Built on Reliability. Rooted in Chicago.
First Choice Officials has been assigning basketball officials in the Chicago area for over 25 years.
One mission: fill every game
First Choice Officials was founded over 25 years ago, shortly after Felix Harper began officiating basketball. What started as a small assignment operation grew through relationships with organizations like FTG and one relentless commitment: fill every game, pay every official, every time. Today, First Choice is one of the most trusted names in Chicago basketball officiating.
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The people behind the whistle
Felix Harper
Founder & Lead Assignor
Felix has been officiating and assigning basketball in the Chicago area for over 25 years. He founded First Choice Officials and built the organization from the ground up through relationships, reliability, and a deep love for the game. Under his leadership, First Choice has maintained a 100% fill rate over the past two seasons — an achievement virtually unheard of in the industry.
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Wesley Harper
Assignor
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Sarah Brendel
Operations & Assignments
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Sports Tours & Group Travel
Looking to take your team or organization on a sports trip? Ask us about exclusive group travel opportunities available to First Choice officials and partners.
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