Ohio High Schools Prepare for Vote on NIL Policy for Athletes

Ohio high schools are poised to make significant changes to the landscape of student athletics with an upcoming vote on a Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) policy. This decision will determine how high school athletes can engage in business opportunities related to their personal brand, which is becoming increasingly relevant in the evolving sports environment.

Implications of the NIL Policy for Student-Athletes

The vote, scheduled for later this week, will allow schools across Ohio to decide whether to adopt a framework that permits student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness. Adham Schirg, the athletic director at Rocky River High School, emphasized that the district has been proactively preparing for this potential shift. “We have discussed NIL extensively within our leadership team, including the implications it might have on our students,” Schirg stated.

If the referendum passes, it will enable member schools of the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) to establish specific guidelines for NIL opportunities. Schirg noted that Rocky River is ready to implement the new policy, should it be approved, while adhering to established legal and procedural frameworks. He affirmed, “We will work with model policies provided by the OHSAA and our legal counsel to structure our practices effectively.”

Guidelines and Support for Families

The proposed bylaw includes provisions aimed at educating student-athletes and their families about navigating the NIL landscape. Schirg highlighted the importance of providing resources that protect and support students as they enter this new marketplace. “Our focus is to ensure that families understand the legal aspects and have access to support when considering sponsorship opportunities,” he said.

Furthermore, the bylaw encourages student-athletes and their guardians to seek professional advice and comprehend contracts fully. It emphasizes the need to prioritize academic and athletic commitments to maintain eligibility and long-term success. “These activities should be regarded as a business, with compliance to school and state regulations being paramount,” Schirg added.

The vote requires a simple majority from the OHSAA’s 815 member schools to pass. Historically, the first NIL proposal was rejected in 2022, with 538 schools voting against it and 254 in favor. The recent lawsuit regarding NIL in Ohio has expedited the need for a new vote, making this decision critical for the future of high school athletics in the state.

Ohio school administrators were informed during the OHSAA Regional Update Meetings held in late August and September that a proposal on NIL was forthcoming. Feedback from a committee of school administrators contributed to the current proposal, which aims to provide a structured approach that protects student-athletes while allowing them to benefit from their marketability.

If the vote is successful, the new bylaw will be implemented, allowing student-athletes to engage in NIL opportunities without jeopardizing their amateur status. Conversely, if the referendum fails, a temporary restraining order will remain in effect until a preliminary injunction hearing scheduled for December 15, 2023. The matter may ultimately be resolved by the courts, leaving the future of NIL in Ohio uncertain.

As Rocky River, Bay Village, Westlake, and other districts across Ohio prepare for this pivotal vote, local leaders remain committed to prioritizing student welfare. The outcome could reshape high school athletics in the state, paving the way for new opportunities and challenges for student-athletes.