Ref Insight is a versatile platform designed to streamline the workflow for sports officials. It offers a wide range of features and tools to help officials manage their assignments, availability, communication with assignors and other officials, and payments.

Platform Overview:

Ref Insight allows officials to interact with the system to receive assignments, enter their availability, accept or decline assignments, contact their assignor, commit to future tournaments and events, self-assign to upcoming matches, request assignments, and manage their profiles (address, email, phone, age). Notifications from assignors are also received through the platform.

Centralized Management:

All assignments from multiple assignors can be managed in one place. By installing the app, officials can receive push notifications and calendar updates (ICS files).

Assignment Notifications:

Officials receive assignment notifications, accept or decline assignments, and create blockouts for times they are unavailable to work (e.g., vacations, school, work schedule, maternity). Notifications are sent by email, and if the official has the app installed, they will also receive push notifications. For minors under 18, parents or guardians are copied on all notifications and must provide permission for the minor to use the site and accept the terms and conditions.

Accessibility:

Ref Insight is accessible through our website or the Ref Insight app available on iOS and Android.

Support for Multiple Sports:

The platform supports officials across all sports that require referees.

Blockouts Management:

Officials can input blockouts to indicate when they are unavailable, either for entire days, partial days, or recurring periods. Blockouts entered are reflected in the assigning system in real time, ensuring assignors have the latest availability information.

Communication Tools:

When part of a crew, officials have access to the contact information of other crew members. They can also contact assignors directly through the app or site to ask questions about upcoming assignments.

Training and Resources:

Ref Insight provides an online knowledgebase with information that officials can access on demand, including many step-by-step tutorial guides.

Match Reports:

Officials can complete match reports after a game, recording scores and any incidents (e.g., misconducts, serious injuries, abuse, or assault). These reports are accessible to assignors, administrators, or league officials through the system.

Support Services:

We offer email support, access to articles, tutorials, and AI chatbots for assistance. Technical support requests receive a response within one business day. Officials are encouraged to use self-help options for answers to commonly asked questions.

Mobile App Features:

Both the mobile website and the app offer the same features, ensuring seamless access and usability.

Data Privacy and Security:

Ref Insight has a strict privacy policy available for viewing online. Personal information is not sold or distributed, ensuring officials' data privacy. Security measures such as encryption and two-factor authentication are in place to protect data. Officials log in with their own email address and password, with strong security measures in place to keep passwords safe.

Performance Tracking:

Officials have access to a full history of assignment requests, viewable on the site or downloadable as an Excel spreadsheet. Future updates will include access to performance evaluations and assessments.

User-Friendly Interface:

We strive to make the officials portal as user-friendly as possible with intuitive dashboards, notifications centers, and quick action buttons. Officials can customize their experience with preferences for notifications and display settings.

Getting Started Guide:

For new officials, we offer a comprehensive getting started guide as part of our knowledgebase articles.

Calendar Integration:

When an official accepts an assignment, they have the option to receive ICS calendar files by email, allowing easy synchronization with other calendar applications.

Onboarding Support:

Officials often need support when first onboarded into the system, such as issues with receiving activation emails (which may go to junk/spam or get filtered out). Additionally, officials may ask Ref Insight questions that are better directed to their assignor or association.

Real-Time Availability Updates:

Officials can add blockouts at any time for future dates, with no limitations. These blockouts are reflected in the assigning system in real time.

Feedback Mechanisms:

We have a web-based service in place to capture feedback, suggestions, and ideas from officials, helping us continuously enhance the platform.

Payments:

Officials work assignments and get paid for their services, typically called a game fee, but they might also receive other forms of payments such as bonuses, expense reimbursement, and per diem. To get paid, officials need to enter their bank information (routing number, account number) into the system via the Ref Insight Pay section. This section also collects their social security number for end-of-year reporting when necessary. Officials can view their payment history in this section.

Integration with Other Systems:

Ref Insight integrates with various third-party tools and platforms, facilitating seamless synchronization and workflow management for officials.

Community and Networking:

The platform includes features that promote community building and networking among officials, such as forums, group chats, and events.

Compliance and Regulations:

Ref Insight ensures compliance with relevant regulations and standards in officiating and data management, providing peace of mind to officials and organizations.

Updates and Enhancements:

Ref Insight is regularly updated with new features and improvements. Users are informed about these updates through notifications and release notes.

Ref Insight is designed to make the lives of sports officials easier by providing a comprehensive and user-friendly platform for managing all aspects of their officiating duties, including assignments, availability, communication, and payments.