Starting in the academic year of 2024-2025, high school students who are involved in sports at schools within the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association will have the opportunity to earn money from their identity, appearance, and reputation.

The policy permits student-athletes to engage in NIL activities, such as ones that generate income, without jeopardizing their eligibility for NCISAA sports programs.

“I commend the leadership and Association for actively discussing policies that impact our student-athletes,” stated Homar Ramirez, Executive Director of NCISAA. “After thoughtful deliberation, it was determined that adopting an NIL policy was necessary, given the significant impact it has had on college athletics.”

The policy sets guidelines and framework for NIL (name, image, and likeness) activities at schools that are part of the NCISAA, which includes the rule that student-athletes must keep their NIL activities separate from their involvement in interscholastic sports.

According to the new policy, schools and booster clubs are not allowed to create NIL collectives or engage in any NIL deals with student-athletes. They also cannot secure or participate in such deals.

Any zero-dollar agreements must be disclosed to the state office of NCISAA and there will be restrictions on the types of activities that student-athletes can participate in.

Ramirez stated that this policy ensures the safety of our student-athletes, families, and member schools. They acknowledge the evolving nature of the sports industry and will constantly evaluate the most effective strategies for our schools.

As per the NCISAA’s website, there are 94 private schools located in North Carolina that are a part of the association.

The current policy is comparable to one adopted by the N.C. High School Athletic Association Board of Directors in the spring of 2023, which would have permitted public school student-athletes to engage in NIL activities starting this academic year. However, the state now mandates that the State Board of Education must approve its own policy regarding name, image, and likeness before the NCHSAA can put it into effect.

The policies of the State Board of Education allow for a maximum of 12 months to develop a new rule. In the interim, student-athletes at schools affiliated with NCHSAA are not allowed to participate in NIL activities. There is a chance that NIL may be discussed by the board at some point this year.

On the day of the NCHSAA’s approval of its NIL policy, a bill was amended by state senators to prohibit the NCHSAA from implementing NIL policies for high school athletes in North Carolina.

Per Business of College Sports, 31 states permit high school athletes to engage in activities involving their name, image, and likeness.

Source: highschoolot.com