FHSAA considers compensation for high school athletes

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Paying student-athletes for their name, image, and likeness is a relatively new concept.

In 2021, Florida College athletes secure endorsement deals and receive compensation for their NIL rights without the threat of losing their athletic eligibility.

Now, the governing body over high school athletics is considering the same thing.

The Florida High School Athletic Association is considering changing the organization’s bylaws that would allow student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness – commonly known as the NIL policy.

Some of the business deals allowed under the policy would include, but not be limited to, commercial endorsements, promotional activities, social media presence, and product or service advertisements.

But there are restrictions.

Student-athletes would not be allowed to use their school’s logos, mascots, or uniforms when promoting businesses or products "unless granted authorization by prior written consent from the school, district or (Florida High School Athletic) Association, respectively," according to the proposal.

Promoting alcohol, tobacco, vaping, gambling, cannabis, prescription drugs, and weapons are also not allowed.

When it comes to endorsement deals, schools and districts will be on the sidelines, according to the proposal.

Former Palm Beach County Schools Football Coach Willie Bueno said those deals can change game plans.

“From a coach’s perspective, you’re trying to build a team and you want the comradery and all the things that are vital in having a successful team, you’re going to now have to navigate who’s getting money, how the money is being distributed and why does he get this,” said Coach Bueno, who coached football for nearly 30 years.

Coach Bueno believes this new proposal could change the lives of student-athletes but said it needs more clarification.

"Is it going to be regulated? Or are some schools that have a system in place to raise the money, are they going to have an unfair advantage over other schools? For example, can private schools discount tuition and call it a NIL payment?” questioned Coach Bueno.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the board of the FHSAA said they are looking to promote financial education but board members did not decide how that would be addressed or whether districts would be responsible for providing it.

Part of the policy also states that student-athletes and their families are encouraged to seek legal counsel and tax advice when considering NIL activity but prohibits business agreements as recruiting tools.

“The amount of kids that’s going to be affected is a lot smaller than we think. Because most kids play high school sports, and by the time [their] senior year is done they never play again competitively,” said Bueno.

The 13-member board of the Florida High School Athletic Association will vote on this proposal on June 4.

As of November 1, 2023, there are 33 states and the District of Columbia that permit high school athletes to enter into NIL deals.