On Monday 11/24, the OHSAA announced the passage of By-Law 4-11, a new bylaw that allows high school athletes in Ohio to participate in Name, Image and Likeness (NIL)/Personal Branding Rights opportunities under a structured, education first framework. This bylaw was passed by an emergency referendum vote of OHSAA members, and was in response to a judge’s temporary restraining order that prevented the OHSAA from enforcing any NIL rules. The adoption of this new bylaw will help ensure a stable and secure framework for NIL and Personal Branding Rights at the high school level in Ohio moving forward. From OHSAA Executive Director Doug Ute: “Whether individuals agree with NIL at the high school level or not, the courts have spoken on this issue across the country that the NCAA and high school athletic associations cannot prevent a student­ athlete from making money on their NIL." What this means: Athletes may be paid for their name, image, likeness and personal brand. There is however, a long list of things that athletes can NOT do while being compensated for their NIL, for example: - Athletes can not use the name, logo, mascot, trademarks or any other proprietary properties of any OHSAA member - Athletes can not engage in NIL/Personal Branding during school hours or any team activities. - Athletes can not receive compensation based on athletic performance. - Athletes can not be induced to attend a specific school based on NIL. Athletes are required to report their NIL deals to the OHSAA within 14 days. You can find all of the new bylaw's language on the OHSAA's page on NIL/Personal Branding. https://www.ohsaa.org/Eligibility/NIL-Resource-Center