Frequently Asked Questions
What are the membership requirements for joining NISOA?
There are several requirements for membership. They include:
- obtaining a minimum score of 75% on the written qualification examination.
- 3 years of game experience at the High School level or higher and a total of at least 25 games at this level.
- 2 field performance assessments at an acceptable level. The referee training camp assessments may satisfy this requirement.
- Score at least a 1.5 average on the physical fitness test.
- Provide a physician’s statement of health.
- Provide 3 letters of recommendation (2 from NISOA members, 1 from a college coach, or NISOA assessor / clinician).
- Submit all dues and fees.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- 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 and intercollegiate game assignments.
How much does it cost to join NISOA and remain a member?
The initial membership fee is broken into two parts. A $100 dues and $140 referee kit purchase. Renewal dues are $80 to the National office plus any local dues and fees.
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?
Membership dues includes $1 million of liability insurance when officiating intercollegiate or high school games. Insurance does not cover a member of NISOA if they officiate with a non-member. NISOA also provides assignor insurance to intercollegiate assignors that register and are certified with NISOA.
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.
What is the NISOA Referee Training Camp?
The camp is a 4 day residential training program that provides classroom instruction, field demonstrations, physical fitness training, officiating games with immediate feedback from clinicians and assessors. The camp is held annually at Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA. Tuition is currently $500 with a variety of scholarships available.
How much do NISOA staff members and clinicians earn?
NSIOA is a volunteer organization. Staff members and clinicians volunteer their time. They are reimbursed for travel, transportation, and lodging related costs.
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
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.
My question is who’s REGION 1
NISOA area coordinator for aasessme
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
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
What is the “minimum” NISOA NRP candidate practical field assessment score? 70%? 75% 80% Thanks
who is the assignor for Depaul University in Chicago or the big east, and who the assignor for southern Wisconsin, thx, Adnan .
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?
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
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.