No matter how long they work, IHSA officials are bound to run into a new, or sometimes unprecedented situation, at some point in their officiating career.

That happened for 19-year veteran IHSA soccer official and Paxton resident Mike Wilson when he officiated a varsity boys soccer match on March 20, 2021.

When Wilson took the field in Champaign to officiate a match between Illinois Valley Central and host St. Thomas More, he was joined on the pitch by his sons and fellow officials, Jonah and Landon.

Mike is a five-time state final official who began officiating IHSA soccer in 2002 and recently earned clinician status, making him one of the leaders in the state soccer officiating community. Twenty-four-year-old Jonah is following in his father’s footsteps, having already been assigned to multiple Regional contests in his six-year IHSA career. Landon, on the other hand, just turned 18 years old in September and was making his IHSA varsity officiating debut after four years working youth soccer games.

The IHSA has no official records on familial officiating feats, but the Wilson trio is believed to be the first father-son-son combo to officiate a soccer match.

Historic or not, the eldest Wilson enjoyed the experience, saying…

“It was really a great experience to be able to officiate a high school game with my sons. I’m thankful our local assignor gave us the chance to work together. Officiating is a great way to give back to the game I love while getting some exercise and a bit a spending money. To be able to do it with my kids makes it really special. I can’t wait for our next game together!”


Staying connected to the game, camaraderie, and extra cash are all reasons IHSA officials give back to the sports they love. Learn more about becoming an IHSA official here.