Ohio has officially joined most of the nation in allowing high school athletes to profit off their name, image, and likeness. The Ohio High School Athletic Association says its member schools have approved an emergency NIL bylaw, making Ohio the 45th state to permit student-athletes to sign endorsement and promotional deals. The referendum passed with 447 schools voting in favor, 121 against, and nearly 250 abstaining. The new rules take effect immediately. Under the bylaw, high school athletes can now be paid for things like social-media promotions, personal appearances, licensing, or endorsements tied to their public recognition. However, the OHSAA says strict limitations remain in place to protect amateur status and prevent recruiting violations. Students cannot use school logos or uniforms in their deals, cannot accept compensation based on athletic performance, and cannot receive NIL offers from booster clubs, school staff, or collectives — which are prohibited. The vote was triggered by a temporary restraining order issued by a Franklin County judge after a student-athlete sued the association in October. OHSAA leaders say approving the NIL bylaw gives schools a more stable framework as that legal case continues. Executive Director Doug Ute thanked schools for taking what he called “ownership” of the proposal, saying courts across the country have made it clear that high school associations cannot ban athletes from earning money on their NIL. The OHSAA says it will monitor NIL activity statewide and enforce existing recruiting and transfer rules. Any changes to the newly adopted bylaw would go through the regular referendum process next spring.