Other Legislative

Name, Image, Likeness Guidance for NCAA Equestrian Athletes

In a memorandum last year, NCAA President Mark Emmert informed and updated the members of the NCAA of the ongoing issues of name, image, and likeness (NIL). The NCAA has been working to create new rules to allow student-athletes to be compensated for NIL activities while preserving the elements of college athletes. Many states have enacted NIL legislation, and the NCAA has urged Congress to create a single, national law regarding NIL. Several bills have been introduced in the 117th Congress however, there has been no movement on the legislation. Last year, the Supreme Court ruled that there should be no limits on compensation to student-athletes with regard to NIL.

What this means for NCAA equestrian athletes. The issue centers around “education-related benefits” related to compensation for NIL to student-athletes (i.e.: laptops, paid post-graduate internships, tutoring, studying abroad, etc.). The NCAA issued a “Collegiate Equestrian NIL Guidance” and important components all equestrian athletes need to keep in mind. The American Horse Council continues to track and monitor the issue and will keep members, the industry, and student-athletes up to date.