Elevate Your Game
If you’re looking for a league that values and invests in its referees, you’ve found the right place. TORSO is more than just a place to officiate—it’s a community that helps referees grow, improve, and succeed on and off the field.
With our Officials Development Program (ODP), we’re taking referee development to the next level. Whether you’re an experienced official or just looking for more opportunities to refine your skills, TORSO provides a supportive, mentorship-driven environment where you can build confidence and advance as a referee.Through our ODP and in partnership with the State Referee Association, referees also have access to on-field training opportunities designed to support growth and advancement.
All four TORSO divisions are recognized as eligible matches for the USSF Regional Referee Pathway. If advancement is your goal, your time on the field with TORSO can help you move forward. But if you’re simply looking to improve, grow, and enjoy the game at your current level—we support that too.
Why Officiate with TORSO?
Mentorship from National, Regional, and Highly Experienced Referees – Learn from some of the best in the game
On-Field Development & Support – Get real-time insights to help you improve every match
A Community That Respects and Values Its Officials – You’re not just a referee; you’re part of a team
Consistent Sunday Afternoon Matches – Know your schedule in advance with a structured game format
Opportunities for Growth – Improve your officiating skills with direct support from experienced mentors
What Sets Us Apart?
At TORSO, we know that great referees don’t just happen—they’re developed through experience, guidance, and a league that supports them. Our ODP is built to help referees at all levels enhance their decision-making, positioning, and game management in a constructive and professional setting.
If you’re looking for a league that will challenge you, support you, and help you become the best referee you can be, TORSO is the place for you.
Interested in Officiating with TORSO? (18+ Only)
We’re always looking for dedicated referees to join our league. If you’re interested in officiating and want to be part of a development-focused, supportive referee team, we’d love to have you! Reach out to TORSO referee assignor, Bill Van Der Vlist at referee@torsosoccer.org to join our team.
General Information About Refereeing for TORSO
TORSO is a USSF and USASA-affiliated competitive, co-ed over 30 adult recreational soccer organization committed to continuously bringing the highest quality officiating to their teams. TORSO referees abide by the current year’s Laws of the Game, Guide to Procedures, and associated memoranda as published by USSF.
Referee Certification: In order to be assigned to a TORSO matches, referees must be certified, possess, and wear the USSF referee badge for the current year.
Match Assignments: Match assignments are made roughly one week in advance of each playing weekend depending on changes made to the schedule due to weather or field availability. The TORSO assignor will assign matches based on the level of competition and experience of the available referees. To assure a quality playing experience for our members, each TORSO match is assigned a 3-person referee team with only experienced referees assigned as the center. Per USSF guidelines, referee assignments are rotated. If you have recently upgraded or have experience that would be helpful in determining the level of matches that you are capable of officiating, please discuss this with the TORSO assignor.
Match Procedures: Referees that work TORSO league matches are strongly encouraged to read and understand the match procedures section on this web site. These match procedures will ensure that all administrative requirements are handled efficiently both before and after the match.
Uniforms: Referees are expected to maintain a professional appearance by wearing USSF approved uniforms including:
Shirt: Either front button down or v-neck collared vertical striped referee shirts in any of the USSF approved colors – gold, black, red, blue, green or pink. Referees are encouraged to use gold as the default color and travel with at least one additional shirt color.
Shorts: Black referee shorts.
Socks: USSF (Official Sports) logoed referee socks.
Shoes: Black or dark colored shoes.
TeamPass Match Assigning: TORSO uses TeamPass for game assignments. You must have a TeamPass account in order to be assigned. Contact our assignor at referee@torsosoccer.org for instructions on creating a TeamPass Account.
TeamPass Payment System: TORSO uses the TeamPass payment system to pay officials via electronic funds transfer into a bank account. Once you have joined the TORSO TeamPass group, you will have the ability to create an account on that same site. Payments are typically made to referees within even (7) days of the match completion.
TORSO Assignor
The TORSO assignor is USSF-certified assignor Bill Van Der Vlist. You can contact him at referee@torsosoccer.org
Getting Licensed as a Referee
All TORSO referees must be U.S. Soccer-certified through the U.S. Soccer Learning Center’s Referee License Pathway. This process begins with obtaining a Grassroots Referee License, which provides the foundational training needed to officiate competitive matches.
To referee with TORSO, you must be 18 years or older and hold a current U.S. Soccer Referee certification. If you’re not yet certified, we encourage you to complete the licensing process to join our team. Certification not only qualifies you to officiate in TORSO but also opens the door to officiating opportunities within all-levels of the sport.
The purpose of the Grassroots first time referee course is to prepare first time Grassroots referees to work in a competitive or recreational youth and amateur adult matches.
The goal of the First Time Grassroot Referee course is to broaden a candidate’s understanding on how to:
Facilitate a fair, fun, and safe game for the players by enforcing and applying the Laws of the Game.
Make and clearly communicate decisions based on perception and interpretation of player’s actions.
Facilitate understanding and application the Laws of the Game for players.
On successful completion of the course, candidates will receive a Grassroots Referee license for the current registration year. Once the license and badge are received, Grassroots referees can officiate competitive, small-sided or recreational youth and amateur adult matches.
The national eligibility standards for GR First Time Course are: 13 years or older
Please be advised some states may have a different age limitation. Please reach out to your State Referee Committee if you have any questions.
Admission criteria: First Time Grassroots Referees completing registration through the Learning Center must complete the following requirements.
Introduction to Safe and Healthy Playing Environments – 1 hr.
SafeSport (if 18 years or older)- 1 hr.
Online Grassroots Referee Course Module – 4.5 hr.
First Time Grassroots Referee Quiz – 45 mins.
S. Soccer Federation Gold Standard NCSI Background Check (if 18 years or older)
Additional State Assignments as required