OSAA allows compensation for high school athletes

By Terry Murry on Tuesday, October 11th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

WILSONVILLE – The Oregon School Activities Association will now allow high school athletes to profit off of their names, images, and likenesses (referred to as NIL). The OSAA Executive Board approved the rule change last month and it was formally accepted earlier this week by the OSAA Delegate Assembly.

There are many stipulations that are spelled out in the new rule which went into effect when it was passed on Monday. They include not using OSAA or school logos or school mascots as well as not using practice or game film.

The rule also takes into account what student athletes who are not being compensated as a contestant can accept. Those include necessary equipment and incidental services; reimbursement for direct and necessary expenses for participation, which includes mileage when the student must drive; and lodging and meals that travel may cause to be necessary.

The detailed rule also includes activities, services, and products that high school athletes are not allowed to do business with. Those include adult entertainment products; alcohol, tobacco, and vaping products; cannabis products; controlled dangerous substances; prescription pharmaceuticals; political parties and/or candidates; gambling; and weapons, firearms, and ammunition.

An estimated 20 states already allow high school athletes to profit off of their names, images, and likenesses. Idaho and California are among them. Washington state is not.

Map provided by https://biz.opendorse.com/blog/nil-high-school/