Student-Athlete NIL: Name, Image and Likeness
Rice University Department of Athletics NIL Policy
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General Policy
In accordance with Texas state law, Rice University may not restrict enrolled student-athletes from earning compensation for use of their name, image or likeness when they are not engaged in official team activities, or from obtaining professional representation to secure name, image and likeness opportunities. Additionally, Rice University may not provide or solicit a prospective student-athlete with compensation for use of their name, image or likeness.
Official Team Activities
Rice University defines “official team activities” as any activity with an athletic or academic purpose involving student-athletes and at the direction of, or supervised by, one or more of the institution’s coaching or administrative staff. Such activities include, but are not limited, to the following:
- Practices
- Competition, including travel to and from away from home contests
- Mandatory class attendance
- Academic study hall
- Community service events
- Organized team promotional events
- Compliance meetings
Disclosure
Prior to entering an agreement for the use of their name, image or likeness, Rice student-athletes must disclose the proposed contract or opportunity through the ARMS compliance software via the NIL Disclosure form. Approvals or denials of name, image and likeness opportunities by the Associate AD/Compliance and/or the Associate AD/SOAR shall be given within five (5) business days of receipt of the NIL Disclosure form. Opportunities that exceed $5,000 shall require the additional approval of the Director of Athletics. The student-athlete and/or the student-athlete’s representative shall resolve any conflicts that resulted in denial of the opportunity within 10 days of disclosure of the conflict.
Restricted Opportunities
Rice student-athletes may not enter into a contract or obtain an opportunity for use of their name, image and likeness if compensation is provided in exchange for their athletic performance or attendance at the university. Endorsement of alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco products (including e-cigarettes), anabolic steroids, NCAA banned substances, gambling, firearms or sexually oriented businesses are strictly prohibited. Additionally, the duration of the contract may not extend beyond the student-athlete’s participation in the Rice athletics program. Finally, property owned by Rice University, including intellectual property, logos and symbols, may not be used in conjunction with a student-athlete’s name, image and likeness opportunity.
Mandatory Education
Rice University is committed to educating all student-athletes, staff and third parties on all matters related to name, image and likeness. In accordance with Texas state law, all first year and third year student-athletes will receive mandatory financial literacy and life skills training at the beginning of their collegiate enrollment as a component of the Student-athlete Opportunities for Advancement through Rice values (SOAR) Flight Plan. Additionally training may be required at the discretion of the Associate AD/SOAR and Director of Athletics. Rice Athletics shall undergo mandatory review training on name, image and likeness matters related to conflict of interest, prohibited activities and proper disclosure for student-athletes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rice Athletics has compiled a FAQ page to assist with providing guidance for student-athletes and third parties seeking to maximize NIL opportunities. Please navigate the links at the top of the page to review.