First Polish International Referee Jan Kotek Passed Away at the Age of 87

(4 February 1938 – 15 May 2025)

Jan Kotek, the first Polish international referee, passed away at the age of 87.
He was the last living member of the group that introduced draughts as an organized sport in Poland in the mid-1970s.

He was not only chief referee of many high-level international events - including the Women's World Championship 1999 and the first European Championship in 2000 — but also a successful educator.

Hundreds of Polish referees, across several generations, began their journey with his courses, where he generously shared his experience as both referee and organiser.

To this day, Polish organisers still refer to a well-run event as meeting "Jan’s standards".

He was also the author of the first referee handbook in Poland and served as President of the Polish Draughts Federation from 1999 to 2001.

Jan Kotek leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, education, and commitment that shaped the structure of draughts in Poland and beyond.