The PBA Decision Walkthrough: What to Check Before You Sign

Someone has offered your athlete money — or gear, or a discount, or a service. Maybe it's a local gym, maybe a clothing brand, maybe a neighbour who wants private lessons for their eighth-grader.

Work through these questions in order. Any STOP means do not proceed without talking to your athletic director first.

First, confirm this is a PBA at all. Rule 5-7.1(a) covers use of a student's name, image or likeness for promotional, endorsement or commercial purposes. Rule 5-7.1(e) defines a Benefit to include money, compensation, awards, merchandise, stipends, in-kind payments and services. Free product counts. So does a discount, a gift card or a trade. If a company gave you something because of who you are and expects promotion in return, keep reading.

A word on what this is. This walkthrough is our summary of the by-law, written to be worked through in order. It is not IHSAA guidance and it is not an eligibility determination. Several Indiana schools publish their own versions for their families; those are school-prepared too, and they vary. Where any summary — ours included — differs from the by-law, the by-law governs.

Question 1 — Does it use your school's identity?

School name, nicknames, mascots, logos, uniforms, traditions, achievements, or any reference to the school's athletic programs — the full list at Rule 5-7.1(d).

• No → Go to Question 2.
• Yes → STOP. Prohibited under 5-7.3(a) unless both directly connected to your interscholastic participation and directed by the school. Both conditions, and the second is the school's call, not yours.

Question 2 — Are you wearing school gear, or is any of it visible?

Uniforms are named in the definition. Warmups, spirit wear and team-issued equipment carry the same risk, as does anything in the background of a shot.

• No → Go to Question 3.
• Yes → STOP.

Educational and Illustrative Use Only

All resources, articles, forms, checklists, examples, scenarios, and guidance are provided solely for general informational, educational, example, and illustrative purposes. They are not legal, tax, accounting, financial, compliance, or other professional advice; do not create an attorney-client, accountant-client, or other professional relationship; may not reflect the law, rules, or facts applicable to a particular person, school, transaction, or jurisdiction; and should not be relied upon without review by an appropriately licensed local attorney and certified public accountant familiar with the user’s specific circumstances. Users remain responsible for obtaining individualized professional advice and confirming current requirements with applicable schools, governing bodies, and authorities.