NIL glossary
What is undue influence in high school sports?
Undue influence is the high school term for using money, benefits or promises to get a student to enroll at, transfer to or stay at a school for athletic reasons, and using NIL that way is banned by every association that allows NIL.
On this page
In detail
Iowa's guidance, for example, bars NIL compensation provided as an inducement to attend a particular school, which it calls undue influence, and California and Montana have undue-influence or recruiting rules that apply to NIL. Violations can cost the student eligibility and bring penalties for the school.
Frequently asked questions
Can a high school athlete get an NIL deal to transfer?
No. A deal tied to transferring or enrolling is undue influence and is banned in every association that allows NIL.
Sources
- IHSAA Handbook: Guidance on Name, Image, and Likeness — Iowa High School Athletic Association
- Commissioner's Message No. 2: NIL (CIF Bylaws 212 and 510) — CIF Southern Section
- Appendix N: Guidelines Regarding Name, Image and Likeness (2025-26) — Georgia High School Association
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.