OSSAA releases NIL guidelines for high school athletes

As of October 2022, Oklahoma has become the latest state where high school athletes can earn Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) compensation without jeopardizing their amateur status. Not only has the NIL deals taken the NCAA by storm, but it has now trickled down to high school level.

High school athletes can now make money through endorsement deals if the compensation is not contingent on the athlete’s performance, not an incentive to enroll at a certain school and not paid by the school or someone acting as an agent for the school.

The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association for Oklahoma High schools released guidelines in seeking compensation for NIL for high school athletes stating that the OSSAA does not specifically prohibit students from engaging in certain commercial activities as an individual. These activities, commonly referred to as name, image and likeness (NIL) will not put a student’s amateur status at risk provided the student meets all the requirements formaintainingamateur status in compliance with Rule 5, and there is no violation of rules prohibiting influencing a student to attend or remain at a member school (Rule 9).

Inseekingcompensation for NIL, the OSSAA rules state that no “marks” may be used, including but not limited to school logos, school name, school mascot, or any trademarked OSSAA logo or acronyms. No school apparelorequipment shall be worn which includes school name, school logo, school mascot or any apparel displaying trademarkedOSSAA logos or acronyms.

No member’s school facility may be used for the purpose of name, image and likeness compensation. No activities in conflict with a memberschool’slocal school district policy may be endorsed. Examples include but are not limited to tobacco or alcohol. Lastly, collegiate level associations should be contacted for any rules regarding NIL for students participating beyond the high school level.

The OSSAA did announce an NIL education partner. “After extensive research and diligence, the OSSAA has selected Eccker Sports as their partner to provideName,Image and Likeness (NIL) education, guidance and support to the organization and our stakeholders across the state,” the website stated. “Eccker Sports is the National leader in providing these services and has partnerships with ten other states including Texas(Texas High School Coaches Association), Louisiana, New York, Massachusetts and Mississippi among others.”

“On a statewide basis, Eccker has partnered with the Bedford Agency, led by Bryan Bedford who is a longtime friend and associate of the OSSAA and someone well known in the sports circles aroundthestate,”the statementcontinued. “Bryan will provide a personal touch to the relationship, act as a liaison between the parties and support the activations of the various NIL and educational programs Eccker provides throughout the state.”

Since the NIL guidelines were published in October by the OSSAA, athletes have been taking to social media platforms to show interest in signing deals. It is too early in the process to determine how the NIL deals will affect Oklahoma athletes in the offseason but since the implementation of NIL deals at the college level in 2021, the bylaws were revised three times in a span of fifteen months. Currently, less than fifteen states allow high school students to profit off NIL, while others remain unsure because of the lack of clarity in legislation.