CONSTITUTION OF THE BERGEN COUNTY SOCCER OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION

Inaugurated September 1938    
Adopted November 1949
Revised October 2023

ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of this organization shall be the Bergen County Soccer Officials Association (herein after referred to as the “Association”).  This Association shall be an affiliate of the New Jersey High School Soccer Officials Association (NJHSSOA) and anything not specifically covered in this Constitution/By-Laws shall be in accord with the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Constitution and/or Official’s Handbook.

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

The purpose of the Association is to:

A.      Promote the welfare of the game of soccer by uniformly interpreting and administering the rules of the game as set forth by the NJSIAA.

B.      Promote and maintain the highest degree of soccer officiating by following a uniform set of mechanics.

C.      Have available at all times an adequate number of thoroughly trained and capable referees.

D.     Preserve the traditions, foster the ideas, advance the interests and improve the quality and prestige of soccer referees through a comprehensive program for recruitment, class training and on field experience.

E.      Develop a spirit of friendship and maintain a high standard of ethics among referees.

ARTICLE III – HOME OFFICE

The home office shall be the designated address of record of the Secretary-Treasurer.

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1:  Membership in this Association shall be open to any person who has attained the legal age of eighteen (18) years by September 1 of the year that he or she seeks membership.  The membership of this Association shall be in one of the following NJSIAA categories:

A.      Active

B.      Inactive

SECTION 2:  All Active members must register with the NJSIAA, pay the appropriate NJSIAA registration fee and consent to and pay for a yearly background check that expires in June on the day of last NJSIAA event.  Members are covered by the National Federation High School (NFHS) liability insurance.

SECTION 3:  All Inactive members must register with the NJSIAA and pay the appropriate NJSIAA registration fee.  Members are not required to have background checks, but are covered by NFHS liability insurance if they choose to officiate any contests other than NJSIAA, Semi-Pro or Professional levels.  

SECTION 4:  As per the NJSIAA, registration by the chapter will not be issued or renewed for anyone:

1.      Convicted, or adjudicated with a finding of fault, guilt or violation, in regard to an offense against a minor or any sexual offense unless/until such offense has been reversed by proper authority with jurisdiction over the matter, or;

2.      Convicted, or adjudicated with a finding of fault, guilt or violation, in regard to an offense involving any illegal/illicit drug or controlled substance as prescribed by federal or state law or regulation, prior to five (5) years following the completion of any sentence, parole, or probation period for the offense.

ARTICLE V – OFFICERS/EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

SECTION 1:  The officers of this Association shall be President, Vice-President and Secretary/Treasurer.  The President and Vice President shall be elected for a two (2) year term and shall not be eligible to succeed themselves.  The Secretary/Treasurer shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Executive Committee for a two (2) year term.  In order to serve as an officer, member must be in good standing and have previously served on the Executive Committee for one (1) year.

SECTION 2:  The Executive Committee shall consist of the officers and six (6) members elected from the general membership.  The elected members shall serve a term of three (3) years on a rotating basis with two (2) new members being elected each year at the Annual Business meeting.  In order to serve on the Executive Committee, member must be in good standing and have been a member of the Association for two (2) years.  The past President of the Association shall serve as an emeritus member of the Executive Committee but shall have no voting privileges.

ARTICLE VI – FINANCE

Any money obtained by this Association shall be used only for this Association.  All bank and investment accounts opened shall be in the name of this Association and all checks issued shall be signed by the Secretary/Treasurer.

ARTICLE VII – MEETINGS

The Association shall conduct regular meetings, including an Annual Business meeting in the month of October, the dates of which shall be determined by the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE VIII – AMENDMENTS, DISTRIBUTION AND CONFLICTS

Any amendments to this Constitution must be made at the Annual Business meeting or a special meeting called for that purpose provided all members have been noticed at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting.  All amendments must be passed by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present and voting.  Copies of this Constitution shall be available and posted on the Association website for viewing by members of this Association.

BY-LAWS OF THE BERGEN COUNTY SOCCER OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION

ARTICLE I – MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1:  All persons wishing to register as new members in this Association must submit the following documentation to the Cadet School Chairperson or Secretary/Treasurer:

A.      Properly completed Association application for membership along with the appropriate class fee.

B.      A physician’s signed statement certifying that the applicant is physically fit to perform the physical requirement of a high school soccer official or an applicant’s signature voluntarily waiving this medical requirement.

C.      Proof of age, applicants must be eighteen (18) years by September 1 of the year that he or she seeks membership.  

SECTION 2:  New members will be required to attend educational training over a period of time that will emphasize the rules of the game as well as refereeing techniques, procedures and mechanics.  At the conclusion of the training, members will be required to pass a written examination, serve one (1) year as a Provisional referee on the sub-varsity level and shall successfully complete such referee coaching program as established by the Executive Committee in order to be considered a full Active member.

SECTION 3:  An applicant may petition the Executive Committee to waive serving a minimum of one (1) year as a Provisional referee by providing proof of prior experience.  Such proof may include experience as a NISOA non-probationary referee and/or USSF Regional referee.  Each situation will be evaluated on an individual basis and the Executive Committee’s decision in this matter will be final.

SECTION 4:  New members reaching the full Active member status will be required to take and pass an open book re-certification examination annually to maintain such status.

SECTION 5:  The membership of this Association shall be in one of four categories:

A.      ACTIVE MEMBERS:  Members are eligible to officiate any NJSIAA governed contests at any level assuming a minimum of one (1) year as a Provisional referee has been satisfied.  Member must be in good standing, met their attendance requirements, paid their annual dues and have fulfilled all additional requirements (annual re-certification exam, annual concussion course completion and referee coaching protocol) as required by the NJSIAA, NJHSSOA and this Association.  These members are eligible to serve as Officers and Executive Committee members pending the length of service requirement and are entitled to have a voice and vote.

B.      INACTIVE MEMBERS:  Members are not permitted to officiate any NJSIAA governed contests at any level.  Member must be in good standing and have paid their annual dues.  These members are ineligible to serve as Officers and Executive Committee members, but shall have a voice and vote.

C.      ASSOCIATE MEMBERS:  Membership shall be open to all persons interested in the game of soccer and the Association.  Members are not permitted to officiate any NJSIAA governed contests at any level and must have paid their annual dues.

D.     HONORARY MEMBERS:  Membership may be extended by any Executive Committee member, with the approval of the Executive Committee, to those persons who have distinguished themselves in the interests of soccer.  Member shall not pay annual dues but shall be invited to attend the annual Banquet as a guest of the Association.  

SECTION 6:  Members who can prove current good standing in a NFHS affiliated soccer chapter may apply for immediate membership transfer to the Association.  Application can be made by submitting a NJHSSOA chapter transfer form (NJ) or a letter of good standing (outside NJ) to the Secretary/Treasurer.

SECTION 7:  All members shall pay annual Association dues, inclusive of a non-transferable annual Banquet reservation, by a certain deadline as specified by the Executive Committee.  Failure to submit fees to the Secretary/Treasurer by the prescribed date shall lead to late fees being assessed.  Any member who fails to submit his/her annual dues along with assessed late fees by the first meeting of the succeeding year shall be removed from the Association.

SECTION 8:  Former members who choose to return to the Association shall reapply for membership and meet all the new member requirements to be re-instated as an Active member.

SECTION 9:  An official whose NJSIAA registration has been forfeited, suspended or revoked or an applicant who is denied registration, under the provisions of the NJSIAA policy, may petition the chapter for reinstatement/reapplication on the following:

1.      If suspension, revocation or forfeiture of registration is based upon conviction, adjudication or finding guilt as a result of an indictable offense:  The official/applicant may petition for registration one (1) year after the completion of the parole/probation period; other than conviction of illegal/illicit drugs, controlled substance where a five (5) year probation is used, or immediately upon dismissal or reversal of the charge or conviction (provide the offense was NOT involving a minor or a sexual offense).

2.      If suspension, revocation, forfeiture or denial of registration is based upon any conviction, adjudication or finding of guilt involving s minor or sexual offense, reinstatement/reapplication will not be permitted, unless/until such offense has been reversed by proper authority having jurisdiction over the matter. 

SECTION 10: Neither membership in, nor services provided by the Association will be denied to anyone on the bases of race, color, religion, national origin, physical or mental handicap, age, sex, sexual preference, ancestry, or medical condition.  This applies to all groups with the exception of those exempted in.

ARTICLE II – OFFICERS/EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

SECTION 1:  The President shall preside at all meetings and preserve order therein.  The President may call special meetings as the need arises.  The President shall appoint, with the approval of the Executive Committee, the Secretary/Treasurer for a term of two years and any elected positions on the Executive Committee whose terms are voluntarily vacated before their expiration.  The President shall appoint all standing and ad hoc committees of the Association for a one year period.  He/she shall serve as an ex-officio member of all committees to see that they function as assigned.  The President

shall cast the deciding vote in any ballot that would otherwise result in a tie vote.  He/she shall enforce the Constitution/By-Laws and perform all duties that are attached to the office of the President, at all times endeavoring to further the best interests of the Association.

SECTION 2:  The Vice-President shall execute the duties of the President in the absence of the President and shall automatically become the President in the case of disability, resignation or death of the President.  In such cases, the Executive Committee is empowered to select a new Vice-President to serve until the original term of the office expires.  The Vice-President shall also perform the duties of the President whenever requested to do so by the President.

SECTION 3:  The Secretary/Treasurer shall be the legal custodian of the Association records, including the keeper of minutes for the Association and Executive Committee meetings.  He/she shall give notice to all Association members of regular and special meetings, as well as present any communications addressed to him/her on behalf of the Association at any meeting.  He/she shall keep complete and accurate records of all receipts and disbursements, and submit an audited financial report of the Association at the Annual Business meeting.  He/she shall sign all official documents and submit all Federal/State filings as required.  The Secretary-Treasurer shall receive an annual stipend, the amount of which shall be determined by the Executive Committee.

SECTION 4:  The Executive Committee shall manage all affairs and normal business of the Association.  No business may be conducted officially unless a quorum of five (5) members are present.  Rotating three (3) year term members of the Executive Committee may not serve more than two (2) consecutive three (3) year terms

SECTION 5:  An Elected Officer or Executive Committee member may be removed when sufficient cause and/or charges exist for such removal.  A charged person may be represented by counsel upon any removal hearing.  The Executive Committee shall adopt such rules at its discretion for this hearing as it may consider necessary for the best interest of the Association.  Such removal shall require a 2/3 majority vote by the Executive Committee (the charged member is not permitted to vote).  If such removal is approved, the vacated position shall be filled with a majority vote of the remaining Executive Committee present.

ARTICLE III – ELECTION OF OFFICERS

SECTION 1:  Nominations for officers and Executive Committee members shall be made at the Annual Business meeting by the Nominations committee.  Additional nominations may be made from the general membership after the Nominations committee has made their report and are subject to an immediate second from another member.  Election voting for the Executive Committee shall be held immediately after nominations are closed.  If floor nominations are received, a paper ballot will be distributed for membership voting.  If no floor nominations are received, the President will ask the Secretary-Treasurer to cast one vote to accept the nomination.

ARTICLE IV – MEETINGS

SECTION 1: The Executive Committee shall set all regular meetings for the Association membership at a time and place to be designated.  The Secretary/Treasurer shall notify all members in good standing by

any means reasonably able to achieve adequate notice to the members of all meeting dates.  All members must attend one (1) Mandatory new rules interpretation meeting, one (1) Association Educational meeting and the Annual Business meeting. 

SECTION 2:  Special meetings may be called at any time at the discretion of the President, the majority of the Executive Committee members or a majority vote of the Active membership of the Association.  Fourteen (14) days’ notice must be allowed for the Secretary/Treasurer to inform the membership of any special meeting.  Such notice shall state the reasons that such meeting has been called, the business to be transacted at such meeting and by whom called.  No other business may be transacted at such meeting unless unanimous consent is obtained from all Active members present.

SECTION 3:  The Annual Business meeting of this Association shall be held in October at a scheduled meeting of the general membership each and every year.  No official business may be transacted at any business or special meeting unless a quorum of at least twenty five (25) percent of the membership is present, including at least one (1) officer and two (2) Executive Committee members.

SECTION 4:  The general membership may initiate the process of removing an Elected Officer or Executive Committee member by making a motion, having a second of that motion to be followed by discussion.  A simple majority vote of those members present shall be necessary to place the question of removal on the agenda for the next meeting.  Under new business of the next meeting, the question will be discussed and voted upon with a 75% vote required of all Active members present for the motion to pass.  If such removal is approved, the vacated position shall be filled with a majority vote of the Active members present at the same meeting.

SECTION 5:  Attendance will be taken at all meetings of the Association and any member who arrives after the published start time of the meeting will be asked to sign in a different attendance book that will require an explanation of tardiness before credit for attending the meeting is given.

SECTION 6:  Any member who wishes to be excused from an Educational or Annual Business meeting may request such by submitting a letter/email to the Attendance Committee via Secretary/Treasurer no later than fifteen (15) days after the meeting date.  Acceptance of the explanation shall be at the discretion of the Attendance and Executive Committees.  Letters of attendance from other recognized chapter meetings will be considered if signed by that chapter’s Secretary.  Failure to satisfy the attendance requirements will result in penalties.

SECTION 7:  The Executive Committee will prescribe the following penalties for unexcused absences:

A.      For failure to attend a mandatory new rules interpretation meeting – immediate removal from all assigned NJSIAA governed Varsity contests in the current season.

B.      For failure to attend the required number of meetings (first offense) – one (1) year probation, member can still officiate any NJSIAA governed contests at any level.

C.      For failure to attend the required number of meetings (second offense within a three (3) year period) – one (1) year suspension, member cannot officiate any NJSIAA Varsity contests.

D.     Third offense may result in expulsion from the Association.

E.      A member may not become Inactive after being placed on probation and/or suspension.  The member shall fulfill the requirements of probation and/or suspension before the member is eligible to return to Active status.  

ARTICLE V – ORDER OF BUSINESS  

All regular business shall be conducted according to the Robert’s Rules of Order as follows:  

A.      Call to order

B.      Minutes of the previous regular or special meeting

C.      Committee Reports

D.     Officer’s Reports and Communications

E.      Old Business

F.       New Business

G.     Program

H.     Adjournment

ARTICLE VI – COMMITTEES

SECTION 1:  The Standing Committees of this Association shall include:

A.      Attendance – responsible for the membership sign-in procedure and maintaining all attendance records, including excused absences, from all scheduled meetings.

B.      Interpretation & Mechanics – be the point person of contact for all NFHS rules and NJSIAA modifications; plan and present at membership meetings.

C.      Continuing Education – serve as the resource to educate and train our members.

D.     Nominations – receive interest from members in joining the Executive Committee and then recommend qualified candidates from the membership to serve as such.

E.      By-Laws – review and make recommendations for revisions to the Constitution/By-Laws as needed.

F.       Cadet School – supervise the instruction of new applicants and guide them through the Association introduction process.

G.     Awards & Banquet – plan the annual Banquet event and assist the Secretary/Treasurer with ordering all awards and door prizes.

H.     Welfare – keep the membership informed of any member news for the good of the membership.

I.        Referee Coaches – provide a program to ensure all Active members, including Provisional referees, are mentored for the benefit of their performance and the game of soccer.  Establish criteria for becoming a referee coach, provide forms and track the results of all members in this program.

J.        Uniform – address all issues regarding the proper NJSIAA uniform to be worn.

K.      Ethics – address any issues of member non-compliance with referee code of conduct along with any flagged background reinstatement requests.  All Executive Committee members are required members of this committee and the President shall serve as this committee’s chairperson.

SECTION 2:  All Committee chairpersons, except the Ethics, shall provide a report at all Executive Committee and Annual Business meetings.

SECTION 3:  The duties of the Ethics committee shall address all non-compliance charges against a member.  All charges must be made in writing and transmitted to the committee chairperson who will recommend whatever action they think is appropriate under the provisions of the Constitution/By-Laws.  Such recommendation shall be forwarded to the entire committee for further consideration and possible action.

SECTION 4:  When charges against a member are certified by the Ethics committee, the following procedure shall be followed:

A.      The member against whom the charges have been filed shall be informed in writing of all charges against him/her and shall be given copies of all written documents submitted.

B.      A hearing shall be scheduled to consider what action will be taken on the charges filed.  A member against whom charges have been filed shall be given between seven (7) and fourteen (14) days’ notice of the date of the hearing and shall be requested to attend such hearing.

C.      Any person against whom charges have been filed is entitled to counsel at any hearing.  Such person shall also have the right to call any witnesses to speak on his/her behalf.

D.     The recommendations of this committee may include but are not limited to the following actions; dismiss the charge, reprimand, fine, probation, suspension or expulsion from the Association.

E.      No member of this Association may be disciplined except in accordance with the procedures established in the Constitution/By-Laws.

F.       The charged member shall receive a written notice of the hearing judgement with seven (7) days of the committee’s decision.

G.     The committee shall make the final determination in each case, no appeal may be made.

SECTION 5:  Association members that receive a pre-adverse letter because they have been flagged by the NJSIAA based on the NJSIAA background check criteria must follow the procedure outlined in the NJSIAA Official’s handbook if they wish to officiate any NJSIAA governed contests.  The Ethics committee shall be responsible for reviewing the flagged report to determine if the reinstatement request meets the NJSIAA Guidelines, Policies & Procedures for registration of officials.  The Association will notify the NJSIAA of their decision in a timely manner.

ARTICLE VII – ANNUAL TESTING OF ACTIVE OFFICIALS  

SECTION 1:  The annual re-certification exam for all Active members shall be selected and administered by the NJSIAA.  The number of questions, passing grade and number of grade attempts shall be determined by the NJHSSOA, in conjunction with the NJSIAA.

SECTION 2:  The NJSIAA will establish a date by which the examination period will end.  Any member who fails to take the required examination or does not achieve a passing grade will be suspended immediately for the current season and removed from all NJSIAA governed Varsity contests.  The Secretary/Treasurer will inform all appropriate Assignors of any members who are suspended.  Any member who violates this suspension criteria may be subject to further penalties.

ARTICLE VIII – UNIFORMS

All members shall wear the approved uniform as set forth by the NJSIAA, NJHSSOA and our Association.  Failure to adhere to and violations of the uniform code are subject to review by the Uniform and/or Ethics committees.

ARTICLE IX – AMENDMENTS, DISTRIBUTION AND CONFLICTS

Any amendments to these By-Laws must be made at the Annual Business meeting or a special meeting called for that purpose provided all members have been noticed at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting.  All amendments must be passed by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present and voting.  Copies of these By-Laws shall be available and posted on the Association website for viewing by members of this Association.

ARTICLE X – NON-DISCRIMINATION

Nothing in this Constitution/By-Laws shall be construed as discriminating against any on the bases of race, color, religion, national origin, physical or mental handicap, age, sex, sexual preference, ancestry, or medical condition.