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Suffolk University Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) Policy

Every Suffolk University student-athlete is expected to sign a written acknowledgment that they have received and reviewed this NIL Policy as a condition to participation as a student-athlete at Suffolk.

 
I. Introduction

 

Suffolk University supports the rights of its student-athletes to benefit from their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in accordance with all applicable NCAA, Conference of New England (CNE), and institutional regulations, policies and procedures. This NIL Policy outlines the parameters under which student-athletes may engage in NIL Activities.

NIL Activities consist of any activity related to the use of a student-athlete’s Name, Image, or Likeness for commercial or other promotional purposes in any medium, such as in-person or recorded appearances, social media, and other forms of marketing. NIL Activities are typically in exchange for compensation or other benefits to the student-athlete, and may include but are not limited to financial sponsorships of a student-athlete by a company or other organization, and other arrangements for a student-athlete’s endorsement of a product, service, brand, business or other organization.  All NIL activities undertaken by prospective or enrolled student-athletes must adhere to applicable NCAA regulations and Suffolk University policies and procedures, including this NIL policy.

 
II. Disclosure of NIL Activities

 

Student-athletes must disclose all agreements between the student-athlete and any other person or entity in connection with their NIL (“NIL Agreements”) to the Athletics Department within 7 days of entering such agreements, using the Suffolk University NIL Disclosure Form. The Athletics Department, in conjunction with the Vice President for Student Affairs (or their designee), will review disclosures to ensure compliance with applicable NCAA, CNE, and Suffolk University regulations, policies and procedures.

A student-athlete must immediately cease any NIL Activity found to be non-compliant.  Failure to disclose any NIL Activity or to comply with this NIL Policy may result in sanctions, including loss of eligibility.

 
III. Academic and Athletic Obligations

 

Any NIL engagements must not interfere with the student-athlete's academic schedule. The student-athlete’s academic commitments are paramount. Student-athletes are prohibited from missing class or compromising any other academic commitments to engage in NIL activities. 

NIL activities should not interfere with a student-athlete’s commitment to their team, and must be scheduled outside of official team activities, including practices, games, team meetings, and other team-related obligations.

 
IV. Prohibited Activities
 

1. Inducements or Pay-for-Play 

Student-athletes are strictly prohibited from receiving any form of compensation or other inducements or “pay-for-play” arrangements for performance in a sport at Suffolk, whether or not related to NIL Activities. Student-athletes are not permitted to receive compensation or benefits in connection with enrolling at or continuing to attend the university or  participating in specific athletic activities. Similarly, compensation for NIL Activities cannot be contingent upon athletic performance, achievements, or participation in specific athletic activities. 

Any agreements or engagements that violate these principles may result in disciplinary actions, potentially including ineligibility for athletic participation. The integrity of our athletic programs and adherence to NCAA regulations are of utmost importance, ensuring a fair and compliant environment for all student-athletes.

2. Other Prohibited NIL Activities 

Student-athletes may not engage in NIL activities that promote gambling, alcohol, tobacco, adult entertainment, or substances banned by the NCAA, or any other product prohibited under applicable NCAA regulations.

Student-athletes are prohibited from entering into NIL Agreements that conflict with existing Suffolk University sponsorships or contracts. 

Student-athletes are prohibited from promoting their NIL activity while on call for or participating in athletically related activities, such as during practice, pre- and post-game activities, press conferences, etc.

3. Limitations on Institutional Involvement

Suffolk University and its Athletics Department staff are prohibited from:

  • Directly or indirectly compensating or causing compensation to be directed to a student-athlete, a prospective student-athlete, or their family members for NIL Activities;
  • Representing a student-athlete or prospective student-athlete in marketing their NIL or their athletics ability or reputation;
  • Compensating student-athletes in exchange for use of their NIL beyond actual and necessary expenses associated with the University’s charitable or educational activities;
  • Proactively assisting in the development, production or promotion of a student-athlete’s NIL activity, or use of University equipment in connection with the student-athlete’s NIL activity except to the extent available to the general student population; or
  • Providing non-educational services to student-athletes which are not available to the general student population.
 
V. Use of Intellectual Property

 

Use of any Suffolk University, the CNE, or the NCAA Intellectual Property – including logos, trademarks, service marks – for NIL activities is prohibited unless previously approved in writing.  This prohibition includes but is not limited to any visual or verbal representation that could imply endorsement of or association with the NIL Activity by Suffolk University, the CNE or the NCAA. Student-athletes must ensure that their NIL engagements are clearly distinct from the university's brand

 
VI. Use of University Facilities

 

Student-athletes are prohibited from using Suffolk University’s facilities, including but not limited to athletic fields, gyms, classrooms, or meeting rooms, for NIL Activities, unless explicitly approved in advance and in writing by the Suffolk University Athletic Director or their designee, exercising their sole discretion. Such permission generally will not be granted except to the extent the facilities are available to other University students, and no permission will be granted if such use of University facilities could imply the University’s endorsement of or association with the NIL Activity.

 
VII. Institutional Support and Resources

 

The Athletic Department will assist student-athletes in understanding and adhering to this NIL Policy and applicable NCAA regulations.  Please contact Associate Director of Athletics Adam Skaggs at Adam.Skaggs@suffolk.edu with any questions.

 
VIII. International Student Athletes

 

International student-athletes must ensure that any NIL Activity complies with all requirements related to their visa status. It is the responsibility of the international student-athlete to maintain visa eligibility.

 
 
IX. Use of Professional Representation

 

Student-athletes may, at their own expense, hire attorneys, agents or other professional advisors to assist them in negotiating and securing NIL arrangements. However, student-athletes are prohibited under NCAA rules from agreeing to be represented for purposes other than NIL activities, such as future professional athletics contract negotiations, while maintaining their amateur status. Although there is no requirement for student-athletes to employ the services of an attorney or agent for NIL purposes, any agent retained should comply with the federal Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act (SARTA) and any other applicable laws to ensure that the agent’s representation is ethical, legal, and in the best interests of the student-athlete. Student-athletes are encouraged to thoroughly evaluate the credentials and competencies of any professional advisors.  The University will not be responsible for any agreement between a student-athlete and a professional advisor.

 
X. Tax Responsibility and Financial Aid Implications

 

Compensation received from NIL Activities is considered personal income and may be subject to federal, state, and local taxes. Student-athletes are responsible for understanding and fulfilling their tax obligations related to any earnings from NIL Activities. Student-athletes are advised to maintain detailed records of all income received and expenses incurred related to their NIL Activities. This includes keeping copies of contracts, invoices, receipts, and any other relevant financial documents. Student-athletes are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax professional to ensure proper handling of their tax responsibilities.

NIL earnings could impact a student-athlete’s eligibility for need-based financial aid.  It is the student-athlete’s responsibility to contact the University’s Office of Financial Aid for guidance in this area.

 
XI. Review and Amendments

 

This policy may be amended by the Athletics Department to ensure alignment with current NCAA and CNE regulations, applicable law or University policies.  All student-athletes and prospective student-athletes will receive notification of any amendments affecting their rights and obligations as student-athletes.