Radford University Athletics

 
This protocol provides expectations for student-athletes as it pertains to the use of their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) for commercial purposes. The Department of Athletics utilizes a comprehensive software system called INFLCR; this system shall contain all NIL activity by Radford University (RU) student-athletes. Any NIL opportunity must be disclosed through the INFLCR mobile application. The Commonwealth of Virginia has passed Name, Image and Likeness legislation. If there is a conflict between the Commonwealth of Virginia laws and NCAA rules, institutions must follow NCAA rules. This protocol does not supersede any University policies, and student-athletes must adhere to all University, Big South, and NCAA regulations when engaging in NIL activities.
 
Name, Image, and Likeness Representation

• Student-athletes are permitted to obtain legal counsel and/or representation specific to their name, image, or likeness activities. Such representation is strictly limited to NIL activities and it will remain impermissible to have such representation for athletic participation.
  • Representation for NIL activities includes talent agents (as opposed to sports agents), marketing firms, legal counsel, and financial advisors. 
    • Provided the talent agent is licensed and in good standing in the Commonwealth of Virginia and registered with RU Athletics Compliance Office.
  • RU employees and boosters are permitted to assist with or facilitate NIL activities for student-athletes. Institutional employees are permitted to provide education in regards to NIL, but may not provide any other professional services.
    • A business or organization that is owned by a booster may enter into NIL agreements with student-athletes through normal channels designed for promotional activities.
  • The duration of a contract for representation of a student-athlete or compensation for the use of NIL may not extend beyond participation in an athletic program at the institution.
• Student-athletes maintain independent authority over their NIL deal (choice of service providers, terms, etc.)

 
Prohibited Name, Image and Likeness Benefits

• Student-athletes may not receive payment in exchange for athletic participation at RU. Further, prospective student-athletes may not receive payments for future participation in athletics at RU per NCAA rules.
• RU shall not provide payments or benefits to a student-athlete in relation to their NIL.
• Student-athletes may NOT earn compensation for their NIL from any person, company, or organization related to or associate with:
  • Any NCAA Banned Substances;
  • Casinos or gambling, including sports betting;
  • Alcohol products;
  • Adult entertainment;
  • Cannabis, cannabinoids, cannabidiol, or other derivatives;
  • Dangerous or controlled substances;
  • Performance enhancing drugs or substances;
  • Drug paraphernalia;
  • Tobacco and electronic smoking products and devices; and
  • Weapons, including firearms and ammunition.

 
Prohibited Name, Image and Likeness Activities

• NIL activities that conflict with NCAA, Big South or RU rules and local, state, or federal laws are prohibited.
• NIL activities may NOT conflict with academic studies (class, study hall, etc.) or team related activities (practice, competition, etc.).

 
Use of RU Property

• The RU student handbook shall provide all policy on procedure information in regards to Soliciting, Petitioning, Selling, Surveying, and Publicizing while on campus.
• If a student-athlete wishes to conduct an event on the campus of RU, the student-athlete must pay the appropriate rental costs for the facility. All other requirements for events on campus established by RU must be followed.
  • The use of athletic facilities will require approval and rental fees as well. Please reach out to Neal Leahy at nleahy@radford.edu in the athletic facilities and operations office.
• The student-athlete may use RU intellectual property such as logos and trademarks for their NIL activities. RU policies regarding licensed materials must be followed, which include, but are not limited to, the student-athlete completing a licensing application, application approval, and payment of any associated fees when required.
  • Student-athletes need to seek approval prior to using any RU intellectual property, please contact Deputy Athletics Director, Cory Durand at cdurand@radford.edu

 
Name, Image, and Likeness Disclosure

• Student-athletes must disclose their NIL activities to the athletic department by way of INFLCR prior to the activity occurring. Failing to disclose or participating in an impermissible NIL activity as referenced above could result in removal from an athletics team/or cancelation of athletics aid.

 
Tax and Other Obligations

• Student-athletes are responsible for all tax, withholding, reporting, expenses, fees and any other obligations, liabilities or costs associated with NIL activities. RU does not provide tax services or advice, please consult a tax professional.

 
International Student-Athletes

• Student-athletes attending the university on J-1 or F-1 visas are NOT able to engage in any NIL activities. Failure to abide by these restrictions can result in the termination of the student-athlete’s J-1 or F-1 status. For more information, please contact the Global Education and Engagement office at globaled@radford.edu

 
Financial Aid

• Pell Grant or need based financial aid could be impacted based on compensation from NIL. Those questions should be directed to the RU Financial Aid Office at finaid@radford.edu

 
Consequences

• Violations of this policy may lead to various penalties, which depend on the specific nature and type of the deviation. The most severe (evidence that a student-athlete was compensated for performance) can result in termination of staff employment, booster dissociation, changes to student-athlete scholarships and/or roster. Furthermore, any violations of NCAA legislation will be reported to the NCAA and may lead to additional penalties imposed by the NCAA.

 
Disclaimer

• RU is not liable or responsible to any student-athlete, non-institutional entity that partners with a student-athlete, professional service provider or other entity involved with NIL activities or related agreements with any student-athlete.