Introduction
College officiating in the United States is typically done under the auspices of the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (NISOA). The college rule book is published annually by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and is used by all of the major college athletic associations, including the NAIA, NCCAA, and NJCAA.
Collegiate Officiating
Joining NISOA requires taking a written test and a physical exam, as well as a fairly stiff fee (over $200) to join. Note that the fee includes a full uniform, since NISOA requires entirely different shirts and socks than USSF or High School officiating. An annual refresher class, written and physical test are required.
Most college officials start with USSF and High School officiating.
WMSOA is one of two NISOA branches in Michigan, and local (West Michigan) games are typically assigned through the local chapter, although some conferences (e.g. the Mid America Conference [MAC]) have a conference assignor.
Occasionally a two man system is used (e.g. scrimmages or the Calvin JV team), but three are the rule. Since colleges have no affiliation with USSF, college games cannot count towards upgrades in USSF.
Fall 2007 College Update
WMSOA ADOPTS NEW NISOA MINIMUM DRESS STANDARDS (5-21-2007)
In keeping with guidelines issued by NISOA, the WMSOA board has approved a
program that requires all NISOA officials in
West Michigan
follow the below regulations relating to dress and professionalism.
Beginning in the 2007 fall season, all officials accepting NISOA College assignments in the West Michigan area will be expected to have the following equipment available for all games.
This is in addition to normal accepted requirements such as shorts, warm-ups,
etc. To assist and meeting these requirements WMSOA will be organizing a bulk
purchase from Official Sports expected in June and all members will be notified
how to place their orders.
- One each short sleeve and one each long sleeve of the gold, orange and black shirts.
- One pair each of white stripe, yellow stripe and orange stripe socks.
- One NISOA warm-up wind shirt.
College Rule Changes (7-9-2007)
The NCAA has published its rule changes for 2007. These will be in effect this coming fall. Note that most college competitions, including NAIA games, play be NCAA rules. Some games, such as club games, may not - make sure you consult with the opposing teams prior to start of the game for these games!
The biggest change is that the restart after a temporary suspension of play (e.g. an injury - NOT a foul or misconduct) is now a drop ball, as in USSF, not an Indirect Free Kick!
This now is in conformance with the FIFA Laws of the Game. If you do not do USSF games it is worth understanding two things:
1. In many cases a contested drop ball would be unfair. Players are expected to exhibit proper sportsmanship and allow the opposing team to have control of the ball - you may need to remind the players of this. It is easiest to ask the opposing player to "clear out".
2. A goalie may pick up a dropped ball in his own Penalty Area.
As an example, the goalie is about to punt the ball, but you blow the whistle since another player is injured. When you drop the ball the opposing players should simply leave the immediate vicinity of the drop ball. When you drop the Goalie can then pick it up (without worrying about someone kicking him)and punt it.