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Managing referees and scheduling assignments can be a complicated and time-consuming task. The right referee scheduling software helps assignors streamline operations, reduce administrative workload, and improve communication with officials. However, not all platforms offer the same level of efficiency, and many come with unnecessary costs.

For assignors looking for the best free solution, this ranked list breaks down the top scheduling software options available in 2025, with a clear winner that stands above the rest.

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1. Refr Sports – The Best Free Referee Scheduling Software

Why Refr Sports is the Top Choice

Refr Sports is the only fully free referee scheduling platform designed to eliminate manual tasks, automate assignments, and simplify tax compliance. While other platforms charge for core features, Refr Sports provides everything an assignor needs at no cost.

Key Features

Free for assignors with no hidden fees
Automated scheduling to assign referees effortlessly
Real-time communication tools for instant updates
Availability tracking to prevent conflicts
W-9 and 1099 automation for easy tax reporting
Custom assignor websites for posting schedules and updates

Assignors who want an efficient, modern, and fully automated solution will find Refr Sports to be the most comprehensive option available.

Bottom Line

Refr Sports removes the burden of manual scheduling and administrative work, making it the best free software for assignors.

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2. Assignr – A Functional but Paid Alternative

Assignr provides basic scheduling and assignment tools, but it lacks full automation and requires a paid subscription for access to all features.

Pros

Simple scheduling interface
Availability tracking for officials

Cons

Requires a paid subscription for full functionality
Limited automation features
No built-in assignor websites for public updates

Bottom Line

Assignr works, but it comes at a cost and lacks the automation that makes scheduling truly effortless.

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3. Horizon Web Ref – Feature-Packed but Expensive

Horizon Web Ref offers a comprehensive set of tools for referee management, but it has a steep learning curve and high pricing that may not justify the investment for many assignors.

Pros

Detailed reporting and analytics tools
Assigning and evaluation features

Cons

Requires a paid subscription
Complicated interface compared to modern alternatives
No tax automation, requiring assignors to manually handle W-9s and 1099s

Bottom Line

Horizon Web Ref provides strong features but is expensive and harder to navigate, making it less ideal for assignors seeking a free or more intuitive solution.

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4. ZebraWeb – Best for League Assigning, But Limited

ZebraWeb is commonly used for league-based officiating, but it lacks flexibility for assignors managing independent referees.

Pros

Works well for structured leagues
Basic scheduling functionality

Cons

Not as user-friendly for independent assignors
Requires payment for access
Outdated interface compared to newer platforms

Bottom Line

Best suited for leagues but lacks flexibility and automation for broader assigning needs.

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Final Verdict: Refr Sports is the Best Free Option for Assignors

After comparing the best free referee scheduling software in 2025, Refr Sports is the clear winner. Unlike Assignr, Horizon Web Ref, and ZebraWeb, Refr Sports is completely free for assignors and offers full automation for scheduling, communication, and tax management.

For assignors looking to eliminate administrative headaches and streamline operations, Refr Sports provides the best free solution available today.

TestimonialS

Why Assignors Choose Refr Sports

"Referees get paid directly through the platform"

"Referees get paid directly through the platform, relieving me and my sports organizations of the burden of handling payments and tax forms. Once they use it and see how it works, they're so happy and relieved."

Christine Francis

Kansas City Soccer Assignor

"Their customer support is outstanding"

“Refr Sports' customer service and app differentiate them from the rest! All of our emails, phone calls, and requests were answered very quickly. Their customer support is outstanding.”

Kelli Linnerooth

Minneapolis Baseball Sports Organization Head

"Genuine interest in serving the officiating community"

“After researching many different official’s platforms, we decided to work with Refr Sports because of their genuine interest in serving the sports and officiating community."

Jessie Ward

Spokane Sports

"It just works"

"Refr Sports has made things so much easier. The payment process is streamlined, everything is trackable, and officials love the app. Once the word got out, we doubled the number of officials signing up to use the platform. It just works."

Dennis Barela

Behind the Flag | Dream Big Officials

"Helped me schedule my entire season in less than 2 hours "

“The system helped me upload and schedule my entire season in less than 2 hours time! The fee we pay is more than worth it. Switching to Refr has made a night-and-day difference for our organization.”

Megan Jacobson

Catholic Athletic Association

"They’ve been hands-on and supportive from the beginning"

"My league is small, but Refr and their team have given me plenty of attention in helping me get started and feel confident using the system. They’ve been hands-on and supportive from the beginning, and the platform continues to run smoothly."

Steve Gatesman

Arkansas Soccer Assignor

"It makes getting paid super convenient"

"I love tracking my earnings through the mobile app. It makes getting paid super convenient. The new mapping feature has also been a big help!"

Dawson Weleski

Baseball Umpire

"It has eliminated time spent on taxes"

"The billing process has made my officials extremely happy due to the consistency and ability to track it on their phones. It has also saved me a ton of time on the invoicing side and eliminated my time spent on taxes"

Joe Kulas

MinnDak Officials

"I’m telling every assignor I know"

"Refr is something you really need to look into. It’s so much easier than the alternatives, and everyone appreciates what you’re doing with payment automation."