Can FL high schools pay players?

[PinellasFB]

I was on the sideline chatting with a local HS coach and he was complaining about a certain Tampa Bay area undefeated private school paying players.  I was just wondering, is paying players above board now?  It wouldn't surprise me with the anything goes environment that's going on currently.

[Dr. D]

Student-athletes in Florida cannot accept money or gifts of monetary value for their athletic skill, fame, or performance.  Doing so jeopardizes their amateur status and eligibility to compete in FHSAA activities.  However, student-athletes can profit from use of their Name, Image, and Likeness through a properly executed NIL agreement.  FHSAA Bylaw 9.9 governs NIL activity:  https://fhsaa.com/documents/2024/8/12//Bylaw_9_9_Final.pdf?id=5628

[PinellasFB]

11 hours ago, Dr. D said:

Student-athletes in Florida cannot accept money or gifts of monetary value for their athletic skill, fame, or performance.  Doing so jeopardizes their amateur status and eligibility to compete in FHSAA activities.  However, student-athletes can profit from use of their Name, Image, and Likeness through a properly executed NIL agreement.  FHSAA Bylaw 9.9 governs NIL activity:  https://fhsaa.com/documents/2024/8/12//Bylaw_9_9_Final.pdf?id=5628

Herein lies the problem.  What's the difference between a booster business owner making a "properly executed NIL agreement" with a player and that same booster just paying the player to come here an play?  Answer:  Nothing, just paperwork.

[Dr. D]

No argument here, but as we have seen (Gadsden County, TFA), not everyone can get the paperwork part right. 

[That Coach]

According to the rules of NIL, someone that supports the program or is involved in the program cannot offer a player an NIL deal. So boosters, coaches, teachers, parents, or any of the likes cannot offer money.  Also if a company decides to give a player an NIL deal they cannot give the program any money or support. All deals are meant to be mutually exclusive.  That is at least how our AD had explained it to us, and why Venices head coaches brother had to take back an NIL deal he offered a player when it was first approved.