OHSAA Announces Text and Voting Dates for Emergency NIL Bylaw

The proposed new bylaw would allow student-athletes to enter into an agreement and be compensated for their name, image and likeness.

(Columbus, Oh.) - The Ohio High School Athletic Association Board of Directors have set the dates that member high schools will vote on an emergency bylaw referendum on Name, Image and Likeness (NIL).

Schools are casting their votes through Friday, with the high school principal submitting the vote on behalf of the school.

The emergency referendum is being conducted due to a lawsuit filed by a student-athlete on October 15 against the Ohio High School Athletic Association regarding NIL. Ohio is one of only six states that does not currently permit high school student-athletes to engage in NIL. A Franklin County judge opened the case on Monday by issuing a 45-day Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against the OHSAA.

 If the membership votes in favor of a proposal, it would allow OHSAA member schools to shape the NIL bylaw. If schools do not vote in favor of the referendum, the lawsuit and the future of NIL in Ohio will be determined by the court.

During the OHSAA Regional Update Meetings around Ohio in August and September, administrators in attendance were informed that a proposal on NIL was likely coming. Feedback from a committee of school administrators that met on this issue at the OHSAA also provided beneficial feedback. To help schools make an informed decision in the upcoming emergency vote, the OHSAA will send information and conduct webinars, hosted in partnership with Influential Athlete, to clarify the proposal and outline the next steps should the vote pass.

The proposed new bylaw would allow student-athletes to enter into an agreement and be compensated for their name, image and likeness through appearances, licensing, social media, endorsements and/or the use of branding based on their public recognition or notoriety. The proposal would also establish reporting procedures and limitations so that students do not jeopardize their eligibility as it relates to the OHSAA’s recruiting and amateur bylaws.