Central College Athletics

Central College student-athletes are permitted to receive compensation for the use of their name, image and likeness. In lieu of a State of Iowa law regarding NIL for student-athletes at institutions in Iowa, Central College has adopted the following guidelines related to name, image and likeness.  Additional clarity surrounding NIL activities will continue to evolve in the upcoming months and student-athletes should always consult the Athletics Compliance Director, Alicia O’Brien with questions.

Central College Name, Image and Likeness Activity Reporting Form

NCAA Policy:  Student-athletes may permit the use of their name, image or likeness (NIL) in non-institutional activities and receive compensation for such activities.  However, a student-athlete shall not receive compensation for:

• Athletics performance or participation,
• As an inducement for enrollment at the institution
• For work not performed

NCAA Name, Image and Likeness resources 

Use of Institutional Marks
Student-athletes may reference their attendance at Central College and/or participation in athletics while engaging in NIL activities, but may not utilize institutional branding, logos, facilities or trademarks of Central College.
 
Institutional Involvement
Central College, the athletics department, or institutional staff members may not compensate, or arrange for compensation of, a current or prospective student-athlete for their name, image or likeness.
The Central College Compliance Officer  may provide education and guidance to student-athletes in support of their noninstitutional NIL activities, but may not develop, operate, negotiate, or promote noninstitutional NIL activities for student-athletes.
 
Disclosure Requirements
Student-athletes must disclose all NIL activities to the institution prior to entering into an agreement. Athletics Compliance Director Alicia O’Brien must be notified via email (obriena@central.edu) or phone (641-628-5434). In addition, this office shall not disclose to any other person the terms of this contract. All forms of advertising, digital or print, which feature a student-athlete’s NIL must receive approval from the college’s Athletics Compliance Director prior to use.
 
Examples of NIL Activities include, but are not limited to:

• Traditional commercials or advertisements for products or services. 
• Student-Athlete developing or promoting own business.
• Personal appearances. 
• Student-Athlete running his/her own camp or clinic. 
• Providing private lessons (and using own NIL to promote those lessons). 
• Sponsored social media posts.

 
Conflict of Interest – Prohibited Activities
Central College may prohibit a student-athlete from entering into NIL agreements with entities or vendors that create a conflict of interest or may harm the reputation of the institution. All student-athletes are prohibited from entering into NIL agreements with entities or vendors associated with adult entertainment, alcohol, banned substances, products or services that are illegal, sports gambling, and tobacco and any products that contain nicotine. This also includes any vendors associated with athletic performance-enhancing drugs.

Also, according to NCAA policy, no student-athlete may enter into an NIL agreement that involves the sale or exchange of awards or any other item received for athletics participation, including, but not limited to, apparel, equipment, shoes or uniform. A student-athlete cannot enter an NIL deal that involves compensation from the college or college employees.
 
Athletics Department Activities
Student-athletes may not receive compensation for their NIL while participating in Central College athletics department activities. NIL compensation opportunities must not conflict with academic, athletics department or athletics team activities.
 
Financial Aid
Student-athletes should be aware that compensation earned via NIL agreements may impact need-based financial aid but does not impact merit-based awards or scholarships. Financial impact should be discussed with Central’s Office of Financial Aid.  Student-athletes are urged to consider the federal and state tax implications for any NIL compensation they receive and contact a tax professional for advice.
Compensation earned by the student-athlete in a manner consistent with the guidelines outlined herein will not affect the student-athletes’ athletics eligibility,
 
These policies are effective as of May 1, 2023. The college reserves the right to adjust these policies at any time based on institutional or NCAA policy changes or changes in applicable laws, rules or regulations. Changes will be communicated through the Compliance Office. The application of this policy in no way creates an employment relationship between the college and any student-athlete.