Washington

Status

What We Discovered

Washington state permits Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) for high school students. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) has released updated guidelines in its handbook outlining its “Philosophy of the Amateur Standing Rules.” These new rules state that the WIAA does not prohibit student-athletes from engaging in certain commercial activities as individuals. These activities, commonly referred to as Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), will not jeopardize a student-athlete’s amateur status if they adhere to WIAA Amateur Standing Rules.” The handbook also details specific parameters and guidelines for this new policy.   

Bylaws – WIAA Handbook

PHILOSOPHY OF THE AMATEUR STANDING RULES

WIAA rules do not prohibit student athletes from engaging in certain commercial activities in their individual capacities. These
activities, generally referred to as Name, Image and Likeness (NIL), will not jeopardize a student athlete’s amateur status if they
comply with the WIAA Amateur Standing Rules.

18.25.0 AMATEUR STANDING

A student who represents a school in an interscholastic sport must be an amateur in that sport.
An amateur student‐athlete is one who engages in athletics for the physical, mental, social and educational benefits.

18.25.1 Name Image and Likeness (NIL):

A student is in violation of this rule and shall immediately lose eligibility if that
student, their family member, or anyone else on behalf of that student, enters into an agreement with an individual,
corporate entity, partnership, association, or any other party or organization, for use of that student’s NIL which in
any way relates to the student’s connection to their high school.

18.25.2 In order to maintain amateur standing in that sport under WIAA jurisdiction, the student‐athlete may not:
A. Accept merchandise or in‐kind gifts of more than $500 in fair market value per sport based upon
performance in that sport during any one calendar year August 1 through July 31.

1. Reduced membership fees or reduced user fees from an athletic club, recreation center, golf
course, etc., do not count toward this $500 limit.
2. Defined games of chance are exempt from this rule.
3. Accept payment of expense allowances over the actual and necessary expenses for the
athletic trip (NOTE: Entry fees and payment for lost wages are not considered a
reimbursable expense.)
4. Awards that are permitted ‐ Awards to athletic teams or to individual members of such
teams under the jurisdiction of the Association may be made by a member school in the form
of letters, insignias, certificates, medals, and/or trophies as are customarily emblematic of
athletic competition and whose intrinsic values are insignificant.

B. Accept cash awards in that sport. A gift card that cannot be exchanged for cash or a voucher with no
cash value is allowed.

1. This provision is not intended to restrict the right of any student to participate in a
commercial endorsement provided there is no affiliation with the school team, school,
WIAA District or WIAA state association.
2. The student does not appear in the uniform of the student’s school and does not utilize the
marks, logos, etc of the school, WIAA District, or WIAA state association as part of any
endorsement.

C. Enter competition under a false name.
D. Play on An intercollegiate team. A student‐athlete may try out and/or participate against an
intercollegiate team but may not represent an intercollegiate team in that sport.
E. Sign or have ever signed a contract to play professional athletics in that sport.
F. By sport receive or have ever received from a professional sports organization, directly or indirectly,
a salary or any other form of financial assistance including scholarships, educational grants‐in‐aid, or
any of their expenses for reporting to or visiting a professional team.
G. Advertise or promote a commercial product or service.

18.25.3 Provided they are not representing a WIAA member school, a student‐athlete may participate against
professional and intercollegiate scoring athletes in any sport under the jurisdiction of the WIAA.

18.25.4 Amateur standing will not be jeopardized by instructing, supervising or officiating in any organized youth
sports program, recreation, playground or camp activities whether the student‐athlete is paid or not paid
for these duties.

18.25.5 A WIAA member school may not permit nor authorize the use of an individual student’s name and/or
picture, a school or school team name and/or picture(s) to directly advertise, recommend or promote a
commercial product or service.

18.25.6 Use of a Student‐Athlete’s Name in Advertisements that are Congratulatory in Nature ‐ A business can place
its trademark on the advertisement only; the advertisement cannot include a reproduction of the product
with which the business is associated.