The IHSAA Board of Directors recently voted in a new Personal Branding Activity bylaw that will allow high school athletes the ability to earn Name-Image-Likeness money while still maintaining amateur status. There is plenty of misinformation and hyperbole being passed around social media, and we hope to provide clarification of this new bylaw. Please follow the link below to the IHSAA website to learn more about the PBA bylaw. We have also included an informational graphic to help better explain what is allowed and what types of activities are still prohibited by the IHSAA. https://www.ihsaa.org/sites/default/files/documents/050426.Board_.pdf McCutcheon Public Branding Activities (PBA) Policy McCutcheon High School recognizes that student-athletes may have opportunities to participate in Public Branding Activities (PBA), including the use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL), as permitted by the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA). This policy is intended to: Protect the integrity of McCutcheon Athletics Ensure compliance with IHSAA regulations Reinforce that student-athletes remain representatives of the school and community Public Branding Activities (PBA) are defined as personal, independent opportunities for a student-athlete to receive compensation for the use of their: Name, Image, Likeness Examples may include, but are not limited to: Social media promotions or endorsements Personal appearances Private business partnerships Student-athletes may engage in PBA provided that all activities: Are independent of McCutcheon High School Occur outside of team, school, or athletic department activities Do not interfere with: Academic responsibilities Practice or competition schedules Team obligations To maintain compliance with IHSAA rules, student-athletes may NOT: Use the name “McCutcheon High School,” “Mavericks,” or any school affiliation Wear school uniforms or display: School logos Team branding Issued equipment Use school facilities (gyms, fields, locker rooms, etc.) for PBA purposes Imply school, team, or coach endorsement Engage coaches, staff, or school representatives in arranging or promoting activities School Involvement McCutcheon High School and its staff shall not: Facilitate, arrange, or broker PBA opportunities Provide compensation or incentives tied to athletic participation All PBA activities must remain strictly separate from school athletics Student-Athlete Responsibilities Consistent with expectations outlined in the handbook, student-athletes: Remain ambassadors of McCutcheon High School at all times Must ensure all PBA content: Reflects positively on the school and community Does not violate the Code of Conduct Are responsible for: Compliance with all IHSAA rules Any personal contracts or agreements Failure to meet these expectations may result in: Loss of athletic privileges Team or school disciplinary action Conflict with Athletic Participation PBA activities may not conflict with: Practices Competitions Team meetings or events If a conflict arises, school athletic commitments take priority Student-athletes are strongly encouraged to: Notify the Athletic Director prior to engaging in PBA Provide general information regarding the nature of the activity (This is for compliance support only—not approval or involvement.) Violations Violations of this policy will be addressed under: The Athletic Code of Conduct Applicable IHSAA eligibility rules Consequences may include: Suspension from participation Loss of eligibility Additional disciplinary measures