New uniforms required for 2023
Message regarding NCAA Soccer - Officials' Uniform Update
4.20.23 Center Circle Members:
Please see the attached (below) updated officials’ uniform information for the 2023 regular season and postseason. We encourage all officials to place orders as soon as possible when ordering opens (May 15) to allow for delivery in time of the start of the 2023 regular season. Delivery is expected to take a minimum of six weeks after ordering.
Sincerely,
Ryan Cigich
NCAA National Coordinator of Soccer Officials
Rich Grady
NCAA Soccer Secretary-Rules Editor
2023 Regular Season and Postseason Updated April 20, 2023
In April 2022, the NCAA approved the concept and implementation of a consistent uniform for college soccer officials. Beginning with the 2023 regular season, officials shall wear the NCAA-established uniform, which is outlined below. This will be the official and required uniform for college soccer. We recognize a mandated uniform places a financial burden on officials. However, we have put considerable thought into this first-time mandate to modernize and distinguish our uniform. Further, we are committed to this design being a long-term solution that will not change in the near future. Uniform Details and Ordering The new design offers three color options (orange, purple and yellow) in short and long sleeves in both men’s and women’s cuts. Black socks, black shorts and shoes that are predominantly black also must be worn. These uniforms will be available for ordering on May 15, 2023 through three manufacturers. Please note that this does not mean the uniforms will begin shipping May 15. Each manufacturer will allow for orders beginning May 15 and will specify estimated delivery times upon ordering, which could be more than six weeks. Please order with plenty of time to allow for delivery in time for the start of the 2023 regular season. 2023 Regular Season/Postseason Uniform: • NCAA-approved orange, purple or yellow uniform shirt. No variation in the color or style of this uniform is permitted. • Black socks. • Black shorts. • Shoes that are predominantly black. The NCAA-established soccer officials’ uniform will be available through Capelli Sport, Official Sports International (OSI) and Smitty Official’s Apparel beginning May 15, 2023. Smitty will produce the uniform shirts and the distribution will be fulfilled by the Smitty Dealer Network. All Smitty Dealers will have the order information available on their websites May 15. If another manufacturer is interested in producing this uniform, a request must be made to the NCAA (productreview@ncaa.org) and then the design specifications will be provided.
Soccer Officials’ Uniform Information
Page No. 2
Frequently Asked Questions
Why?
To have one consistent design and style for all of college soccer that’s applicable to all conferences, divisions, associations and regions of the country. It has been determined that there are currently up to 18 different uniforms being worn by officials for college soccer matches. One single look and standard for officials’ uniforms is consistent with other NCAA sports.
Will the new uniform change again once it is in use?
The intention of this design change is to provide a long-term solution that will not change in the near future.
Can conferences mandate a specific uniform manufacturer? Conferences have the prerogative to partner with a manufacturer(s) on uniforms for its officials. Note: Only Capelli, OSI and Smitty have been approved to produce the NCAA established soccer officials’ uniform.
How much will they cost?
Prices will be set by each manufacturer and/or distributor.
Why do we have to buy more uniforms when we just bought new ones within the past 5 years?
This first-time NCAA mandate is a way to distinguish and create a consistent brand for NCAA soccer officials
2023 Season planning and seminars
Memorandum from President Wes Williams - 3.6.23
Hope everyone’s year is off to a good start. Many of us are currently officiating matches for US Soccer, High School, and other leagues but as you know, this is the start of the assigning cycle for the college season. That means two things:
- Please consider your Fall plans and work/personal schedules, and make sure your availability is as current as possible in all assigning platforms. This is not a singular exercise and must be repeated regularly.
- Make use of available educational/developmental opportunities for professional improvement and to ensure you are ready for your first college match.
Regarding the latter, you should all be receiving regular communication from NISOA on free Preseason Webinars. The most recent (March 15) provided valuable insight on team tactics from ACC Coordinator of Soccer Officials, Carmen Serbio and Florida State Women's Head Coach & 2022 ACC tournament Champion, Brian Penskey. If you aren’t receiving these invitations, please reach out to NISOA at communications@nisoa.com ,
Additionally, the NCAA will host two upcoming officiating seminars that will provide free educational opportunities for officials:
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Boston, MA – Boston University
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday June 3, 2023
Dallas, TX – University of Texas at Dallas
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
While these are in-person clinics, they would likely be a very valuable experience for those who can make the commitment. Registration is available here: https://forms.microsoft.com/r/4yhrhgVHsc .
Lastly, the Board has set the date for the Fall Clinic as Saturday, August 5, 2023 – schedule and location TBD. With a 4+ month notice on this singular, mandatory event, we’re looking for maximum participation and respectfully ask that each member make every effort to attend. Recognizing that some conflicts are unavoidable, we also ask that you notify us in writing as soon as you are aware of a conflict so we can make alternative arrangements for you to complete the fitness and instructional requirements of the 2023 season.
Good luck this Spring and stay tuned for additional educational opportunities and detail on the Fall Clinic.
Regards,
________________________________
Wes Williams
President
GISOA
2022 Clinic Featured FIFA & MLS AR - Corey Rockwell
Corey Rockwell
8/24/2022 UPDATE from Corey
New Offside Interpretation - "A Ball Moving in the Air"
July 30, 2022
NISOA Senior Director of Education, 2018 World Cup FIFA AR and GISOA alumnus, Corey Rockwell returned to present at the 2022 Clinic. Corey just finished his 330th MLS match (at or approaching record) and is in his 16th consecutive year on the FIFA panel – simply remarkable.
As usual, Corey's presentation was energetic, enthusiastic, enlightening and humbling. His candor and succinct delivery of game critical decisions was an important reminder of the need to "stay focused at all times." Was the ball properly positioned for a re-start or corner kick? Was the wind a factor? Was the ball completely over the touchline?
Appropriate and timely communication, using silent signals (flag) and/or verbal incite via coms, between the referee team was strongly emphasized. Corey's use of detailed video clips enabled the audience to visualize game situations from multiple viewing angles and to hear revealing communication between the Ref/AR's/VAR's. His candid demeanor and desire to help all referees/assistant referees to become better officials was extremely clear and greatly appreciated. Corey possesses a unique ability to share his personal game decisions, both negative and positive, which provides a humbling and comfortable learning environment.
Corey also discussed 2022 NCAA Rule Changes and the potential impact of the recently released (July 27, 2022) Law 11 - Offside: ‘deliberate play’ guidelines clarification. Law 11 - Offside: ‘deliberate play’ guidelines clarified | IFAB (theifab.com)
The GISOA chapter and attendees (including fellow GISOA alum and MLS referee Guido Gonzales, Jr.) were extremely blessed to have a FIFA/MLS veteran return home to share his knowledge and expertise. Thanks Corey, you are fantastic friend to endless GISOA members!
From NISOA.com
https://www.nisoa.com/news/xz4562yajnwse7isoezpmk931itla0
More on Corey's career:
https://express.adobe.com/page/Zg5CEE8OTVYT9/
From PRO (Professional Referee Organization):
http://proreferees.com/2022/02/21/corey-rockwell-300-mls-games-and-counting/
wes williams named new GISOA president
On July 30, at the 2022 GISOA Clinic, Wes Williams was announced as the new GISOA President. He will be serving in this leadership capacity for the next two years. Wes, the former GISOA Vice-President, has been a member of GISOA for the past 26 years.
2022 GISOA Clinic Gallery
Griff Sims ending 11-year role as president
On May 24, 2022: Griff Sims announced he will be concluding his 11-year post as the GISOA Chapter President. Sims will continue refereeing and serving on the GISOA Board as the Past-President. Griff has been a GISOA member for the past 37 years.
2021
NEW Members
We are proud to welcome our new members for 2021.
Congratulations to:
- Jordan Castillejo
- Mary Fernandez
- Patrick Hunter
- Bruce Mattos
- Rigoberto Reynoso
- Shevah Rezaee
- Nicole Sahai
2021 Clinic featured former FIFA Referee - Ms. Rachel Woo
GISOA was proud to host Ms. Rachel Woo - SEC, Sunbelt, Patriot League, & NE-10 Coordinator of Officials, as the Guest Speaker for the Annual Clinic held on July 31st in Atlanta.
Ms. Woo is a former FIFA and NISOA National Referee. She has worked 18 NCAA Final Fours and the 2003 FIFA World Cup.
She also serves as an NCAA Soccer Regional Rep with responsibilities assigning NCAA championship matches and the management of officials at NCAA events including Final Fours & Regional Clinics. She has been involved in the development of technical materials for training of NCAA soccer officials.
Ms. Woo also currently serves US Soccer as a New England National Assignor, National Referee Coach and as a member of the National Referee Committee.
Ms. Woo's mentally stimulating presentation, which focused on PROFESSIONALISM, both on and off the field, created a lively and extremely valuable discussion. Based upon her wealth of international and national experiences, she emphasized the importance of being reliable, honest, fit, punctual and accountable. Ms. Woo detailed the value of knowing the rules, communicating appropriately and in a timely manner. She also stressed that professionals maintain high ethical standards, demonstrate integrity, show a willingness to learn, maintain a positive appearance, are approachable and not biased. She encouraged everyone to be their best at all times, to evaluate prior performances and to continually strive for improvement. Those attending the GISOA Clinic were blessed and fortunate to learn many valuable lessons from Ms. Rachel Woo. She is truly a PROFESSIONAL!
Questions?
Contact GISOA President Wes Williams wespwilliams@gmail.com