Randolph-Macon College

RMC Athletics NIL Collectives Guidelines

RMC Athletics is committed to supporting student-athletes and their pursuit of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) activities in accordance with applicable NCAA and/or state or federal laws while continuing to further the College’s mission – to develop the mind and character of our student-athletes. 

All individuals interested in creating or contributing to a collective should be aware of the RMC Name, Image, Likeness Policy that came into effect on August 25th 2021.  All NIL opportunities for RMC student-athletes must comply with this policy.
 
NIL Collectives

An NIL collective is a third-party entity, separate from the college, that pools financial support from supporters, businesses, or fans to create NIL opportunities for student-athletes. The collective facilitates agreements in which athletes receive compensation in exchange for providing services or licensing their name, image, and likeness.

As the college continues to navigate the ever changing landscape of NIL, the guidelines below seek to help interested parties reach their NIL goals without jeopardizing the integrity of the college, our teams, and our student-athletes.
 
Developing an NIL Collective Contract that Protects RMC Student-Athletes

-All contracts must be quid pro quo – student-athletes must be compensated for work performed
-No pay for play – compensation must not be for athletic achievement or participation
-No enrollment inducements – no NIL activities may be contingent on student-athletes’ initial or continued enrollment at RMC

Communicating NIL Opportunities with Current RMC Student-Athletes

-Communicate directly with student-athletes
-Communicate with student-athletes’ NIL agent
-Communicate with RMC athletic department staff about potential NIL opportunities for student-athletes
-Coordinate with RMC athletic department staff to facilitate or arrange meetings with student-athletes

NIL Collective Best Practices

-Include clear language on the NIL Collective website that it is not owned or operated by the college and that RMC is not responsible for the NIL Collective’s actions.
-Refrain from engaging RMC coaches in NIL collective business.  RMC coaches and/or staff cannot serve as a paid or unpaid consultant, advisor, employee, board member, or trustee of an NIL Collective, or otherwise provide strategic advice or assist in organizational planning.
-Negotiate written, legally-binding agreements with the student-athletes.
-Encourage student-athletes to adhere to the RMC Name, Image, Likeness Policy, including filling out an NIL Reporting Form for every new contract they sign. 
    - Sharing contracts with the athletic department before student-athletes begin NIL activities protects our student-athletes eligibility, as well as the collective and the college’s integrity.
-Communicate with the RMC Department of Athletics for any NIL-related questions or concerns.
 
Violations of NCAA or RMC rules by an NIL Collective may result in the loss of eligibility, suspension, forfeiture of contests, fines and other adverse actions against RMC student-athletes and athletic programs.  As such, violations may result in a decision to disassociate the NIL Collective from RMC.