Iowa High School NIL: Rules for Student-Athlete Eligibility

Everything you need to know about Name, Image, and Likeness deals for Iowa high school athletes

The Bottom Line

Yes, Iowa high school athletes can profit from NIL without losing eligibility.

The IHSAA (boys) and IGHSAU (girls) updated their policies in August 2022 to allow this. But the rules are strict about separating your "private" business activities from your school team.

The Core Rule

You can make money from:

• Commercial endorsements
• Promotional activities
• Social media presence
• Product advertisements

Key Concept: You are monetizing your personal brand, not your identity as a "Cedar Rapids Kennedy player" or "Dowling Catholic athlete."

The "Red Lines" (Strict Prohibitions)

To keep your eligibility, you cannot do the following:

No School IP

You cannot use your school's uniform, logo, mascot, name, or facilities in your ads or content.

No "Pay-for-Play"

You cannot be paid specifically for how well you perform.

No Inducements

You cannot accept a deal that is legally or verbally contingent on you attending (or staying at) a specific school.

Translation: No one can pay you to go to—or stay at—a particular high school.

No School/Booster Payments

The money cannot come from:

• The school itself
• Booster clubs
• School-affiliated organizations

Prohibited Product Categories

You cannot endorse products in these industries:

Important: These categories are banned even if you're 18.

How Iowa Differs from College NIL

Unlike college (NCAA), where "Collectives" (donor pools) often pay athletes just to be on the roster, Iowa high school NIL is true "market value" NIL.

Business Relationship Required: You must actually do something to get paid—sign autographs, post on Instagram, coach a camp, etc. If you're given money for doing nothing, it could be viewed as an eligibility violation (a gift).

Age Limits & Minor Requirements

Is There a Minimum Age?

No. A freshman can sign a deal—there's no specific minimum age for NIL in Iowa, provided you're a current high school student.

The "Under 18" Contract Rule

While the IHSAA/IGHSAU allows you to have a deal at any age, you cannot legally sign a binding contract by yourself if you're under 18.

Reality: No reputable company will sign a deal with a 16-year-old without a parental signature because they want the contract to actually hold up in court.

The Upper Age Limit

There's a hard ceiling for high school sports eligibility:

Financial Logistics for Minors

If you're under 18, you may face hurdles receiving money:

Steps to Protect Eligibility

If you or your athlete is considering a deal:

1. Consult Your Athletic Director

While state-level reporting isn't always mandatory, strongly consider disclosing the deal to your school's Athletic Director before signing. They can spot violations that might get you banned.

2. Check Contracts Carefully

Ensure the contract doesn't conflict with school team activities:

• You cannot miss practice or a game to shoot a commercial
• School comes first

3. Handle Taxes Immediately

NIL income over $400 is generally subject to self-employment tax. Set aside 30-35% for taxes immediately.

See NIL & Athlete Income for detailed tax guidance.

"Safe" NIL Ideas (No School Logo Required)

Here are NIL opportunities that don't risk eligibility:

Template: Email to Athletic Director

Subject: NIL Opportunity Review Request

Dear [AD Name],

I've been approached about a potential NIL opportunity and want to ensure 
it complies with IHSAA/IGHSAU rules before proceeding.

Brief description: [What the deal is]
Company: [Who is offering it]
Compensation: [What you'd receive]
Requirements: [What you'd do]

I've reviewed the eligibility rules and believe this complies because:
- No school logos, uniforms, or facilities involved
- Not pay-for-play (payment isn't tied to performance)
- Not an inducement (not contingent on attending any school)
- Product category is not prohibited

Would you be willing to review this before I sign anything? I want to 
protect my eligibility and make sure I'm doing this the right way.

Thank you,
[Your name]

The High School to College Trap

Warning: Signing certain types of agent contracts now could accidentally ban you from playing in college (NCAA) later.

The Risk

If you sign with an agent who also represents professional athletes, or if your contract has certain clauses, you may lose your amateur status.

How to Stay Safe

Before College

If you're being recruited to play college sports, have a conversation with the compliance office of any school you're considering. They can review your NIL history and flag potential issues.

Quick Reference Summary

FAQ

Q: Do I need to register my NIL deals with the state?

A: Not currently required by the IHSAA/IGHSAU, but disclosing to your Athletic Director is strongly recommended.

Q: Can I use my school's colors (not logo) in content?

A: This is a gray area. Using generic team colors (like "blue and gold") is generally safer than anything that specifically identifies your school.

Q: What if a company wants to photograph me at school?

A: Not allowed. The deal cannot involve school facilities, even as a backdrop.

Q: Can I mention that I play a sport at my school in my social media bio?

A: Stating a fact ("Basketball player") is different from using school IP. But avoid "[School Name] Basketball" or school hashtags in sponsored content.

Q: What happens if I violate the rules?

A: You could lose eligibility for your sport. The severity depends on the violation—consult your AD immediately if you think you may have crossed a line.

Q: Can I do NIL while also receiving athletic scholarships for college?

A: Yes, NIL doesn't affect athletic scholarships, but you should coordinate with the college's compliance office once you commit.

What ISP Teaches

Iowa Sports Prep students learn NIL literacy as part of the Financial Skill Tree:

See NIL & Athlete Income for the full curriculum on managing NIL as a business.

Related Topics

• NIL & Athlete Income → — Tax strategies, brand building, protecting your earnings
• Iowa Sports Overview → — IHSAA/IGHSAU governance
• HF 189 Sports Access → — Playing for public school teams as a private school student
• Teen Entrepreneur → — Starting a business as a minor
• First Tax Return → — Filing taxes on NIL income

Sources

• IHSAA NIL Policy (August 2022)
• IGHSAU NIL Policy (August 2022)
• Iowa Code — Contract law for minors
• IRS Publication 334 — Tax Guide for Small Business