August 30th: Media Activities

Is it permissible for student-athletes to participate in such media activities?

Yes with conditions.  Please note the parameters associated with this legislation do vary between the divisions.

Division I NCAA Bylaw 12.5.3 states that a student-athlete may participate in media activities, including but not limited to, radio, television and internet-based programs (e.g., coaches’ shows), and writing projects when the student-athlete’s appearance or participation is related in any way to his or her status as a student-athlete.  The student-athlete shall not receive any remuneration for participation in the activity. The student-athlete shall not make any endorsement, expressed or implied, of any commercial product or service. The student-athlete may, however, receive actual and necessary expenses directly related to the appearance or participation in the activity. A student-athlete participating in such media activities may not miss class, except for class time missed in conjunction with away-from-home competition or to participate in an NCAA or conference-sponsored media activity. (Revised: 1/16/93, 1/14/97, 1/9/06, 4/27/06, 1/20/17 effective 8/1/17)

Division II NCAA Bylaw 12.5.3 states that a student-athlete may participate in media activities (e.g., appearance on radio, television, in films or stage productions or participation in writing projects) when such an appearance or participation is related in any way to athletics ability or prestige provided: (Revised: 1/12/04 effective 8/1/04, 5/10/13)

(a) The student-athlete is eligible academically to represent the institution at the time of appearance or participation;
(b) The student-athlete does not receive any remuneration for the appearance or participation in the activity; and
(c) The student-athlete does not make any endorsement, expressed or implied, of any commercial product or service. The institution or the entity sponsoring the activity may pay the actual and necessary expenses directly related to the appearance or participation by the student-athlete in the activity.

Division III NCAA Bylaw 12.5.2 states that a student-athlete may participate in media activities (e.g., appearance on radio, television, in films or stage productions, or participate in writing projects) and may receive legitimate and normal expenses when the student-athlete’s appearance or participation is related in any way to athletics ability or prestige. The student-athlete may engage in such activities at any time and may receive compensation at a rate commensurate with the going rate in that locale for similar services. Further, the student-athlete’s name may be used to advertise his or her participation in such activity, provided the student-athlete’s status as a student-athlete is not used for promotional purposes. (Adopted: 1/14/97, Revised: 1/8/01 effective 8/1/01)