Virginia Tech Name, Image, and Likeness Protocol

Reference: NCAA Bylaw 12.5 Purpose: New NCAA rules/guidelines permit student-athletes to benefit from the use of their names, images, and likenesses in a manner that is consistent with the NCAA guiding principles. In an effort to prioritize student-athlete well-being, these name, image, and likeness opportunities may occur in a manner that is consistent with the core values, mission, and principles of Virginia Tech (“VT”). This policy is to provide guidance as to the types of activities and circumstances with which a student-athlete would be prohibited from participating in an NIL activity.

Student-Athlete Obligation
Student-athletes are expected to refrain from engaging in name, image, and likeness activities that are related to “pay for play,” impermissible inducements, or extra benefits. Impermissible name, image, and likeness activities, include, but are not limited to:

  1. Agreements without a quid pro quo (e.g., compensation for work not performed);
  2. Agreements where compensation is contingent on initial or continued enrollment at VT;
  3. Agreements where compensation is contingent on specific athletic performance or achievement (e.g., financial incentives based on points scored). Note: Athletic performance may enhance a student-athlete’s name, image, and likeness value but athletic performance may not be the “consideration” for a name, image, and likeness activity;

Benefits provided to student-athletes through name, image, and likeness activities must be consistent with institutional policies of VT and commensurate with fair market value.

Prohibited Promotional Activities
Student-athletes must conduct their activities in adherence to a set of ethical standards which are compatible with those of Virginia Tech’s Core Values. VT in its sole discretion, retains the right to disapprove any activity deemed to suggest an endorsement by VT or that reflects unfavorably upon VT and/or VT student-athletes. VT retains the right to disapprove any activity that promotes or otherwise references certain prohibited categories. Specific prohibitions set forth by Virginia State law include the following:

  • 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.

Use of Institutional Marks
A student-athlete may not use institutional logos and/or trademarks in non-institutional name, image, and likeness activities when a student-athlete is engaging in an activity which promotes or endorses a third-party service or product without written approval from Virginia Tech Licensing and Trademarks. Prohibited examples without authorization include, but are not limited to:

  1. Wearing apparel or gear that visibly shows a registered VT logo/trademark*;
  2. Social media content that includes a registered VT logo/trademark*

More info here: The Virginia Tech Brand

Reference to the Institution
Student-athletes are permitted to include a reference to VT consistent with institutional policies applicable to any student. For the avoidance of doubt, student-athletes are permitted to identify themselves as “Current VT Student-Athlete.”

Missed Class/Representing VT
Student-athletes are not permitted to miss class to participate in any non-institutional name, image, and likeness activity. Additionally, non-institutional name, image, likeness activities may not occur while the student-athlete has reported on call for practice, competition or any other VT Athletics’ sponsored activity.

International Student-Athletes
International student-athletes should not enter into any activities involving compensation for name, image, and likeness activities without first receiving guidance from Cranwell International Center to protect themselves against any potential immigration issues.

Need Based Financial Aid
Eligibility for need-based financial aid, including the Pell Grant, could be impacted based on compensation from name, image, and likeness activities. Questions regarding the effect name, image, and likeness activities have on need-based financial aid should be directed to Virginia Tech Office of University Scholarships and Financial Aid.

Disclosure
Virginia State law requires all student-athletes to disclose all name, image, and likeness activities PRIOR to the activity occurring. Information should include any transactions, compensation arrangements, and details of relationships with any involved individuals, commercial entities, and/or third parties (e.g., contact information, identification of role). All non-institutional name, image, and likeness activities should be reported through the mobile app: INFLCR. The institution will review and approve the requested activity within the INFLCR program.

If agreements and details of an approved arrangement to promote a commercial product or service are amended, the student-athlete should provide create a new entry within the INFLCR app.

Education
Virginia Tech will provide student-athletes with education regarding financial literacy, brand building, and educational workshops focusing on the name, image, and likeness activities. Contact the Virginia Tech Office of Student-Athlete Development for more information.