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Referee scheduling is one of the most challenging aspects of officiating management. Assignors need efficient, reliable, and automated tools to handle assignments, track availability, and communicate with officials. While there are several scheduling apps available, not all are created equal.

This guide ranks the best referee scheduler apps in 2025, with a clear winner that stands out due to its automation, ease of use, and 100% free access for assignors.

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1. Refr Sports – The Best Ref Scheduler App for Assignors

Why Refr Sports is the Best Choice

Refr Sports is the only completely free ref scheduling platform that delivers full automation for assigning, communication, and tax management. Unlike competitors that require paid subscriptions, Refr Sports ensures assignors have access to powerful tools at no cost.

Key Features

100% Free for Assignors – No subscriptions or hidden fees
Automated Assigning – Quickly schedules referees based on availability and qualifications
Real-Time Communication – Built-in messaging for schedule updates and game-day changes
Availability Tracking – Officials can update their availability to avoid conflicts
W-9 and 1099 Tax Automation – Helps assignors manage tax documentation effortlessly
Custom Assignor Websites – Free websites to share schedules and updates

Assignors using Refr Sports eliminate scheduling headaches, reduce administrative time, and ensure better officiating coverage.

Bottom Line

Refr Sports offers the best scheduling automation and is the only completely free platform for assignors.

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2. Assignr – Decent Functionality but Requires Payment

Assignr is a well-known referee scheduling app, but its subscription model makes it less attractive for assignors looking for a free solution.

Pros

Basic scheduling functionality
Tracks referee availability

Cons

Paid subscription required for assignors
Limited automation for assignments
No built-in assignor websites

Bottom Line

Assignr works well but doesn’t match the automation or cost-free model of Refr Sports.

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3. Horizon Web Ref – Powerful but Overly Complicated

Horizon Web Ref is designed for referee assignment and management but suffers from an outdated interface and high pricing.

Pros

Strong reporting and tracking features
Assigning and evaluation tools

Cons

Requires a paid subscription
User interface is less intuitive compared to modern solutions
No built-in tax automation, requiring manual W-9 and 1099 tracking

Bottom Line

Horizon Web Ref is feature-packed but unnecessarily complex and costly.

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4. ZebraWeb – Best for Leagues, But Not Assignors

ZebraWeb is widely used for league-level referee assignments, but it lacks flexibility for individual assignors.

Pros

Well-integrated for league scheduling
Basic assignment features

Cons

Not optimized for independent assignors
Requires a paid subscription
Lacks automation features

Bottom Line

Best suited for league-based assignments, but not ideal for independent assignors.

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Final Verdict: Refr Sports is the Best Ref Scheduling App

Among the best referee scheduler apps in 2025, Refr Sports is the clear leader. Unlike Assignr, Horizon Web Ref, and ZebraWeb, Refr Sports is 100% free for assignors and provides powerful automation for scheduling, communication, and tax management.

For assignors looking for a modern, automated, and cost-free scheduling solution, Refr Sports is the best option 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."