University of Georgia student-athletes participating in intercollegiate athletics can now receive compensation for the use of their name, picture and likeness (“ZERO“), With certain restrictions. This policy is intended to promote compliance with applicable laws and regulations, clarify the rights of student-athletes to receive compensation for the use of their name, picture and likeness, and to protect the eligibility of student-athletes. This directive is Not Intended to prevent or discourage student-athletes from receiving compensation for their name, image and likeness.
- Pre-Disclosure. Student-athletes must report all NIL activities to the Compliance Office of the UGA Athletic Department in advance at the following web link: https://compliance.sports.uga.edu/forms/nil-disclosure/.
- UGA participation. Neither the UGA, UGAAA, nor any other entity whose purpose is to endorse or promote the UGA or its sports program (or any officer, director, employee or agent of such entity) may use the NIL. of an athlete student or prospective athlete student arrange or be involved in the activity, although student-athletes are encouraged to direct questions to the UGA Athletic Department’s Compliance Office.
- Incentives. Neither student-athletes nor prospective student-athletes can receive compensation for any NIL activity: (a) that exceeds its market value; (b) which are made available in whole or in part for the student athlete or prospective student athlete to attend, attend or perform in the UGA; or (c) directly related to athletic performance or achievement.
- Trademarks and Copyright. Student-athletes and prospective student-athletes may only use UGA and UGAAA intellectual property if these rights have been properly secured by an agreement that allows the specified use of the intellectual property. A selection of the most important brands of UGA and UGAAA can be found here: https://brand.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/uga-art-sheet@2x.png.
Student-athletes can contact Matt Hibbs at mhibbs@uga.edu for licensing information. Other natural and legal persons can receive license information and agreements for:
- Autographs. Student-athletes and prospective student-athletes can sign and sell officially licensed UGA or UGAAA intellectual property items. However, student-athletes are not allowed to sign or sell items issued to them by UGA or UGAAA as part of their participation in team activities.
- Timed coordination. Student-athletes may not participate in any NIL activities while participating in official sports department activities without the prior consent of the UGAAA.
- Location. The NIL activity of students and athletes must comply with the UGA Promotion Policy which applies to all students and staff. Student-athletes are not permitted to participate in NIL activities on campus or at UGA track and field facilities, with the exception of online or social media activities where the location is related to the NIL activity.
- Compliance with institutional agreements. Student-athletes are not permitted to participate in NIL activities that violate any sponsorship requirement or other agreement of the UGA, UGAAA, or their rights holders.
- Compliance with applicable law. NIL activities by students and athletes must comply with state, state, and local laws, as well as the University System of Georgia and UGA guidelines that apply to all students.
- Values and mission. Student-Athletes must not engage in NIL activities that are contrary to the values or mission of UGA, or that adversely affect UGA or UGAAA, or that adversely affect UGA or UGAAA, including, but not limited to, activities promoting or promoting gambling, sports betting, or adult entertainment, controlled substances, marijuana, tobacco, sexually oriented products, or alcoholic beverages.
- Agents and other professional representations. Student-athletes can obtain professional representation in legal or contractual matters in (but only) in connection with their activities and actions with name, picture and likeness.
- Student-athletes may not agree (orally or in writing) to be represented by a representative in order to market their athletic skills or reputation in order to secure a chance as a professional athlete.
- Athlete Agents representing student athletes must be certified in accordance with Georgia law.
- Lawyers must be licensed in the state of Georgia.
- Anyone wishing to represent student athletes in NIL activities should also register with the Compliance Office of the UGA Athletic Department at https://compliance.sports.uga.edu/forms/nil-agent-advisor-lawyer-registration/.
- International student-athletes. International student-athletes should not engage in NIL activities without the guidance of their own professional advisor and / or the UGA Office of Global Engagement to avoid potential immigration problems.
- Financial help. Pell Grant or needs-based financial assistance could be affected by compensation from NIL activities. Please address all questions about student finance to the UGA Student Finance Office.
- steer. Compensation received for NIL activities may have tax consequences. Student-athletes are responsible for all tax consequences and should seek advice from a tax professional before engaging in NIL activities for compensation. UGA and UGAAA do not offer tax advice.
Please note that UGA’s NIL policy is subject to change. Student-athletes participating in NIL activities are encouraged to periodically review the full policy and direct questions to the UGA Athletic Department’s Compliance Office (mhibbs@sports.uga.edu).
