At just 16-years-old Ben Harris took to the field as a referee, and 19 years later, and he has been selected to referee for Australia at the Touch World Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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In 2000, Harris was heading to a touch competition with his Sydney high school where each team was required to supply a referee.
Because his coach wasn’t keen on the idea of refereeing himself, he nominated Ben to do the job. Little did they both know this would be the start of an incredible career for Harris.
“I was like ‘I don’t really want to’, but from that moment on I loved it,” Harris said.
It all started by the pure laziness of my coach really who didn’t want to referee, but as soon as I stepped up I loved it.
- Ben Harris
“When I decided to become a referee, I thought ‘this might be a good pathway’ so I stuck at it and here I am going to be representing my country at the World Cup so it’s very exciting.”
In that year, Harris gained his level one badge, followed by level two in 2012, three in 2013, four in 2014, five in 2017, and six in 2018.
To ref at an international game has been on Harris’ dream board ever since he was in the position to make calls for a game, but admits it was Jim Yeo who directed him in the right pathway to achieve such a dream.
“He was the one to guide me and help me through it. He was the one who showed me the pathway, and here I am about to achieve one of my biggest goals,” Harris said.
To be considered for refereeing, one has to hold a level six referee badge, the highest badge offered in the sport of touch football that allows for refereeing on the international stage.
“Everytime you referee, you are constantly being watched and assessed,” Ben said.
“Obviously I’ve done well enough in those assessments to be selected to attend the World up later this year.
“I feel honoured to tell the truth, and still pinching myself.
“To get the email from the Head of Federation of International Touch to say you’re selected to referee at the World Cup is a huge honour and achievement. I was jumping up and down really. It’s just fantastic to represent your country.”
When asked what it is his he loves about refereeing matches, Harris said it’s mostly to do with “being apart of it, really.”
It is the best spot in the house to watch a game really. I like being involved heavily, I like being involved in the outcome.
“In the thick of the action there’s those pressure moments with only splits moments to make a decision, and not everyone’s going to like you, but I don’t do it to be liked, you do it to be respected and most of the time you are.
“As a referee you’re there, you’re contributing a lot more to the sport and the game itself.”
Harris will head to Malaysia with former Mudgee touch member, Ivan Giammarco who recently moved to the Sunshine Coach.
“Him and I were basically going through the ranks together, achieving these goals together,” Ben said.
“For him to also be at the world cup is fantastic. It means I’ve got a buddy who I’ve travelled to many touch tournaments with and refereed alongside.”
Alongside Harris and Giammarco will be four other Western referees, two from Parkes and two from Orange.
I would like to thank everyone that’s been involved with my refereeing career. Mudgee Touch for their contribution, my family who have been the big sacrifice along the way who have allowed me to go to all of these tournaments, I really appreciate it.
“If my achievements make one person consider having a crack at refereeing, I’ll be very happy.”
Jay-Anna Sleeman
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
