Ben Mueller

Sycamore IL USA

First AskTheRef.com Appearance:5/3/2006

First Year Licensed:2000
License Level:7 Referee, 7 Instructor, 9 Assessor

Association:USSF
Additional Associations:WIAA, IHSA

My dedication has been with FIFA and USSF soccer. My personal mission is to educate all about the Laws of the Game. This includes parents, fans, coaches, players, and referees alike.

This year will mark my 15th year as a soccer referee (I am currently 33 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.

Besides refereeing, I teach multiple entree level and certification clinics each year. I also served as an assignor for several soccer clubs in Wisconsin.

Hobbies and General Interest

Favorite Quote

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