August 29, 2025

Best Reftown Alternative in 2025: Refr Sports

Join the World's #1 Newsletter for Officials

Never miss a beat in the officiating world! Get top news, expert advice, product savings, and more every week.

Post Image

Assigning referees in 2025 requires speed, accuracy, and tools that keep up with the ever-changing demands of sports. Many assignors have realized that older platforms no longer provide the flexibility and efficiency they need. That’s why so many are moving to Refr Sports—the modern solution designed from the ground up to make assigning easier, faster, and stress-free.

Built for Today’s Assignors

Refr Sports was developed with direct input from assignors across a wide range of sports. The platform focuses on solving the daily challenges that slow down assigning—like juggling last-minute schedule changes, managing availability, and keeping communication clear. Instead of piecing together spreadsheets, emails, and payment tools, everything lives in one streamlined system.

Assign Games Your Way

No two assignors work alike, and Refr Sports is built to accommodate that. Whether you want to handle every assignment manually or enable self-assign, the platform adapts to your preferences. Creating games, filling slots, and adjusting crews can all be done in just a few clicks. With built-in reminders and conflict checks, you can feel confident that the right officials will be in the right place at the right time.

Communication Without the Headaches

Clear, reliable communication is one of the hardest parts of assigning. Refr Sports integrates communication into the assigning workflow, eliminating the need for group texts and endless email threads. Instant notifications ensure referees are always up to date on assignments, schedule changes, or urgent updates. That means less chasing and fewer missed messages for you.

Payments and Invoicing Simplified

One of the most valuable features of Refr Sports is its payment system. Officials and assignors are paid weekly, with Refr handling payouts directly and organizations reimbursing on their schedule. This removes uncertainty about when checks will clear or whether payments will be delayed. On top of that, the platform manages W9 collection and 1099 issuing automatically, saving assignors from one of the most time-consuming administrative tasks.

Mobile Access Anywhere

Sports don’t stop when you’re away from your desk. Refr Sports’ full-featured mobile app, available for both iOS and Android, lets assignors manage schedules and communicate on the go. Officials can also check their assignments, confirm availability, and track payments from their phone, keeping everyone connected wherever they are.

Data-Driven Insights for Confident Assigning

Refr Sports provides more than just scheduling. The platform offers availability, location, and referee ability insights so you can assign with confidence. By making informed decisions backed by real-time data, you reduce conflicts, improve coverage, and strengthen your officiating roster.

Why Refr Sports Stands Out in 2025

Older systems may get the basics done, but today’s sports environment demands more. Refr Sports combines assigning, communication, payments, compliance, and insights into one platform that simply works. Assignors no longer have to waste evenings chasing confirmations, handling payouts, or double-checking spreadsheets. Instead, they can focus on building strong officiating teams and running smooth events.

The Bottom Line

In 2025, the best alternative to outdated assigning tools is clear. Refr Sports delivers the modern technology, streamlined processes, and peace of mind that assignors need to succeed. From fast game creation to weekly payments and integrated communication, it’s everything an assignor could want—all in one place.

If you’re ready to move beyond clunky systems and become the assignor referees love working with, Refr Sports is the solution built for you.

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."
Review Image
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.”
Review Image
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."
Review Image
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."
Review Image
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.”
Review Image
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."
Review Image
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!"
Review Image
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"
Review Image
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."
Review Image
Ian Carlson
Iowa Hockey State Supervisor