One of the most important features in Assignr is the availability calendar. It allows referees and umpires to communicate when they’re willing to work games.
However, the calendar doesn’t behave the way everyone expects.
Assignr assumes you’re unavailable unless you explicitly mark yourself as available.
That small detail can explain why an official receives fewer assignments than expected, even when their personal schedule is wide open.
Availability Isn’t Automatically Enabled
Assignr uses a calendar-based availability system.
Officials indicate which dates and times they’re willing to work. Assignors then use that information when preparing game schedules.
Unlike systems that assume everyone is available until they request time off, Assignr starts with the opposite assumption.
If you haven’t entered availability for a particular date, the system treats you as unavailable.
This doesn’t necessarily prevent an assignor from manually assigning a game, but it creates an availability conflict they must consider.
How to Update Your Availability
Open the Availability section in Assignr.
The calendar displays your existing availability along with dates when games have already been assigned.
Select the dates you want to update and specify when you’re willing to officiate.
Assignr supports more than simply marking an entire day as available.
You can indicate particular times and add restrictions relevant to that date.
This is useful when you’re free for an evening game but unavailable earlier in the day.
What Do the Blue Stars Mean?
Assignr displays a blue star on calendar dates where you already have a game assignment.
This helps distinguish scheduled games from dates you’ve simply marked as available.
The difference matters.
An available date doesn’t mean you’ve been assigned a game, and an existing assignment doesn’t mean you’re available for additional games throughout that day.
Always check the actual game schedule before making other commitments.
Location Restrictions Can Affect Assignments
Assignr allows officials to specify date-specific restrictions involving locations or sites.
For example, you may be willing to work games in one area on a particular day but not at a distant venue.
These restrictions give assignors additional information when selecting officials.
However, restricting your availability can reduce the number of games for which you’re considered suitable.
Review your settings if you’re receiving fewer assignments than expected.
Availability Notes Are Useful
The availability calendar supports notes that can be viewed by assignors.
These are helpful when a scheduling situation needs a brief explanation.
For example, an official might indicate that they’re available after a particular time or have a scheduling consideration that the assignor should know about.
Notes provide context, but they shouldn’t replace the actual availability settings.
If you’re unavailable during part of the day, make sure the calendar reflects that restriction.
Why an Assignor Might Still See a Conflict
Availability is only one part of Assignr’s scheduling system.
The platform also supports assignment restrictions and eligibility rules.
An official may be available on a particular date but still be unsuitable for a game because of other scheduling requirements.
For example, an organization may restrict assignments based on qualifications, game levels, or other configured conditions.
Changing availability alone won’t necessarily resolve those conflicts.
What Happens When You Decline a Game?
Assignr has an unusual rule that can affect future scheduling.
According to its official documentation, if you decline a game on a date you’ve marked as available, the system removes your availability for that date.
Assignr informs you when this happens.
If you’re still willing to work another game that day, return to the Availability section and enter your availability again.
Otherwise, the assignor may see you as unavailable for replacement opportunities.
Does Availability Guarantee an Assignment?
No.
Marking yourself available tells the assignor you’re willing to work.
It doesn’t reserve a game or guarantee that you’ll receive an assignment.
Assignors still make scheduling decisions based on available positions, qualifications, conflicts, and organizational requirements.
Some organizations also enable game requests or self-assignment features, but those are separate from the availability calendar.
Keep the Calendar Current
Availability is most useful when it reflects your actual schedule.
If your plans change, update the relevant dates rather than assuming the assignor knows you’re no longer free.
Likewise, review your availability after declining an assignment.
For officials working with multiple leagues or organizations, keeping scheduling information accurate becomes even more important.
The Practical Difference
Assignr gives referees and umpires considerable control over communicating their availability, but that control comes with responsibility.
The calendar isn’t simply a place to record days off. It’s where you actively identify the dates, times, and locations you’re willing to work.
If you’re not receiving assignments through Assignr, review your availability first. Confirm that the appropriate dates are marked available, check your time and location restrictions, and make sure a declined game hasn’t removed availability you still intended to keep.