What are game requests and self-assign?
An assignor can set their site up to allow any combination of the following:
Game Requests. This option enables an official to request game assignments, which their assignor can then take into account when they finalize those assignments.
Self-Assign. Self-assign enables an official to assign themselves directly to games, eliminating the need for an assignor to finalize those assignments.
Manual Assigning Only. If an assignor prefers not to allow game requests or self-assign, they will manually assign officials to each game instead.
If a site that you're a part of is configured to allow game requests and/or self-assign, then this article is for you. You can learn how to use both of these features below.
How can I request or assign myself to a game?
Whether the site you're in is configured to allow game requests or self-assign, the process for you to use either will be the same:
Select Games → All Unassigned Games.
Find the assignment you want to request or self-assign.
To the right of that assignment, select Request It.
After you request a game:
For sites set up to allow game requests, after you've requested an assignment, your assignor will be notified via email of your game request.
If you change your mind, and decide that you do not want the requested assignment, just select Withdraw Request.
If your request is granted, you will receive a game notification via email (and mobile push notification if you install the mobile app).
Once you are assigned to the game, you will be required to accept or decline the assignment.
If the position that you requested is assigned to another official, you will receive an email notification indicating that your request was not granted. Keep in mind that your assignor may have received multiple requests for the same game.
After you assign yourself to a game:
For sites set up to use self-assign, after you've assigned yourself to a position, you will receive a confirmation message that looks like this:
Your assignor will be notified that you are now assigned to this position. You will not be asked to accept this assignment, as your use of self-assign will function as you accepting the assignment.
If you assigned yourself to the game in error, you may be able to decline the assignment under Games → My Games. If you do not see this option, you will need to reach out to your assignor directly, and ask them to remove you from the game.
Why don't I see an option to request or assign myself to a game?
There are two main reasons why you may not be able to use game requests or self-assign:
Because your assignor has not enabled game requests and/or self-assign on their site.
Or because the system has determined that you are not eligible to work a certain position.
In both cases, you can reach out to your assignor for more information.