Leading up to Super Bowl LX, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell raved about the job officials have done for the league. “I’m so amazed at how good our officials are,” Goodell told an audience during Super Bowl week. He may be the only person who feels that way. To the average fan, the NFL has an officiating problem. Of course, it’s important to recognize that their job is difficult. The action moves quickly in the NFL, and, right or wrong, every call is scrutinized. Although referees deal with plenty of criticism, they are paid well by the league. According to MoneyDigest.com, officials make an average of $205,000 per season. Those who call the Super Bowl are in line for an even bigger payday. Leading up to the Super Bowl, referees are reportedly paid anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 for postseason games. The big money, though, comes from officiating the big game. Super Bowl bonuses for NFL referees are reportedly between $30,000 and $50,000.
Who are the referees for Super Bowl LX? Referee: Shawn Smith (photo), Umpire: Roy Ellison, Down Judge: Dana McKenzie, Line Judge: Julian Mapp, Field Judge: Jason Ledet, Side Judge: Eugene Hall, Back Judge: Greg Steed, Replay Official: Andrew Lambert. Smith will be working his first Super Bowl on Sunday when the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots face off. Mapp, Ledet and Lambert will also be making their Super Bowl debuts on Sunday. Ellison and Hall, meanwhile, will be officiating their fourth respective Super Bowls. A season-long evaluation system is used to name the officiating crew for the Super Bowl. The highest-rated officials at each position are selected to officiate, provided they meet the criteria of having worked in the league for five years or more.
Source: Syracuse
