Name, Image, Likeness Policy

Effective: 8/1/21
Contact: Director of Athletics

Introduction
The NCAA adopted an interim policy (effective July 1, 2021) which now allows college athletes the opportunity to benefit from their name, image and likeness (“NIL”). All three divisions have adopted a uniform, interim policy suspending NCAA name, image and likeness rules for all incoming and current student-athletes in all sports. Individuals can now engage in “NIL” activities that are consistent with institutional policy and Missouri law.  An “NIL” activity is defined as earning compensation as a result of the use of your NIL or athletic reputation. The full state law can be found here.

Purpose
This policy provides guidance for students at William Jewell College wishing to engage in “NIL” activities while maintaining compliance with applicable laws of the State of Missouri, bylaws of the NCAA, and other established William Jewell College policies and procedures. Nothing in this policy should be read as, or is intended to be, inconsistent with applicable state law.

Scope/Applicability
This policy is specific to students enrolled at William Jewell College who are participating in one or more of the College’s NCAA sponsored sports.

Policy and Procedures

  • No Inducements or Pay for Play. “NIL” compensation cannot be used as an inducement to attend William Jewell College and cannot be contingent on a student-athlete’s athletics performance.
  • No Institutional Involvement. Employees of the William Jewell College, including Faculty, Staff, Coaches, and Board of Trustees members, are not permitted to compensate or cause compensation to be directed to a student-athlete, a prospective student-athlete, or their family members for “NIL” activities.
  • Conflicts with Team Activities. Student-athletes cannot participate in “NIL” activities during official mandatory team activities (e.g., practice, games, press conference, etc.).
  • Student-Athlete Disclosure Requirements. Student-athletes must disclose all “NIL” activities and agreements prior to signing the agreement and prior to receiving compensation. The “NIL” disclosure form is accessed through the ARMS.
  • Professional Service Providers (Agents, Attorneys). Student-athletes may hire an attorney or agent only for “NIL” activities. Student-athletes continue to be prohibited from agreeing to be represented for future professional athletic contract negotiations. Anyone assisting a student-athlete in negotiating “NIL” agreements must be registered as an Athlete Agent with the Missouri Division of Professional Registration.
  • Institutional Trademarks. Student-athletes can only use College or athletic department related marks and logos, including all aspects of team apparel or uniforms, if those rights have been secured through an agreement granting specified rights.

Contact the Athletics Department for sponsorship information and/or licensing agreements pertaining to retail products.

  • Conflicts. Missouri state law limits student-athletes' ability to execute contracts and/or engage in “NIL” activities if a conflict exists with a College or athletic department.
  • Use of Institutional Facilities. Student-athletes must pay the going rate for the use of any institutional facilities for “NIL” purposes. All facility reservation requests must go through the official Athletic Department Facility Rentals process or through the College’s rental request process.
  • Education. Student-athletes will be provided regular education related to “NIL” activities through Compliance Office.
  • Need-Based Aid. Pell Grant and other need-based financial aid may be affected by a student-athletes “NIL” income. Questions related to financial aid eligibility should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Services.
  • International Student-Athletes. International student-athletes should not enter into any agreements for “NIL” activities without first consulting the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Services, the Office of Admission, and the Athletics Compliance Office for additional information. Failure to do so may affect immigration status.

Modifications
At the time of writing, there is no Federal law governing Name, Image and Likeness. The NCAA believes the Association is best positioned to provide a uniform and fair name, image and likeness approach for all student-athletes on a national scale and is working toward implementing such an approach. Therefore, this policy is subject to modification and/or revision should Federal laws, State laws, or NCAA bylaws dictate so.

The College reserves the right to modify this policy at any time in its sole discretion to adapt to changing circumstances and business needs, consistent with its commitment to maintaining a compliant workplace.

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