SDHSAA amendment to clarify NIL rules for student-athletes

The South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) is attempting to better clarify standards around governing name, image, and likeness (NIL) rules for high school student-athletes.

A recent story from the Watertown Public Opinion detailed the SDHSAA amendment. Below is an excerpt from the Watertown Public Opinion story.

The association is trying to discern the rules for students who have monetized their social media accounts so they are not benefiting from their status as high school athletes. For the current rules to apply to student-athletes “It would have to be pretty blatant,” according to SDHSAA Executive Director Dan Swartos. “We’re trying to put some guardrail around it.”

Swartos explained that students could make money off of social media as long as they didn’t identify themselves as an athlete. “It’s completely separating you from the school,” Swartos said.

The amendment clarifies the rules for student-athletes who seek to be paid for the use of their name, image, and likeness.

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According to the amendment, the activity must not interfere with academic obligations; remuneration must not be tied to athletic performance such as pay to play; the remuneration must not be used to induce an athlete to attend a particular school; the remuneration must not be provided by the school or agents of the school like booster clubs or foundations; SDHSAA or a member school’s marks or logos must not be used nor the school’s name or mascot; member school uniforms must not be worn or displayed; member school facilities must not be used; SDHSAA or member school awards or trophies must not be displayed; and students must not promote or endorse activities associated with alcohol, tobacco, vaping, controlled substances, gambling, banned athletic substances or other illegal substances or activities.