August 2021USGA Reponds to NCAA's NIL Policy

ImageUSGA Responds to NCAA’s NIL PolicyBased on the NCAA’s interim policy on Name, Image and Likeness (“NIL”), which became effective on July 1, the USGA and R&A will waive most NIL-related breaches of the Rules of Amateur Status for collegiate golfers through the end of 2021 so long as that golfer retains his or her NCAA playing eligibility. Golf’s governing bodies proposed permanent changes to the Rules of Amateur Status in February 2021 that, if adopted, will no longer restrict NIL-related activities for all amateur golfers beginning Jan. 1, 2022. The plan remains to finalize the modernized Amateur Status rules by late fall, with the goal of ensuring a smooth transition and minimal disruption for all involved.After learning of the NCAA’s recent announcement, the USGA and R&A took this interim step after considering what affect the NCAA’s announcement could have on amateur golfers, event organizers, coaches and committees worldwide through this interim period. Recognizing the immediate impact these decisions may have on a golf administrator’s ability to confirm a player’s amateur status, we will actively monitor the overall effect of these developments on the entire amateur game and, if necessary, we will update the information provided as appropriate. This interim policy does not waive the Rules of Amateur Status in general for collegiate golfers, nor does it waive Rule 6 (Use of Golf Skill or Reputation) in its entirety. This interim approach is intended to provide a short-term solution that has the minimum impact possible on the amateur game and administrators until the new Rules of Amateur Status come into effect and we believe that by adopting this interim position for collegiate golfers only, we are minimizing the impact on administrators, while trying to ensure that collegiate golfers attending the same institution can receive the same benefits from use of their name, image and likeness. Even though the NCAA has now allowed for collegiate golfers to benefit from their NIL, we strongly encourage collegiate golfers to discuss their specific situation with their school’s compliance department before entering into any agreement or contract. This will help ensure compliance with NCAA guidelines, which are not under the USGA’s nor R&A’s governance structure. Further Guidance for Collegiate Golfers

Consult your school's compliance department prior to taking any NIL-related actions.

The waiver in place applies as follows:
・A collegiate golfer will remain an amateur golfer provided all three of the following apply:
1) The NIL-related actions are allowed under the NCAA's interim policy;
2) the golfer remains on a team roster while the NIL-related activities take place, and
3) There are no other breaches of the Rules of Amateur Status in connection with the NIL activities. An example of this would be providing golf instruction, which while OK per the NCAA, it is not allowed under the Rules of Amateur Status.

Any collegiate golfer who plans to benefit from his or her NIL should:
・Be prepared to provide proof of NCAA eligibility (such as a letter from his or her school’s compliance department) prior to competing in an amateur golf competition so the competition organizer can confirm eligibility.
・Become familiar with any policies put into effect by a competition organizer that apply to logos, promotions or advertisements.

Further Guidance for Non-Collegiate Amateurs

For all other amateur golfers, the current Rules of Amateur Status as approved by the USGA and R&A Rules Limited continue to apply.  

Amateur golfers who are not collegiate golfers on an active team roster could be in jeopardy of losing their Amateur Status if they benefit from their name, image or likeness before the new Rules of Amateur Status are adopted in January 2022.

If you have questions regarding any activity, you are encouraged to discuss your situation with the one of the TGA’s Directors of Competition prior to taking any action.

For more information as to the NCAA’s policy, click here.

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