CDSRA Appoints Brian Wong as Referee Well-Being Officer

The Calgary District Soccer Referees Association (CDSRA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Wong as its inaugural Referee Well-Being Officer.

Referee abuse and intimidation have reached concerning levels in recent years. While meaningful work has been — and continues to be — undertaken by our league partners to address this issue, the CDSRA recognizes the need for a dedicated role focused specifically on referee well-being and support.

By appointing a Referee Well-Being Officer, the CDSRA is establishing a clear and trusted point of contact for referees to safely share their experiences, seek guidance, and access support when needed.

Brian is a CDSRA member and appointed Director on the Board, bringing over 30 years of refereeing experience. He understands firsthand the serious impact abuse can have on officials, having himself been the victim of a physical assault on the field. His lived experience, combined with his governance perspective and long-standing commitment to referees, makes him uniquely suited to lead this effort.

In this role, Brian will serve as the CDSRA’s focal point for referee well-being, coordinating with leagues, assignors, administrators, and other stakeholders to develop innovative, practical, and sustainable solutions aimed at protecting officials and improving the culture of the game.

“This appointment reflects a deliberate commitment by the CDSRA to move beyond awareness and toward coordinated action,” said Mazen Hassanin, President of the CDSRA. “Brian brings credibility, lived experience, and a governance lens that will help translate conversations into tangible support for referees across our community.”

“This role creates an essential bridge between referees and the broader soccer community,” added Laurie Darvill, Vice President of the CDSRA. “Brian understands both the human and governance sides of officiating, and his appointment strengthens our collective ability to respond, advocate, and take meaningful action when referees need support.”

The CDSRA looks forward to working closely with its partners, and stakeholders from across the country to advance referee well-being and foster a safer, more respectful environment for all match officials.