Match Officials Program
TURN YOUR PASSION FOR SOCCER INTO A PAID OPPORTUNITY
Have you ever thought about earning money while staying involved in the game you love?
STAY ACTIVE & EARN INCOME
The Tillsonburg Minor Soccer Club (TMSC) Match Official Program offers an exciting opportunity for youth and adults to develop valuable life skills, stay active, and earn supplemental income through soccer officiating.
Whether you are looking for your first job, a flexible part-time opportunity, or a way to give back to the soccer community, refereeing provides a unique and rewarding experience. Match Officials play a vital role in creating a safe, fair, and enjoyable environment for players while developing leadership, communication, decision-making, and conflict-resolution skills that translate well beyond the soccer field.
At TMSC, we are committed to helping referees succeed by providing a supportive learning environment, mentorship opportunities, and a clear pathway for growth at both recreational and competitive levels.
Why become a referee?
As a match official, you can:
Earn extra income with a flexible schedule
Stay active and involved in soccer
Develop confidence and leadership skills
Improve communication and decision-making abilities
Gain valuable work experience for future careers and resumes
Meet new people and become part of the soccer community
Progress to higher levels of competition and officiating opportunities
Many referees begin as a part-time role and discover a lifelong passion that can open doors to regional, provincial, national, and even international opportunities.
Your refereeing journey
Small-Sided Game Referee
5v5, 7v7, 9v9
For many aspiring officials, the Small-Sided Game program is the perfect place to start.
These matches involve players from U8 through U13 and use modified FIFA rules designed to encourage player development and enjoyment. Referees learn the fundamentals of officiating while gaining practical experience in a supportive environment.
This level allows new officials to:
- Build confidence on the field
- Learn the Laws of the Game
- Develop game management skills
- Gain valuable match experience
Many young referees begin their officiating careers here before advancing to larger and more competitive matches.
Entry-Level Referee
11v11
The Entry-Level certification allows Match Officials to referee full-field games from U14 through Adult divisions under the FIFA Laws of the Game.
Officials at this level play an important role in ensuring matches are conducted fairly, safely, and professionally while continuing to develop their officiating knowledge and skills.
To officiate 11v11 matches with TMSC, individuals must successfully complete the Ontario Soccer Entry-Level Referee Course.
Click here for more informationEligibility Requirements:
- Must be at least 14 years of age by March 31 of the current year.
- Must complete the Ontario Soccer Entry-Level Referee certification course.
Opportunities for growth & advancement
Refereeing offers much more than local matches.
Through ongoing development opportunities provided in partnership with the Elgin Middlesex Soccer Association (EMSA) and Ontario Soccer, officials can continue advancing their skills and qualifications throughout their officiating careers.
Referees may progress through:
- Recreational and competitive levels
- Regional certifications
- Provincial programs
- National development pathways
- Advanced officiating opportunities
TMSC encourages all Match Officials to participate in educational workshops, mentorship programs, and EMSA information sessions to continue developing their skills.
Two pathways
Ontario Soccer’s Long-Term Officials Development (LTOD) framework offers two distinct pathways:
Soccer for Life Pathway
Ideal for officials who enjoy refereeing as a rewarding part-time role while remaining actively involved in the game throughout their lives.
Talented Pathway
Designed for officials who aspire to advance to higher levels of competition and pursue elite officiating opportunities.
Join our team
Soccer referees are more than officials. They are leaders, role models, and ambassadors for the game.
Whether you’re looking for your first job, a flexible source of supplemental income, or an exciting way to stay connected to soccer, the TMSC Match Official Program offers an opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.