Name, Image, and Likeness Policy

Student Athletes

Agents

Businesses

Boosters

Truman Employees

Questions or Concerns? Contact Geoff Bruder with Truman State Athletics Compliance at gbruder@truman.edu

TRUMAN STATE EMPLOYEES

The NCAA recently changed its rules to permit student-athletes to use their name, image, and likeness, including to promote commercial businesses. The following FAQ has been developed to assist businesses in understanding the requirements to compensate a Truman State student-athlete for NIL activities.

Any questions of concerns please contact Truman States Athletics Department at 660-785-4236 or gbruder@truman.edu

Q: What is NIL and how are the NCAA rules changing?
A: NIL refers to a student-athlete earning compensation in exchange for the use their name or picture to promote a commercial business. Previously, the NCAA prohibited student-athletes from earning compensation in this manner (ex. A student-athlete couldn't appear in local car dealership commercial). As of July 1, 2021, the NCAA permits a student-athlete to earn compensation in exchange for participating in NIL activities. NIL activities may include, but are not limited to: social media endorsements, commercials, appearances, autograph signings, and other business activities. Additionally, in May 2021 the Missouri Legislature passed a law protecting a student-athletes right to earn compensation from NIL activities. The state law will become effective on August 28, 2021.

Q: Can a Truman State University employee hire a Truman State student-athlete for NIL activities?
A: No. Missouri State Law (effective August 28, 2021) states a University employee "shall not compensate or cause compensation to be directed to a student athlete, a prospective student athlete, or the family of such individuals" for NIL activities.

Q: Does this rule apply only to Athletic Department Employees?
A: No. Missouri state law applies to any university officer, director, or employee, including professors (tenure and adjunct), and University staff (both full- and part-time).

Q: Can a Truman State University employee hire a Truman State student-athlete for NIL activities for a company they own outside of their Truman State University employment?
A: No, Missouri state law prohibits any university officer, director, or employee from compensating or causing compensation to be directed to a student-athlete, their family member, or associated corporate entity, regardless of the source of the compensation.

Q: I have a prior-existing relationship with a Truman State student-athlete (started before their enrollment at Truman State). Am I able to support their NIL activities?
A: No. Although a prior-existing relationship may allow you to provide specific benefits to a Truman State student-athlete within NCAA rules, Missouri state law does not permit you to compensate the student-athlete for NIL activities. If you believe you have a prior-existing relationship with a Truman State student-athlete, please contact the Truman State Athletics Compliance Office (gbruder@truman.edu).

Q: Can I purchase a student-athlete's product they are selling (ex. T-shirts with the student's name)?
A: No. Purchasing a product sold by a Truman State student-athlete would violate Missouri state law as it is compensating a Truman State student-athlete.

Q: Can I provide NIL compensation to a high school recruit so they will attend Truman State?
A: No. Any compensation provided as an inducement to attend Truman State remains impermissible, regardless of your employment at Truman State.