Bergen County Soccer Officials Home Page

To promote the welfare of the game of soccer on the county and state level by uniformly interpreting and administering the rules and mechanics of soccer as set forth by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (hereafter referred to as the NJSIAA).
To promote and maintain the highest degree of soccer officiating.
To make an effort at all times to provide an adequate number of thoroughly trained and capable referees.
To cooperate with organizations officially related to the game of soccer in furthering its interest and ideals.

Article 3 – Home Office

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

Article 4 – Membership

This Association shall be composed of individuals who meet the qualifications listed in this section:

Section 1. Eligibility

An applicant shall submit a written application and a fee to the Association for review by the Cadet school supervisor.
The applicant shall be at least eighteen years of age as of October 1^st of the current NJSIAA soccer season.

Section 2. Cadet membership

An applicant shall attend the Association’s Cadet school program at a time and place as offered by the Association.
The applicant shall pass a written examination given by the Association with a score of 75% at a time and place designated by the Cadet school supervisor.
An applicant is considered a Cadet once he/she passes the Association examination.
The applicant shall serve a minimum of one year as a Cadet referee on the sub-varsity level at which time the Cadet school supervisor will evaluate him/her.
Cadet shall have paid all current fees due to the Association on or before the date specified by the Secretary-Treasurer.
Cadet shall meet the same attendance requirements as Active members.

Section 3. Active Membership

Member shall have satisfactorily completed the Cadet program.
Member shall have passed the New Jersey Soccer Official’s Association Inc. (hereafter referred to as the NJSOA) written examination of soccer rules with a passing score as set by the NJSOA.
Member shall have paid all current financial obligations due to the Association on or before the date specified by the Secretary-Treasurer.
Member shall meet attendance requirements in accordance with Article 3, Section 1 of the By-laws.
Member shall maintain integrity and respect for the game of soccer and the Association.
Member shall have not brought the game of soccer or the Association into disrepute.
Member shall successfully complete the annual refresher examination in accordance with Article 9 of the By-laws.
Member shall be entitled to vote, serve on committees and hold office.
A member in good standing with any NJSOA chapter may transfer with the consent of both chapters.

Section 4. Inactive Membership

Member shall have met the requirements under Section 3 and have served a minimum of one year as an Active member in good standing.
Member shall have paid all current financial obligations due to the Association on or before the date specified by the Secretary-Treasurer.
Member shall not hold office, but may serve on committees.
Member shall notify the Secretary-Treasurer in writing prior to the NJSIAA registration deadline that he/she will be inactive.
Member shall not officiate any games.
Member may only be inactive for two consecutive years and may return to active status by meeting the requirements of Active membership prior to the start of the current NJSIAA soccer season.
Member who wishes to return to Active membership after more than 2 years of being Inactive must re-enter through the Cadet program.

Section 5. Associate Membership

Associate Membership shall be open to all persons interested in the game of soccer and the Association who have been approved by the Board of Trustees. They shall not have the right to vote, hold office or serve on any committees.
Member shall have paid all current fees due to the Association on or before the date specified by the Secretary-Treasurer.

Section 6. Honorary Membership

Honorary membership shall be awarded to those persons who have distinguished themselves in the interests of soccer. They shall not have the right to vote, hold office or serve on any committees.
Selection of Honorary members shall be the responsibility of the Board of Trustees.
No fees shall apply to Honorary membership and members shall be entitled to attend the annual banquet as a guest of the Association.

Section 7. Probationary Membership

Member who does not meet the requirements of the Association and who has not been excused by the Ethics Committee may be placed on probation.
Probationary member may still officiate games on any level.
Member is still required to meet attendance requirements while on probation.
Member who is placed on probation and/or suspended for any 2 out of 3 consecutive years may be expelled from the Association.
An expelled member who wishes to return to Active membership must re-enter through the Cadet program.

Section 8. Suspended Membership

Member who does not meet the refresher examination requirements of the Association will be placed on suspension.
Member who does not attend a rules interpretation meeting as mandated by the NJSIAA will be placed on suspension.
Suspended member may not officiate any Varsity games.
Member is still required to meet attendance requirements while suspended.
Member who is suspended and/or placed on probation for any 2 out of 3 consecutive years may be expelled from the Association.
An expelled member who wishes to return to Active membership must re-enter through the Cadet program.

Section 9. Dues

The annual membership dues shall be set by the Board of Trustees and presented at the annual Business meeting each year.
Included in the dues, except for Inactive and Associate members, is a non-transferable banquet reservation. Other members or guests who wish to attend the banquet must pay a fee as set by the Board of Trustees.
Failure to submit dues on time shall result in a late fee as established by the Secretary-Treasurer and as mandated by the NJSIAA

Section 10 – Registration

The Association Secretary shall furnish the NJSIAA with a list of their members in good standing by the NJSIAA designated date, and include payment of dues for members so listed.
Registration

1. Registration by the chapter will not be issued or renewed for anyone:
a. 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,

b. 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/probation period imposed for the offense.

2. Currently Registered Officials

a. When a currently registered official is indicted or charged with any indictable criminal offense or charged with a violation of any statue pertaining to minors, drugs or a controlled substance, such license will automatically be suspended, pending resolution of the indictment or charge. Conviction or adjudication of fault, guilt or a violation under any such indictment or charge shall result in immediate and automatic forfeiture of the officiating license.

b. Currently registered officials must inform the local chapter of any such indictment or indictable criminal charge immediately upon receipt of or having knowledge of such indictment or charge. Failure to notify the chapter shall itself be a basis for immediate and automatic forfeiture of the officiating license.
3. Reinstatement/Reapplication for Registration. An official whose registration has been forfeited, suspended or revoked or an applicant who is denied registration, under the provisions of this policy, may petition the chapter for reinstatement/reapplication based on the following:
a. If suspension, revocation or forfeiture of registration is based on conviction, adjudication or finding of guilt as a result of an indictable offense: The official/applicant may petition the chapter 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 (provided the offense was NOT involving a minor or sexual offense).

b. If suspension, revocation, forfeiture or denial of registration is based upon any conviction, adjudication or finding of guilt involving a 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.

Article 5 – Officers

Section 1

The officers of the Association shall consist of the President, Vice President and Secretary- Treasurer. In order to serve as an officer, member must be in good standing and have previously served on the Board of Trustees for 1 year. Any of these officers shall represent the Association on the State (NJSOA) executive committee.

Section 2

Officers, by virtue of their office, shall be members of the Board of Trustees.

Section 3

The President with the approval of the Board of Trustees shall appoint the Secretary-Treasurer for a term of two years.

Section 4

Officers shall rotate among the membership biannually except for the Secretary-Treasurer for a term of two years.

Section 5

Elections shall be held at the annual Business meeting.

Article 6 – Board of Trustees

Section 1

The business of the Association shall be managed by a Board of Trustees consisting of the Officers of the Association along with six elected members. In order to serve on the Board of Trustees, member must be in good standing and have been a member of the Association for two years. The elected members shall serve a term of three years on a rotating basis with two new members being elected each year at the annual Business meeting.

Section 2

The President of the Association, by virtue of his/her office, shall be the Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Section 3

The Vice President of the Association, by virtue of his/her office, shall be the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Section 4

The Secretary-Treasurer of the Association, by virtue of his/her office, shall be the Secretary-Treasurer of the Board of Trustees.

Section 5

Five members of the Board of Trustees shall constitute a quorum for business to be conducted.

Section 6

Each member of the Board of Trustees shall be entitled to one vote and may only cast his/her vote in person.

Section 7

The immediate past President shall serve as a member of the Board of Trustees, emeritus, without vote. If he/she is unable to serve, the Board of Trustees may select another past officer to serve in their stead.

Section 8

Either one of the following procedures may remove a member from the Board of Trustees:

A Trustee may be removed when sufficient cause exists for such removal. The Board of Trustees may entertain charges against any Trustee with a 2/3-majority vote of the entire Board needed for such a removal (the charged Trustee is not permitted to vote).
The general membership may initiate the process of removing a Trustee by making a motion, having a second of that motion to be followed by a 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 removal motion to pass.

Section 9

Either one of the following procedures may fill a vacancy on the Board of Trustees:

If the Board of Trustees removes a Trustee, it shall replace the Trustee for the balance of the term with a majority vote of the remaining Board of Trustees present.
If the general membership removes a Trustee, it shall elect a replacement Trustee for the balance of the term with a majority vote of all Active members present at the same meeting.

Article 7 – Committees

Section 1

The President shall appoint all standing and ad hoc committees of the Association for a one-year period. Each standing committee shall consist of a chairperson and such additional members as selected by the President. The only exception is the Ethics committee, which shall consist of all members of the Board of Trustees.

Section 2

Standing Committees:

Attendance F. Cadet School
Interpretation G. Awards & Banquet
Mechanics H. Welfare
Nomination I. Ethics
By-laws

Article 8 – Meetings

Section 1

The Board of Trustees shall set all regular meetings for the Association membership including the annual Business meeting in October at a time and place to be designated.

Section 2

Other meetings may be called in accordance with Article 5, Section 1D of the By-laws.

Section 3

At the request of three members of the Board of Trustees or ten percent of the Active membership of the Association, the President shall call a special meeting. This request must be made in writing at least twenty-one days prior to the requested meeting date.

Section 4

Notice for any special meeting shall be mailed to all members at their addresses as they appear in the membership directory at least seven but not more than fourteen days before the scheduled meeting date. Such notice shall state the reasons that such meeting has been called, the business to be transacted at such meeting, any by whom called. No other business may be transacted at such meeting unless unanimous consent is obtained from all Active members present.

Section 5

The presence of not less than 25 percent of the Active membership, including at least one officer and two trustees, shall constitute a quorum and shall be necessary to conduct any business of the Association.

Article 9 – Amendments

Section 1

Proposed amendments shall be presented in writing to the membership at least 30 days prior to the annual business meeting. Notices shall be mailed to all members at their addresses as they appear in the membership directory.

Section 2

Amendments to the Constitution shall require a 2/3-majority vote of all Active members present and voting.

BY-LAWS OF THE BERGEN COUNTY SOCCER OFFICIAL’S ASSOCIATION, INC.

Article 1 – Procedure

All meetings of this Association shall be governed by the parliamentary procedures prescribed in Robert’s Rules of Order.

Article 2 – Order of Business

A. Minutes E. New Business

B. Committee Reports F. Program

C. Officers Reports and Communications G. Adjournment

D. Unfinished Business

Article 3 – Attendance

Section 1

Members of this Association must attend at least 75% of the Chapter meetings including the New Rules Interpretations meeting, the annual Business meeting and the appropriate number of other meeting(s) to fulfill this requirement. Meetings sponsored by the NJSIAA or other Chapters, with sufficient proof of attendance, shall be considered acceptable for this obligation.

Section 2

Attendance will be taken at all meetings of the Association. Any member who arrives fifteen (15) minutes late after the published start time of a meeting will be asked to sign in a different attendance book that will require an explanation of tardiness before credit for the meeting is given.

Section 3

Any member who wishes to be excused from a meeting or explain a reason for tardiness shall submit a letter to the Ethics Committee via the Secretary-Treasurer or the Attendance Chairperson within 3 days (before or after) of that meeting. Upon review by the Ethics committee, the member may be excused from or given credit for that meeting.

Article 4 – Voting

Section 1

All voting at the Association meetings, except for elections, shall be via voice unless a clear majority cannot be determined. In this case, a show of hands shall be used.

Section 2

For elections, paper ballots shall be used.

Section 3

On any vote of the Association, a paper ballot may be used if requested by a majority of the Active members present.

Section 4.

No proxy voting shall be used.

Article 5 – Duties of the Officers

Section 1

The President shall preside at all meetings of the Association and of the Board of Trustees. He/she shall:

Under the direction of the Board of Trustees conduct all negotiations on behalf of the Association
Be responsible to promote and further the policies adopted by the Association.
Appoint all standing and ad hoc committees.
Call any special meeting for the good of the Association with the approval of the Board of Trustees.
Appoint a Secretary-Treasurer with the approval of the Board of Trustees.

Section 2

The Vice President shall, in the absence of the President, perform the duties of the President as if he/she had been duly elected President.

Section 3

The Secretary-Treasurer shall be the official custodian of the Association records, including the keeper of minutes of the regular meetings, Board of Trustee meetings and committee reports. He/she shall give and serve all notices to the members of the Association, as well as present to the membership at any meeting any communications addressed to him on behalf of the Association. He/she shall keep complete and accurate records of all money received and disbursed, and submit a written report of the financial standing of the Association at the annual Business meeting.

Article 6 – Duties of the Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees shall have the control and management of the affairs and business of the Association. This shall include the appointment and determination of the compensation of any of the members, employees or consultants deemed necessary to assist the Association.

Article 7 – Duties of the Committees

Section 1

Attendance – shall be responsible for the membership sign-in procedure and maintain all attendance records from all scheduled meetings.
Interpretation – shall be responsible to obtain all current rule interpretations and NJSOA modifications and present them to the membership.
Mechanics – shall be responsible to obtain the NJSOA recommended mechanics and notify the membership of these.
Nomination – shall be responsible to recommend qualified candidates from the membership to serve as Officers and Trustees.
By-laws – shall be responsible to review and propose changes to the Constitution and By-laws as may be required by the Association, NJSOA or NJSIAA.
Cadet School – shall be responsible to educate and train all candidates for membership into the Association.
Awards & Banquet – shall be responsible to make all arrangements for the annual banquet and to assist the Secretary-Treasurer in verifying that all awards are in order.
Welfare – shall be responsible to advise the membership of any welfare issues that need to be addressed.

Section 2

The Ethics committee shall be responsible for all misconduct issues of an Association member.

Issues may consist of the following:

Failure to attend the required meetings.

Failure to honor officiating commitments.
Failure to be current in financial obligations.
Receipt of a written complaint.

If a hearing is warranted, the Secretary-Treasurer shall notify the charged member by certified mail the time and place the member may appear for review. The mailing shall be made not more than 14 days or less than 7 days from the date for the initial hearing date.
The hearing shall be held with at least five Committee members present and shall require a majority vote to take action. Appropriate action shall include the power to dismiss, reprimand, fine, place on probation, or expel a member of the Association.
The member shall receive a written notice of the hearing judgment within 10 days of the Committee decision.
The Ethics committee shall make the final determination in each case.

Article 8 – Uniforms

Section 1

The NJSIAA, NJSOA and the Board of Trustees shall set the official uniform of the Association.

Section 2

Failure to adhere to and violations of the uniform code are subject to review by the Ethics committee. Any Association member may report a violation to the Ethics committee via the Secretary-Treasurer.

Article 9 – Refresher Examination

Section 1

Prior to the start of each soccer season, all Active members of the Association shall take a NJSIAA sponsored open book examination, which will not include any new rule changes for the upcoming season.

Section 2

The examination shall be mailed to all Active members, who have registered for the upcoming season, at their addresses as they appear in the membership directory. Included will be a deadline of when the examination needs to be returned to the Secretary-Treasurer.

Section 3

The examination shall be graded based on answers and interpretations received from the NJSOA with a passing grade as established by the NJSOA.

Section 4

Any member who fails this refresher examination or does not return the examination will be required to take a "closed book" examination with an established grade as set forth by the NJSOA. A deadline date will be established of when the examinations need to be returned to the Secretary-Treasurer.

Section 5

Any member who fails this closed book examination or does not take the examination will be placed on immediate suspension for the upcoming season.

Section 6

The Secretary-Treasurer will send a letter to all athletic directors, league assignors and other area Chapter secretaries advising of any suspended members and their ineligibility to work Varsity games for the upcoming season.

Section 7

Any suspended member will be encouraged to attend the Cadet school program and can attain Active membership status for the following season by passing the next annual refresher examination. A suspended member is still obligated to fulfill his/her meeting requirements.

Article 10 – Amendments

Section 1

Proposed amendments shall be presented in writing to the membership at least 30 days prior to the annual business meeting. Notices shall be mailed to all members at their addresses as they appear in the membership directory.

Section 2

Amendments to the Constitution shall require a 2/3-majority vote of all Active members present and voting.

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