110 Responses to “FAQs”

1. I am a college professor (in exercise science) at Oklahoma CIty University and have been a member of NISOA for about 15 years. I have written an article about a pre-game warm-up for officials which I would like to be considered for the pre-season newsletter. Who do I send it to?

   Thank you for your time and consideration.

   Sincerely;

   Scott Staiger

2. My name is John Breig i am a soon to be 20 year old who officiates high school soccer. I am in my second year now so i do not yet have the years required to apply to NISOA but i understand that NISOA has a interscholastic division i would like to know how i can join this part. Thanks.

3. My question is who’s REGION 1

   NISOA area coordinator for aasessme

4. i do not find any phone number on this web site to call any one at nisoa for imformation

   i need a copy of past printed printed material

5. Hello,

   Once again I would like to recommend a rule change for soccer matches at the collegiate level for next year. Please forward to the appropriate people. Most referees and coaches that I’ve talked to agree with this rule change.

   Rule change: For regular-season matches only, tied games after regulation shall be two 10 minute sudden victory periods except when the game is scoreless. If the game is scoreless after regulation time, no overtime period will be played and the game shall remain a tie. Overtime is played only when a goal has occurred during regulation time.

   Many scoreless games after regulation remains scoreless after overtime. If teams are unable to score in 90 minutes, an additional 20 minutes may not be the answer.

   This new rule suggestion may help encourage better play.

   Bob Latgis
   MISOA (Baltimore, MD)

   • I think that regardless of the score whether it be 0-0 or 1-1 or 2-2 etc. Overtime should remain. Adapting this proposed additional rule will change the make up of the game. What I mean by this is why should two teams who are scoreless at the final 90 not have the same chance to gain 3 points as a team who is tied 1-1? Also what benefit is this going to give players? Encourage better play? As a former player, and I think I speak for almost all players, when we step on the field we give 100% of what we have and nothing less. If anything extra time allows the players to challenge them selves and see just how mentally and physically tough they really are. I believe it shows who deserves three points if you win in over time. If you were to do away with extra time for a scoreless draw then you must be fair and do away with it for all draws.

     • Your thoughts will be forwarded to the secretary rules editor of the NCAA Rule Book. Thank you

6. What is the “minimum” NISOA NRP candidate practical field assessment score? 70%? 75% 80% Thanks

7. who is the assignor for Depaul University in Chicago or the big east, and who the assignor for southern Wisconsin, thx, Adnan .

8. NISOA used to publish an assignors list –the last one I saw was 2005!! As the areas go more to conference assignors etc. when a referee moves it if very difficult to find out who to contact. Where is the assignors directory or list for conferences—can we make one one does not existent?

9. Good afternoon! I would like to renew my Interscholatic membership. What address do I use for payment. In addition, I have been in contact with John Hagenstein MISOA to work out a chapter membership. With the collegiate and High school on going, I am having difficulty finding an open date for physical. We will work it out.
   Thank you for the courtesy of reviewing my request. Dam Meyer

   10983 HWY 70 E
   Woodruff WI 54568

   • Tom Richardson is the correct person
     574 Thomas Ross Lane
     Kernersville, NC 27284

10. A player scored a goal, from a corner kick, as time expired. The match clock read 00 while the shot entered the goal.
    Is a goal given, or denied? I could not find the answer to this in the NCAA Soccer Rule Book.
    Thank you,
    Doug Howell

    • Per the secretary rules editor the expiration of time is the moment when the timekeeper’s timing device begins to signal regardless of the position of the ball. Rule 6.3.9 A.R. 6.3.9 in the event of malfunction.

11. My question is regarding the NISOA referee uniform.
    I am curious if there is any reason (aside from generating additional revenue for OSI) why the referee uniform for collegiate officials needs to be different than the USSF Referee uniform.
    For officials who referee both NISOA and USSF matches (which, I’m sure, is most of us), the need to maintain a wardrobe of 18 jerseys (5 different USSF Colors, and 4 different colored NISOA grid patterns, each in long sleeve and short sleeve styles) just seems excessive.
    The NISOA badge is very distinct, and should provide sufficient identification to the coaches and players on the field.

    • The uniform is the one established by NISOA as an organization. Other organizations have their established requirements. NISOA works diligently not to change the uniform or add additional requirements to keep costs to a minimum. Other organizations have uniforms with a permanent patch on the sleeve. NISOA would not want to advertise for them when a member is representing NISOA.

      • John,

        I watched the UNM vs Akron men’s game on Fox Soccer recently. The referees were not wearing the NISOA uniform nor the NISOA patch. Can you explain this? Aren’t all NCAA matches officiated by NISOA officials who should ONLY be wearing the NISOA uniform?

        I’ve also noticed many conferences are issuing thier own badges for referees to wear instead of the NISOA badge. What is NISOA doing to strengthen the bond with the NCAA and their conferences to ensure consistency?

        Best,
        James

        • NISOA is very concerned about this. However, the NCAA has a right to work policy that means they can not restrict assignments to NISOA members. We are working closely with the NCAA, assignors and others to ensure almost all games are covered by NISOA members wearing an NISOA uniform and patch.

12. Hello, I would like to find out how to go about filing a complaint about a REF…on NJCAA…
    Desperately need this information!!

    • I would suggest you go to the NJCAA web site and determine who is the regional comiissioner and submit a complaint about the assigning. If you let us know the name of the home team, NISOA may be able to assist you with the research

13. John, Where would I find a schedule of upcoming NISOA events (assessor training, assignor training)? Thank you for your help.

    • NISOA leadership is having a planning meeting later this week. We will post events on the calendar as soon as they are finalized

14. As an assignor, I am registered and certified through NISOA. I know we have insurance coverage. Is there a link or where can I get a copy of the assignor liability insurance policy that explains in detail what the insurance covers, including the deductables? Thank you for your time.

    • Please send me your mailing address and I will send you a flyer on the assignor insurance

    • There is a copy of the flyer on the Forms page of our web site. Direct link here.

15. Where can a NISOA referee order an additional referee patch?
    Thanks.
    JDM

    • Use the NISOA Sales Form (direct link). It’s also available on the Forms page.

16. Membership Application Form:

    Suggest removing the name and address at bottom of page and listing “Contact Local/State Association”.

    It is confusing to new members when you are saying to apply through the Loacal Chapter and showing something different on the form.

17. I have been a local assessor in South Carolina for 4 years, but I have not received my :certified NISOA local assessor card” for this year. How can I make sure that I am certified for 2012 and get my card?

    • Tom Richardson handles the registrations. New cards will be sent out after registrations are completed.
      thanks

18. I left NISOA for a few years and came back last year. In those years, the NISOA badge changed, but I did not get a new one with my registration. Is there any way to be able to get one without filling out a sales form and paying for it? I imagine that referees would not have had to specifically pay for their first one the first year it came out. Thanks.

    • An email has been sent to you with information on how to obtain the badge
      thank you

19. Hello NISOA,

    I am a high school referree for soccer in Nebraska, and I wanted to become a member of the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association.

    What application do I have to fill? I found something online: http://www.nsiaaa.org/forms.cfm. Is this the same as the NCAA or intercollegiate form?

    Please send the form.

    Cynthia Bangura
    [email protected]

    • go to about us and click on chapters. There is a chapter in Nebraska that you can click and get email of the local contact. He will assist you with membership questions and how to apply for membership

20. Need a rules interpretation and looking for Ken’s e-mail address.

21. The Mandatory NISOA Uniform Dress Code Policy Statement, updated and published in the August 2012 Convention Summary states that all officials must wear the same style warm-up. It also states that deviation is an ethics violation. The OSI web site advertises five different styles for sale. Is there a preferred NISOA warm-up or is there the expectation that officials need to purchase multiple warm-ups to conform to this requirement? I personally have two sets of NISOA warm-ups, both purchased from OSI and neither currently advertised in their current catalog.

    • The two primary warm ups that are acceptable are the black with three white stripes and the blue. An alternate official may be dressed in a warm up and the remainder of the team not have warm ups.

22. I am an assigner and i would love to use my talent to assign college game at any level my college chapter as 50 members 3 are national my HUSON VALLEY soccer referee association I HAVE 850 REFEREE

    PLEASE ADVISE

    • Assignors at the college level are either independent contractors (conference or local) or hold a position in a chapter that has contracts with schools. You may want to consider contacting schools in your area to see if they plan on requesting proposals for assigning services in the coming years.

23. John
    where is it written that you MUST be a NISOA referee and join a chapter to officiate college soccer?? I’ve seen games on TV where the officials are not wearing NISOA badges.

    • The NCAA has a right to work clause and will not mandate that someone must be a member of NISOA to officiate NCAA games. However, those who work games and not members do not have liability insurance. In addition, assignors, including post season, use NISOA members because they are trained and certified in the NCAA Rule Book. Some conferences have adopted their own patch for officials to wear. This is what you may be seeing.
      Regarding the specific question, the NISOA Constitution and By-Laws indicate that to become a member an individual must go through a chapter.

24. I am just in my second year as a high school official but was hoping to join NISOA and begin working collegiate games. I have done USSF soccer since 2006, centered club soccer games for Vanderbilt, Georgia Tech and Florida State, and was selected to work the state tournament this year for my high school association but I noticed you have to have 3 years of high school experience. My first question is: can there be any kind of substitute for the 3 years of high school experience? My second question: If not, what steps should I take in the mean time? (Ex. Can I have my field assessments done at a high school game or take the written exam?) Thank you for your time.

    • You must have 3 years experience to join NISOA> You should contact your local chapter which can be found on the about us page to determine if they will let you take the written test in advance and they can review the assessmeent criteria.
      Thank you for your interest in NISOA

25. I am interested in taking the 4 day course in July, but it already filled. Is there a waiting list I can get on?

    • You will be placed on the waiting list. Thank you for your interest.

      • I am interested in taking the 4 day course in July, but it already filled. Is there a waiting list I can get on?

        • I am forwarding your name to the camp director to place you on the waiting list

26. I have a question regarding the uniform purchase requirement when becoming a member. I have already purchased all NISOA short sleeve and long sleeve first hand because a previous high school association I was a member of used them instead of the USSF shirt. How do I complete the paperwork without having it sent back?

27. I’ve decided to step down as an active collegiate referee. I’m interested in becoming a NISOA Asessor. What is the procedure?

    • Please contact our director of assessment Gary Huber.
      His information is on the about us page.
      thanks

28. Is there a place where I can locate a list of assignors and what colleges they assign?

    • NISOA has approximately 124 registered assignors that vary from a few schedules to multiple conferences. If you have a specific area you are interested in please contact me directly.
      thank you

29. If I need a replacement patch, how can I obtain one?

    • Please use the Sales Order form on the Forms tab of our website.

    • Go to the forms page on this site. There is a form for sales and where to send the form is also included.

30. I would like to say thanks to all NISOA clinician at this year Referee camp at Elizabeth town, you put a great work and effort to teach us more about the game also I would like to thank David Cymerman and Manny ortiz for all your advice and I will keep in mind all your thoughts about my referee performance to become a better official

31. I seize this moment to express my gratitude for the opportunity to partake in Elizabeth town training. While I face challenges I saw worth attending and I gain a lot of insight information that will push me forward on broad spectrum. Meanwhile, if I want to further partake in any certification (certificate, assessment, and PPT) do I have to pay for it? Please, your information is imperative, as I plan forward. Thank and thank God.

32. Any idea how to get a NISOA badge? I recently joined the Alabama chapter, paid my dues, received my packet in the mail with the rule book and everything, but no badge. My local chapter says I should have received it in the new member packet, but I’ve also heard that the local chapter gives out the badges. I’d rather not step out on the pitch without a badge this season. I’d appreciate any information.

    • I have forwarded your issue to the individual responsible for new member packets. He will send a badge. In the interim check inside the red/yellow card packet. The badge is usually in one of the sleeves. Thank you and have a good season

      • Mr. John, Like Michael Smith, I recently joined the Alabama chapter and haven’t received a badge yet – thanks for any help you can provide.
        Tim Holt

33. I’m looking to buy a new badge as i’ve lost mine and am using an older model.I believe others in my chapter are also looking to order badges.

    • Go to the forms page on this site and use the sales order form located there
      Thank you

34. I’m looking to join NISOA when applications open up for 2014. I have been reffing high school for about 3 years, I have well over the required 25 game count mark. But they are not all with the Diagonal System of Control. Is this required to be accepted?

    • Chase
      Many states use the dual system for high school and officials do not get the opportunity to utilize the diagonal system. You should work with the local chapter in your area regarding membership. You may want to consider attending the NISOA camp next July. There is a fair amount of time spent on the DSC there.
      Best of luck

35. I was a member for at lease two year,in the late 80’s early 90’s can not remember,at that time I was a R-7-S-6,I leave in Longmont,CO,I would like to know where is my local chapter to contact the director of the chapter. wen I became a member my fee was $90.00, time change,I don’t recall my I.D. number,is been long time ago.I will be glad to pay the $80.00 for re-membership fees and refill my application for your record.At this time certification is R-7 and willing to go upgrade through N.I.S.O.A. organization, 26years of high school and 33 years of U.S.S.F. 6 years of N.C.C.S.A. I will give you all my new information that you need to contact me,Sincerely your official LIONEL.

    • Please contact [email protected]
      thank you

36. What happens if you have been a USSF referee and want to referee intercollegiate soccer? The USSF, by policy, is the sole governing body of soccer in the United States.

    • Intercollegiate soccer is governed by the NCAA, not USSF, who also produces the rule book for intercollegiate soccer. NISOA is the only organization in the country that trains and certifies soccer referees in the NCAA rules. Also, NISOA members have liability insurance for all college games. If you meet the membership requirements as outlined on this web site, you can join NISOA.

37. i have been a high school ref for 4 years but do not have enough varisty games to meet the requirments due to work. I am a grade 7 FIFA and have a game log with over 100 games, does any of this help me towards the game requirments. Thanks Damian

    • Please contact the local NISOA chapter in your area and they can review your qualifications and make a determination as to membership. Thank you

      • Hi John, Here in Vermont our High School referee association has formed a committee to investigate the possible use of the Diagonal System of Control for perhaps post season play. We also are looking into providing athletic directors the opportunity during regular season play to request the D.S.C. if they wish. I attempted to find out from the National High School Federation folks how many states are using the D.S.C., and they were unable to furnish that information. Your answer to Chase on Oct 7th suggests that the majority of states are using a referee and two assistants. I’d like to make the strongest case for it’s use to our state principal’s association, who governs interscholastic sports in Vermont, by pointing along with the merits of the system, that most or many states have moved on to the D.S.C from the outdated and less effective dual system to give the student athlete the best soccer experience possible. Could I prevail on you to provide our committee the extent of D.S.C. use nationwide in high schools? Yours, Joe Menoff

        • Joe
          I do not believe that NISOA has an accurate record of what states use the DSC. PA and FL use the double dual system. NJ uses DSC for later rounds of playoffs and some areas in the state use DSC for night games. It would take a poll of each state, which I will try and do, to determine what systems are used. If I obtain any information I will let you know.

38. What are the requirements for a Regional Assessor to upgrade to a National Assessor? And who does he need to contact?

    Thanks,

    Klaus Staefe
    ALISOA – President

    • Contact Gary Huber and he can advise if the individual is eligible.

39. I refereed for the Colorado College, AFA tournaments,, and other games for a few years in the late 70’s. Today I am a USSF a Grade 7 and ref men’s league, state games and my first year as a nfhs ref. Since I do not have proof of the work years ago is there a way to attend camp or extra assessment in order to become a member?

    • Please email the Camp Director, with your history and he will contact you directly regarding participation at the camp.

40. I paid my Interscholastic Division Dues last year and got one quartley magazine and that was it. I never got anything else that the form said I would get. I’m trying to learn more about NISOA.

    • Thank you for your feedback. We are in the process of updating and improving the interscholastic program especially with the state associations. There should be more instructional material soon

41. I need to order a replacement badge. How do I do that?

    • It’s actually listed above. Go to the forms page for the Sales Form.

      • Hi
        The Last year I don’t receive my badge 2017, I will receive my badge this year?

        • Hi Hayden,

          The Preseason Packet will include your 2018 NISOA badge. These were mailed out Tuesday July 31st, 2018 to all members.

          National Referee Emeritus’ will also receive their badges with the Preseason Packet.

          National Referees will receive their badges directly from me once all requirements have been completed.

          Hope this helps

          -Lance VanHaitsma

          • Will pre season packets, and National Assessor badges be mailed out on July 31st as well? I have completed everything to my knowledge.

            • Rick…we don’t have assessor badges anymore.

    • You may contact Dave Steiner at [email protected] for instructions on requesting a new badge.

    • You may contact Dave Steiner at [email protected] and he will instruct you what to do to receive a new badge.

42. After mailing the new member application with the 2 checks, how long does it typically take to receive your NISOA badge in the mail?

    • Once it reaches my desk, allow approximately two weeks for processing and getting to OSI for shipment of uniform kit. If there are interruptions like vacation, national convention, or National Referee Academy, then it could add a week or so to the timeline.

43. I am preparing a policy for chapter assessments and want to reference NISOA policy i.e., NISOA Policy 500.165. Where do I find the NISOA Policy Manual?

    • Hi Bob,
      Try 500.13 of the most recent policy manual.

44. Hi: I am Sergio Cardenas trying to be a member of NISOA. I have 4 years working as a referee in Texas and 3 years in New Mexico high schools. This fall the season is over and I was elected to participate in the state championship at Albuquerque, NM. My question is I would like to be a member of NISOA to call games at the University level but what process I need follow in order to call games for both states. Do Ineed to be register for both games like I usually do to call games for both states.

    • There are chapters throughout the country. A leader in TX is Diana Esquivel. She can be contacted through the chapter in San Antonio. She will be glad to advise you. If you need anything else please let us know. Thanks.

      Julie Fabsik-Swarts
      Executive Director

45. Sorry, Do I need to be register for both states like I usually do or apply for national referee.

    • Hi Sergio…you only need to be a member in one chapter. Use the NISOA chapter locator to find the nearest chapter to where you work or live and get in touch with their chapter contact for more information.

46. Are the updated Policies, Constitution, and Bylaws ready for release? They do not appear to be posted anywhere on the website. If they are ready, may I please have a copy?

    Thank you.

    • Hi Ellen…you can find the latest revision of these documents now on the “about us” tab of the web site.

47. I would like to get more information on how to become an official for the college level I have enough or more experience reffing for adult leagues at a high level as a one man system as well as 3 man system I would like to be considered for a change to reff at a college level and go to the next level in being a referee I am currently a USSF certified reff as well

    • Jose,

      Please contact your local NISOA chapter for information on how to obtain membership into NISOA. You may locate your local chapter using the web address below;

      http://nisoa.com/about-us/chapter-locator/

      For minimum requirements set by NISOA; Go to the tab labeled “ABOUT US” and then go to “How to join NISOA.”

      Thank You for inquiring about membership into NISOA

48. Our chapter members have been asking about the sexual harassment training outlined for this year.

    • We are working through some sign on issues that popped up when doing the final tests. We hope to have this resolved by next week and then the testing will go live. there will be an announcement through Arbiter when it is available.

49. I’m the Montana contact. I haven’t received my packet with the new rule book and 2018 badge. I’m sure no one else in Montana has either. It looks like they were mailed July 31st. Any idea what the problem is?

    Thanks,

    Mike

    • Mike…the largest batch of mailings went out to active members on August 6 and 7 via U.S. Postal Service from Eastern Pennsylvania. Expect delivery in the western U.S. soon.

50. No 2018 packet received as of today.

    • Don,

      Assessor summer mailings were being processed last week by Dave Steiner and should be arriving any day. If you do not see by Wednesday, please let me know directly. Thanks.

51. I am a new NISOA Ref in Kansas. I have received my starter kit uniforms from OSI but I have not received my NISOA badge or the latest rules book. Who do I contact to find out when I will receive them?
    Matt Knoblauch
    2509 N Spring Meadow St
    Wichita, KS 67205

    • I’ve requested a new packet with badge be sent to you today.

52. Regarding the 2018 re certification test: is it to be taken through the learning portal or Arbiter?

    • For recertification, please take it at nisoa.arbitersports.com

53. for the requirement of “3 years of game experience at the High School level or higher and a total of at least 25 games at this level.” does this count as Adult Open league in your local region such as Greater Pittsburgh Soccer League (GPSL) or does it have to be PIAA type high school level.

    • Jeff…contact your local NISOA chapter. They will be more familiar with the local competitions.