Lincoln University of Missouri Athletics

Illuminate - Learn more about how Lincoln University actively supports providing its student-athletes' aid in pursuing NIL opportunities.

Lincoln University Athletics Name, Image, Likeness Policy
 
EFFECTIVE DATE
The NCAA has adopted guidance governing student-athletes’ Name, Image, and Likeness (“NIL”) activities as of July 1, 2021. Any agreements involving Name, Image, and Likeness entered into prior to July 1, 2021 are not covered under the NCAA or Lincoln Athletics policies and would be subject to previous NCAA Rules regarding NIL, including mandatory reporting of violations of those rules.
 
Lincoln Athletics and our student-athletes must follow the NCAA Rules, Lincoln University Athletics Policy and the State of Missouri NIL Laws. Student-athletes, Lincoln Athletic staff, or other third parties should consult with the Lincoln Athletics Compliance office regarding NCAA rules, university policy and state laws, prior to engaging in NIL activities that involve Lincoln student-athletes beginning July 1, 2021.
 
NAME, IMAGE, AND LIKENESS ACTIVITIES
Subject to the NCAA rules, this Lincoln policy and the State of Missouri Law, Lincoln student-athletes may use their NIL in a variety of ways that may include, but are not limited to:

• Promoting their own business,
• Promoting or endorsing a corporate entity (e.g., a brand ambassador or social media influencer);
• Conducting camps, lessons or clinics;
• Making appearances; or
• Signing autographs

Student-athletes who are unsure of whether a particular activity may fall under this policy should consult with the Lincoln Athletics Compliance Office prior to entering any agreement for the activity.
 
COMPENSATION FOR NIL ACTIVITIES
Lincoln student-athletes may receive compensation, either in-kind or monetarily, for engaging in NIL activities. Such compensation must be within fair market value. Such compensation must be for work actually performed. Lincoln student-athletes are allowed to enter into legitimate NIL agreements with representatives of athletics interests (“boosters”), provided the agreement meets the requirements set forth in the “Restrictions” section, including restriction against recruiting inducements and “pay-for-play.”
 
RESTRICTIONS
Student-athletes can NOT use their NIL to promote:

• Gambling,
• Alcohol products,
• Tobacco and/or vaping products,
• Adult entertainment,
• Substances banned by the NCAA, or
• Products or services that are illegal.

Furthermore, an agreement is restricted if the agreement:

• Is without quid pro quo (e.g., compensation provided for work not performed),
• Is contingent upon enrolling or remaining at a particular institution (recruiting inducement)
• Compensates based on athletic participation or achievement (“pay-for-play”); athletic performance may enhance a student-athlete’s NIL value, but athletic performance may not be the “consideration” for NIL compensation
• Requires the student-athlete to engage in NIL activities during the course of official team activities, which include competition, practices and team gatherings and meetings
• Interferes with the student-athlete’s academic obligations
• Extends beyond a student-athlete’s athletic eligibility at Lincoln University, or
• Is in conflict with a provision of a contract entered into by Lincoln University, the Lincoln Athletic Department or an affiliated entity. Please refer to the “Disclosure of NIL Activities” section for more information on contractual conflicts.

Lincoln University, Lincoln Athletes, or Lincoln staff members may not compensate or arrange for compensation to current or prospective intercollegiate student-athletes for her or his name, image or likeness.

Neither Lincoln University nor Lincoln Athletics shall enter into a contract that prevents a student-athlete from receiving compensation for using their student-athletes’ name, image, likeness rights or athletic reputation for a commercial purpose when the student-athlete is not engaged in official team activities
 
DISCLOSURE OF NIL ACTIVITIES
The purpose for disclosure requirements is for the Lincoln Athletics Compliance Office to monitor compliance with NCAA rules, LU policies and the State Laws of Missouri.
 
Student-athletes are required to disclose five (5) business days prior to signing an agreement and receiving any compensation. This is not an approval process but a component of the Missouri State Law.
 
Transfer student-athletes are required to disclose any contracts entered into prior to enrolling at Lincoln University within ten (10) days of matriculation at Lincoln University. Disclosures should be made utilizing the NIL Disclosure Form.
 
The NIL Disclosure Form is located here and below.
 
In the event that Lincoln University, Lincoln Athletics, or an affiliated entity asserts a conflict as described in the “Restrictions” section, that conflict shall be disclosed to the student-athlete’s professional representative, if applicable, within five (5) days of receiving the NIL Disclosure Form. If the Lincoln Athletic Compliance Office believes that a review of the full agreement will assist in further investigation into the potential conflict, then Lincoln Athletics Compliance shall request a copy of the full agreement at the time of disclosure of the conflict to the student-athlete. The student-athlete or the student-athlete’s professional representative shall then have five (5) business days to provide a copy of the full written agreement to the Lincoln Athletics Compliance Office.
 
USE OF AGENTS OR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Lincoln student-athletes are encouraged to obtain professional advice to assist them with NIL activities. The use of an agent, as defined by NCAA bylaws, may only be used for NIL activities; student-athletes may NOT enter into agreements for future professional athletics contact negotiations and/or representation. The Lincoln Athletics Compliance Officer reserves the right to request a copy of the agreement if she or he believes the agreement creates a conflict as described in the “Restrictions” section.
 
Professional representation on behalf of a student-athlete by an agent or attorney shall only be provided by persons licensed by the state of Missouri or holding certification of registration as provided by applicable Missouri law, including the Uniform Athlete Agents Act, and who are in compliance with Kansas Law and the Federal Sports Agent responsibility and Trust Act, 15.U.S.C § 7801 et seq., established in chapter 104 of title 15 of the United States Code. Lincoln Athletics encourages its student-athletes to thoroughly vet any such agents or advisors prior to working with them, as Lincoln Athletics will not be responsible for any agreement or contractual obligation, whether with an agent or other third party.
 
USE OF UNIVERSITY PROPERTY
Student-athletes may reference their attendance to Lincoln University and/or their participation in athletics while engaging in NIL activities, but student-athletes are NOT permitted to use Lincoln’s property, including trademarks, logos, or symbols, to either implicitly or expressly endorse a third party or product without prior written approval. Approval may be conditioned on:

• Review of the content of the proposed endorsement of the product or third party to ensure use is consistent with Lincoln University guidelines for use of its logo, trademarks, and symbols, and/or
• Compensation to Lincoln University for use of its logos, trademarks, or symbols.

Approval will be determined collaboratively by the Lincoln Athletics Creative Content Office, Media Relations Office and the Lincoln University Marketing and University Relations Office.
 
Student-athletes may autograph and sell officially licensed memorabilia that include University marks. Per NCAA rules, student-athlete may not sell products provided by Lincoln Athletics or awards received for intercollegiate athletic participation while they are a student-athlete.
 
FACILITY USE
Student-athletes may, subject to availability and subject to the terms of a facility use agreement, use Lincoln Athletics’ facilities to conduct camps, clinics, or lessons if the student-athlete pays the standard facility rental rate. The use of athletic department facilities will require approval in advance. Student-athletes wishing to use any Lincoln Athletics’ facilities must arrange for this usage by submitting a written scheduling request to the department.
 
Student-athletes may not use Lincoln facilities in such a manner that creates the impression-either express or implied – that Lincoln expressly or indirectly endorses a third party or product, unless prior written approval is obtained from Lincoln University Counsel.

OTHER APPLICABLE LAWS
GLVC student-athletes may earn compensation from the use of their name, image or likeness (“NIL”), subject to their strict compliance with the NCAA Interim NIL Policy, applicable state and other laws, and applicable institutional NIL policies.  

In addition to applicable laws and policies, student-athletes may not enter into a contract or other agreement with a third party for NIL compensation if the NIL activity:  

• includes any GLVC logo or trademark without having received prior written approval for use;  
• violates the GLVC Constitution, GLVC Bylaws, or any GLVC policies; or 
• discredits the GLVC or causes harm to its public reputation.

Furthermore, GLVC student-athletes grant the GLVC permission to use, adapt, modify, reproduce, distribute, publicly perform, and/or display, in any form now known or later developed, their name and/or voice, image and/or visual likeness, identity, appearance, personal academic information (e.g., cumulative GPA or academic major), and athletic information (i.e., statistics) for conference promotional activities. Such use may include, but is not limited to: the GLVC Network, website and social media content, contest programs or other publications, contest promotional activities, ticket sales, press releases, information provided for articles and/or stories published by outside media entities, fundraisers, posters, schedule cards, calendars, charitable or community activities, webcast, streaming, broadcasts (radio and/or television), and other advertising or promotional materials.  Student-athletes understand and agree that the GLVC is and shall be the exclusive owner of all right, title, and interests, including copyright, in all materials and productions related to their name and/or voice, image and/or visual likeness, identity, appearance, personal academic information, athletic information, and other promotional activities described or referenced herein. All uses of materials and productions described herein shall be consistent with state and federal law and all applicable athletics governing body and conference rules. Student-athletes further understand and agree that the GLVC does not owe student-athletes compensation for the acts consented to in this acknowledgment and that the GLVC is entitled to any royalties, proceeds, or other benefits from the same.  
 
If a student-athlete is a resident of a state other than Missouri, the student-athlete should also consult that state’s laws to determine their applicability.
 
FINANCIAL AID IMPLICATIONS
Student-athletes should be aware that receiving compensation for NIL activities could have an impact on their financial aid, especially for those receiving Pell Grants or other need-based aid.
 
Lincoln Athletics shall not revoke or reduce an athletics grant-in-aid or stipend scholarship as a result of a student-athlete earning compensation in accordance with name, image, and likeness activities, unless otherwise required by federal laws or institutional standards governing need-based award due to income received. An athletics grant-in-aid award from Lincoln Athletics is NOT considered compensation for use of a student-athlete’s name, image, or likeness rights. Student-athletes are encouraged to consult with the Lincoln University Financial Aid Office to fully understand these potential impacts.

NIL Disclosure Form

Educational Information for Lincoln University Student-Athletes

NCAA Interim Policy Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Quick Guide to New Interim Policy
- New Interim Policy Key Takeaways
- Cycle of Individual Engaged in NIL Activities
- Considerations for the Financial Aid Office