SUNY Potsdam Athletics

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Policy – Quick Guide

As a SUNY Potsdam student-athlete, you may benefit from your Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) while maintaining your NCAA Division III eligibility. This guide summarizes what you need to know.

 

✅ What You Can Do

Get paid for promoting products or services (social media, ads, appearances).
Run your own business (camps, clinics, lessons, creative projects, small businesses).
Use your personal brand in ways that reflect your talents and interests.
Compensation must reflect actual work performed (fair market value).
 

🚫 What You Cannot Do

Receive pay for athletic performance or achievement.
Accept NIL compensation as a recruitment incentive or for staying at SUNY Potsdam.
Sign deals with companies or brands which conflict with college sponsors or your personal values.
Conduct NIL activities during practices, games, team travel, or meetings.
Sign NIL deals with industries such as:

• Alcohol, tobacco, vaping/nicotine
• Sports betting, gambling, and fantasy sports
• Adult entertainment
• Illegal or banned substances / performance enhancers
• Firearms or weapons

🐻 Using SUNY Potsdam Logos or Gear

You may not use Potsdam Bears or SUNY Potsdam logos, uniforms, or facilities for NIL purposes.

📄 Disclosure Rules

You must report all NIL agreements within seven (7) days to the assistant athletic director for NCAA compliance. Provide:

• Who you’re working with
• Description of the activity
• Type of compensation (money, gear, etc.)
• Length of the agreement

🌍 International Student-Athletes

U.S. visa restrictions may limit your ability to earn NIL income while studying in the United States.
Before signing any NIL agreement, international student-athletes must meet with:

• The assistant athletic director for NCAA compliance
• The Senior International Officer

This ensures your NIL activity will not conflict with your visa or immigration status.

⚠️ Consequences

Failure to follow NIL rules may:

• Affect your NCAA eligibility
• Result in SUNY Potsdam disciplinary action

❓ Questions?

When in doubt, ask first.
Contact:

• Assistant athletic director for NCAA compliance Rick Berkman at berkmarw@potsdam.edu
• Director of athletics Mark Misiak at misiakmj@potsdam.edu
• Senior International Officer (for international students) Jenica Rogers at rogersjp@potsdam.edu