IAAM and MIAA host presentation on Name, Image & Likeness

By Nelson Coffin
nelson@iaamsports.com

Some people may not be aware that NIL (Name, Image & Likeness) rights also apply to high school athletes in Maryland — one of 33 states and the District of Columbia that allow student-athletes to be compensated for their efforts.

On Wednesday morning at The Park School, IAAM and MIAA Heads of Schools, Athletic Directors and other school administrators participated in a workshop that provided information designed to help coaches, administrators and players become more familiar with NIL policies.

The presenter, Dr. Scott Grant, of his Triple Threat Leadership organization, shared as much of his vast NIL knowledge as he could during the two-hour presentation, describing developmental tools to help schools maximize the ability to remain compliant with the state regulations and provide clarity to a subject that was hardly on anyone’s radar until the last couple of years.

Moreover, NIL initiatives were previously geared toward collegiate athletes until the idea that high school athletes can also benefit from its application and has become more acceptable.

Attendees were locked in on Grant’s presentation, taking notes and poring over printed materials provided.  Friends School AD Kara Carlin said that the speaker was “engaging and compelling and did a good job of navigating the intricacies of NIL in the state of Maryland and within the IAAM and MIAA.”

Carlin added that there is still much to learn about this new chapter in prep athletics.

“The issues raised in the talk demonstrate the challenges that we face,” she said. “We need to continue to educate ourselves as the ever-evolving landscape changes.”

St. Paul’s School for Girls AD Erin Howland also came away with appreciation for Dr. Grant’s messaging, “Thanks to Dr, Scott Grant for providing such a thorough and comprehensive overview of the NIL landscape,” she said. “The emphasis of this program on the education of all students was refreshing and inspiring.”

Likewise, MIAA executive director Paul Bernstorf said that Grant was “awesome presenting the nuances” of NIL.  “The goal of today’s session was education for administrators at member schools so each school can educate their students,” he continued.

His IAAM counterpart, Sue Thompson, said that “NIL is an evolving topic, one that requires an expert. Dr. Grant was fantastic today, keeping our members engaged and appreciative of sharing current policies and anticipated trends.”