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.
All eligibility rules of NJSIAA will be enforced.

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, as determined by the supervisor, a written examination given by the Association 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 and shall successfully complete such referee-coaching and/or mentoring program as specified by the Board of Trustees to move to Active Membership.
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.
An applicant may petition the Board of Trustees to waive serving a minimum of one year as a Cadet by providing sufficient 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 Board of Trustees’ decision in this matter will be final.

Section 3. Active Membership

Member shall have satisfactorily completed the Cadet program.
Member shall have passed the New Jersey Soccer Officials 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 recertification 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.

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 Association 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 or by the Board of Trustees 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 all or any part of any 2 out of 3 consecutive years may be expelled from the Association.
Member who is placed on probation by the Ethics Committee.
Member who is not referee-coached within the designated time frame pursuant to a program established by the Board of Trustees for referee-coaching and/or mentoring of officials.
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 recertification examination requirements of the NJSOA 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 all or any part of any 2 out of 3 consecutive years may be expelled from the Association.
Member who is suspended by the Ethics Committee.
Member who is not referee-coached within one year after conclusion of the designated time frame pursuant to a program established by the Board of Trustees for referee-coaching and/or mentoring of officials will be placed on suspension.
Member who does not provide a valid Concussion Course Certificate by the date specified by the Association will be placed on suspension.
An expelled member who wishes to return to Active membership must re-enter through the Cadet program.

Section 9. Association 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.

Section 10. NJSIAA Registration

All officials must be registered with the NJSIAA online registration system to be eligible to officiate ANY level of high school soccer contests the NJSIAA governs.
All officials must register for soccer each year.
All officials must pay the appropriate registration fees based on registration level selected (Active, Cadet or Inactive). All NJSIAA payments are paid through the online registration system, which includes both the registration and background check fee.
All officials must consent to a yearly background check and pay the background check fee. The background check is required once a school year. Inactive officials are not required to have background checks.
All background checks will expire in June on the day of the last NJSIAA event regardless of when your background check was submitted.
All registered NJSIAA officials are considered independent contractors and not employees of the NJSIAA.

Section 11. Association Registration

A. Registration by the NJSIAA and the Association will not be issued or renewed for an adult (an adult is defined as any person 18 years of age or older):

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/probation period imposed for the offense.

B. Currently Registered Officials

1. When a currently registered official is indicted or charged with any indictable criminal offense or charged with a violation of any statute 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.

2. 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.

C. 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:

1. 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).

2. 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.

Section 12. Background Check Information

A. Any official that has received a pre-adverse letter because they have been flagged by the NJSIAA approved background check company based on the NJSIAA background check criteria is considered temporarily suspended by the NJSIAA until further review by the Association that the official belongs to. All officials that have been flagged by the NJSIAA approved background check company must follow the following procedure if they wish to officiate any NJSIAA governed contests.

1. Contact the NJSIAA approved background Check Company if you disagree with the report or there is an error. If there was an error in the report, the NJSIAA approved background company will fix the error and clear the officials background check.

2. If the report is correct, the official must contact the Association Secretary-Treasurer they belong to regarding the report.

3. The Association Secretary-Treasurer in conjunction with the Board of Trustees designated committee will review the flagged report to determine if the reinstatement request meets the minimum standards covered in the NJSIAA Guidelines, Policies & Procedures for registration of officials.

4. The Association will notify the NJSIAA via letter of their decision in a timely manner.

5. If the official is approved for reinstatement, the NJSIAA will verify that the official’s violations fall within the minimum standards covered in the NJSIAA Guidelines, Policies & Procedures for registration of officials. If it is determined that the official satisfies the reinstatement standards, the NJSIAA will notify the official and Association of the reinstatement.

6. If the official is denied reinstatement by Association, the official will receive an adverse letter and will be suspended indefinitely by the NJSIAA.

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 his/her 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 or if a position is vacant for any reason other than Section 9B below, 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 unless a specific committee has been appointed by the President and approved by the Board.

Section 2.

Standing Committees:

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

B. Interpretation/Mechanics/Education – be the point of contact for all NFHS rules and NJSIAA modifications; plan and present at required educational meetings for members

C. Referee-Coaches – establish a plan for referee-coaching and mentoring of all members for the benefit of their performance and the game of soccer – assignors will be informed of coaching reports to assist in assignment of officials; establish forms for cadet and member coaching reports and mentoring, lists of members qualified to perform referee-coaching and mentoring, and records of results of coaching reports and mentoring

D. Nomination – receive interest from members in joining the Board and recommend qualified candidates from the membership to serve as Officers and Trustees make recommendations to the membership

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

F. Cadet School/Cadets – supervise the instruction of new members, plan the referee-coaching and/or mentoring of cadets and maintain records of compliance with requirements to become full members; the Cadet School Instructor need not be a part of this Committee

G. Awards & Banquet – assist in the planning and presentation of the annual dinner and to assist the Secretary-Treasurer in verifying that all awards are in order

H. Welfare – keep the membership informed of information about members/members’ families for the good of the membership

I. Uniform – address all issues about members’ use of proper uniforms.

J. Ethics – address all issues of members’ compliance with referee code of conduct – the committee or an individual member will be charged with investigating and reporting to the Board allegations of violations of this Constitution and By-Laws, NJSOA rules, NJSIAA rules or other conduct not in the interest of BCSOA.

K. Background Check – assist the Secretary-Treasurer in verifying any NJSIAA flagged member reports to determine if the reinstatement request meets the minimum standards covered in the NJSIAA Guidelines, Policies & Procedures for registration of officials. The President shall be a required member of this committee.

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 of the members of the association. 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 sent in writing to all members by any means reasonably able to achieve adequate notice 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, and 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 7 days prior to the annual business meeting. Notices shall be sent in writing to all members by any means reasonably able to achieve adequate notice to members.

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 OFFICIALS 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

B. Committee Reports

C. Officers Reports and Communications

D. Old Business

E. New Business

F. Program

G. Adjournment

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 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 unless the election is not contested.

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.

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

B. Interpretation/Mechanics/Education – be the point of contact for all NFHS rules and NJSIAA modifications; plan and present required educational meetings for members

C. Referee Coaching – establish a plan for referee-coaching and mentoring of all members for the benefit of their performance and the game of soccer – assignors will be informed of coaching reports to assist in assignment of officials; establish forms for cadet and member coaching reports and mentoring, lists of members qualified to perform referee-coaching and mentoring, and records of results of coaching reports and mentoring

D. Nomination – receive interest from members in joining the Board and recommend qualified candidates from the membership to serve as Officers and Trustees make recommendations to the membership

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

F. Cadet School/Cadets – supervise the instruction of new members and maintain records of compliance with requirements to become full members; the Cadet School Instructor need not be a part of this Committee

G. Awards & Banquet – assist in the planning and presentation of the annual dinner and to assist the Secretary-Treasurer in verifying that all awards are in order

H. Welfare – keep the membership informed of information about members/members’ families for the good of the membership

I. Uniform – address all issues about members’ use of proper uniforms.

Section 2.

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

A. Issues may consist of the following:

1. Failure to attend the required meetings.

2. Failure to honor officiating commitments.

3. Failure to be current in financial obligations.

4. Receipt of a written complaint.

5. Violations of any provision of BCSOA, NJSOA, and/or NJSIAA governing rules and regulations

B. 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.

C. 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 the charge, reprimand, fine, place on probation, suspend or expel a member of the Association.

D. The member shall receive a written notice of the hearing judgment within 10 days of the Committee decision.

E. 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 – Recertification Examination

Section 1.

Prior to the start of each soccer season, all Active members of the Association shall take an NJSOA/NJSIAA sponsored examination according to the process established by such organization.

Section 2.

The examination shall be conducted in such format as established by NJSOA/NJSIAA. Adequate notice of such examination procedures and deadline will be provided by 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 the above procedure or does not take the examination will be placed on immediate suspension for the upcoming season, making the member ineligible to officiate varsity games. In the absence of an NJSOA procedure, the Board will establish a procedure, if any, for such officials.

Section 5.

The Secretary-Treasurer will send a letter to all league assignors and any other person as required by governing entities advising of any suspended members and their ineligibility to work Varsity games for the upcoming season.

Section 6.

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 recertification examination. A suspended member is still obligated to fulfill his/her meeting requirements.

Article 10 – Amendments

Section 1.

Section 2.

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

HAVE ANY QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: SEND E-MAIL TO secretary@bcsoa.org