Meet Tonio Caruso, a Belgian-American official whose journey through basketball spans continents, cultures, and career paths.

Currently based in Turnhout, Belgium — just 30 minutes from Antwerp — Tonio brings a truly international perspective to the court. Having spent part of his childhood in the United States, he gained early exposure to cultural diversity and developed bilingual fluency, which continues to serve him well in officiating, education, and professional settings.

After four seasons of steady progression, Tonio has just been promoted to the Belgian national division — a major milestone in his refereeing career. He attributes a key part of this growth to his first experience at Survival Camp in 2024, which he describes as “a permanent shift in how I view officiating and our role as referees.” For him, the camp represented not just technical development, but a shared passion for the game and a commitment to mutual growth.

Tonio’s roots in basketball run deep. A former 2nd division player, a multi-age group coach, and previously head of communication for Elite Academy Antwerp, Tonio has now made the deliberate decision to focus fully on officiating. Season 2025 will be his fifth — and clearly, one of transformation.

Beyond the court, Tonio shares a key insight: “Officiating has taught me life.” From managing pressure to mastering communication, from listening with intent to leading under stress — the lessons have extended far beyond basketball and into his personal and professional life.

We’re excited to welcome Tonio back to Survival Camp this year. Once again, surrounded by those who share the same drive to grow, lead, and elevate the standard of the game.