Rookie ref picked for NFL Super Bowl

The NFL's Super Bowl showcase will be refereed by Bill Vinovich who will lead a seven-man crew for the Seattle-New England decider.

Referee Bill Vinovich will officiate his first Super Bowl when he leads the seven-man crew picked to work the NFL's title showcase, the league said on Tuesday.

Defending champions Seattle will face off against New England on February 1 in Super Bowl 49 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Vinovich, umpire Bill Schuster, head linesman Dana McKenzie and back judge Terrence Miles will all officiate the Super Bowl for the first time.

Line judge Mark Perlman will work his third. Side judge Tom Hill and field judge Bob Waggoner both worked with Perlman during Super Bowl 40 in 2006, when Seattle lost to Pittsburgh 21-10.

Vinovich is in his ninth season as a NFL game official. He entered the league in 2001 as a side judge and was promoted to referee in 2004.

He has controlled five post-season games, including three divisional playoffs, and was the alternate referee for Super Bowl 47 two years ago.

The NFL mandates that officials must be rated in the top tier at their position to be eligible for the Super Bowl.

They must also have at least five years of NFL experience and previous post-season assignments.


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Source: AAP


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