FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the membership requirements for joining NISOA? Effective as of August 4, 2020

There are several requirements for membership.  They include:

  • Apply for membership through a Chapter or a Regional Board.
  • Submit 2 letters of recommendation from the following: A NISOA member in good standing with at least five years’ experience of officiating, NISOA Assessor, or NISOA Clinician OR Submit 1 recommendation from a NISOA or Conference Assignor.
  • Pass the NISOA Qualifying Exam with a score of at least 75%.
  • Obtain at least three years of game experience at the high school level or U17 and higher in USSF games. Officiate as a referee in at least 25 games at the high school, competitive, amateur, professional, or other games that the Chapter deems to be at the appropriate competitive level.The games selected to meet the 25 game requirement must include a combination of officiated games as both referee and assistant referee at these levels.
  • Meet the NISOA requirement for the physical fitness test or be exempt from the NISOA test based the equivalent USSF fitness test based on the NISOA policy.
  • Complete all of the above requirements within nine months of the initial date of application.
  • Submit all dues and fees.
  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Any USSF National or PRO referee is automatically qualified for membership and is not required to complete the above except for A, C, and G
  • All applicants must apply through a local chapter.

How do I find or contact a local NISOA chapter?

Go to the interactive chapter locator map to find the chapter and chapter contact closest to where you live or work.

If I am a member of NISOA how many games am I entitled to receive each year?

Game assignments are the prerogative of the local chapter, local or conference assignor.  Membership does not guarantee any intercollegiate game assignments.

I am an active member of NISOA. What requirements must I meet to maintain being a member in good status?

To renew as an intercollegiate soccer official with the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association, each member must meet the following requirements:

  1. Attend three mandatory local Chapter meetings;
  2. Take the NISOA Refresher Test (No Pass; No Fail);
  3. Take the NISOA Fitness Performance Test or equivalent as approved by NISOA;
  4. Pay annual local Chapter dues and national dues;

At the discretion of the local Chapter, any renewal member who fails to meet the minimum passing grade on the NISOA Physical Performance Test may be placed on probation; he/she may then be assigned one game as an official (Referee or Assistant Referee) and be assessed on the one game. If the official passes the assessment, he/she shall be declared a full member and taken off of probation. In event the member fails to meet the minimum passing grade, he/she may retake the test within six months of the date of failure.

How much does it cost to join NISOA and remain a member?

The initial membership fee is broken into two parts.  A $105 dues and a minimum of $120 referee kit purchase. Renewal dues are $75 to the National office plus any local dues and fees.

How do I buy a new NISOA referee badge?

Go to the forms page and click on the Sales form.

Can a high school member join NISOA?

NISOA has an interscholastic division.  The dues are $20 initially and $15 annually.  The interscholastic member has access to NISOA materials, receives an interscholastic newsletter and is  covered by NISOA liability insurance.

Does NISOA provide insurance?

Yes. Go here for more information.

How can I receive an assessment?

Contact your local chapter officers and determine if there is a local assessor available.  If not contact the Regional Area Coordinator for the geographic region you are officiating in and request an assessment.

Must I pay for an assessment?

Yes.  NISOA has a fee policy for assessors.

Why should I be assessed?

Assessment is a part of continual education.  The NISOA assessor will provide feedback on strengths and areas of development that will improve the referee skills.

How can I advance in NISOA as a referee?

There are many ways to advance.  One is obtaining a mentor from within the local chapter and setting goals for your refereeing career.  Another is to seek out opportunities to work with top officials in the chapter so they can observe your skills and recommend advancement.

After 3 years of membership an individual can apply for the National Referee Program and advance to that level.

What is the National Referee Program?

The National Referee Program (NRP) is the top approximately 10% of NISOA members who officiate at the highest level of intercollegiate soccer and post season play.

How do I become a National Referee?

Please refer to the National Referee link on the home page for specific details.

How much do NISOA national executive staff members earn?

NISOA is a volunteer organization with three, part-time employee positions.  Elected and appointed staff volunteer their time.  They are reimbursed for travel, transportation, and lodging related costs.

How do I get NISOA General Liability Insurance information and proof of insurance?

Check here. If you need a copy of the binder/endorsement page as proof of insurance, follow the directions here.

How do I transfer between NISOA chapters?

Members in good standing may request to transfer to another chapter using the form on the Forms tab of our website.

110 Responses to “FAQs”

  1. 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.

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

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