This study examines the effects of fan behavior on the stress and motivation levels of basketball referees. Throughout history, sport has evolved from being merely a leisure and entertainment activity into a social phenomenon centered on competition and the pursuit of superiority. Basketball has rapidly developed both worldwide and in Turkey, contributing significantly to the emergence of fan culture. With the organization of the first basketball games, the concept of fandom appeared, and spectators began to support their teams. The behaviors displayed by fans during matches can directly influence referees’ decision-making processes, thereby creating changes in their stress and motivation levels.

Referees are responsible for ensuring that the game is conducted fairly within the framework of the rules. However, in high-tension competitions, the decisions they make can affect the psychological states of athletes and fans, altering the course of the game. At this point, referees’ decision-making styles gain importance. The literature identifies four distinct styles: rulebook style, preventive style, let-them-play style, and advantage/disadvantage style. In the rulebook style, referees strictly adhere to the rules, while in the preventive style they attempt to avert crises through communication skills. The let-them-play style involves minimal interference in the game, though this approach may cause problems when matches become heated. The advantage/disadvantage style refers to referees intervening at the right time without disrupting the flow of the game.

In conclusion, fan behavior is a factor that directly affects referees’ stress and motivation levels. The style adopted by referees determines the fairness of the game’s management and the successful completion of the competition. Therefore, referees must not only have a strong command of the rules but also develop effective communication skills to ensure that sporting events are conducted safely and fairly.