# HorizonWebRef Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is HorizonWebRef the right Remote Work solution for you? Explore 25 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/141412/HorizonWebRef-com/reviews --- HorizonWebRef 4.8 (25) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/141412/HorizonWebRef-com/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated March 13th, 2026 # Reviews of HorizonWebRef Ease of use 4.5 Customer Service 4.5 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 25 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use MM Mike M. Assignor / Supervisor Sports Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Well worth the switch to Horizon!" December 2, 2019 5.0 Pros Horizon is incredibly easy to use and thus, very user friendly. The ability to create invoices and do billing is far away easier than the program I previously used - all now at the click of a couple buttons, anytime, anywhere. Officials love both the free App, as well as the calendar syncing features and it goes without saying that cost wise, Horizon is significally less pricey. Cons Horizon definitely doesn't have the "polished look" of some other assigning programs, but its effectiveness makes up for it. The initial sign up process is incredibly cumbersome and overly thorough for new officials, especially for some of the less tech savy types. A number of people have complained that the number of emails they receive is over the top, yet I personally have not felt that way or had any concerns as an Administrator. Reason for choosing HorizonWebRef I looked at a number of different assigning platforms but no other ones jumped out as having the features I liked, the ease of use for other assignors within my area, and the cost savings were far too substantial to pass up. Review Source JM Jarred M. Owner Sports Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Greatest software for Assigning business" March 28, 2019 5.0 Horizon Web Ref is by far the best assigning website when comparing to competitors. It is great that in sport of hockey, majority of major assignors use it, which allows all assignors to know which workers are where for which assignor at a certain time. I will continue to use Horizon because my overall experience is amazing and they have my ultimate needs for my business to survive. I would like to see the certain features requested get updated or added quicker, but again, I know nothing about that field and not sure how much work and time it takes! Regardless, they have been improving the platform and can not complain! Pros Horizon Web Ref allows me to run my business on a single platform. I am able to have all my independent contractors on one site to assign their work, and now allows me to pay them as well! Makes life so much easier not having to transport game info to another platform or software for payments. Cons Horizon Web Ref has a lot of great features, BUT, there are A LOT more that could make it better. HWR allows us to request new feature, however, I do not feel they really read and look at the ones that could most beneficial at times. Think more privileges should be given to association owners in regards to who can see what in their associations and receiving more notifications when things happen inside of their association. Review Source Response from Horizon Dynamic Web Designs April 2, 2019 Thanks for the kind words! Rest assured, we do indeed read & re-read every feature suggestion we get. Unfortunately, our engineers have a tough job to try to balance and prioritize which features they should implement, but we're working every day to add more functionality. RM Russ M. assignor Sports Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Do not Like" November 30, 2019 3.0 Pros you can see what Referee's want the games Cons Inputting games takes a long time and template does not work with my computer. Review Source Response from Horizon Dynamic Web Designs December 2, 2019 We're sorry to hear you're having trouble with the template files. Our template files are compatible with any modern PC or Mac with an up-to-date version of Microsoft Excel's spreadsheet software. You can see this support article if you need instructions on how to open the file: https://horizonwebref.com/knowledgebase/articles/1930072 You can also feel free to reach out to our Live Chat team in the bottom right corner of our website and we'll be happy to assist you with working with the template files. Mike H. Business Intelligence Sr. Developer Hospital & Health Care Used the software for: 2+ years ### "No development" August 27, 2018 4.0 Customer service can get snooty at times. Pros Its relatively easy to use for my umpires. It does assign games and I like the text and email features. Cons Very little if any development for new ideas. Many of the recommendations have been planned or under review for 3 to 4 years. Review Source Response from Horizon Dynamic Web Designs August 31, 2018 Thanks for submitting a review! We do indeed release new features and improvements to the system almost daily. See http://horizonwebref.com/changelog Unfortunately, we get a lot of requests. Some take a few days, but some requests may take extensive planning or system overhauls to fit into the system. Other ideas may get prioritized lower and may take years before we get to them. Nevertheless, we do appreciate any feedback or suggestions you may have. If we didn't outright reject your idea, then it is something we'll be considering in future releases. It may not be right away, but we'll certainly take it into consideration and prioritize it the best we can with the rest of the features and improvements we release. If there's something you absolutely must have, we do offer paid development too to get a dedicated engineer on top of your idea right away. Thanks again! GW Gary W. Senior Consultant Management Consulting Used the software for: 2+ years ### "HorizonWefRef is a most excellent product" July 28, 2019 5.0 It is truly a great product. It has all the features we need to assign 150+ umpires to 1,000 games during the baseball season. It never goes down and there are never technical problems with the software. As an assignor,it gives you tremendous flexbility. For example, I can choose to assign games directly to umpires. Or I can open up games to bidding whereby interested umpires request a game and then I just select among the interested umpires. Before I switched to HWR three years ago, I used Official Assignor (OA), which I thought was a good product at the time. But HWR is so much better, literally 10x better. After a couple of months using HWR, I finally realized how its power and performance blew away OA, and I was a little mad at myself for not discovering HWR sooner. Pros It is extremely robust, flexible, easy to use and all our our umpires have it downloaded on their phones so it is always accessible Cons The fact that the default option on the Availability Calendar is Unavailable. At the beginning of each season, I have to do battle with 150 umpires to get them to switch their availability from Unavailable to Available Reason for choosing HorizonWebRef Explained above Review Source DF Dallas F. CCHL League Coordinator Sports Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Higher Quality, Lower Price" March 30, 2019 4.0 Before I came across Horizon, our officials schedule for a 110+ team league was all done using a spreadsheet. Horizon turns this into a task that once took 4+ hours into something you can get done during a lunch break. The price per official is way better than any other program. I use other platforms for other hockey leagues and this is by far the best one available. Being cheaper than all the others is just an added bonus. Pros Easy to use, as we have youth officials as well as senior officials using the program and they all understand it with minimal training. The ability to customize lots of options to suit your needs. Cons Visually it could be more modern. More customization features (although I understand the difficulty this brings) The auto assign needs some work. If my "top guy" is available every day, he will be scheduled before anyone else. Would prefer if it spread assignments around more. Review Source Response from Horizon Dynamic Web Designs April 2, 2019 Thanks for the kind words. Just for clarity, our Auto-Assign system will not always use your "top guy". It does have built-in distribution methods. Auto-Assign uses an advanced calculation method to find officials that are qualified & available as well as fairly distributing the game assignments the best it can, while ensuring every game is scheduled completed, if possible. You can see all the criteria the Auto-Assign system uses here: https://horizonwebref.com/kb/articles/1845379 DS Don S. Wrestling Official Sports Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Our experience with Web Ref" December 4, 2019 5.0 Much more clear understanding of each official's assignments and availability. Takes away misunderstandings as new officials learn the basics of the program. Pros The best thing about HorizonWebRef has been the support staff changing the standard parameters to fit our Wrestling Officials needs. We do not just have one official going to one school like we did 40 years ago. We have been able to assign several people to the same event and Webref has allowed for additional notes to determine which rounds of multi-team events each person will be working and which rounds they are off. Extremely user friendly with the aid of getting it set up with the support staff a few years ago. Cons No drawbacks that I can of that the support staff at WebRef was not able to solve. Reason for choosing HorizonWebRef The support staff was willing to customize the software to fit our needs as wrestling officials. Review Source AS Andre S. Assigner Sports Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Best officials assigning software for the money out there" April 2, 2020 5.0 This assigning platform is the best out there and I have worked with all most all of the competetors. Pros This software is easy to use, intuitive, inexpensive and has features in it for free that other competitors charge you for. It also has many features that other programs do not, like direct linking to google calendars for assignments. Set up is a breeze. Great and fast customer service response. Cons Some added features would be nice like the ability to set mileage limits for the officials and the ability to select a game by game number. Alternatives considered [Sports CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/131175/Sports-CRM/) Reason for choosing HorizonWebRef Price Review Source RC Richard C. Scheduler Sports Used the software for: 2+ years ### "ON-line scheduling" July 29, 2019 5.0 This makes it easy to schedule for large groups. I used to have to call and schedule officials on an individual basis. That is no longer the case. In addition, we have few if any no-show games where an official does not show up. It is also pretty easy to reconcile at the end of each month. We have also requested many software enhancements which have been implemented into their current system Pros Ease of use. Software is very easy to use and set up your availability, accept games and schedule games Cons As a scheduler, I would like to simulate other schedulers. This makes it easier to cover when someone is on vacation. Right now I have scheduling rights for those other associations, but I don't want to see those other associations every day Review Source CA Chris A. Referee in Chief Sports Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Different than the rest." August 5, 2019 4.0 We have very complex schedule in our hockey center with continual updates and changes from 11 different leagues and 80+ officials that need to be managed and organized by one or two people. This system has been a valuable asset in allowing us to deliver high quality service to our leagues. Pros The ability to customize and adapt the system to our specific needs. Customer support is the best I've experienced in the industry. Very easy to use and learn even for our less-technically inclined officials. Cons There really isn't much not to like and you are able to make suggestions on new or improved features when you do encounter an issue. I suppose the App could use a face lift to modernize its feel. Review Source JM John M. State Referee Coordinator Human Resources Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Massachusetts Hockey" December 2, 2019 5.0 From a people management standpoint, to be able to use this tool on any kind of device (smartphone, tablet, laptop...) and be able to see where we have refs and, if needed, manipulate assignments on the fly, makes this product so attractive. Pros Ability to see availability over various associations, good phone app... filtering system good for pulling the reports I need. Cons Not much. I use to get text alerts of my assignments on the day of but that seems to have stopped. From an assignors standpoint to remind some officials the day of via text, is reassuring that they will show or call. Reason for choosing HorizonWebRef Ease of use. Review Source SR Sean R. D9RA Assignor (HEO) Sports Used the software for: 2+ years ### "D9RA Review" December 8, 2019 5.0 Excellent value overall and continued improvements are excellent. Pros Ease of use for the system and the mobile App is also a great touch. Cons \- Assigning - would like to know the number of times an official was in a certain position for a certain team. Example could be in the drop down box it would show (H - 3, 5 A - 2, 6) this would indicate the official was the Referee three times and linesman 5 for the home team and two times the for the Away team as the referee and six as the linesman. Review Source ER Ed R. Commissioner Sports Used the software for: 2+ years ### "WebRef for Wrestling" December 5, 2019 5.0 Very good experience and the staff was able to tailor their software to meet our needs. Pros Wrestling meets are often more than Team A vs. Team B. While other services are great for that, WebRef allows us to effectively and efficiently assign to the many different meet scenarios for multiple teams. Cons Would like to be able to include attachments in the notes section for assignments. Reason for choosing HorizonWebRef Better fit with complex scheduling that is often involved with wrestling. Review Source MR Marc R. Owner Sports Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Changed my life" November 29, 2019 5.0 Tech support is so fast and good, they know their product, and get to you usually in under a minute, and it's free Pros It is super easy to use, very modern feel, and great mobile app. Saves so much time assigning the officials. Cons There is nothing that I do not like about the software. They keep improving it, and it keeps getting quite a bit better. Reason for choosing HorizonWebRef Initially better price, but Arbiter has been clunky for a decade, remind me of the old phone companies. Review Source RA Rob A. Assignor Sports Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The best assigning software I have used" July 29, 2019 5.0 It has made my assigning of 200+ flag football games a week for 6 months a year plus another 50-75 games the other 6 months of the year so much easier. Pros The ease of use for my officials and me. The updates are very common for my needs also. Cons There wasn't anything I didn't like about it. Review Source rB ron B. assigner Sports Used the software for: 2+ years ### "HEO district two hockey refs" April 15, 2020 5.0 its fast and makes few miistakes Pros payroll set up and notification reminder to refs and me of games Cons letting refs block certain and levels a option I would want out Reason for choosing HorizonWebRef \[SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN\] said it was a better system and he was right Review Source HS Harold S. UIC Sports Used the software for: 2+ years ### "My take!" January 25, 2020 5.0 Scheduling of approximately 250 softball and baseball games a year. Pros Easy to set up and use, up and running within a few hours. Great customer service! Value Cons Really, no cons, taking the time to familiarize myself with the product helped a lot. Reason for choosing HorizonWebRef Value Review Source RF Robert F. Admin Sports Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Fantastic assignment platform" August 28, 2019 5.0 Pros Horizon is very easy to use and the app is great. The features available are great and it's cheaper than the competitor that we used to use. Cons I wish Horizon was a little faster to implement improvements that are suggested by the user community. There are a few that I've suggested that would greatly improve our experience if they would add it. Reason for choosing HorizonWebRef better product Review Source OR Owen R. Referee in Chief Sports Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great Product" October 10, 2019 5.0 Great! Pros Highly efficient program. Allows for confidence in filling assignments. Very much worth the investment. Cons Need to get that Patch for ISO 13 done soon as it is causing a hassle for some of my officials. Review Source TO Tim O. Referee in Chief Sports Used the software for: 2+ years ### "WebRef Review" April 2, 2019 5.0 Fantastic software. It has cut my workload by 2/3 and made my time more effective. Pros Ease of use and effiency for payroll and stats tracking Cons It would be great if the SMS feature was usable in Australia Review Source EM Eddie M. Owner/Assigner/Trainer Professional Training & Coaching Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great Product/Service" December 3, 2019 5.0 Love this product do not know if I can ever let it go! Pros User friendly product for hundreds of games a year!! Cons None ON THE CON side... love and need product Review Source TS Tina S. Assignor Sports Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Assignor" September 8, 2019 5.0 Pros It is more user friendly to my officials Cons The referee match report. It is useless for me Review Source RC Roger C. Assigner Sports Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Horizon Web Ref" November 8, 2019 4.0 My officials like it for the app and text messages. Speeds up assigning and quality of assignments. Helps me manage who goes to which field. Works well with assigner and officials. Pros Stabile Easy to use Links with other communication Communication avenues for assigner and crew Able to link pay to officials through groups Great reports Customizable to some needs Cons Not completely intuitive Messaging to all officials clumsy and sometimes frustrating Reason for choosing HorizonWebRef Over all cost Text messaging Managing information Review Source KB Ken B. Partner Sports Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Best Solution out there" July 31, 2019 5.0 Pros The versatility and customization is great. Makes scheduling a breeze. Cons Complicated process for new members. All required info should be on one page. Review Source GT Gil T. Owner Sports Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Game Changer" April 1, 2019 5.0 I have fewer problems knowing who is available Pros The ease of use and how efficient it is to use Cons Customer service isn't always accesible Review Source Similar Products Featured ## Send me user reviews about this product ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox.