STEVENS POINT, WI- Member schools of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) passed four amendments to its Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules of Eligibility during the organization’s 129th Annual Meeting, held Wednesday at the Sentry Insurance Theater.
Among the changes, two amendments specifically impact the WIAA’s Rules of Eligibility. In a significant move, members voted 293-108 to approve new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) language, a year after a similar proposal was rejected.
The approval makes Wisconsin one of more than 40 states that now allow high school student-athletes to participate in NIL opportunities. Under the new rule, student-athletes are permitted to engage in NIL activities as long as they are not associated with their school team, school name, conference, or the WIAA. The policy also includes protections against using NIL as a means to improperly influence transfers between schools.
“With today’s vote, member schools have opted to join a growing list of states that allow student-athletes to capitalize on their athletic talents in a way that is similar to students with other valued talents and skills,” said WIAA Executive Director Stephanie Hauser. “At its core, the WIAA is charged with promoting fairness and sportsmanship while protecting the integrity of the game—something I believe this NIL language preserves.”
Additional amendments and membership business were also addressed during the annual gathering.
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