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Assigning referees sounds simple until you try to cover dozens of fields, last‑minute cancellations, travel distances, and payment tracking all at the same time. The right ref scheduler app turns chaos into a clean plan, with fewer texts at midnight and more games covered on time. This guide ranks the best referee scheduling apps, explains key features in plain English, and helps you pick the tool that fits your sport, budget, and crew size.
What Is a Ref Scheduler App?
A ref scheduler app is software that helps assignors and league managers schedule officials for games. It usually includes tools for availability, conflicts, game changes, messaging, crew building, evaluations, and paying officials. Some tools are built only for officials. Others are part of a bigger league or school platform. Your best choice depends on how you work today and how much you want to automate.
How We Ranked These Apps
We looked at the features that matter most to assignors, officials, and league admins. Each app was scored for ease of use, assigning power, communication, payments, mobile support, flexibility across sports, integrations, and price value. We also considered how well each tool scales from small clubs to large associations and whether it supports officials in different regions.
Ease of use
Clear dashboards, simple workflows, and quick training for new users. An app gets extra credit if a new assignor can start scheduling within a day.
Assigning power
Tools for availability, self-assign rules, crew creation, auto-assign, conflict checks, travel distance, and last-minute swaps.
Communication
Email, SMS, in-app messages, push notifications, and confirmation tracking so you know who accepted a game and who needs a reminder.
Payments and payroll
Built-in digital pay or clean exports to pay vendors. Mileage, fees, and tax-friendly reporting are key for bigger groups.
Mobile apps
Referees live on their phones. Strong mobile apps reduce no-shows and confusion.
Flexibility and integrations
Multi-sport support, custom positions, links to league or school schedules, and data imports/exports for easy migration.
Price and value
Transparent plans that fit small clubs and large associations, with clear limits and fair costs as you grow.
Best Ref Scheduler Apps Ranked
Here is the short list first. Keep reading for deep dives on each platform.
1) ArbiterSports (ArbiterOne)
Powerful, widely used in scholastic sports in the United States, with advanced assigning and digital payments through ArbiterPay.
2) Assignr
Modern design, easy setup, strong mobile apps, self-assign options, and built-in online payments for officials in many regions.
3) HorizonWebRef
Feature-rich system with training tools, tests, evaluations, and robust scheduling for multi-sport associations.
4) RefTown
Trusted, affordable solution with deep scheduling features and solid communication tools for officials and assignors.
5) ZebraWeb
Popular with colleges and conferences, strong evaluations and reporting, clean workflows for experienced assignors.
6) DragonFly Officials
Best when you want officials scheduling tied directly to school and league operations in one all-in-one platform.
7) TeamSideline Officials
Great for community leagues already on TeamSideline, with scheduling built into your league’s game data.
8) GoAssign
Flexible rostering and shift assignment for many industries, including officiating groups that want a simple, modern tool.
9) Sportlomo Officials
Strong in rugby and international sports, with expenses, registrations, and competition management in one ecosystem.
10) RefCentre
Widely used in parts of Canada, especially for soccer, with discipline, assessments, and soccer-focused workflows.
Deep Dives: Features, Pros, and Best Fit
ArbiterSports (ArbiterOne)
Overview: ArbiterSports is a veteran in the officiating world, especially in American scholastic sports. It handles complex assigning with tools for availability, blocks, mileage, and eligibility checks. It also connects to ArbiterPay for digital payments, which many associations use to reduce check writing and to keep records clean.
Best for: Large high school associations, multi-sport groups, and organizations that need robust compliance and payment workflows.
Key features: Advanced conflict rules, crew assignments, shared calendars, mass notifications, digital payments, eligibility tracking, and integrations with school schedules in supported regions.
Pros: Very powerful for big programs, wide adoption, strong payment workflows, and proven reliability at scale.
Cons: Can feel complex for small clubs, setup is detailed, and some customization takes time to learn.
Pricing snapshot: Organization-based plans with add-ons like digital payments. Expect pricing to scale with size and modules.
Watch-outs: Plan time for onboarding and training so assignors and officials build good habits early.
Assignr
Overview: Assignr offers a clean, modern experience with fast setup. It supports self-assign rules, crew building, reporting, and in-app messages. Many groups like the built-in online payments so officials get paid by direct deposit, reducing the manual work of payroll.
Best for: Small to mid-size associations, youth leagues, and multi-sport clubs that want a quick start and strong mobile support.
Key features: Availability and blocks, self-assign with limits, crew creation, evaluations, mobile apps, and integrated online payments in supported regions.
Pros: Easy to learn, strong mobile experience, flexible workflows for growing groups, and fast communication.
Cons: Some advanced enterprise needs may require workarounds. Larger custom reporting can take setup.
Pricing snapshot: Tiered plans by number of officials and features, with a free trial to test before you switch.
Watch-outs: Confirm payment availability in your country and how transfers work for your banking setup.
HorizonWebRef
Overview: HorizonWebRef focuses on the full life cycle of officiating. Beyond scheduling and communication, it offers training modules, tests, evaluations, and attendance tracking for meetings. It is popular across many sports and regions.
Best for: Associations that value training, testing, and education inside the same platform as assigning.
Key features: Scheduling and availability, exams and training tools, evaluations, messaging, and mobile access.
Pros: All-in-one approach for education and scheduling, strong controls for compliance and certification.
Cons: The feature set is broad, so admins should plan a clear process to avoid overwhelm for new users.
Pricing snapshot: Organization subscriptions scale by size and modules. Expect good value if you use training features.
Watch-outs: Set clear roles for who manages tests and evaluations so officials do not get confused by too many tasks.
RefTown
Overview: RefTown is a long-standing option with a loyal base. It balances deep scheduling tools with effective communication. Many officials appreciate the straightforward interface and the practical features for availability, blocks, and reporting.
Best for: Local associations and clubs that want proven, affordable scheduling without heavy complexity.
Key features: Game assigning, availability and blocks, payroll reports, message center, and basic evaluations.
Pros: Stable platform, approachable learning curve, and good value for small to mid-size groups.
Cons: Interface looks traditional compared to newer apps, but it remains very functional.
Pricing snapshot: Budget-friendly plans. Some groups have officials contribute small fees to cover costs.
Watch-outs: Define your communication standards early so messages do not get scattered across email and text.
ZebraWeb
Overview: ZebraWeb is used by many college conferences and experienced assignors who need strong evaluation and reporting tools. It focuses on clear workflows, accountability, and compliance with conference standards.
Best for: College-level and advanced officials groups with formal review processes and detailed post-game reporting.
Key features: Scheduling, evaluations, game reports, eligibility and conflicts, exportable payroll data, and audit trails.
Pros: Reliable for high-level play, strong reporting, and consistent processes that hold up under pressure.
Cons: The setup and structure can feel strict for casual leagues. It works best when you want formal standards.
Pricing snapshot: Organization-based pricing that fits conferences and advanced associations.
Watch-outs: Align your evaluation rubrics and reporting before rollout so everyone knows the expectations.
DragonFly Officials
Overview: DragonFly is an all-in-one platform for school athletics, and its Officials module fits well when your games, rosters, facilities, and payments live under one roof. It is especially useful if your schools already use DragonFly for schedules and compliance.
Best for: School systems and state associations that want officials assigning tied directly to school events.
Key features: Assigning linked to school schedules, compliance tracking, communication, and consolidated admin tools.
Pros: Central data reduces double entry and schedule mismatches. Good for administrators running many moving parts.
Cons: Best value happens when your schools already live in the DragonFly ecosystem.
Pricing snapshot: Part of the broader DragonFly platform. Pricing depends on modules and scope.
Watch-outs: Map how your league enters games and how assignors confirm changes to avoid stale data.
TeamSideline Officials
Overview: TeamSideline is a league management platform with an officials assigning module. If you run your leagues and schedules on TeamSideline, adding the officials piece keeps everything connected in one place.
Best for: Community rec departments and clubs already using TeamSideline for teams, schedules, and standings.
Key features: Assigning linked to league schedules, availability, confirmations, and messaging inside the same system.
Pros: One database, less importing and exporting, fewer errors. Fits the needs of community programs well.
Cons: If you do not use TeamSideline for the rest of your operations, there may be better standalone options.
Pricing snapshot: Add-on or bundled pricing with other TeamSideline services.
Watch-outs: Agree on who owns game changes so the officials schedule updates in real time.
GoAssign
Overview: GoAssign is a modern rostering tool that many organizations use for shifts, volunteers, and officials. It is not only for referees, but it is flexible and easy to learn, which helps new assignors move fast.
Best for: Clubs and associations that want a simple, clean rostering tool without a heavy officiating focus.
Key features: Availability, shift assignment, reminders, mobile support, and time zone handling for broad regions.
Pros: Quick setup, modern feel, good notifications, and a friendly experience for new users.
Cons: Lacks some officiating-specific features like assessments or sport-specific positions out of the box.
Pricing snapshot: Subscription pricing scales with users and features.
Watch-outs: If you need evaluations, rule tests, or detailed payroll, consider pairing with other tools.
Sportlomo Officials
Overview: Sportlomo supports multiple sports internationally, with strong adoption in rugby and soccer. It includes registrations, competition management, and officials assigning, which can simplify life for federations and large clubs.
Best for: Federations or clubs that want registrations, fixtures, and officials in one ecosystem across multiple sports.
Key features: Assigning, expenses and mileage, registrations, results, and multi-level admin controls.
Pros: One platform reduces data duplication and helps standardize processes across regions.
Cons: Broader system means more configuration. Make time to tailor it to your sport’s rules.
Pricing snapshot: Organization plans and tailored packages for larger entities.
Watch-outs: Plan your data model early, including teams, divisions, and roles, so assigning is smooth.
RefCentre
Overview: RefCentre is widely used by soccer organizations in Canada. It offers scheduling, assessments, discipline forms, and game reports that match common soccer workflows, which lowers training time for referees and assignors.
Best for: Soccer-focused clubs and districts, especially in regions where RefCentre is already the standard.
Key features: Assigning, fitness and availability tracking, assessments, discipline and match reports, and messaging.
Pros: Soccer-first features, familiar to many referees, and aligned with competition needs.
Cons: Less flexible if you run many sports with different rules. Best as a soccer solution.
Pricing snapshot: Organization-based pricing that scales with club or district size.
Watch-outs: Confirm data export options if you plan to integrate with other systems later.
Feature Comparison: What Really Matters
Availability and conflicts
Look for an easy way for officials to block dates, set travel ranges, and list preferred venues. The best systems warn you when you assign two games too close together or double-book someone.
Self-assign with controls
Self-assign can save hours if you set rules. Limit by level, distance, number of games per day, and certification so newer officials do not grab games they are not ready for.
Crew building and positions
Multi-official sports need clear positions and minimum crew sizes. Your app should enforce roles like Referee, Umpire, AR, Line Judge, or Scorer, with backups when someone declines.
Communication and confirmations
Officials should get instant notifications with date, time, venue, and pay. You should see who accepted, who declined, and who needs a nudge. Auto-reminders reduce no-shows.
Late changes and swaps
Games move. A good app handles last-minute changes without breaking your entire schedule. Fast filters help you find a qualified replacement nearby.
Payments and expenses
Decide if you want built-in digital payments or if you prefer to export a payroll file to your finance system. Look for mileage, per diem, and tax-friendly reports if your crew travels a lot.
Mobile apps
Officials live on phones. Make sure the mobile app shows today’s games, directions, contacts, and any rule notes. Offline access can help in areas with poor service.
Integrations and imports
Connecting to league or school schedules saves time and reduces mistakes. Ask about CSV imports, API access, and how the app handles recurring changes.
Evaluations and education
If your group mentors officials, look for built-in evaluations, post-game reports, and even online tests. This keeps development tied to real assignments.
Audit and compliance
Larger associations need eligibility checks, background status fields, and audit trails. Strong permissions keep personal data safe and roles clear.
Which App Fits Your Group?
Small clubs and youth leagues
Pick Assignr, RefTown, or TeamSideline Officials if you want quick setup and simple workflows. These options reduce training time and keep costs predictable.
Medium associations with multiple sports
Consider Assignr or HorizonWebRef for a mix of power and usability. If you need more training features, HorizonWebRef is more complete.
Large scholastic or conference-level groups
ArbiterSports and ZebraWeb shine here. They support complex rules, formal evaluations, and detailed reporting required at higher levels.
School systems and state orgs
DragonFly Officials works well if your schools already manage schedules and compliance in the same platform.
International and multi-entity federations
Sportlomo Officials is strong when you need registrations, competitions, and assigning across many regions. RefCentre is excellent for soccer-heavy programs in Canada.
Getting Started: A Simple Setup Plan
Step 1: Map your current process
Write down how you schedule today. Include who enters games, how you collect availability, how you share assignments, how you track declines, and how you pay.
Step 2: List must-haves vs nice-to-haves
Must-haves might be self-assign, mobile app, payroll exports, or API access. Nice-to-haves might be exams or advanced analytics. Keep the list short and honest.
Step 3: Try two apps, not ten
Pick two platforms that fit your size and sport. Use a free trial with real data and a small test group of officials. Watch how quickly people learn the basics.
Step 4: Decide on payment workflows
Choose built-in payments or external payroll. Test a sample export or micro-payout before you decide. Make sure finance approves the process.
Step 5: Plan your communication style
Agree on standard message templates and timelines. For example, send assignments on Monday, reminders two days before, and same-day alerts for changes.
Step 6: Train with simple checklists
Give officials a one-page guide with how to set availability, accept games, and view directions. Give assignors a short runbook for common tasks and emergencies.
Migrating From Spreadsheets or Another App
Clean your data first
Fix team names, venues, and contact info before importing. Consistent naming saves headaches later. Decide on an ID format for venues and teams.
Start with a pilot season or a single sport
Do not move everything at once. Run a short season or one sport as a pilot. Collect feedback and adjust settings before full rollout.
Run parallel for two weeks
Keep your old process running while you test the new app. Cross-check assignments, confirmations, and any changes to make sure nothing slips through.
Communicate deadlines
Tell officials when to create accounts, set availability, and accept the first round of games. Clear dates reduce last-minute chaos.
Lock down permissions and roles
Give the smallest set of permissions needed for each role. This protects personal data and stops accidental changes to league settings.
Security, Privacy, and Compliance Basics
Protect personal data
Officials often share addresses, phone numbers, and banking details. Use strong passwords, multifactor authentication where available, and clear rules about who can see what.
Audit trails and eligibility
For higher levels, you may track background status, certifications, and expiration dates. Use the app’s fields to keep this data current and visible to the right people.
Payments and taxes
Understand how your app records game fees, mileage, and year-end totals. Use these reports to support tax forms and to answer pay questions fast.
Budgeting and ROI
Direct costs
Your subscription may depend on the number of officials, number of games, or feature modules like payments or texting. Choose a plan that matches your season cycle.
Time saved
A good scheduler cuts hours of manual work every week. Count time saved on assigning, chasing confirmations, and fixing errors after the fact.
Coverage and retention
Clear communication and fair assigning improve coverage and keep officials happier. Happier officials come back next season, which saves recruiting costs.
Accuracy and disputes
A clean audit trail for assignments and payments reduces disputes. That protects relationships with schools and teams.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-customizing on day one
Start simple. Use the defaults for your first month. Only add complex rules after the team is comfortable with the basics.
Ignoring mobile
If your officials cannot manage assignments on their phones, you will chase them for confirmations. Test the mobile app early.
Weak data hygiene
Dirty team names and duplicate venues cause wrong directions and missed games. Clean data is not exciting, but it prevents the worst headaches.
Changing games without alerts
Always send an automatic update when the time or venue changes. Require officials to reconfirm if the change is big.
No backup assignor
Train a second person to handle urgent issues. Give them access, checklists, and a test run before the playoffs.
FAQs
Do I need built-in payments?
If you pay many officials each week, built-in payments save time and reduce errors. If you pay rarely or through a city finance system, exports may be enough.
Is self-assign safe?
Yes, if you set rules. Limit by certification, distance, and number of games. Keep priority windows for senior officials if needed.
How long does setup take?
Small clubs can be ready in a day. Large associations with complex rules should plan a couple of weeks and a short pilot.
What if my sport changes crews often?
Pick an app with quick replacement tools, live confirmations, and clear positions for every role on the crew.
Can I run multiple sports in one system?
Yes. Most tools support multiple sports. Make sure you can set sport-specific positions, fees, and rules.
The Rankings, Revisited
Top pick for most associations
Assignr balances ease of use, mobile strength, and modern features. It is a friendly choice for small to mid-size groups that want to move quickly.
Top pick for large scholastic programs
ArbiterSports offers deep controls and digital payments built for scale, which makes it a strong fit for big, multi-sport associations.
Top pick for training-heavy groups
HorizonWebRef gives you scheduling plus tests and evaluations, ideal if you invest in development and compliance.
Best value for tight budgets
RefTown delivers strong scheduling without a steep learning curve or price tag, which is great for smaller clubs.
Best for college-level standards
ZebraWeb supports detailed evaluations and reporting, aligning with conference expectations and formal review processes.
Practical Playbook: Make Your First Month a Win
Week 1: Data and roles
Import teams, venues, officials, and game templates. Set roles and permissions. Send a welcome email with a one-page quick start guide.
Week 2: Availability
Open the availability window. Remind officials twice. Spot-check for conflicts and missing data before scheduling.
Week 3: First assignments
Assign a small batch. Watch acceptance and decline rates. Fix any message templates or timing that cause confusion.
Week 4: Payments and reports
Test one payroll cycle or export. Run a mock evaluation or post-game report. Gather feedback and make small adjustments.
Future-Proofing Your Choice
Plan for growth
Pick an app that can handle more officials and extra sports later. Ask how upgrades work and whether you can toggle modules on or off.
Own your data
Make sure you can export your data at any time. Keep backups of officials, games, and venues in a simple spreadsheet as a safety net.
Stay flexible
Rules and fees change. Use templates for common game types and keep notes on how you handle exceptions. Good documentation protects you when staff turns over.
Conclusion
The best ref scheduler app is the one your team will actually use. If you need simple and fast, start with Assignr or RefTown. If you manage large scholastic programs or conferences, ArbiterSports or ZebraWeb bring the control you need. If training, tests, and evaluations matter, HorizonWebRef stands out. And if your league data already lives in a single platform like DragonFly or TeamSideline, keeping everything connected makes daily work smoother.
Map your must-haves, test with real data, and launch with a clear plan for availability, assignments, and payments. With the right tool and a few simple habits, you will cover more games, reduce last-minute stress, and give officials a better experience from the first whistle to the last.