NJSIAA Rules Interpretation Presentation

As per the NJSIAA, all soccer officials are required to complete and pass the online recertification exam. Passing score is 80% (40/50). The exam MUST be taken and passed online, there is no other option. There is no in class “paper” exam, and no remedial classes offered. The exam is totally online. The 50 question test is based on a pool of 100 questions, which can be downloaded from the Online Test link noted below.

The Soccer Recertification Exam is now available and will be open through 11:59 PM on July 31. You can print the exam and use an “open book” to answer the questions. You will have up to THREE (3) attempts to record enough correct answers to pass the test.

Except as noted, the exam is based on the:

• 2020-2021 NFHS Rules

• NJSIAA Handbook for Officials

• 2021-22 NFHS changes (if noted)

• NJSIAA 2019/2020 Soccer Modifications (both years are the same).

Answer the questions as if you are a referee in New Jersey, which means using the NJ Modifications and the NJSIAA Handbook.

The exam is not meant to be an exercise in vocabulary or the English language/grammar, the questions are not designed to be tricky ….do not read into questions or create “what if” scenarios. For each question there is only one correct answer.

To access the Exam:

• Log into your ZebraWeb account.

• Select or switch to “New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association/NJSIAA” as the association

• At the top, click “Documents”

• On the dropdown list, Scroll over “Online Test” then (to the right), Scroll over “Online Soccer Test” then to the right again click on “Online Test”

On the left side of the page is a PDF version of the 100 questions used for the 50 questions you will see on your online test. On the right side is the link to access additional instructions and to begin the online test.

For those who are new or for any reason do not have last year’s Rules book, the 2020-2021 Rules book can be accessed on the NFHS Central Hub:

• Top left, “NFHS Home”

• Top Tab “Publications”

• “Soccer Publications”

• You can then access the 2020-2021 Rules Book and/or the Case Book.

Remember, the exam is only open until July 31st. As in past years, the time will not be extended – regardless of any excuses. If you want to officiate this Fall at any level, you will need to make it a priority to get it done and pass the test by July 31st at 11:59 PM.

As in past years, you have 3 attempts to pass with a minimum grade of 80 – this is a lower passing score than prior years due to NJSIAA consistency among sports. If you fail the first time, it would be a good idea to read the referenced documents before attempting to take the test again. It is open book. With reasonable effort, everyone should be able to pass.

Dealing With Coaches and the Bench

Managing Goal-Keepers

The Use of Elbows

Guidelines for Thunder-Lightning Safety

The NJSIAA has changed their policy on how we are to deal with thunder and lightning. The previous "flash to bang" count is no longer to be used.

Criteria for Suspension and Resumption of Activity

Once lightning has been recognized or thunder heard, the game must be suspended immediately with all players, coaches, spectators, and officials directed to appropriate shelters.

After the suspension, the plan should include strict, documented criteria for the resumption of activities. It is mandatory to wait at least 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning is witnessed or thunder is heard. Any subsequent lightning orthunder after the beginning of the 30-minute count should reset the clock and another count should begin.
Please check the 2019-2020 NJSIAA Handbook for Officials, pages 18-20 for more information.