Referee of the Month: Brian Wong
The CDSRA Referee of the Month features referees of different ages, levels, and backgrounds to reflect the diversity in our referee community and our association. Our October 2024 Referee of the Month is Brian Wong.
Questions & Answers:
Q: Current Referee Level & Highest level attained:
A: District
Q: When did you begin, and what motivated you to start refereeing?
A: On and off but since 2001. I want to thank my dad who started bringing me to watch football matches when I was a little kid in Hong Kong. I started playing there and got some accolades. After immigrating to Canada, at one point injuries got to the playing side and I started refereeing.
Q: What has been your most enjoyable game/memory of your referee career?
A: If I had to choose, I would pick high-level ACAC Futsal tournaments here. In those matches, players are skillful, and the pace is fast. I don't have a match specifically but I would say the ones when I received appreciation from teams, coaches, and spectators. I also like some matches that took me to different places outside of Calgary as well.
Brian refereeing in an ACAC Futsal tournament.
Q: What do you love most about refereeing?
A: A big part is to pay tribute to my dad, also a sanctuary for me when I am away from work. Last but not least, meeting like-minded people whether they are officials or play different roles in the soccer ecosystem.
Q: When did you first become a CDSRA member and what encouraged you to join?
A: I can't remember which year but it should be more than 15 years. CDSRA is a great place that provides peer support like referee resources, learning, and social activities.
Q: What advice would you give to somebody just starting out refereeing?
A: A student of officiating - strive to become a good and effective communicator because the game and behaviours are always changing, be open-minded to discuss, learn good habits, have self-reflection, and always study the LOTG. As we live in a diverse world, referees must be the champions for DEI and Safe Sport.
Q: What do you do outside of refereeing and what are some of your interests?
A: I have two kids and I spend a lot of time with my family when I am not working. I am a broadcast professional who also works for Flames TV as their Chinese host. I volunteer on the Calgary Police Service's multiple advisory boards. I also read books, collect pins and 1988 Winter Olympic Games memorabilia, and recently became a rookie in woodworking.