NJCAA Name, Image, and Likeness Update

NJCAA Name, Image, and Likeness Update
June 30, 2021

Charlotte, NC - During the June 2021 NJCAA Board of Regents meeting, the Board voted to pass a new bylaw that will promote and provide opportunities for student-athletes in the area of name, image, and likeness. 

The NJCAA supports equitable opportunities consistent with the educational objectives of each member institution and student-athlete.  The NJCAA recognizes the changing landscape of collegiate athletics and the intersection of student-athletes' rights and athletic participation.  The NJCAA has worked with state and federal government officials in an effort to create a consistent framework that allows for and supports the successful two-year college athletic experience and ensures the ability to transfer to the four-year school of a student-athlete's choosing.

Under the bylaw, the following acts shall not cause a student-athlete to lose his or her amateur status in the NJCAA:

  • Participating in radio or television programs for the purpose of promoting an amateur athletic event.
  • Receiving compensation for supervision of physical education, playground, or recreational activities.
  • Receiving compensation for use of name, image, or likeness to promote any commercial product or enterprise, or public or media appearance so long as it does not conflict with the institutions existing partnerships, sponsorships, and agreements.
  • A member institution allowing a student-athlete to receive compensation in compliance with their state law.

 The following acts remain prohibited in the NJCAA:

  • Institutional employees or boosters making direct payment to athletes; and
  • Direct payments from the institution in exchange for athletic performance or as a recruiting inducement.

On July 1, 2021, colleges and universities in at least six states will prohibit state institutions from membership in any association that prohibits or restricts a student-athlete name, image, and likeness rights.  The NJCAA and the Board of Regents recognize the importance of name, image, and likeness rights and placed a priority on taking immediate action so that no member college is prohibited from membership within the association. 

The NJCAA will continue to monitor name, image, and likeness trends and legislation of the state and federal levels.