We are pleased to announce that Karol Kowalski, a distinguished FIBA referee from Rovaniemi, Finland, will be joining Survival Camp 2025 as an instructor.

Karol began his refereeing journey in 2004 and earned his Top Finnish Men’s League license in 2015. In 2019, he achieved FIBA certification, solidifying his standing in international basketball officiating. With over 280 domestic games officiated to date, he has also served as a mentor for Top League referees in Finland since 2022.

Karol brings extensive experience from high-stakes matches, including:

• Finnish Top Men’s League Finals (2023, 2024, 2025) and Semifinals (2022)
• Final of the Men’s Finnish Cup 2024
• FIBA Men’s Europe Cup Playoffs (2023–24, 2024–25)
• EuroCup and EuroLeague Women Playoffs (2023–24, 2024–25)
• World Cup 2027 European Pre-Qualifiers
• EuroBasket Women 2025 Qualifiers
• World University Games (Universiade) 2025 in Germany
• FIBA Youth European Championships:
  • U16 (2021, 2022)
  • U18 (2021, 2023)
  • U20 (2021, 2024)
• European Youth Summer Olympic Festival 2017 (Hungary)
• Nordic Championships (2014–2018)

Photo: Viktor Rébay / fiba.basketball

Off the court, Karol is a lawyer by profession. His personal motto — “Be better than yesterday, but worse than tomorrow” — reflects his commitment to continuous growth and excellence.

We are honored to welcome Karol to the Survival Camp 2025 instructor team. His international experience, professionalism and leadership will undoubtedly add exceptional value to the program.

Photo FIBA: Viktor Rébay / fiba.basketball