1. (a) A student shall not participate in interscholastic athletics after any of the following:

   1. (1) Graduation, except that the student may continue to participate in playoff and state championship contests in spring sports after graduation.
   2. (2) Signing a professional athletic contract, except that the student may continue to participate in any sport for which the student has not signed a professional contract.

   3. (3) Receiving remuneration as a participant in an athletic contest, except that the student may accept a gift, merchandise, or other thing of value, provided that:

      1. (A) The value does not exceed two hundred-fifty dollars ($250.00) per student per season;
      2. (B) The item is totally consumable and nontransferable, or labeled in a permanent manner (e.g., an engraved or monogrammed item); and
      3. (C) The item is approved by the principal of the student's school and the local superintendent.
   4. (4) Participating on an all-star team or in all-star game or bowl game that is not sanctioned by the administering organization of which the student's school is a member, provided that the student shall be ineligible only for that sport.
   5. (5) Entering into an NIL agreement, unless the student has complied with the requirements of Rule .0211 of this Section.

2. (b) A student shall not be deemed ineligible under this Rule for any of the following:

   1. (1) Payment by an administering organization, PSU, or athletic booster club affiliated with the student's school or PSU for essential expenses arising from a specific interscholastic athletic contest in which the student participates. Essential expenses shall include the reasonable cost of meals, lodging, and transportation.
   2. (2) Receipt of a nominal, standard fee or salary for instructing, supervising, or officiating an organized youth sports program, recreational activities, playground, or camp, whether or not affiliated with a PSU.
   3. (3) Receipt of an Operation Gold Grant from the United States Olympic Committee.

History Note: Authority G.S. 115C-12(12); 115C-12(23); 115C-47(4); 115C-407.50; 115C-407.55; 115C-407.60; 115C-407.65; 116-235(b);
Temporary Adoption Eff. July 1, 2024;
Temporary Adoption Eff. January 2, 2025;
Eff. July 1, 2025.