Ohio High Schools Prepare for Vote on NIL Policy for Athletes

Ohio high schools are on the brink of a significant change that could reshape the landscape for student-athletes. A crucial vote on a Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) policy is set to take place this week, determining how high school athletes can engage in business opportunities and sponsorships. If approved, this policy will allow student-athletes to monetize their personal brands while maintaining their athletic eligibility.

Implications of the Upcoming Vote

Principals across Ohio are preparing to cast their votes, with discussions about NIL having been a priority for many school districts. Adham Schirg, a key figure in Rocky River High School’s administration, emphasized the importance of being ready for potential changes. “Our high school principal, athletic and activities director, and I have discussed NIL, along with the potential shift in practices that will come along with it,” Schirg stated.

During a Board of Education meeting on November 3, 2023, district leaders shared updates about the proposed bylaw and its implications. If the referendum passes, Rocky River High School is prepared to implement the new guidelines, while ensuring compliance with established legal frameworks. Schirg noted that the district would collaborate with the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) and legal counsel to structure their practices accordingly.

Tim Stried, the director of media relations for OHSAA, confirmed that should the vote pass, student-athletes will be able to receive compensation for their name, image, and likeness, strictly following the guidelines outlined in the new bylaw. This proposal allows member schools to shape the NIL framework, which could lead to significant changes in how student-athletes operate.

Education and Support for Student-Athletes

The potential implementation of NIL policies brings a need for comprehensive education and support for families navigating these new opportunities. Schirg highlighted the importance of providing resources to protect and support student-athletes engaging in the market. “There will also be education needed for our community and partners on how to work alongside our student-athletes and families,” he explained.

The proposed bylaw encourages student-athletes and their parents to seek professional advice and thoroughly understand contracts, ensuring they prioritize both academic and athletic commitments. This will help safeguard their eligibility and long-term success. The proposal also emphasizes that these opportunities should be treated as business ventures, requiring adherence to school and state regulations.

Rocky River’s district leadership is focused on ensuring students are protected as they approach the NIL marketplace. “Creating clear policies that are understandable and then providing education and resources when approached for these potential opportunities,” Schirg noted, emphasizing the necessity of safeguarding students from exploitation.

In preparation for the vote, Rocky River High School is collaborating with a consulting firm that specializes in NIL education. This partnership aims to provide informational webinars for schools and clarify the proposal while outlining next steps should the vote succeed.

The referendum requires a simple majority of the OHSAA’s 815 member schools to pass. This marks the second time OHSAA schools have voted on NIL; in 2022, a previous proposal was rejected by a margin of more than two-to-one, with 538 schools voting against it and 254 in favor.

The OHSAA Board of Directors had initially approved the language for a new NIL referendum to go to member schools in May 2025 as part of the annual voting process. However, a lawsuit regarding NIL accelerated the timeline. Administrators were informed during OHSAA Regional Update Meetings in late August and September that a proposal on NIL was likely forthcoming, and feedback from a committee of school administrators contributed to the current proposal.

If the vote is successful, the new bylaw would take effect immediately, providing a framework for student-athletes to pursue NIL opportunities while maintaining their amateur status. Conversely, if the vote fails, the current temporary restraining order will remain in effect until a preliminary injunction hearing scheduled for December 15, 2023. Ultimately, the future of NIL in Ohio could be left to the courts.

For schools like Rocky River, Bay Village, Westlake, and others across Ohio, this vote represents a pivotal moment in high school athletics. Local leaders stress their commitment to navigating these changes with student welfare as the primary concern.