On Wednesday, August 17th, 2022, the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) approved a new guidance that allows student-athletes to earn compensation for the use of their Name, Image, and Likeness. Such agreements have become known as "NIL deals."

Iowa is now the 15th state to approve high school NIL deals, which were also instituted across collegiate level sports across the country in 2021. Student athlete compensation has long been a hot-button topic. Back in May, the University of Dubuque became the first D-3 college with an NIL portal for athletes.

The IHSAA approved the NIL deals for high school athletes as long as they're not performance-based incentives nor a tool to lure students to attend a particular school. Full disclosure: the money isn't provided by a school. It's provided by companies that might want to use the student in order to promote their business.

The IHSAA released some important guidelines in lieu of the recent measure:

  • The student should not use the IHSAA or member school marks or logos in any NIL activity.
  • The student should not wear apparel or equipment which includes the IHSAA logo or member school marks or logos for the purpose of any NIL activity.
  • Student should not reference the IHSAA or member school name or mascot for the purpose of any NIL activity.
  • The student should not use a member school’s facilities for the purpose of NIL activity.
  • The student should not promote activities nor products associated with the following: gaming/gambling; alcoholic beverages, tobacco, cannabis, or related products; banned or illegal substances; adult entertainment products or services; or weapons (e.g., firearms).
  • The student and his/her family should seek guidance from his/her member school.
  • The student and his/her family should seek their own legal counsel and tax advice when considering any NIL activity.
  • The student and his/her family should contact the NCAA, NJCAA, and/or NAIA to ensure any NIL activity does not jeopardize collegiate eligibility.
Photo Credit: eurobanks, Getty Stock
Photo Credit: eurobanks, Getty Stock
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You can find more information regarding the specifics of NIL details on the IHSAA's website.

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