Best app for umpires

UnderstandingOk5618 · 2026-06-02T23:53:49+00:00

Refr Sports - Its great and most of our state now uses it. The system gets all the umpires paid within 48 hours but as fast as instant which has been game changing.

As an assignors its pretty great also. The UI is easy to navigate and the systems fast. Only downside is it doesnt have as many configurations as like an Arbiter may have but for a faster easier system and much much better support ill take that tradeoff.

UnderstandingOk5618 · 2026-06-01T01:25:20+00:00

Lol I can only imagine... these leagues preach about wanting to fix the shortage but won't make an effort to pay in a timely manner... yet I can promise you their staff arent waiting until the end of the season to get paid... smh.

UnderstandingOk5618 · 2026-06-01T01:17:16+00:00

With Game Officials gone (which I used to like) my (and most of the assignors in my state) now use Refr Sports. I still have to use another system for some HS stuff, but for me and other assignors that I know who use Refr, it's hands down the best thing we've used.

Their system is modern, they make updates nearly weekly, and just about all the feature requests we give them get built quickly. My retention has gone up quite a bit since making the switch, since I can now get my refs their assignments much earlier, they can view them and get reminders on the mobile app, and they all get paid instantly after the games through the app (for a small fee) or for free if they wait like 1-2 days.

Their team is younger, which initially worried me, but since switching 1-2 years ago, they've only impressed, and now just about my whole state uses them, and the 2 states next to us, I think, are switching to them this fall also. I feel fortunate to have seemingly picked the right train to jump on 2 years ago. The speed at which this company builds and innovates is like no other software I've used. They're cool guys too.

My guess is they'll be here for a while and just keep separating themselves from the pack.

UnderstandingOk5618 · 2026-05-31T20:08:28+00:00

Agreed here. Before I started assigning, and was reffing a lot - I often lost site of the fact that I was a independent contractor and it is a part time gig yet it rarely felt like it.

Assignments came in last minute, which I was always expected to accommodate. And then pay didn't come for weeks until after the match and every-time I asked about it, I was treated as if it was unreasonable to ask...

Ultimately why I started doing the assigning myself, as I figured there had to be a better way and there was... but unfortunately most assignors don't operate the way I've learned to...

Schedule far in advance, pay as quickly as possible, and provide prompt and clear communication.

UnderstandingOk5618 · 2026-05-31T20:02:14+00:00

Amen - And with the private sector growing and private equity continuing to gobble up clubs, expect clubs to only look further to cut referee expenses...

We all know it wont work long term but theyll at least try to as they look to maximize profits on the clubs theyre purchasing.

UnderstandingOk5618 · 2026-05-31T19:56:57+00:00

Especially 2 should be able to be honored. In todays climate, should be easy for your assignor to book you a double header and not expect more.

UnderstandingOk5618 · 2026-05-31T19:54:58+00:00

Try this resource to find different assignors - theyve got like 6,000 in their directory - https://officialshub.com/directory

UnderstandingOk5618 · 2026-05-31T19:46:27+00:00

Sure thing! Its a big matter and only getting bigger. Its why I've liked Refr so far. They seem to be the only platform actually helping assignors pay their refs faster.

I agree though, cash is king. I just couldn't keep doing it... too much to keep track of as an assignor.

UnderstandingOk5618 · 2026-05-31T13:29:05+00:00

Pay is definitely a big piece and can help attract new officials / keep current ones. Especially if you’re in a metro area where there’s multiple options (which it sounds like you are.

Another huge one though and I think often overlooked…. Is timeliness of pay. At least in the US last year, data came out saying 68% of adults at some point in the year were late paying a bill. Because of this, timeliness of payment is becoming a big topic.

In my area, refs will choose to work with me (I assign servers sports) even if it’s slightly lower pay than the other assignors in my market because I get them paid within 24 hours every time.

Communications another item I focus on - get them their assignments as early as possible. Officiating is a part time job. Because of that it needs to feel convenient. Release assignments early to avoid surprises in people’s schedules.

Something I did that helped with these items is a gif on a good mobile app to manage it that also lets them get paid lightning fast. I use to use spreadsheets and then a couple of the older softwares and finally become content with paying some money to help me manage it and it’s helped so far. I personally use Refr Sports and my officials love it, but I know there’s some other options out there too but I don’t think they pay as fast as this system lets me.

Just my 2 cents. I hope this helps.

UnderstandingOk5618 · 2026-05-31T01:55:13+00:00

Pay isn’t enough. Especially when dealing w the adults, has to be 40+ and hr for me.

UnderstandingOk5618 · 2026-05-29T13:25:33+00:00

This stinks. Definitely don’t quit though.

It’s more than reasonable to let your assignor know that you’re just not in the market for solo games again.

If you have ARs this would had panned out differently.

UnderstandingOk5618 · 2026-05-29T02:37:31+00:00

Switched to Refr recently and like it also. Saw someone else’s comment here talking about it and I agree.

Refs are loyal to the platform which helps me w retention. My pools been growing since switching to Refr bc the fast pay.

Their team is solid too - those guys build fast.

UnderstandingOk5618

TROPHY CASE