Ben Mueller

Sycamore IL USA

First AskTheRef.com Appearance:5/3/2006

First Year Licensed:2000
License Level:7

Association:WSA
Additional Associations:WIAA, IHSA

This year will mark my tenth year as a soccer referee (I am currently 24 years old). I first became licensed with the U.S.S.F. in the year of 2000 (I was 18 at the time). I have been refereeing soccer ever since I have been 14 years old. It started as a simple weekend job for a high school student. My friends always gave me a hard time when I told them my job was soccer refereeing. I became certified as a U.S.S.F. Grade 8 Referee during my first year of college. My local referee assignor pulled my leg to go to the training class and get certified. It was not something that I wanted as I was 18 years old and on winter break from college. As I sat through the training course, I looked at the instructor and thought that he was crazy. I thought to myself "How could anyone get so excitied about refereeing a soccer game?" It is funny because today I am an instructor myself and I am sure my students think the same thing of me. I was very quick and eager to get started with my refereeing as soon as I got licensed. I applied to referee every game possible and traveled to various tournaments in IL and WI. I was upgraded to a level 7 referee in the year of 2002 (I was 20 at the time). I will never forget passing my assessment in the pouring rain and heavy fog at the Brookfield Soccer Complex. Today, I serve as a referee instructor and referee assessor.

Hobbies and General Interest

Favorite Quote

An intelligent mind will accomplish very little without the will to learn.