An upcoming vote among Ohio high school principals will determine whether student-athletes can profit from their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). This pivotal decision could reshape the landscape for high school athletics across the state, particularly at schools like Rocky River High School, where athletes may soon navigate both athletic and business opportunities.
Principals are preparing to cast their votes this week on a proposed NIL policy, which would permit student-athletes to receive financial compensation for their name, image, and likeness. According to Adham Schirg, the district leadership has been proactively monitoring developments surrounding NIL and is ready to adapt should the proposal pass. “We have discussed NIL and the practices that may evolve with it,” Schirg stated.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has set the stage for this landmark vote, which requires a simple majority from its 815 member schools to pass. If upheld, the new bylaw would empower schools to establish their own NIL policies. Conversely, if the vote fails, the legality of NIL in Ohio will likely be determined by ongoing court proceedings, with a preliminary injunction hearing set for December 15, 2023.
Schirg emphasized the importance of education and support for families as they navigate this potential new reality. He noted that the district is committed to providing resources that help protect students. “We will create clear policies and educational resources for families approached with sponsorship opportunities,” he explained.
The proposed bylaw encourages student-athletes and their guardians to seek professional advice, fully understand contracts, and prioritize their academic and athletic commitments. This guidance aims to help students maintain their eligibility while exploring business ventures.
Tim Stried, the OHSAA’s director of media relations, clarified that if the vote passes, student-athletes will be allowed to monetize their NIL, provided they adhere to the new guidelines. The landscape of high school athletics could shift dramatically based on the outcome of this vote, especially after a previous attempt to pass an NIL proposal was rejected in 2022 by a significant margin—538 schools voted against it, while only 254 supported it.
The urgency surrounding this current vote stems from a recent lawsuit that has prompted OHSAA to expedite discussions on NIL policies. During regional meetings held in late August and September, administrators were warned of an impending proposal, and feedback from a committee of school leaders has shaped the current initiative.
If approved, the new bylaw will not only provide a framework for student-athletes to engage in NIL opportunities but will also ensure they can do so while preserving their amateur status and eligibility. For schools like Rocky River, Bay Village, and Westlake, this vote represents a critical juncture in the evolution of high school athletics, with student welfare at the forefront of all discussions.
As the vote approaches, school leaders across Ohio remain hopeful for a decision that will serve the best interests of students, ensuring they are well-equipped to engage in this new era of athletic opportunities responsibly.
