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REFEREE ETHICS
Each MWSOA member is expected to conduct themselves in an honest and ethical manner
at all times, consistent with the standards of conduct, as defined in these By-Laws.
1. MWSOA officials must devote time, thought and study to the laws and rules of
soccer and to the mechanics necessary to carry them out, such that an effective
and credible service can be rendered in a fair and unbiased manner.
2. MWSOA officials must work with fellow officials, administrators, and all governing
bodies in a spirit of harmony and cooperation in spite of differences of opinion that
may arise during discussion of points or rules at issue.
3. MWSOA officials must not use their position as an official to benefit themselves nor
to promote the special interest of any person or group(s) other than the athletes and
affiliated organizations served by the Association.
4. MWSOA officials must be prepared both physically and mentally, dress according
to expectations and maintain a proper appearance that befits the event importance
5. MWSOA officials must honor contracts regardless of possible inconvenience or
financial loss.
6. MWSOA officials carry a responsibility to act in a manner becoming a professional
person. The conduct of any official influences the attitude of the public toward the
profession in general, as well as toward the official in particular.
7. MWSOA officials shall maintain an ethical approach while participating in public
forums, chat rooms and all forms of social media.
Any member or non-member of MWSOA may file a formal complaint against a member of
this Association for an alleged violation of the Constitution, By-Laws or Ethical Standards of
MWSOA. The complaint must be in writing, i.e. not verbal, and it must state the specific
violation being alleged. It must contain a statement of fact constituting the alleged violation
in ordinary and concise language, the name and address of the complainant, and must be
signed by the complainant.
MWSOA MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
The purposes of MWSOA shall be to maximize the ‘voice’ and resources of Cincinnati area
soccer officials to better enable identifying, training and developing referees interested in
working more competitive and skilled soccer matches.
Membership in MWSOA shall be open to all persons interested in the purpose for which it
is organized. All persons accepted as a member in MWSOA shall agree to abide by the
Constitution and By-Laws of the Association. There shall be five (5) categories of
membership with this Association. They shall be Active, Associate, Inactive, Retired,
Lifetime.
All Association dues and fees are payable by June 1 of the current year, and payment of
dues after this date shall be considered as being late. Members who pay late may be
assessed a late fee, at the discretion of the BOD.
Admission
• Complete and submit a written or electronic application to the membership committee.
• Pay appropriate non-refundable annual dues.
• Be a member in good standing and meet the requirements of one or more affiliated
organizations (i.e. NISOA, OHSAA, USSF, etc.).
Maintenance of Membership
• Pay appropriate non-refundable annual dues prior to Oct. 1 of the current year.
• Remain in good standing with one or more affiliated organizations
• Conduct themselves within the Ethical Standards of MWSOA, as defined in By-Laws.
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