NISOA/NCAA Registration and Rules Test News

I’ve been getting a lot of questions via email about the NCAA’s registration fee initiative and the NISOA/NCAA Soccer Rules Test.  Here are some common questions and answers:

  1. Do I have to pay $65 to take the Rules Test on the NISOA Central HubNo. The test is provided by NISOA at no cost to our members.
  2. Does the Rules Test really close on August 2, 2015? No. NISOA just approved an extension to August 16, 2015. The extension was granted to allow the National Referees (who take the test and need to correctly answer 90% of the questions) additional time and not delay the distribution of National Referee badges. I wouldn’t be surprised if the test closure is extended closer to Labor Day but please don’t bet on that occurring.
  3. If I want to register with the NCAA, do I have to take the test on the NCAA Central Hub? No. NCAA has agreed to accept the test results from the NISOA Central Hub for their post season eligibility criteria. You may take the test on either site but you will have to make your registration payment directly to NCAA on their site. This is not a NISOA requirement but an NCAA requirement.
  4. Do I have to take the Rules Test? Yes, if you are a NY Metro ISOA chapter member. The chapter is using this test as part of the good standing requirements to take an annual rules test. Chapter members have to complete the test only.
  5. I took the Rules Test on the NISOA Central Hub but didn’t get a confirmation email from ArbiterSports with my score. How will the chapter know that I took the test? Since the test is on the NISOA Central Hub, the chapter will have access from ArbiterSports to document that you completed the test.

Please post any questions you may have here and I will answer them for the benefit of all.

2015 NISOA NCAA Soccer Rules Test

The NISOA Executive Board is working on publishing a single rules test on the Testing tab of the NISOA Central Hub which will be dually used to qualify NISOA National Referees and for members to meet their good standing requirements. I’ve been working very closely with the Instructional and National Referee staff to get the test ready for members on the NISOA Central Hub. The NISOA Executive Board is meeting this week to finalize and approve this initiative.

90% with two attempts will be the criteria for the NISOA National Referee program. We intend to share individual testing results with the NCAA for their use in determining post season eligibility. I expect the test will be published this week with a deadline of August 2, 2015.

Chapter members will be required to take the test pass/fail. You will receive email instructions separately.

Updated July 14, 2015 – The test has been published at the link above. All NY Metro ISOA members are directed to take the test and retain the confirmation email from ArbiterSports.

NISOA National Referee Program

By: John Puglisi, NISOA National Clinician

If you are interested in the NISOA National Referee Program, now is a good time to start preparing to apply for the 2016 season. The National Referee tab on nisoa.com has all the information you need to make the decision whether the National Referee program is for you. I strongly recommend working with Klaus Mueller to get the necessary assessments (2 as referee, one as assistant referee) done during the upcoming 2015 season to get you on your way.

Our chapter currently has several National Referees on our roster who can also provide insight to the program. Our National Referees are Nabil Al-Saidi, Saam Jalayer, Ayo Obesisan, Mike Godi, and Steve Danisi.

2015 Chapter Meeting Schedule

The 2015 NY Metro ISOA meeting schedule is now available. Get the dates, times and locations for the NISOA fitness test, the annual mandatory rules clinic, awards dinner and business meetings. Read the rest of this article »

NISOA Annual Conduct Certification

NISOA Policy Code 900.37 requires each NISOA member to annually certify their conduct to maintain membership status. NY Metro ISOA members shall make this certification on the certification form in our Policies and Procedures section of the web site.

2014 NCAA Soccer Rules; Modified Postseason Tiebreaker Procedure

The 2014-2015 NCAA Soccer Rules include modifications to several aspects of the postseason tiebreaker procedure. Playoff officials should take a few minutes to review the tiebreaking procedure in Rule 7.1.1. NCAA-specific requirements (modifications are in bold) include: Read the rest of this article »

NCAA Soccer Rules; Duration of the Game

The end of October brings earlier sunsets and potentially inclement weather. Games played late in the season may have significant playoff implications and others will have none. One aspect of intercollegiate soccer which must remain the same throughout the season is covered in NCAA Soccer Rule 7.1 which states, “The duration of the game shall be two periods of 45 minutes.” This rule may not be altered in any way. The durations of each half and the overtime periods shall not be changed.

Allowable modifications to the duration of the game are limited to shortening halftime and/or other period intervals by mutual consent of the teams (Rule 7.2). Games that reach the 70th minute and can not be continued because of elements or other reasons are considered “suspended” if play is not resumed the same day.