Question: Why is NISOA changing uniforms? Answer: The materials, design and cut of the uniforms are at least 20 years old. NISOA wants our officials to present a modern appearance with state of the art, performance materials. The new design blends these attributes with the traditional hallmark of the NISOA “grid” as we continually move the organization forward.
Question: Do I have to buy the new uniforms? Answer: No. However, we encourage our membership to take advantage of the negotiated OSI group discount and the generous uniform subsidiary provided by NISOA for a limited time offer. However, OSI has informed us that they do not plan to manufacture additional old grid style jerseys.
Question: Can I still use the older design uniforms? Answer: Yes. The new design is an approved option for NISOA members. The older design is still approved for use by NISOA. We ask the crews maintain the traditional professionalism of our organization by matching uniform styles when officiating collegiate matches.
Question: I’m confused about the uniform pricing. Why is there a limited time that we can purchase at a discount? Answer: The limited time offer for the discount is to ensure all orders are filled and distributed to our officials in a timely manner prior to the start of the 2018 collegiate season.
Question: Do I have to be registered with NISOA to obtain introductory pricing? Answer: You have to be currently registered as a NISOA member for the 2018 season. OSI will crosscheck all orders based on email and other data from NISOA to verify discount pricing eligibility. NISOA strongly suggests you use the same email address that is your username on ArbiterSports when placing your order.
Question: I am a new NISOA member this year and I’ve already placed my initial uniform order with my chapter. Which uniforms will I get? Answer: All new members will receive the new uniform
Question: What if I’m working with officials that don’t have the new uniform? Answer: NISOA requires the crew to dress alike in any of the NISOA approved uniform options.
Question: How long will it be before another color or a different uniform style is introduced? Answer: NISOA is committed to these 3 colors (orange, yellow, blue) and style for the foreseeable future. Remember, it has been 20 years since the last uniform change. There are no current plans to introduce any additional colors.
Question: Can I wear the colored striped socks with the new uniform? Answer: The colored three striped socks will still be part of the approved uniforms. The three stripe sock style is rather dated so we designed a one stripe sock unique to our place within the soccer officiating community that is to be worn as part of the new uniform dress code.
Question: Will there be a new style for shorts? Answer: No, we don’t feel the need to re-style the shorts at this time. In order to keep costs down, the same range of shorts from OSI will be available and approved as in previous years.
Question: How do the new jersey’s run in terms of size? Answer: The new jerseys fit similar to the new USSF jersey style with one exception; the long sleeve length is a true fit unlike the USSF style where the sleeves are much shorter. As a side note, OSI is modifying the cut of the USSF jersey to allow for longer sleeves and more room in the upper arm for communication devices.
Question: Is there a female cut jersey available? Answer: NISOA requested this from OSI, but because a slower than projected sales with women’s cut in USSF jerseys, OSI will not be carrying women’s cut of the new NISOA jersey style at this moment. OSI did recommend if a referee preferred a women’s cut that they order one size smaller in men’s size (i.e. women’s medium = men’s small). The new NISOA jersey style is an athletic fit unlike the previous style.