Bill Vinovich Picked to Referee Patriots-Seahawks Super Bowl
The NFL announced their officiating crew for Super Bowl XLIX on Tuesday, with a familiar face refereeing the matchup between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks.
Bill Vinovich has been chosen to referee the game, leading a seven-man crew that includes Bill Schuster as umpire; Dana McKenzie as head linesman; Mark Perlman as line judge, Bob Waggoner as field judge; Tom Hill as side judge; and Terrence Miles as back judge.
Vinovich has refereed five Patriots games in his career, including two this season: their Week 15 win over the Miami Dolphins and their divisional round playoff win over the Baltimore Ravens. The Patriots are 4-1 with Vinovich as referee, while the Seahawks are 7-1 in games Vinovich has been the referee, including wins this season over the Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles.
Vinovich’s crews called 12 penalties for 111 yards against the Patriots in the two games he’s refereed this season. The Pats’ opponents were also called for 12 penalties, setting them back 100 yards.
The NFL requires all officials who work the Super Bowl have at least five years of NFL experience and must have one year of officiating the playoffs. This will be the first Super Bowl that Vinovich has worked, while it will be the fifth playoff game he has served as referee.
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