NCAA Compliance Policy

My Sports ID Card: NCAA Compliance Policy

Purpose

My Sports ID Card is a cutting-edge platform for athletes and sports professionals to build their personal brand using a digital business card. We are not affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), but we are committed to helping our users navigate the complex landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). This policy outlines the critical responsibilities of our members, particularly NCAA student-athletes and prospects, to ensure they remain compliant with all applicable regulations while using our platform.

Member Responsibility and Compliance

It is the sole responsibility of each member to understand and adhere to all applicable NIL regulations. This includes not only NCAA rules but also state laws and any specific policies set by their university, conference, or high school athletic association. My Sports ID Card does not monitor or manage individual NIL deals, and any use of your name, image, or likeness on our platform must be in compliance with these regulations.

Navigating Location and Age-Based Policies

NIL rules are a complex patchwork of regulations that vary significantly by location and age. It is essential for all members to understand the specific rules that apply to their situation.

  • U.S. NCAA Student-Athletes: Many U.S. states have passed their own NIL laws, which may include unique disclosure requirements, restrictions on certain types of promotions, or rules about institutional involvement. You must follow the laws of the state where your college is located, in addition to NCAA and institutional policies.
  • International Student-Athletes: International student-athletes on an F-1 visa face a particularly complex situation. U.S. immigration laws can be in direct conflict with NIL activities. For many international student-athletes, engaging in NIL activities, especially those that involve “active” employment, can be a violation of their visa status. We strongly advise you to consult with your school’s international student services office or an immigration attorney before engaging in any NIL activities.
  • High School Athletes: While the NCAA permits high school athletes to engage in NIL, the rules are governed by individual state high school athletic associations. These rules vary widely; some states permit it with strict limitations (e.g., no use of school logos), while others may prohibit it entirely. A violation of these rules could jeopardize your future NCAA eligibility.

Prohibited Content and Activities

To ensure a safe and compliant environment for all users, the following are strictly prohibited on the My Sports ID Card platform:

  • Promoting Prohibited Products: Members are not permitted to use their digital business card to promote products or services that are forbidden by NCAA rules, state law, or institutional policy. This includes, but is not limited to, sports betting, gambling, alcohol, tobacco, adult entertainment, and illicit substances.
  • Unauthorized Use of Trademarks: You may not use any NCAA trademarks, logos, or copyrighted materials on your digital business card without explicit, written permission from the NCAA or the appropriate rights holder. This also applies to the use of any specific school or conference intellectual property.
  • Failure to Disclose: Any NIL deals or endorsements you feature on your My Sports ID Card must be properly disclosed and reported to your university’s compliance office as mandated by NCAA rules and applicable state law. The NCAA may require disclosure of deals over a certain value (e.g., $600). Failure to do so could result in eligibility consequences.

Transparency and Reporting

My Sports ID Card strongly encourages all student-athletes to be transparent about their NIL activities. You should proactively report all NIL deals to your university’s compliance office to ensure you meet all reporting requirements. Our platform provides a space for you to showcase your brand, but it is your responsibility to manage the administrative side of your NIL agreements.

Educational Resources

To help you stay informed, we provide educational materials and links to official NCAA NIL rules and state-specific resources on our website. We recommend regularly reviewing these resources and consulting with your school’s compliance officers, international student services office, or legal advisors to stay up-to-date on any changes.

Disclaimers

Please be aware of the following important disclaimers:

  • No Legal or Eligibility Advice: My Sports ID Card does not provide legal advice or certify NCAA eligibility. Our platform is a tool for professional branding, not a substitute for professional counsel.
  • Individual Accountability: Compliance with all NCAA, state, and institutional regulations is the sole responsibility of the individual member.
  • No Liability: My Sports ID Card is not liable for any penalties, sanctions, or loss of eligibility resulting from a member’s failure to comply with these rules.

Policy Amendments

The NIL landscape is dynamic and subject to frequent change. As regulations evolve at the federal, state, and institutional levels, this policy will be updated to reflect those changes. Members are encouraged to regularly review this policy and consult their school’s compliance officers or legal advisors as necessary.