NIL glossary
What is eligibility in college and high school sports?
Eligibility is an athlete's standing to practice and compete under the rules of their governing body, and breaking NIL rules is one of the ways to lose it.
On this page
In detail
For Division I athletes, the College Sports Commission's penalty for NIL violations, such as not reporting a deal of $600 or more or going ahead with a deal that was not cleared, is ineligibility. Athletes can contest decisions through neutral arbitration. In high school, associations can declare a student ineligible for violating NIL or amateur rules, sometimes for a year.
Frequently asked questions
Can an NIL deal cost an athlete eligibility?
Yes, if it breaks the rules: for example, an unreported Division I deal, a deal NIL Go did not clear, or a high school deal using school marks or tied to recruiting.
Sources
- Rules and Policies — College Sports Commission
- Student-Athlete NIL Deals — College Sports Commission
This is general information, not legal advice. NIL rules differ by state, school, association and sport, and they change often. Check the official sources linked on this page and talk with your school's compliance office, your state association or a licensed attorney before you sign anything.