Overview:
GHSA approves a NIL amendment that addresses concerns over NIL clubs in certain high schools.
The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Board of Trustees has unanimously approved an amendment to its Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policy, aiming to clarify guidelines and protect student-athlete eligibility.
The decision came during a board meeting on July 18 at the GHSA office in Thomaston, Georgia, where 14 trustees and two legislative guests convened to discuss pressing matters in high school athletics.
Executive Director Dr. Robin Hines introduced the amendment, explaining its purpose is to “further specify and define guidelines described in the original NIL Policy.” The move comes in response to concerns over self-proclaimed “NIL Clubs” soliciting schools and individual students for membership fees.
“These clubs’ guidelines do not meet the GHSA stipulations under the current policy and can create eligibility questions,” Hines said.
Following a “healthy discussion” with representatives from a NIL Club company, Hines recommended that all schools currently affiliated with such clubs “remove themselves immediately due to questions that might arise in regard to student eligibility.”
The amendment passed with a 14-0 vote, underscoring the board’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of high school sports in Georgia.
In other business, Hines provided an update on the Legislative Oversight Committee, which will convene on Aug. 28 at the GHSA office and again during the State Football Championships in Atlanta.
The board also addressed the need to fill the position left vacant by the late Kevin Giddens in Bass Fishing. Hines praised Giddens for his “tremendous job” in various roles at GHSA, emphasizing the importance of finding a suitable replacement.
Jay Russell, another GHSA official, presented an overview of the new Constitution and By-Laws platform on the GHSA website. Russell highlighted the user-friendly nature of the platform and its ability to allow GHSA staff to produce their own edits, crediting Jim Bullington for his “innovative talents” in developing the system.
Ernie Yarbrough briefed the board on the upcoming Officiate Georgia Day and National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) National Conference, set for July 27-30 in Atlanta. Yarbrough anticipates over 1,500 officials to attend on July 27, marking a significant gathering for sports officiating in the state.
Don Corr introduced a potential future reclassification method based on competitive balance, signaling a possible shift in how schools are categorized for athletic competitions.
The meeting also served as a farewell for Dr. Hines, who announced it would be his last Board of Trustees meeting as Executive Director. He introduced his successor, Dr. Tim Scott, who offered brief comments to the board.
With new leadership on the horizon and ongoing efforts to improve officiating, classification methods, and digital resources, the GHSA appears poised to navigate the complex landscape of modern high school athletics.