school athletes must navigate NIL opportunities on their own or with the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney. Additionally, students cannot use their school's team name, logos, or nicknames in their NIL deals. This restriction ensures that the school's brand and reputation are protected and not associated with any outside commercial ventures.
The executive director of PIAA expects only a few athletes to receive NIL deals. The competitive-balance rule for football and basketball remains unchanged, but a new rule was passed on a first reading basis stating that a student-athlete has only six years of eligibility after sixth grade, regardless of whether they play those years or not.
In this context, hiring a NIL lawyer can be essential for high school athletes and their families as the new NIL rule has many restrictions and stipulations that need to be navigated and adhered to. An NIL lawyer can help ensure that NIL deals are structured and executed in a legal and compliant manner and also help protect the athlete and their family from making mistakes in this new and potentially complex area of law.
Did you know?
The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) was created to regulate and oversee high school sports in the state of Pennsylvania. It was established to promote fairness and safety in interscholastic athletics while also promoting and fostering good sportsmanship among its participants. Today, PIAA continues to serve the same purpose and plays an important role in overseeing and regulating high school sports in the state. They set rules and regulations for sports, determine eligibility for athletes, and enforce standards for athletic events. Additionally, PIAA provides guidance and support for schools, coaches, and athletes in order to maintain the integrity of high school sports in Pennsylvania.