Local College Soccer News

Dowling College's men's soccer team won the 2006 NCAA Division II National Championship on November 18, 2006 defeating the 2005 National Champions, Fort Lewis College (Colorado) 1-0 in Pensacola, Florida. Dowling College completed an undefeated season and captured their first National Championship.

NYU's men's soccer team advanced to the 2006 NCAA Division III Final Four in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NYU ultimately lost to the two-time defending National Champions, Messiah College (Illinois) in the National Semifinal game on November 24, 2006.

ECAC Payments

ECAC provides centralized officiating payment services for colleges and universities which subscribe to this service. ECAC mailed game payment fees to officials for games officiated on and prior to October 8, 2006 on October 18. If you did not pay your ECAC registration fee, the fee was deducted from this payment.

Payment for games after October 8, 2006 was mailed on November 20, 2006.

Payment for conference and NCAA playoff games will be made by the host institution directly and not by ECAC regardless of whether the host institution uses ECAC for payment services.

In 2006, the following local institutions use ECAC to pay officials: Adelphi, C.W. Post, CCNY, Dowling, Farmingdale (SUNY), Hunter, Manhattanville, NYU, Nyack, Old Westbury (SUNY), Pace, Purchase (SUNY), Southern Connecticut State, St. Joseph's College, St. Thomas Aquinas, Maritime (SUNY), US Merchant Marine Academy, and York College.

Elections

Voting for the 1st Vice President position closed at 4:00 PM EDT on October 26, 2006. With 61 votes cast, Dennis Botsaris had a majority of the votes (32 votes) and will continue in his role as the chapter's 1st Vice President. All other elected members of the Executive Board will continue in their positions for the 2007-2008 seasons.

Riverbank State Park Access

Field level parking at Riverbank State Park is no longer permitted. The proper procedure is to drive to the guard station at 145th Street and Riverside Drive to obtain a parking permit and directions to the parking area which is underneath the park off of 133rd Street and 12th Avenue. The parking area is guarded by Park security. Street parking outside the park is extremely risky.

Dues!!!

NISOA National and chapter dues for the 2007 season are $140 and were due to Joe Danbusky by November 1, 2006. If you haven't sent your dues to Joe by now and want to remain a member in good standing, please contact Joe directly to determine your late fee. Assessor dues are $40 for local assessors, $50 for regional assessors and $60 for national assessors.

NISOA announced member renewal dues will increase by $5 for the 2008 season. Other fees imposed by NISOA National such as chapter fees, assessor dues, national referee dues, late fees and new member fees are also increasing.

John Leavy selected for NIRSA Collegiate Club Soccer Championships

NY Metro Chapter member, John Leavy has been selected to officiate the NIRSA Collegiate Club Soccer Championships in Phoenix, Arizona from November 15-18, 2006. NIRSA (National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association) is the governing body for intercollegiate sport club programs. Clubs are made up of individuals that have a desire to compete or participate in a sport throughout their college career. Many colleges and universities field sport club teams because no varsity team exists, or because the talent, dedication to the sport, and interest demand an opportunity other than varsity athletics or intramurals. Congratulations to John for this prestigious invitation.

Lee Suckle and the ACC

Lee Suckle was in charge of the nationally televised ACC men's soccer match between Clemson University and the University of North Carolina on September 15. Lee has been a member of the NY Metro chapter for 2 years and does a fine job representing the chapter where ever he goes. Keep up the great work!!

Jorge Gonzales

The 2006 NISOA/NCAA Rules Interpretation video featured match video of our own Jorge Gonzales.

New ECAC Metro Area Assignor

NY Metro chapter member, Alan Wharton is the new ECAC assignor. Please contact him directly regarding assignments and keep him up to date with your availability. The new ECAC assigning web page is active and ready for use.

Region XV (2 year schools) Officiating Bureau

John Dooley and Jack Sweeney (All Sports Assigning Professionals) are the new Region XV soccer assignors for our area. Assigning information is available on their web page. You can contact their office at (631) 730-7055.

Annual Rules Interpretation Clinic

August 26, 2006 - Annual Rules Interpretation Clinic at the Pratt Recreational Center on the campus of C.W. Post University in Brookville, New York. The clinic begins at 8:00 AM with registration. A physical fitness test will not be performed at this clinic. Attendance is mandatory for chapter members. The Executive Board would like to thank Mr. Bryan Collins, the C.W. Post athletic director and Rick Hamilton at the Pratt Recreational Center for their assistance and support hosting the chapter's annual rules interpretation meeting.

Business Meetings

Business meetings are held at the Knights of Columbus hall at 1000 Marcus Ave, New Hyde Park, New York. Meetings will be held on September 13, 2006, September 19, 2006, October 4, 2006 and October 17, 2006. All business meetings start at 7:30 PM. Members must attend two of the four scheduled meetings.

Annual Awards Dinner

The annual awards dinner will be held at The Sterling in Bethpage, New York on November 14, 2006. Reception starts at 7:00 PM.

Elections

2006 is an election year for the chapter. The current terms expire for all elected Executive Board positions, except for Secretary/Treasurer, this year. If you are interested in any of the positions, contact Lou Minutoli, Chairman of the Election Slate Committee. Nominations will be accepted at the third business meeting on October 4, 2006. Anyone who is nominated for an elected position must attend the October 4, 2006 business meeting to accept the nomination in person. If they can not attend this business meeting, they must notify the Executive Board, prior to October 4, 2006 and in writing, that they intend to accept the nomination. Elections will be held at our fourth business meeting on October 17, 2006.

Gus Constantine

Our chapter is deeply saddened by the sudden and untimely passing of Gus Constantine. Gus was a member of the NISOA National Hall of Fame and a dear friend and mentor. He will be sorely missed. Our condolences are extended to Gus' family during this difficult time.

Danny Sposato

We also saddened to learn of the recent passing of Danny Sposato. Danny received the 2004 Chapter Referee of the Year award. He had recently moved to Florida. We will miss him and remember him fondly.