Program areas at National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association
National referee academy - a group of 200 nisoa National referees from across the country are required to attend one of 12 National referee academies for recertification; the clinics are held throughout the summer months. These 12 academies are held in all parts of the united states by local nisoa chapters. Local chapter members are also encouraged to attend this professional development opportunity. Education from nisoa National clinicians includes ncaa Soccer rule changes, ncaa points of emphasis for the upcoming year, and best practices, among other matters.
Local and regional training - local and regional training is provided by the nisoa instructional division at the request of the local nisoa chapter or the elected nisoa regional representative. Nisoa National clinicians are assigned by the senior director of instruction. These instructors are typically from outside of the area or region and are held in the highest regard in the collegiate Soccer officiating domain. This training is to help support local and regional deficiencies, including, but not limited to, ncaa rule changes, ncaa points of emphasis for the upcoming year, and best practices.
Strategic leadership workshop - this workshop is held annually on the second weekend in february. Attendees for this event include all National executive board members, the program director, staff, and other invited guests. The focus of this event is to reevaluate the previous year of work in order to set goals and narrow down the focus for the current year. Additionally, awards, such as hall of fame inductions, are presented during this time.
Annual general meeting - the annual general meeting is held during the month of august. Attendees include board members, the program director, staff, and other invited guests. During this meeting, roll call is taken for delegates from local chapter leadership. The annual general meeting provides a holistic update on the organization to its members and provides the announcement of election results, voting of policy changes, updates on current affairs, announcement of hall of fame and other awards, and other matters. This meeting is broadcasted and recorded for the future viewing pleasure of the membership.
Nisoa referee summit - held annually at the end of february or the beginning of march, this event is a weekend-long extravaganza that includes an executive board meeting, a meet and greet session, technical classroom education, and practical field training exercises. This event boasts some of the most relevant and knowledgeable instructors affiliated with collegiate Soccer, including, but not limited to, certified nisoa National clinicians. There is no cost associated, other than travel to and from the summit. Light morning refreshments and lunch are provided to each attendee. Additionally, all attendees receive a welcome gift from official sports international. Other vendors are in attendance to display products and services.
Newsletters - nisoa produces weekly press releases detailing information on current and upcoming events, opportunities, education, and products from current vendor partnerships. This information is distributed via e-mail. The mailing service "mailchimp" is used to distribute the newsletters to all 4,500 general members.
Educational material production and distribution - educational material is produced under the guidance of the senior director of instruction and includes planning with the nisoa National clinician faction. They typically meet over a weekend in april or may in a central location to plan the educational material for upcoming National referee academies, as well as local and regional clinics. National clinicians are given tasks to develop the educational material for the upcoming year. This material includes, but is not limited to, powerpoint presentations, video clips, and articles. Material is dispersed to the local chapters through a thumb drive via mail, and National academies receive their educational material from the National clinicians attending said academy.
Nisoa practical field training events - partnering with ncaa conferences, assignors, and local chapters, nisoa provides a hybrid educational model of practical field training and theoretical classroom education to attendees. This model allows for attendees to receive the most relevant information as it relates to the ncaa rules and interpretations, as well as the practicality of how to best implement on the field to achieve success. These events occur throughout the spring and summer.
Chapter support - this was a new chapter assistance program requiring chapters to submit grants to the nisoa executive board, outlining their specific needs in order to service and provide educational value to their members.
Education - the nisoa provides education to referees seeking to begin participating in the collegiate game over a four-day period.