Match Procedures
Procedure Overview
Referees that are assigned to officiate TORSO games should use these game procedures to help manage the competition fairly, efficiently, and professionally. Because TORSO is a recreational league that uses many different parks throughout greater Houston, referees may encounter many unique situations during the season. Common sense, along with abiding by the laws and spirit of the game, should be used when officiating.
Referees may request to be considered for assignments by contacting the TORSO referee assignor. The assignor will work with you on specific match assignments based on experience and availability. Once you accept a match assignment from the assignor, it is your responsibility to show up to the match on time, with proper attire, and the right frame of mind to officiate in a professional and fair manner.
Approved Referee Systems
TORSO abides by USSF policy and assigns only 3-referee crews or single center referees. Dual or 2-center referee systems of control are not to be used in TORSO matches. Matches that have only 2 referees assigned to them should use a center referee and a single assistant referee – no dual center referee systems should be used. The use of club linesmen is an option if a second assistant referee is required.
Field Status
TORSO uses TEXTEDLY, a text message service that alerts our managers, players, and referees to field conditions in real time. The service is updated by 11AM for Fall and Spring seasons and 1PM for Summer Season each playing Sunday during the TORSO season. It is TORSO’s policy that referees will not be paid match fees if the fields have been closed for any reason and reported as such on the TORSOTEXTEDLY service. To sign up, text the keyword TORSOSOCCER to 844.364.1838
If the service indicates that the park is open, the referee should still use his or her judgement to determine the playability of the pitch before starting the match. After arriving at the field, if the referee terminates the match for safety reasons, they will receive the full game fee.
Preparing for a Match
Referees should make sure that they are mentally and physically prepared for each match. When assigned multiple matches in one day, make sure that you are properly hydrated and physically fit enough to maintain standards of a professional USSF referee.
Arriving at the Field
It is recommended that you arrive at the field at least one half hour before the first match begins. This will give you time to warm up, inspect the field, and prepare for the administrative duties of the match.
Note: Referees are reminded that after field inspection, you have the ability to cancel a match due to the field being unplayable due to weather or other factors.
Pre-Match Meeting
Referees are strongly encouraged to have a pre-match meeting with their assistant referees so that the referee crew can act as a team. Referees should understand the experience and fitness level of their assistant referees and assure that coverage assignments and communication methods are clear. It is also advisable to take time to talk with the team managers and cover pre-match areas that might become issues.
TORSO Exceptions to the LOTG
Familiarize yourself with the TORSO Exceptions to the LOTG. All TORSO referees are expected to know them.
Check in with Official Roster
As stated in the Exceptions to the LOTG section, the referee crew must check players in before the match begins. ARs have full authority and responsibility to check in players. ARs need no other permission to take control of the check-in process and are expected to do so if they have not been already asked to do so by the Referee.
Teams are expected to provide the referee with a completed and printed game sheet at least 15 minutes before the match start time. Player names must be pre-printed on the game sheet. Numbers for players must also be completed but can be written before the match. Every player must be on the roster and match their photo on the roster. There are no exceptions. The photo must be of the person who is standing in front of you. If it is not, that individual cannot play.
Match Duration
All TORSO 11v11 matches are full 90-minute games comprised of two 45-minute halves. All TORSO 8v8 matches are 70-minute games comprised of two 35-minute halves. A 10 minute halftime interval is provided.
For Fall and Spring season games, if both teams agree before the match, water breaks may be given during each half without adding stoppage time. Water breaks are mandatory for Summer season.
Remind teams of their obligation to start on time. For 11v11, each team needs seven players, including one woman, to start the match. For 8v8, each team needs five players, including one woman, to start the match. If a team has the minimum required players and check-in is done, do not wait for additional players. Start the match. If check-in delays the start of the match, tell the teams that you are shortening the halves by equal amounts. Never allow more than 15 minutes to start the match. A forfeit (for which you will be paid) is required at exactly 15 minutes if teams fail to have the minimum number of legal players on the pitch.
Managing the Match
In addition to normal game management techniques, remember that TORSO is a diverse, adult, co-ed soccer league. Many different cultures, ages, and experience levels may be on the field at any time. Addressing overly aggressive play between male and female players and other risky behavior in a respectful manner early in the match will often prevent the escalation of issues on the field. Taking a few seconds to explain a call or listening to players will help you develop a good rapport with the players and increase acceptance of your calls. Always treat players and your referee crew with respect and you should expect the same level of respect from the players towards you and your crew.
Do not negotiate bookings. Unless you made an error in issuing a card, submit all bookings in the official match report. Do not allow dissent to be directed at the ARs.
ARs: Do not tolerate dissent. Advise the referee of unsportsmanlike behavior. Referee verbal abuse of any kind is taken very seriously by TORSO and will be punished harshly.
Completing the Match Sheets
Be sure that the match sheets are completed fully with the final score, who scored, cards, injuries, and field conditions being recorded. The online game report will ask for both player number and player name for both goals and cautions/send-offs. Please be sure to make note of these before the end of the match.
Verify Match Results and Submit Results Online
Be sure to verify the match results with each team manager BEFORE leaving the field. Make sure the score, players’ names, numbers, and all bookings are accurate. Any misconduct resulting in a send-off must have specific details submitted via the online match report. Referees must complete the online match report. The referee and TORSO team managers will be sent a copy of the game report via email. Send in your match reports early and get paid early. No one gets paid until the last report is in.
Match Reporting Procedures
We run payroll each week after games are completed and after ALL referees have turned in their match reports. The following is required for all match reports:
Submit via Assignr:
Report score
An incident report must be filed in Assignr for:
All cards and all injuries. Red cards should have a more detailed description, yellow cards only need offense reason.
Information on field conditions or issues of that nature. There is a designation for Field Conditions.
On-field forfeits, detailing the reason for the forfeiture at the time of game. In-advance Forfeits do not require reports from the referee.
Email pictures or scans of the Game Sheets submitted by managers as an attachment to info@torsosoccer.org. Scans are best, but if submitting a picture, it must be clear and readable or it will be rejected.
The Game Sheet MUST INCLUDE Official Score, who scored, injuries and cards, and the manager’s signature.
Include your name and your game number.
All information must be submitted before payment will be released for the game. The rule is: Until everyone turns in all the information, no one gets paid
Referee Payment Policy
TORSO values our referees and we aim to pay market rates or better to our officials.
Pay rate for 11v11
Two 45 minute halves
Center – $85
AR – $55
Pay rate for 8v8
Two 35 minute halves
Center – $75
Forfeits/Cancellations:
If a referee has accepted an assignment (center or AR) for a game and that game is forfeited by one of the teams or is canceled by the league for any reason by the Thursday before the game, referees will not be paid for that game. The cutoff is at midnight. For example, if notification of a forfeit or cancellation is sent to the assignor before midnight on Thursday for the next Sunday’s game, the referees for that game will not be paid.
Inclement Weather/Field Conditions:
If games are not played due to inclement weather or unplayable field conditions and if the games are canceled before 11:15am on game day, then the referees will not be paid for those games.
In the case of alternate game times (first assignment is not 1pm), the cutoff shall be 1 hour 45 minutes before kickoff.
If the fields are closed or if a game is called off after 11:15am, the following guidelines will apply:
Referees will be paid for any 1pm games to which they accepted assignments.
Referees will be paid for any game that has kicked off.
Referees will not be paid for any post-1pm game that is canceled before the scheduled kickoff time, unless it is a referee’s first assignment of the day and the game was canceled within two hours before scheduled kickoff.
If a referee calls a game for weather/lightning after the scheduled kickoff time, whether or not that game has kicked off, the referee will be paid for that game.