In response to a request from the College Soccer Coaches in 1963, Jim Walders, Jim Reed, Bill Rosenthal, Joe Morrone, Al Loeffler, Larry Briggs and John Kalloch formed the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association. The organization started with 184 members in 1964, its first year of formation with officers and a constitution. The first adopted referee’s uniform included white knickers type pants, black and white striped shirt with long sleeves, black stockings with white tops, black shoes and a solid white baseball cap.
The referee system (dual system of control) was adopted until a change to the Diagonal System of Control (DSC) with one referee and two linesmen was adopted in the late 1970′s.The present NISOA Badge was designed by Larry Briggs of Massachusetts and Jimmy Walder of Philadelphia. Larry King of Missouri designed the NISOA flipping coin. A Code of Ethics and a Mechanics Handbook were printed in 1965 along with the first mimeographed NISOA Newsletter for each member. Member dues were set at $1.00.
Membership application was formalized in 1966 when President Larry King asked Ray Bernabei to get involved as the NISOA National Examiner. Local chapters, Regional and State Boards were formed in 1967 along with a new Constitution. While membership grew to approximately 700 by 1968, 32 Test Centers were established throughout the United States. Prior to that, NISOA was primarily an “Eastern Region” dominated organization. With eight Regions adopted, local chapters took on a new meaning for intercollegiate soccer referees. The first NISOA National Clinic was conducted in 1970 at Ohio Wesleyan. It was also the beginning of high technology where closed circuit TV was used to observe officiating techniques at clinics throughout the United States. Referee uniform attire began to change in the 1970′s and NISOA began making inroads with the various soccer organizations, such as NSCAA, NCAA, NIRSA, NJCAA, NCCAA, and their tournament committee process.
The years of 1973 and 1974 saw the greatest action within the NISOA when Ray Bernabei, President, presented the first five year long range plan. Included in the plan were the following: NISOA Annual Convention, National Entry Exam Standards, President’s Annual Report, Referee Game Report Card and Ejection Form, International Exchange Program, NISOA Policy Manual, Computer Membership Roster, Grievance Procedure, Fiscal Management and Control through Zero-Based Budgeting, National Academy for Referee Training to include a referee’s training camp, Clinician Training, Assessor Training, Referee Awards and a Standardized Teaching and Curriculum Model Based on the Ralph Tyler Curriculum Model devised in 1954 and presented by Robert Sumpter, Materials Development Program to include slides, overheads, and videos. Also included were Staff Leadership Development Workshop Seminars. In 1975 Jack Schrumpf, President, appointed Ray Bernabei as NISOA’s first Executive Director. From 1973 through the mid-1980′s NISOA was on a roller coaster to professionalism, positive image development, recognition and a proactive force in intercollegiate soccer. With a cosmopolitan staff of volunteers, NISOA made its mark throughout the world including England, Italy, Russia, Ukraine, and Argentina. NISOA’s mission was and continues to be a “service organization” to its members and the educational institutions.
By 1994 NISOA made history by celebrating its 30th birthday by honoring all of its past presidents and Honor Awardees at its Annual Convention in New Jersey. Every member who registered received a commemorative NISOA logo wristwatch and many other items that were donated. Also by 1994, NISOA no had 117 local chapters located in 47 states with 3515 members. Any female or male 18 years or older is eligible to join NISOA. Thirty-four years later (1997) NISOA reached its long-range goal of having 50 states included in the National Organization with 120 Chapters and 3900 members. Prior to reaching its goal, NISOA was appointed by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFSHSA) to serve as its training agent for High School soccer referees. Approximately 140 Clinicians have been trained for High School soccer referee training.
The year 2000 marks some of the most significant milestones in the history of the organization. On April 29, NISOA unveiled its Hall of Fame Members in the National Soccer Hall of Fame at Oneonta, NY. The display area is a “dream of reality” due to the work of Charlie Lee, who devised the Baker’s Case displaying the NISOA memorabilia and artifacts, to David Cymerman, who masterminded the interactive computer system, and to Ray Bernabei who coordinated the kiosk containing the College Referee Uniforms from 1949-2000 and the collage of pictures illustrating the NISOA Service Programs. Several other milestones are the certifying of 400 National Referees, the production of the NISOA Manual and the NISOA Assessment Manual distributed to all chapters. Membership registration reached 4,400 college members in 123 Chapters and 600 high school members.All of the above was made possible because of the numerous volunteers who contributed to the Goals and Objectives of the organization. Approximately 230 staff continue to serve as the driving force. Two leaders who served in the background those years and who played a very influential impact role were Robert Sumpter and Mario Donnangelo. During the National Convention in Las Vegas, Bob Sumpter and Dan Keohane led the first assignor discussion session. This program moved forward in 2001 with the first Assignor Workshop in Orlando, Florida and opened the dialogue between conference and local assignors. These workshops are now held every other year and strengthen the relationship, interaction and professionalism of all assignors.
The year 2005 saw the advent of the Rules Comparison Guide. This project spearheaded by Don Dennison helps the membership recognize the differences in rules/laws when moving from the intercollegiate game to the high school game or other soccer venues. This was also the initial publication of the Pre-season Guide by John Van de Vaarst and Frank Jewell. In 2006, an agreement was reached with Referee Magazine to publish the guide and it continues on an annual basis. In addition, the first mentor training DVD was distributed to chapters. This was updated and redistributed in 2010. In 2006, a series of annual studies to analyze the completed assessment forms commenced with the aim of using study results to design future curriculum for all levels.
The year 2007 was a landmark when NISOA surpassed the 5,000 membership level. Chapters in each state continued to recruit and develop new members and the organization became even stronger.
2008 brought a major transition to NISOA. Dr. Raymond Bernabei, Executive Director, talked about a restructure during the convention in Bethlehem, PA. Then suddenly in September, Dr. Bernabei passed away. Although he was lost physically, his plans and goals continued to move forward. A reorganization took place and John Van de Vaarst accepted the role of Director of Operations and Mario Donnangelo took on additional responsibilities as Associate Director. The reorganization was competed when in June 2009, Cliff Mc Crath was appointed as Executive Director with responsibilities for liaison with outside organizations and fundraising. During this same time period a new web master was appointed and the NISOA web site took on a more professional look with a great amount of data. During this time monthly instructional articles on the intercollegiate, interscholastic and nuts and bolts also were established for publication on the web site. The organization quickly took shape but then hit another setback when Mario Donnangelo passed in April 2010. Once again the duties were realigned and Tom Richardson stepped up and accepted the position of Associate Director for Membership and Awards.
In 2010, NISOA partnered with the NCAA and Arbitersports so that all members have access to the NCAA/Arbiter web site at a far less cost than other sports officials. This will result in access to on-line training and other benefits. Don Wilbur was selected by the NCAA to become the Director of Assigning for playoff games. NISOA continues to work closely with him to provide the best possible officials for post game assignments.
All of the above became a reality because of the numerous volunteers who contribute to the goals and objectives of the Association. As the only national soccer referee organization exclusively officiating for schools, NISOA continues to be a leader in soccer officiating and training techniques.