If you’re interested or have been accepted to the NISOA Referee Training Camp in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, here are answers to frequently asked questions about the camp.
What are the requirements to apply and attend the Camp?
Open to both NISOA members and those who seek to join NISOA. New candidates for membership should meet the NISOA requirements for membership which can be found here. New candidates for membership must be sponsored by a local NISOA chapter. It is not mandatory that campers be members of NISOA prior to attending camp. The camp will help prepare them to officiate college games.
Class size is limited to 50 participants. Three (3) years of referee experience is recommended but not mandatory.
If I am traveling by air or train where should I schedule arrival?
Fly to Harrisburg International Airport. Please let Don Brown know of your arrival time and flight number. There will be an NISOA van picking up all those arriving by air. If you are arriving by train, you can make your reservation to Elizabethtown, PA. Again let Don Brown know of your arrival times for pick up purposes. NOTE: If the van is not there when you arrive, please wait until it does arrive.
What types of rooms are being made available?
Rooms are dorm style suites with 4 to a suite. Bathroom and kitchen are part of the room. There is a refrigerator in every suite.
Do I have to bring linens?
Linens are provided. You may want to bring a large towel for showers since the provided ones are rather small.
What about meals?
3 meals a day are provided in the campus cafeteria. There are local stores near -by to purchase snacks and various drinks.
What uniforms should I bring?
Bring multiple colors with short sleeve shirts. If you are a member of NISOA, bring your official NISOA uniforms. If not a member, bring what you own.
What types of games are played that I will officiate?
Age groups will vary. There is a soccer player camp being held at the same time which the NISOA supports with officials. Every participant will officiate as a referee and multiple times as an Assistant Referee. Observations will be conducted and immediate feedback will be provided. All games will be played under NCAA rules.
What is the dress code for the camp?
Dress is casual (shorts, slacks, T-shirts, golf shirts). Please be sensitive to others with regard to slogans, etc. on clothing.
What about hydration , injury or illness?
A water bottle will be provided to all participants. Sufficient fluids should be taken to prevent illness. An EMT will be available to deal with any injuries or illness.
2011 Referee Training Camp – Click for full size
2013 NISOA Referee Training Camp – Click for full size
2014 NISOA Referee Training Camp – Click for full size
2016 National Referee Training Camp – Click for full size
Can you tell me if we’ll recieve any NISOA ref uniforms during the training program or if we must purchase those ourselves either during or after the camp?
Part of joining NISOA is a requirement that you purchase your uniforms at that time. There are a few different options for purpose. Go to the forms page on this site and you can see what you may order as part of the membership process. Looking forward to seeing you at camp.
Mick- You will be provided with a black NISOA T-shirt only. Official Sports will be at camp and you can buy whatever you need from them. When you join NISOA, the initial fee includes a basic uniform that will be sent to you.
Dear Mr. Van De Vaarst,
I applied to the 2013 NISOA Referee Training Camp on the first day the application was opened, January 26th. I received a reply saying my application had been received and I would hear back about my status within 21 days. I am very interested in attending and think I am an excellent candidate. Could you provide me with an update about when I may hear back?
Thanks very much. Kind regards,
Mike Armstrong
The Director of the Camp will be reviewing all applicants in the near futureand will be sending out updates on who is accepted and what are the next steps. I look forward to seeing you at camp.
I wanted to apply for the camp but I read all the slots are filled. What happens if a slot becomes available?
Thank You
Keep checking the camp application page. If the waiting list reopens, we may announce it on our Twitter account @nisoadotcom.
Submitted an application in late January and have not yet received a response. When will I receive word?
Regards,
Ross McKernan
FAI,USSF,CASA
I am unable to make it to the VA NISOA camp and didn’t realize until now that I could apply to a different camp. I know applications were due June 1, however I was wondering if there was any way I could still put in an application? I would appreciate it if someone could email me back, I had a few questions regardless. Thank you so much!
-Katherine Mitchell
[email protected]
Your request was sent to the National Referee Program Administer for a response
Please add me to the waiting list for the class. I have coached HS varsity girls soccer x 15 years as well as traveling U-19 soccer the last few years. My soccer career goes back to HS & college. I am very interested in this course, thank you. Mike Flynn 551-580-5671
I have forwarded your request to Joe Miller, the camp director
I am flying in and finding that airfare is much cheaper arriving in Harrisburg on Saturday as opposed to Sunday. If I fly in on Saturday am I able to stay in a dorm room or would I need to book a hotel room? Thanks
I have forwarded your request to the Camp Director, Joe Miller. I am sure that it can be arranged
Okay thank you Don. I did email Joe but have yet to receive a reply.
Hi I’m not sure if after taking this camp I will be able to have games in New York City, where I currently live. Please let me know.
If yes, I would like to take the camp. From what date I will be able to send an application?
Thanks in advance!
Niurka!
Camp was just held. You can contact the local chapter for information on membership, also on web site, and work with them on membership.
Niurka. E-Town camp for this year concluded this week, Applications for next years camp will not be open until early in 2015. If you monitor the NISOA website you will see when an application can be submitted. Assignment of any games would require that you become member of a local NISOA chapter and attendance at camp will fulfill some, but not all of the requirements for membership. Each chapter may have additional requirements for membership.