1099-NEC filed, not just a 1099-K
Horizon surfaces a Dwolla 1099-K. GameSource verifies TINs, prepares the 1099-NEC, files it with the IRS, and consolidates it across the organizations that paid the official.
Switching from Horizon Web Ref
The all-in-one Horizon Web Ref alternative
Horizon Web Ref is a solid, low-cost assigning tool. GameSource does assigning too — and adds registration, scores and standings, and (crucially) prepares and files officials' 1099-NEC, where Horizon only surfaces a Dwolla 1099-K.
Free for 30 days · No credit card required
GameSource vs Horizon Web Ref
Side by side, verified from public sources
Horizon is focused on assigning and scheduling. GameSource is a broader officiating + league platform. Here's the line-up.
| GameSource | Horizon Web Ref | |
|---|---|---|
| Assign officials | Availability, distance, qualifications; conflicts flagged | Availability, mileage, qualification/eligibility rules; conflicts |
| Pay officials | Direct deposit; funds in 1–2 business days | ACH direct deposit via Dwolla (extra fees noted) |
| Officials keep 100% of pay | Yes | Not specified (Dwolla fees noted) |
| 1099s | 1099-NEC — TIN-verified, filed with the IRS, consolidated | 1099-K from Dwolla only — no 1099-NEC filing mentioned |
| Registration | Officials, coaches, athletes & members | Officials only |
| Scores, stats & standings | Yes | Schedules & ejection reports; scores/stats not published |
| Tournaments / brackets | Yes | Not mentioned |
| Officials mobile app | Coming soon | iOS & Android (live) |
| Free trial | 30 days, no credit card | Not mentioned |
| Pricing | Scales with your operation | Published: ~$3.45–$8 per official / year |
The GameSource column reflects its current product; the Horizon Web Ref column reflects their public website (checked July 2026). Vendor features and plans change — confirm current details directly. “Not published/specified/mentioned” means we did not find it stated publicly, not that it doesn’t exist.
Where GameSource goes further
More than assigning — and your officials' 1099-NEC, filed
Officials keep 100%
Fund a wallet and pay by direct deposit; officials keep 100% of their pay with no fee to receive it.
Register more than officials
Register officials, coaches, and athletes and manage members — with documents, certifications, and eligibility, connected to assigning.
Scores, standings & tournaments
Track scores and standings and run tournaments in the same platform you use to assign.
Straight talk
Where Horizon Web Ref is stronger
Horizon Web Ref has a live officials app (iOS and Android) and transparent, low per-license pricing — as little as a few dollars per official per year. It's "by referees, for referees" and does the assigning core well.
GameSource's edge is filing officials' actual 1099-NEC (not just a Dwolla 1099-K), keeping officials at 100%, and being a broader platform — registration, scores, standings, and tournaments in the same place.
“It is super user friendly, fast, and overall a better system.”
- 2020
- Running operations since
- ~$25M
- Paid to officials
- 200+
- Member schools supported
Making the move
Switching is easier than you think
Start a free trial — create your account, confirm your email, and set up your organization; no credit card required.
Bring your officials and games over — register or import officials and build or import your schedule.
Turn on payments and 1099s when you're ready. Run a sport or a season first, then add direct-deposit payments whenever it suits you.
Switching from Horizon Web Ref with a larger official pool or mid-season? Talk to sales and we'll help you plan it.
Questions
FAQ
Is GameSource an alternative to Horizon Web Ref?
Yes — and a broader one. GameSource assigns officials and also registers officials, coaches, and athletes, tracks scores and standings, runs tournaments, pays officials, and files their 1099-NEC.
Does GameSource file 1099-NEC forms?
Yes. For payments processed through GameSource, it verifies TINs, prepares the 1099-NEC, files it with the IRS, and consolidates it across organizations — where Horizon surfaces only a Dwolla 1099-K.
What does Horizon do that GameSource doesn’t?
Horizon has a live officials app today and published low per-license pricing. GameSource’s officials app is coming soon and pricing is tailored to your operation.
Can I switch from Horizon to GameSource?
Yes — register or import your officials and games and start assigning; add payments and 1099s when you’re ready. Talk to sales for a larger migration.
More than an assigning tool
Start a free trial, or talk to sales about switching from Horizon Web Ref.