Hong Kong basketball referee Michael Chan at a crossroads: which career, and which format?
Hongkonger, a successor to veteran Edmond Ho, has both 3x3- and regular-basketball licences, and works as an electronics product manager
As he left the basketball court behind for a more senior role, veteran referee Edmond Ho Ming-tat knew finding the next generation of potential international officials from Hong Kong was crucial – and the emergence of a newcomer from the city could mean a successor has already come through.
His name is Michael Chan Ho-ming, and he is the only Fiba international referee in Hong Kong in possession of both the 3x3- and regular-basketball licences. (Ho also used to hold both licences, but gave up the regular-basketball one to focus on the 3x3 format.)
Basketball had long been part of Chan’s life: he last played the game regularly for the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology at intercollegiate tournaments, where he met his basketball player wife Karen, with whom he has two daughters.
“Players use their best effort to win a game whereas a referee does his best to ensure the match completes with the utmost fairness,” said Chan, who acquired his 3x3 C Licence in August after an officiating test in a tournament in Wuhan.
“I need professional knowledge as well as the ability to see things from a broader angle to do well in my role, and when I do just that, it gives me a sense of satisfaction.”
His officiating days started even earlier, after signing up for a basketball referee course during his secondary school days as a 16-year-old, on the recommendation of his physical education teacher.
