April 21, 2025

HorizonWebRef Alternative: Why Refr Sports Is Leading in 2025

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Managing referees, scheduling games, and keeping communication flowing are challenges that every assignor and sports organization knows well. While there are many software platforms built to help with officiating operations, 2025 has shown a clear shift: more and more organizations are turning to Refr Sports.

If you're looking for a modern, streamlined, and assignor-friendly alternative to HorizonWebRef, this is why Refr Sports stands out.

Built for Assignors Who Wear Multiple Hats

Refr Sports was created with the understanding that assignors don’t just assign. You're also the communicator, organizer, and problem-solver — often across multiple sports and leagues. That’s why Refr offers features that support every part of the job:

  • Smart availability tracking
  • Bulk assigning tools for rapid scheduling
  • Performance tracking and evaluation logging
  • Multi-sport support with no clunky workarounds

Everything’s built with simplicity and clarity at the core, so you spend less time troubleshooting and more time running your program.

Simplified Communication with Officials

Clear and timely communication is critical to any assigning workflow. Refr Sports makes it easier by providing fully integrated messaging and alerts within the platform itself — no more bouncing between email chains or third-party apps.

With Refr, you can:

  • Message officials directly through the dashboard
  • Send group updates or individual notes
  • Track message delivery and response activity

It’s all about getting everyone on the same page, fast.

One System. All Your Sports.

Where some platforms focus on a single sport, Refr was built from the beginning to support multi-sport operations. Whether you’re running games for basketball, hockey, soccer, baseball, or beyond, Refr handles everything in one centralized system.

No need to log into different accounts or set up separate workflows. One login. One interface. Full control.

Real-Time Insights and Game Tracking

Knowing who worked where, when, and how well they performed is crucial to maintaining a strong officiating group. Refr Sports makes this simple with:

  • Custom evaluation tools
  • Assignor notes for each game
  • Historical game logs and exportable data
  • Visibility into workloads and trends across the season

You’re not just assigning — you’re developing referees and building long-term success. Refr helps you track that growth effortlessly.

Modern Design and Constant Evolution

Refr’s interface isn’t dated or clunky — it’s built for 2025 and beyond. More importantly, it doesn’t sit still. The platform continues to evolve based on real feedback from assignors and officials, with new features released regularly and responsive support available when needed.

Every update is driven by one simple question: Will this make assignors’ lives easier? If the answer is yes, it's a priority.

Final Thoughts

With intuitive tools, responsive development, and a commitment to making assignors’ jobs simpler, Refr has become the go-to platform for those who expect more.

If you’re looking for the best alternative to HorizonWebRef in 2025, look no further — Refr Sports has everything you need to assign smarter, communicate faster, and manage your officials with confidence

TestimonialS

Hear From Our Users

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."
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Dennis Barela
President | Behind the Flag and 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.”
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Megan Jacobson
Head of Operations | Catholic Athletic Association
The best platform I’ve used
"Switching to Refr did not disappoint. They handle everything — from availability and communication to seamless scheduling and payments — for the thousands of games I assign every year. This platform is the place to be."
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Adam Bates
President | Florida Officials Association
It has eliminated time spent on payroll
"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"
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Joe Kulas
Assignor | MinnDak Officials Association
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."
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Ian Carlson
State Supervisor | Iowa Hockey Officials
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."
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Christine Francis
Kansas City Soccer Assignor
Great for tournaments and schools
“I assign softball umpires for several Georgia High School Association chapters and major tournaments, and Refr has been a huge upgrade. It simplifies both my tournament and league season operations—from seamless scheduling to weekly official payments and efficient invoicing and payroll management for all organizations types.”
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Dustin Holton
President | Next Level Officials
Genuine interest in serving the officiating community
"Support with Refr is incredible—quick responses, genuine communication, and a real willingness to listen. It’s clear this product is the result of listening to and implementing the advice and needs of assignors like myself."
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Shelley Russi
Owner | Ref-Ology & Blast Equality Collab
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.”
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Kelli Linnerooth
Minneapolis Baseball Sports Organization Head

Make the Switch to Refr

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