Colorado Athletic Directors Discuss High School NIL Policies
Dr. Scott Grant advises state administrators on navigating name, image, and likeness activity for student-athletes.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Administration
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Dr. Scott Grant recently briefed Colorado athletic directors on the growing landscape of student-athlete personal branding. The presentation addressed current guidelines for managing name, image, and likeness (NIL) activity within high school athletics.
Why it matters
Educational support for administrators is critical to shielding student-athletes from predatory practices and ensuring they maintain their eligibility. Clear oversight helps schools prevent unauthorized use of intellectual property and intellectual property violations.
Nationwide, 46 state high school associations now permit NIL activity, where typical student deals range from $60 to $80. Unregulated agents sometimes charge commission rates between 15% and 30%.
The players
Dr. Scott Grant
He is an official providing updates and educational guidance to Colorado athletic directors on NIL policy.
Zac Lemon
He is the athletic director at Eaton High School and the recent recipient of the Brewed for Impact Award.
Colorado High School Activities Association
This is the governing body for Colorado high school sports that maintains and enforces bylaws regarding student-athlete eligibility.
The details
Administrators were instructed to verify whether agreements were signed or promotional posts were published before offering guidance to families. The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) bylaws strictly prohibit student-athletes from utilizing professional NIL agents.
Timeline
The 2024-25 school year saw the drafting of new CHSAA NIL bylaw language.
A Rural & Small School Symposium is scheduled for November 5, 2026, in Glenwood Springs.
A Rural & Small School Symposium is scheduled for November 10, 2026, in Greeley.
CHSAA and CADA AD Connect committee meetings take place on November 11, 2026.
The next Coffee with the Commish session occurs on November 17, 2026.
Culture Shift
The transition to allowing student-athlete personal branding marks a departure from traditional amateurism models in secondary education. This shift forces school administrators to function as regulatory gatekeepers to protect the long-term eligibility of their students.
Families with student-athletes should prepare to have their NIL contracts reviewed against state guidelines to ensure compliance with school marks and bylaws. Parents and athletes must be cautious of unregulated agents charging high commissions for small-value deals.
The takeaway
Student-athletes and their families should prioritize transparency with their school's athletic director before entering any NIL agreements. Always verify that contracts do not violate school policies regarding the use of institutional uniforms or logos.
What happens next
The next Coffee with the Commish session is scheduled for November 17, 2026, where further policy discussions are expected to continue.
Further reading
For more on operational updates, visit the Colorado Administration section.
Live Poll
Should high school athletes be permitted to pursue paid personal branding deals?
