Protecting Student-Athlete Rights in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is home to many high school and collegiate athletes, and as the demand for collegiate sports grows, the need to protect the rights of student-athletes becomes increasingly important. The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) governs high school sports in the state, with a mission to promote, develop, and direct interscholastic athletic programs that enrich student-athletes' educational experiences. This article discusses the legal protections in place for student-athletes in Pennsylvania and the support available to NCAA student-athletes navigating the complex legal landscape surrounding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) legislation.
NIL Legislation
In recent years, there has been much discussion and debate about student-athletes' rights to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Pennsylvania passed legislation in 2021 that allows student-athletes to profit from their NIL, providing them with the same opportunities as professional athletes to benefit financially from their talents and hard work while still being eligible to compete as student-athletes. Navigating the complex legal landscape surrounding NIL legislation can be difficult for NCAA student-athletes, but Latoison Law's sports division can provide essential legal support and advice to protect their rights and interests.
NCAA Name, Image, & Likeness Lawyers in Pennsylvania
Our name, image, likeness lawyer at NILPA.com can help NCAA student-athletes in a variety of ways. This includes interacting with school compliance officers to ensure that NIL relationships are NCAA compliant and do not jeopardize the student-athlete's eligibility. We can also represent student-athletes in NCAA or member institution disciplinary and enforcement actions, as well as provide legal advice when entering into an approved NIL relationship with business partners and third parties.
We recognize that each situation is unique, and we collaborate with our clients to provide tailored legal solutions that meet their specific needs. Our attorneys are dedicated to advocating for student-athletes and providing comprehensive assistance in all aspects of NCAA NIL compliance and enforcement. We are committed to assisting student-athletes in achieving their goals and protecting their rights, whether it is by drafting business documents, reviewing contracts, or pursuing legal action to collect unpaid earnings.
Discrimination and Harassment Protections
Pennsylvania has laws in place to protect student-athletes from discrimination and harassment. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, handicap or disability, and use of guide or support animals. It also prohibits sexual harassment, including unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other sexually related verbal or physical conduct. These laws ensure that student-athletes are protected from discrimination and harassment based on any of these factors.
Privacy Protections
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the confidentiality of student education records, including athletic records. Pennsylvania has its own student privacy law, the Student Data Privacy Act (SDPA), in addition to FERPA. The SDPA requires all student data to be securely stored and protected from unauthorized access, and schools and technology companies that provide digital services to schools must enter into contracts that meet the privacy and security requirements of the law.
Mental Health Support
The intense pressures and expectations placed on student-athletes can lead to significant mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. Pennsylvania has recognized the need for mental health support for student-athletes and has passed laws requiring schools to provide mental health resources to student-athletes. The Jake's Law, passed in 2019, requires schools to have a licensed mental health professional available to student-athletes at games and practices and to educate coaches, administrators, and student-athletes about mental health.
Antihazing Policies
Hazing is a significant issue in collegiate sports and can have devastating consequences for student-athletes. In 2018, Pennsylvania passed the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law, which increases penalties for hazing and requires schools to have antihazing policies in place.
Pennsylavania NIL Lawyer Protecting Student-Athlete Rights
Pennsylvania has established various laws and regulations to protect the rights and interests of student-athletes. These laws include protections against discrimination and harassment, privacy laws, and laws related to mental health and hazing. It is crucial that coaches, administrators, and school districts prioritize the safety and well-being of student-athletes and provide the resources they need to succeed on and off the field.
If you are an NCAA student-athlete looking to take advantage of the new NIL legislation in Pennsylvania, do not hesitate to contact Latoison Law's sports division at NILPA.com. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding NIL legislation and protect your rights and interests.