University of Redlands Athletics Name, Image, Likeness Policy

Posted 3/20/2023

The University of Redlands (“Redlands”) supports all student-athletes (“SAs”) in receiving compensation for use of their name, image, and likeness (“NIL”) from sources outside of the University. In conjunction with NCAA policy, the University of Redlands has developed specific policies to address NIL activities for its student-athletes. Failure to comply with this policy may result in penalties imposed by the NCAA and/or the institution that could impact SA’s eligibility to participate in collegiate athletics.

Beginning in 2021, NCAA’s interim policies and the Fair Pay to Play Act (California Senate Bill 26 codified at Cal. Ed. Code section 67456), permitted student-athletes (SAs) to earn compensation for the use of their name, image, or likeness (NIL) through a multitude of different opportunities. While such activities may provide monetary compensation, those activities that do not provide financial incentives (such as goods and services) are also covered under this law. SA compensation for their NIL may involve a wide range of activities, including but not limited to:

  • Traditional commercials or advertisements for products or services,
  • Developing or promoting their own business, invention, or intellectual property,
  • Running their own camps or clinics,
  • Providing private lessons and promoting themselves,
  • Sponsored social media posts, and
  • Personal appearances and autograph sessions

SAs are required to disclose NIL activities to the University of Redlands Bulldog Athletics Compliance officer by completing the NIL Disclosure Form prior to entering into an agreement or signing a contract for NIL activities, as well as any involved professional service providers (e.g., talent agent, tax advisor).

The purpose of the disclosure is for Redlands to review SA’s NIL contracts and to advise the SA on whether the contract conflicts with the SA’s team responsibilities.  Redlands is not responsible for advising SAs on NIL activities or their impacts on state or federal law or regulation or NCAA compliance.  Students are responsible for disclosing NIL compensation as required by the Financial Aid office for determination of impact on need-based financial aid.

Redlands is committed to allowing our student-athletes the freedom to use their name, image, and likeness and be fairly compensated in doing so. This policy is intended to serve as the University of Redlands Bulldog Athletics’ policy for student-athletes seeking to earn compensation in exchange for the use of their name, image, or likeness. 

This policy is subject to modification as changes to state law, federal law, and NCAA legislation are likely to continue in the coming days and months. 

  1. NIL is NOT pay-for-play.
    • Compensation for a student-athlete’s NIL activities may not be conditioned on athletic performance or attendance at Redlands.
  2. SAs are prohibited from participating in NIL activities when engaged in official team activities (e.g., practice, competition, media obligations, team travel, promotional activities, travel, etc.).
  3. SAs should not miss class or other academic obligations (i.e., tutors) for NIL activities.
  4. SAs are NOT permitted to enter into a contract if a provision conflicts with a provision of a University contract.
  5. SAs are not permitted to engage in NIL activities that conflict with NCAA rules (e.g., sports wagering, tobacco, banned substances, etc.).
    • NCAA-banned substances can be found here.
  6. Institutional/Third-Party Involvement
    • Redlands is not permitted to be involved in the development, operation, or promotion of NIL activities; this includes, but is not limited to, coaches, staff, and independent contractors of Redlands.
    • Redlands “boosters” (i.e., donors, Bulldog Bench members, parents, alumni, etc.) may only be involved in legitimate NIL business activities with current and prospective SAs when services and compensation are consistent with the services and compensation provided to other clients. Compensation may not be conditioned on athletic performance or attendance at Redlands.  Read the full NCAA booster guidance here.
    • Redlands, Bulldog Athletics, staff members, or coaches may not compensate or arrange compensation to a current or prospective athlete for their NIL.
    • Existing NCAA legislation related to Employment, Offers of Inducements, and Extra Benefits still apply.
  7. Disclosure
    • All agreements for NIL activities must be disclosed to Redlands.
      1. SAs are required to complete the NIL Disclosure Form and submit it to Associate Director of Athletics Rachel J. Roche at least seven days before entering into an agreement for or participating in NIL activities.
      2. If you are interested in pursuing NIL opportunities, we recommend that you sign up for a free account through OpenDorse.  Please utilize their free educational module for SAs to further understand NIL.
      3. Disclosure is NOT an approval process. Redlands will provide an acknowledgment of receipt upon receiving a disclosure.
      4. While Redlands requires disclosure, no Redlands employee or independent contractor may provide student-athletes legal, financial, or business advice regarding NIL activities.
      5. International students should be aware that NIL activities may jeopardize their student visa status and are admonished to review and understand the legal limitations before signing an NIL agreement to understand the effect of NIL activities on visa status.
  8. Redlands Logos/Marks/Photos
    • The use of Redlands logos/marks/photos is not permitted for use of any NIL activities.
    • The use of Redlands’ name and logos is protected by law (intellectual property).
  9. Redlands Facilities
    • Redlands facilities are not permitted to be used for NIL activities.
    • Student-athletes should NOT use their status as a student-athlete to gain access to Redlands facilities for NIL activities.
  10. Professional Service Providers
    • SA are permitted to obtain professional representation in relation to NIL contracts or NIL legal matters including but not limited to athlete agents or legal representation.
    • Professional representation shall be from persons licensed by the state.
    • Student-athletes are required to pay the representative’s normal fee for NIL activities.
    • No institutional employees (or Redlands independent contractors) may serve as a professional service provider or assist in identifying, selecting, arranging, or providing payment for professional service providers.
    • Using professional service providers to market a student-athlete’s athletic ability or reputation in a sport to secure an opportunity as a professional athlete may jeopardize your NCAA eligibility.
      1. We recommend a limited scope of representation being very clearly defined in any agreements you sign with a professional service provider.
    • Potential Financial Implications
      1. Student-athlete may be subject to Federal, State & Local tax for NIL activity.
      2. Need-based financial aid may be impacted/changed/reduced by NIL activity. Student-athlete should contact Redlands Student Financial Services before entering into an agreement or participating in NIL activities.
  11. Exceptions
    • Redlands, at any time, may authorize variances from, or exceptions to, this NIL Policy that are consistent with Redlands’ commitment to compliance with federal law, state law, and conference or NCAA rules.

If you are entering into an NIL agreement, please complete the University of Redlands NIL Disclosure Form.  You must be logged into my Redlands in order to access the form.

NIL Resources

California State Bill No. 26