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Sports Reference is designed to bring a diverse collection of sports related statistics and information. Although there are many other resources for this type of information, Sports Reference tries to keep the process of searching as fast, easy and streamlined as possible. Users can stop by the site, look for their information and get it right away. By maintaining a vast database of information, Sports Reference hopes to become one of the most comprehensive sports sites available today.

In October of 2004, Sean Forman created the definitive Sports Reference website. Prior to this creation, sport specific sites had already been launched, including Baseball Reference in April of 2000 by Forman and Pro Football Reference in December of the same year by Doug Drinen. Justin Kubatko presented Basketball Reference in April of 2004. All three joined together to create the Pennsylvania based Sports Reference LLC, which currently includes the addition of two full time employees.

Sports Reference is unique in its very large scope. Rather than focusing on one sport, or a couple, Sports Reference maintains statistics on many. The site offers a wealth of information for sports fans. However, the presentation is a little lacking on the site. Of course, users that are in search of information and statistics can really get into the large collection of sporting information presented by Sports Reference.

Sports Reference is very easy to read, containing primarily text and a basic logo in attractive gray, gold and blue. The rest of the site is somewhat lacking, with no images or graphics to divide up the information. Instead, each piece is provided with a link and a snapshot of the information included in that entry. Navigation tools and sporting type can be found in the top right hand corner, although only the various sporting organization abbreviations are presented. The site could use some improvement in the design, although the basics structure serves the general purpose adequately.

Sports Reference does not include many cutting edge features or technological tools. Visitors can stop by, find information then be on their way. That being said, Sports Reference does not offer a registration option. There really is not much available to warrant the need for a personal account on the site. Unless Sports Reference updates with a few extra benefits or features, it is doubtful a registration option will be made available.

At this point, Sports Reference is purely informational. The site does not include any fancy bells and whistles that would be expected with a pay for use site. Currently, no premium paid account option, or any account option for that matter, is available. Anyone can visit the site and access all information posted as much as they like.

Hardcore sports fans can appreciate the information supplied by Sports Reference. The site incorporates all major sports for a very diverse collection of statistics and information. Of course casual sports fans may not find the site nearly as engaging. It lacks in eye candy and additional features that can keep users coming back. The site is intended for use as a sporting information resource, so this may be what the creators intended in the first place. In general, anyone who is very serious about sports and knows a little bit about their favorite games to begin with can enjoy browsing Sports Reference’s collection of information.

• Enjoy access without the need to sign up for an account
• Completely free and unlimited browsing of Sports Reference entries
• Basic navigation tools to search by sport
• Watered down site design that doesn’t get in the way of finding information
• Navigation links highlighted within each entry for quick reference to related entries

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