Appendix ‘N’ of the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) provides guidelines that student-athletes must follow when engaging in any Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) activities.
For student-athletes to benefit from any commercial partnerships in compliance with GHSA regulations, Appendix ‘N’ states that certain conditions must be met. The first restriction asserts compensation should not be determined by athletic performance, enrollment decisions, or provided by the school or its agents. GHSA guidelines also prohibit athletes from using school trademarks, apparel, facilities, or endorsing products conflicting with school policies, such as tobacco or alcohol.
Athletes must notify the school’s Principal or Athletic Director within seven days of entering into any NIL contract or agreement. Students and their families are also advised to seek professional guidance regarding the impact of NIL activities on collegiate financial aid, tax implications, and other issues. These guidelines aim to balance the opportunities for student-athletes while maintaining the integrity of amateur sports and compliance with GHSA regulations.
So, let’s simplify all of that even further. In order to maintain your amateur status as a high school athlete, you must abide by these four guidelines:
- You cannot use or wear any school marks. This does include clothing and equipment. This includes (but is not limited to) school logo, school name, school uniform, school mascot, or any trademarked logos of the GHSA logo or acronyms.
- You cannot use your school’s facilities to conduct NIL activities.
- Your NIL activity cannot be related to activities that are against your school district’s policies. For example, you cannot endorse tobacco products, alcohol products, or controlled substances.
- After entering into any NIL contract/agreement, you have seven days to notify your athletic director or principal after the arrangement.
Savannah NIL 