National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association

2010 National Referee Program

The deadline for the 2010 NATIONAL REFEREE PROGRAM certification/re-certification for applicants, candidates and national referees is April 2, 2010. Effective in 2010, all applicants must meet the requirements established for certification or recertification for the NISOA National Referee Program in each of the following criteria:

1. The NISOA Physical Fitness Test, with an overall grade of 3.5.
2. The NCAA/NISOA Soccer Rules Written Test.
3. NISOA Game Assessments by a certified National Assessor for years 2010/11.

For this year’s program, two assessments are required of Applicants, both as a Referee. Go here to see how to apply.

2010 NISOA National Convention

The 35th Annual NISOA National Convention will be held in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania from July 15, 2010 through July 18, 2010. The Convention includes expert classroom instruction by NISOA’s finest clinicians and assessors. You can download the Convention Registration Form, Golf Registration Form, and the Hotel Registration Form.

Bethlehem is located in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley. Located less than two hours from New York, the Pocono Mountains and the New Jersey shore and an hour from Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley’s metropolitan lifestyle is equally balanced by our outdoor offerings. There’s a country flair to the area that brings residents and visitors alike into the great outdoors. Popular attractions include art museums and galleries, sporting events and historical sites. The NISOA Auxiliary is planning some great excursions in the area. If the rural countryside is what you’re after, take a short drive outside the cities to find wineries, outdoor activities, zoos, and walking, hiking and biking trails.

Our Executive Director

C. Cliff McCrath

The NISOA Executive Board unanimously approved the decision by President Joe Miller to appoint C. Cliff McCrath as the new Executive Director of NISOA effective September 1, 2009. This decision was made at the annual convention. Cliff has an outstanding history as a coach at Seattle Pacific University and member of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). In addition Cliff currently serves as the soccer rules editor for the NCAA and is responsible to both coaches and officials on rules interpretations and protests. Cliff has been inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame by both NISOA and the NSCAA.

Dr. Ray Bernabei, 1925-2008

Dr. Raymond Bernabei, 1925 - 2008

Dr. Ray Bernabei served as the Executive Director of NISOA from 1975 until his untimely passing in September 2008. For many of us, “Dr. Ray” was the face of NISOA. He was a distinguished soccer player, referee, founding member of NISOA, past-president of NISOA, member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame and a prominent educator.

His legacy of service and commitment to family will survive as long as members wear the NISOA referee badge.

Instructional Articles

Bob Sumpter

As part of NISOA’s commitment to excellence in soccer officiating, Bob Sumpter collects and publishes pertinent and insightful instructional articles to elevate the quality of interscholastic and intercollegiate soccer officiating. These articles are authored by soccer referee colleagues from around the country who share their experience and expertise in the specialized skills of refereeing. NISOA hopes that the information appearing helps each of you to reach the level of personal excellence you have set for yourself.

As with all of our publications, we encourage readers to submit their comments and suggestions for improvement.

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