Great Plains Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association
BY-LAWS
The Great Plains Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (GPISOA) is a non-discriminatory, equal opportunity association. No member shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, political beliefs, or religious creed, be excluded from participation in, the benefits of, any program or activity sponsored or operated by GPISOA.
Article I - NAME
Section 1. Name: The organization shall be known as the "Great Plains Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association" or "GPISOA".
ARTICLE II - PURPOSES
ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 MEMBERSHIP: This organization shall be comprised of the following persons within the following classes of membership:
(a) ACTIVE: Comprised of individuals who are duly qualified soccer officials who have complied with all the membership requirements of this chapter, who are in good standing and who officiate soccer contests.
(b) HONORARY/EMERITUS: Comprised of individuals upon whom this chapter desires to confer such status according to criteria established by GPISOA.
Section 2 MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS: Membership shall be open to any individual who meets the entrance requirements of the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association New Member Application Policy listed in NISOA Policy Code #900.4 which is annexed hereto, and form part of these by-laws.
Section 3 MEMBER CONDUCT: All members of GPISOA shall adhere to the NISOA code of ethics that are annexed hereto, and form part of these by-laws.
Section
4 RESIGNATION:
Any member may resign by filling a written resignation with the Secretary. The
written notification will be presented to the Board of Directors at the first
meeting after its receipt, but such resignation shall not relieve the member so
resigning of the obligation to pay any dues, assessments or other charges
previously accrued and unpaid prior to the receipt of such resignation.
Non-payment of dues and/or non-attendance at required rules meeting (without
notice or excuse) will be considered a de facto resignation.
ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS AND CLINICS
Section 1 RULES MEETINGS/CLINICS: The GPISOA shall conduct at least one Rules Meeting or clinic annually for all members for training of members and or update on rules and interpretation. The conduct of such meeting shall be the responsibility of the chapter clinician with the support of such other members of the GPISOA as deemed necessary. The meeting shall be conducted at least two weeks prior to the start of the fall season. Notice of the meeting (and alternatives) shall be published to members by the Secretary at least one month advance. Attendance is mandatory; those unable to attend shall notify the President and/or Secretary with reason for excuse not later than 5 business days after the scheduled meeting.
Section 2 GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING: The GPISOA shall conduct at least one General Business Meeting annually on or before the 31st January for the purpose of election of officers to the Board of Directors, and for any other business requiring membership decision. The Secretary shall give notice of such meetings to the general membership, and meetings shall be presided over by the President. Minutes of such meetings shall be kept by the Secretary and made available for the membership to review at subsequent meetings. A special General Business Meeting may be called at any time by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. The Secretary must notify by mail, phone, or e-mail all members of place and time of the special General Business Meeting at least thirty days prior to the meeting.
Section 3 VOTING: The presence of twenty percent or 15 of the Active members, which ever is smaller, constitutes a quorum. A majority vote of such members where a quorum is present is necessary to make a decision, except where some other number is required by law or by these by-laws.
Absentee ballots will be provided in advance of the next meeting where a vote will be required by the Active Membership. Absentee ballots will allow members to vote on election of the Board of Directors and proposed changes to the Chapter by-laws. The Secretary will be responsible for sending absentee ballots to the Active Membership at least 30 days in advance of the meeting, and the ballots must be returned to the Secretary within 7 days of said meeting. The absentee ballot will provide a list of all nominated candidates for the Board of Directors positions. Write-in candidates are to be allowed for each Officer position. Absentee ballots will be sent via e-mail or US Postal mail when applicable.
Section 4 MEETING REQUIREMENTS: Each member shall be required to attend the Rules Meeting/Clinic and Business Meeting each year, unless excused prior to the meeting by the Board.
ARTICLE V - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1 GENERAL POWERS and DUTIES: The Board of Directors shall manage the property, business and affairs of the organization. The Board of Directors may exercise all such powers of the organization as set forth by these by-laws and as directed or required by the members.
Section 2 COMPOSITION: The Board of Directors shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Assignor (non-voting member) and Regional/At-Large Representatives. Regional/At-Large Representatives positions will be created when an area (defined by the Board of Directors) is greater than nine members. The Regional/At-Large Representatives will be elected by the majority of the members of the region responding to an election or when necessary at a general meeting.
Section 3 TERM OF OFFICE: Each Board member shall hold office until his/her successor shall have been elected and qualified, or until his/her death, resignation, or removal.
(a) Their terms shall commence on the first day of the month following election or February 1st of the same calendar year.
(b) Board members failing to attend two-thirds of Board meetings over the course of a calendar year shall be deemed to have resigned from the board.
Section 4 ELECTIONS: The Board of Directors shall be elected by majority vote of members present at the annual business meeting of GPISOA.
(a) The President shall appoint (with the approval of the Board) a Nominating Committee at least two months prior to the scheduled elections.
(b) The Nominating Committee shall consist of at least three members of GPISOA, two of who must not be current members of the Board of Directors.
(c) The Nominating Committee shall present a slate of candidates for each vacant office of the Board and each nominee must acknowledge acceptance of this nomination. Only members of GPISOA shall be considered for nomination and election to an office on the Board of Directors. The slate of candidates must be made available to the Secretary within 5 weeks of the election.
(d) The Secretary shall notify the membership of the date, time and place of the election. This notification shall be mailed or e-mailed to the membership at least (1) month prior to the election. The Secretary will also provide an absentee ballot in this mailing.
(e) Nominations may be made from the floor with the consent of the nominee.
(f) Each position will be voted on separately, and in order as identified above.
(g) The nominated candidate receiving a majority of the votes for each position shall be declared elected. If no nominee receives a majority of the votes on the first ballot, a second ballot shall be conducted with only the two nominees receiving the greatest number of votes on the first ballot.
(h) Any nominee not elected may then run for any other position by nomination from the floor.
(i) In the absence of any opposing candidates, the entire slate may be elected with one vote or by acclamation.
(j) If there are no candidates nominated for a position, the election for that position will be postponed until a candidate is nominated and an election held. In the interim, the President, upon approval of the Board, may appoint an interim member until the election is held. This interim Board member shall have full voting rights.
(k) Only members attending the election are eligible to vote.
(l) Voting for the election of officers of the Board of Directors shall be by secret ballot unless waived by the membership.
Section 5 VACANCIES: The Board shall confirm and fill vacancies in an office in the Board of Directors, upon recommendation of the President.
Section 6 REMOVAL: The Board of Directors may remove any Board member whenever, in its sole judgment, the best interest of GPISOA will be served.
(a) A majority of Board members present at a regularly scheduled meeting may initiate action for removal.
(b) An Office or Board member subject to removal must be notified in writing by the Secretary at least seven (7) days prior to a meeting at which the proposed removal will be considered.
(c) A two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors present and voting shall be necessary for removal.
Section 7 RESIGNATION: Any Board member may resign at any time by giving written notice to the President or Secretary. Such resignation shall take effect on the date of receipt of such notice or at a later time specified. The acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
Section 8 FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: The Board shall:
(a) Establish policy for specific cases not provided elsewhere, but which is deemed necessary by the Board to carry out the objectives of GPISOA;
(b) Levy such fee assessments and set compensation rates as may be deemed necessary to promote and conduct business of GPISOA;
(c) Negotiate contracts on behalf of GPISOA;
(d) Keep a complete record of all its acts and affairs and to present a financial statement at the annual meeting of GPISOA;
(e) File such reports as may be necessary by NISOA, The State of Nebraska or the Federal government;
(f) Consider all business and charges brought before it by the membership, the President, or Board members, and to take appropriate action to discharge its duties for the best interest of GPISOA.
Section 8 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS: Shall be attended by the Board, and any interested member. The President shall give notice to the Board members of such meetings designating a date, place and time. The Secretary for approval shall record minutes by the Board at subsequent meetings. The Secretary, upon request, shall make minutes of the Board of Directors' meetings available for review to any GPISOA member.
Section 9 BOARD MEETINGS: The Board shall meet at least quarterly to maintain the business continuity of GPISOA. The attendance by 4 of the 6 voting Board members shall constitute a quorum. The President, or the designated alternative, shall preside over all meetings. The order of business at all meetings shall normally be as follows:
(a) Reading of the minutes of the previous held meeting.
(b) Report of Treasurer
(c) Report of the President
(d) Report of the Commissioner of Officials.
(e) Report of other Standing or Special committees.
(f) Unfinished business.
(g) New business.
(h) Date of the next meeting.
(i) Adjournment.
Any portion of the order of business may be waived by consent of those members present and voting at the meeting.
Section 10 COMPENSATION OF BOARD MEMBERS:
(a) The Commissioner of Officials (Assignor) will be compensated in accordance with the contracts negotiated between GPISOA and the schools and/or leagues.
(b) Other Board members shall not receive any compensation for any service rendered to GPISOA. However, any Board member may be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the performance of his or her duties as approved by the Board. The Board must approve all reimbursable expenses.
Section 11 INDEMNFICATION OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS and ADMINISTRATORS:
The Association may indemnify each director, officer or agent against liabilities (including judgments and fines and reasonable attorney's fees, cost and expenses) incurred by him or her in connection with any actual or threatened action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, arbitrate, or investigative (any of which is hereinafter referred to as a "proceeding"), to which he may be made party by reason of his being or having been a director, officer or agent of the Association. This is except in relation to any proceeding in which he has been adjudged liable because of willful misconduct, had faith or gross negligence involved in the conduct of his office, or in relation to any criminal proceeding in which he had reasonable use to believe his conduct was unlawful (any which behavior is hereinafter referred to as "malfeasance"), provided, however, that even if he is guilty of malfeasance he shall be entitled to such indemnification as shall be ordered by a court.
ARTICLE VI - OFFICERS
Section 1 PRESIDENT: The President of GPISOA shall be the Chairman of the Board of Directors, and shall normally preside at all the general meetings of GPISOA. The President shall:
(i) Conduct business of the GPISOA properly in all matters except those specifically assigned to other officers, committees or members by the by-laws, the membership or himself;
(ii) Execute the mandates of the by-laws, The Board of Directors or the general membership of GPISOA;
(iii) Exercise the general and executive management of the GPISOA and perform the duties normally, incident on the office of the President.
(iv) Will only vote to break ties on business brought before the Board.
Section 2 VICE-PRESIDENT: The Vice-President shall
(i) Assume duties of the President in the President's absence.
(ii) Perform other duties as prescribed by the Board.
(iii) Chair the Finance Committee.
Section 3 SECRETARY: The Secretary shall have the following functions:
(i) Receive, prepare, dispatch and keep records of all official correspondence of the activities of the GPISOA as directed by the Board of Directors, except those relating to game assignments or other correspondence issued by other Board of Director members (e.g. assessments);
(ii) Give notice to the membership and record the proceedings of the official meetings of the GPISOA in accordance with the provisions of these By-Laws;
(iii) Record the official minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors;
(iv) Maintain the official files of the GPISOA and serve as the Registered Agent of the GPISOA.
Section 4 TREASURER: The Treasurer shall have the following functions:
(i) Receive all money due GPISOA and deposit into an account of the GPISOA as directed by the Board of Directors as provided in these by-laws;
(ii) Maintain financial records of all such transactions of the GPISOA, and present to the Board of Directors no later than thirty (30) days from the close of the fiscal year an income/expenditure statement of the finances of the GPISOA for the preceding year.
Section 5 TREASURERS BONDING: As a condition of assuming and holding office, the Treasurer must be "bondable" at the standard rates for the faithful discharge of his duties. The Board of Directors in its sole discretion may establish the amount of such bond. The cost of such bond shall be paid by GPISOA.
ARTICLE VII - COMMISSIONER OF OFFICIALS (ASSIGNOR)
Section 1 COMMISSONER OF OFFICIALS (ASSIGNOR) The Commissioner of Officials (Assignor) of GPISOA shall be a member of GPISOA and shall be appointed by the Board of Directors for the sole purpose of assigning officials for GPISOA service games.
Section 2 DUTIES: The Commissioner of Officials (Assignor) shall be required to report to the general membership at the annual business meetings of GPISOA and at other times deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors. The report will contain:
(a) Annual report of assignments, which will include a report concerning new leagues and/or conferences
(c) Total of scheduled games
(d) Any item germane to assignments.
ARTICLE VIII - Appointed Positions
Section 1 RULES INTERPRETER: There shall be a Rules Interpreter who shall be a member of the GPISOA to be appointed by the President upon the decision of the Board of Directors to be responsible for the interpretation of laws and rules by which GPISOA serviced soccer games are governed. The Rules Interpreter shall be the sole official GPISOA authority on soccer laws and shall have the following functions:
(i) Render such rule interpretations as may be requested by or for the membership;
(ii) Settle any disputes on rule interpretations arising out of matches officiated by GPISOA officials;
(iii) Perform any other duties as may be prescribed by the President upon the decision of the Board of Directors.
(iv) All interpretations and rulings rendered by the Rules Interpreter shall be binding on all members of GPISOA.
Section 2 CLINICIAN: There shall be a Clinician who shall be a member of GPISOA to be appointed by the President upon the decision of the Board of Directors to be responsible for all training and clinics. The Clinician shall be the sole official GPISOA authority on training and shall have the following functions:
(j) Conduct the yearly training on rules changes.
(ii) Conduct any other training deemed necessary by the board or NISOA.
Section 3 EXAMINER: There shall be an Examiner who shall be a member of GPISOA to be appointed by the President upon the decision of the Board of Directors to be responsible for all testing. The Examiner shall be the sole official GPISOA authority on testing and shall have the following functions:
(i) Conduct all physical testing and record the scores and results.
(ii) Conduct all written testing and record the scores and results.
** NOTE: Any of the above positions of Rules Interpreter, Clinician or Examiner can be held by the same person.
ARTICLE IX - COMMITTEES
Section 1 NOMINATING: The Nominating Committee is appointed by the President, subject to Board of Directors approval, whose function is to provide viable, qualified candidates for the Board of Directors. (See Article V Section 4 a, b, c)
Section 2 RECRUITMENT AND MEMBERSHIP: The Recruitment and Membership Committee will be responsible for identifying and facilitating recruitment of new members to GPISOA.
Section 3 GRIEVANCE AND DISCIPLINE: There shall be a Grievance and Discipline Committee whose Chairman shall be appointed by the President upon decision of the Board of Directors. The Chairman shall draw upon GPISOA current membership and establish said committee to include no less than one (1) or more than two (2) members. No member who holds a position on the Board of Directors of GPISOA shall simultaneously serve as a member of the Committee. The Committee shall have the following responsibilities:
(i) Hear and investigate any grievance of a GPISOA member or reports of member misconduct arising out of GPISOA services.
(ii) Gather and analyze information relating to the case presented; and
(iii) Recommend to the Board of Directors of GPISOA any sanction, penalty, or exoneration of charges brought by or against any member of GPISOA.
Section 4 FINANCE: A Finance Committee shall be established. The President shall, with concurrence of the Board of Directors, appoint 3-5 members. The Chair shall be the Vice President. The Treasurer shall be a non-voting member. The Committee shall meet at least once each quarter and more frequently as needed. The Committee shall:
(i) Review and make recommendation relative to contracts between GPISOA and other entities such as, but not limited to: the Commissioner, leagues, and suppliers/vendors.
(ii) Make recommendation to the Board of Directors relative to appropriate financial safeguards including formal audits.
(iii) Maintain an annual financial plan for GPISOA in order to recommend appropriate revenues and expenses of the organization.
(iv) Perform other fiduciary responsibilities on behalf of the members and GPISOA.
Section 5: EVALUATION: The President, with the approval of the Board of Directors, shall appoint a committee to evaluate the on-field performance of referees, to review the assignment of referees by the Commissioner of Officials, and to make recommendation to the Board of Directors for candidates as National NISOA Referees. The committee shall be chaired by a NISOA Assessor who is not currently an active referee and shall include no less than three and no more than five members.
Section 4 SPECIAL COMMITTEES: The President, with the approval of the Board of Directors, shall appoint such other committees, sub-committees or task forces as are necessary and which are not in conflict with other provisions of the by-laws. The President with the approval of the Board of Directors shall prescribe the duties of any such committee.
ARTICLE X - MEMBER CONDUCT
Section 1 IMPROPER CONDUCT: Membership is a privilege offered and granted to individuals who not only perform capably as referees during intercollegiate soccer competition, but also carries with it an obligation for each individual member to uphold and promote the stated goals and objectives of NISOA/GPISOA and do nothing to bring NISOA/GPISOA into disrepute or work against its goals and objectives. Any conduct which is considered unethical or as conflict of interest shall be subject to penalty by NISOA/GPISOA.
Section 2 PROCEDURE: The procedure for bringing a grievance against a NISOA/GPISOA member, Table of Penalties, and Appeals Procedures are outline in NISOA Policy Code No. 600.1 which is annexed hereto, and form part of these by-laws.
ARTICLE XI - ASSIGNMENTS
Section 1 ASSIGNMENTS: The assignment of members to officiate GPISOA assigned games shall be the function of the GPISOA Commissioner of Officials (Assignor). All GPISOA officials will accept assignments as referee and referee assistants in both women's and men's games in all divisions and will not claim seniority or privilege to avoid less prestigious assignments. All assignments shall provide the name of the official(s), time(s) and place of the game(s), the name of the schools playing and the home team and any other pertinent information.
Section 2 ASSIGNMENT CONFIRMATION: The official listed as REFEREE shall confirm GAME SITE, TIME DAY and DATE by calling the school at least twenty-four (24) hours before the schedule match. The REFEREE will provide transportation and will confirm with partners on the time, date and pickup site at least forty-eight (48) hours before the match.
Section 3 ASSIGNMENT RESPONSIBILITY: Unless notified by the Commissioner of Officials (Assignor) or school officials, assigned officials will show up for all games to which they have accepted assignments. When there is doubt because of weather or other circumstances, each member is responsible for contacting the home team school and/or Commissioner (Assignor) to determine if the game is to be played or has been canceled. All officials will be at the site of the game at least thirty (30) minutes before the start of the game or be subject to a fine in accordance with these by-laws.
Section 4 ASSIGNMENTS " TURN BACKS": Any accepted game assignments which are turned back to the Commissioner of Officials (Assignor) within twenty-four (24) hours of the scheduled game date will be subjected to a rescheduling fee. Any reason to turn back an accepted assignment must be of an exceptional nature. The Commissioner of Officials shall refer "turn backs" to the Ethics and Grievance Committee for recommended resolution.
Section 5 GAME REPORTS: All games shall be reported according to NISOA current protocol, in a timely fashion, to the Commissioner of Officials or appropriate authority so designated at the Rules meeting.
ARTICLE XII - FEES, FINES, ASSESSMENTS
Section 1: Annual GPISOA Dues: The Finance Committee shall, at least annually, make recommendation to the Board of Directors for membership dues of GPISOA (which are separate from NISOA.) The Finance Committee may also, based on special need, recommend financial assessment of members in addition to annual GPISOA dues.
Section 2: FINES: On determining member misconduct, the Grievance and Discipline Committee may recommend the imposition of a financial penalty to a member. The recommendation shall be made to the Board of Directors and must be approved by simple majority. Failure to pay such fine shall result in loss of membership.
ARTICLE XIII - AMENDMENTS
These by-laws may be amended only by a two-thirds vote of those member present and voting at a GPISOA general business meeting provided that said proposed amendment is submitted in writing to the general membership by the Secretary at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting at which the amendment is to be considered. Any proposed amendment must be submitted to the Secretary at least forty-five (45) days in advance of the meeting.
ARTICLE XIV - DISSOLUTION
The Association may be dissolved at any time by the written consent of no less than eighty percent (80%) of the members present and voting at a GPISOA business meeting provided that said proposed amendment is submitted in writing to the general membership by the Secretary at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting at which the amendment is to be considered.
NISOA Policy Code No. 600.1
NATIONAL INTERCOLLEGIATE SOCCER OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION
NISOA POLICY STATEMENT STANDARDS OFCONDUCT
PURPOSE
To define a general policy and guideline under which NISOA may (a) determine whether individual members act within acceptable limits so far as ethical conduct or conflict of interest are reflected in their conduct as soccer officials and members of NISOA and (b) take action to penalize members who have acted outside acceptable limits, as indicated herein.
POLICY
Membership is a privilege offered and granted to individuals who not only perform capably as referees during intercollegiate soccer competition, but also carries with it an obligation for each individual member to uphold and promote the stated goals and objectives of NISOA and do nothing to bring NISOA into disrepute or work against its goats and objectives. Any conduct which is considered unethical or as conflict of interest shall be subject to penalty by NISOA.
PROCEDURE
(1) Any member, or component body, of NISOA may bring a charge of unethical conduct or conflict of interest against any member of NISOA. All charges must be made in writing, to the duly authorized local Chapter having jurisdiction over the member charged. That local Chapter shall investigate the matter to its satisfaction, and then take appropriate action to either dismiss the charge(s) as unsustained, or to invoke the appropriate penalty as prescribed under the "Table of Penalties."
(2) State Chapters take jurisdiction over those charges involving actions when two at more local Chapters within their jurisdiction are involved. State Chapters also take jurisdiction over those charges where the local Chapter is unable to come to a decision within thirty days of receiving the charge.
(3) Regional District Boards take jurisdiction over those charges involving actions where two or more State chapters within their jurisdiction are involved Regional District Boards also take jurisdiction over those charges where The State Chapter is unable to come to a decision within thirty (30) days of receiving that charge.
(4) Regional representatives shall have final jurisdiction for judgments made where Regional Boards are unable to come to a decision within thirty days of receiving the charge.
NISOA Policy Code No. 600.1
(5) The NISOA Ethics and Grievance Chairman takes jurisdiction over those charges where two regions are involved, or where the Region District representative is unable to reach a decision within thirty days of receiving the charge. The Chairman then has thirty days to reach a decision.
(6) The NISOA Executive Director shall act in rendering a final decision in the event a final decision cannot be reached by either of the above bodies. His decision will be final and binding on all parties and shall be presented to the NISOA Executive Council for review and approval.
(7) All decisions must be rendered in writing, and copies dispatched within two weeks of the decision, to all parties concerned.
TABLE OF PENALTIES
When charges are sustained, the action taken is to be taken from among the following:
(l) Letter of reprimand;
(2) Suspension from all active participation in NISOA for a fixed period of time;
(3) Dismissal from NISOA.
The severity of the penalty shall be determined by the decision making body having jurisdiction.
When felt appropriate by the decision making body having jurisdiction, the member charged may at temporarily suspended from active NISOA participation during investigation of the charges and until a decision is made
APPEALS PROCEDURE
Members who have received a penalty under this policy may appeal that decision and penalty, providing:
(1) They do so in writing;
(2) They do so within thirty days of receiving notice of the decision;
(3) They follow the NISOA Ethics and Grievance procedure;
(4) They make the appeal
to the next NISOA level above the decision-making level invoking the penalty. In
the event of a
decision and penalty invoked
by the
NISOA
Ethics and Grievance
Committee, such appeal is
to be made to the
Executive Director, who shall present it for decision to the next meeting of the
NISOA Executive Council.
NISOA Policy Code No. 600.1
NATIONAL INTERCOLLEGIATE SOCCER OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION
POLICY STATEMENT ON FEE STRUCTURE
FOR FILING OF GRIEVANCES BY INDIVIDUALS OR CHAPTERS
Below is the fee structure for grievances. All grievances mast be initiated with a ten dollar ($10.00) filling fee, to the Chairman of the Grievance Committee, which is NON-REFUNDABLE!!!!
Level Individual CHAPTER
LOCAL No Fee No Fee
REGIONAL $25.OO $50.00
NATIONAL $5O.00 S75.00
EXECUTIVE $75.00 S125.00
Individual or chapters who initiate a grievance should be prepared to travel to a hearing she, at their own expense, which Will be determined by a hearing officer.
At the Executive Level, if the decision is in favor of the plaintiff, the hearing officer is empowered to assess the defendant(s) a justifiable undetermined amount of money. The plaintiff on winning the grievance will be refunded all fees less the filing fee ($10.00).
NISOA
Adopted: April 25, 1982
[Policy Code # 900.4]
REQUIREMENTS:
All members must make application through a local chapter or Regional Board.
ELIGIBILITY:
Must submit three letters of recommendation: two from NISOA members in good standing with at least five years experience of officiating and one from a College coach, NISOA Assessor or NISOA Clinician.
Must pass the NISOA Qualifying Exam by 75%, the NISOA Entry Level Physical Fitness Test administered by an authorized NISOA Examiner and the NISOA Entry Level Physical Fitness Test.
Must have at least three years of game experience at the High School level or higher.
Must have officiated as a referee in at least 25 games at the high school varsity, amateur or professional, level.
Must have officiated the required games under the approved officiating systems of NISOA.
Must pass two field performance assessments using the approved NISOA officiating systems (one as referee, and one as assistant referee). All assessments must be done by certified NISOA Assessors (local, regional, national). Each assessment must be at the high school level or higher. The NISOA Referee Training Camp is acceptable for all testing listed above for the new applicant.
Must pass the NISOA Medical Physical Exam and return an accompanying statement which explains the referee's capabilities, and signed by a certified physician.
Must complete all of the above requirements within six months of the initial application.
Must submit all fees and dues (local, national, and new member uniform kit] with the application form. Three individual checks are to be made payable, one each, to the Local Chapter, NISOA, and OSI.
At the discretion of the local NISOA Chapter, the local applicant may be placed on probation for two years during which two field performance assessments each year must be made and passed.
Applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
An applicant is eligible to take a Fitness Test and/or the written Exam twice within the months of November-December; January-August 31.
Adopted: August 7,1982.
Revised in the following: October 11, 1983; August 4, 1984; July 25, 1992; July
22, 1994; July 25, 1998, July 23, 1999 
