Introduction. Today's youth is at a crossroads of social development. Participation in student organizations, especially those related to physical education and sports, is becoming an important stage and driving force in personal development. The formation of a constructive reference zone is essential in this process – a system of social reference points in relation to which a person is aware of their actions, makes decisions and builds interaction with other people. The purpose of the work is to identify criteria and mechanisms for establishing a constructive reference zone in the conditions of a student sports club (SSC “Makarenko Method”, Voronezh State Pedagogical University). Materials and methods of research. Following a theoretical analysis and synthesis of scientific literature on role models and personality development in sports clubs, an empirical study was designed and implemented. A survey was administered to 168 students from Voronezh State Pedagogical University, who were categorized based on their participation (or lack thereof) in a sports student club. The empirical data obtained from the survey was processed using qualitative and quantitative analysis, including descriptive statistics. The results of the study and their discussion. The concept of the reference zone was clarified and its components and types (pathological, deformed, neutral and constructive) were highlighted. The criteria for forming a constructive reference zone are defined as follows: setting goals, cognitive activity, emotional perception of oneself and the group, social competence and a positive attitude towards sport. The key mechanisms of its formation were also revealed, including team interaction, group identity, the balance of external and internal references, emotional stability and the ability to reflect on negative experiences. The results showed that participants in the student sports club had a significantly higher level of constructive reference zone formation than students not involved in club activities. The pedagogical conditions that facilitate the transition from a neutral or deformed reference zone to a constructive one were discussed. Conclusion. The formation of a constructive personal reference zone is an important aspect of student youth development. The student Sports Club provides unique opportunities for solving this problem. The practical significance of the research lies in the development of recommendations for the formation of a constructive reference area for students who are members of the SSC.