This study investigated the correlation between Zest for work and self-efficacy in the retention of professional referee careers. The research employed a relational screening model and used convenience sampling owing to the ongoing season. A total of 330 referees participated, comprising 47% (n = 155) basketball referees, 19% (n = 63) handball referees, 17% (n = 56) football referees, and 17% (n = 56) volleyball referees. Among the referees, 23.3% (n = 44) were female, and 76.7% were male. A personal information form as a data collection tool was used for the research, The Referee Retention Scale (RRS), The Zest for Work Scale for Referees (ZWSR) and "The Referee Self-Efficacy Scale (REFS)". Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 25. The t-test was used to compare the referees' RSS, ZWSR, REFS, and sub-categories by gender, and one-way ANOVA was used to compare them by branch. The Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationships between the age and seniority of the referees and the relationships between the RSS and its subcategories, ZWSR and REFS, and their sub-categories. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to predict the referees' retention of professional careers. The significance level was taken as p <.05. When the findings were examined; it was concluded that an increase in Zest for work and perceived self-efficacy positively influenced the referees' attitudes and willingness to continue working in the field. The multiple linear regression analysis results regarding predicting the continuation of referees in their profession show that professional satisfaction and self-efficacy positively influence referees' decisions to remain and persist in their profession.