NFL hires first female referee

[Vandal]

Sarah Thomas, a native of Mississippi who began her officiating career in high school, officiated games before leaving to continue her career in pharmaceutical sales. She was then contacted by Gerald Austin, who was a coordinator of football officials for Conference USA. Thomas started working for the conference in 2007 and became the first woman to officiate a bowl game in 2009.

She then joined the NFL’s Officiating Development Program, worked some New Orleans Saints' training camps, and also officiated a NFL preseason game last August.

Story here

[Vandal]

Sarah Thomas to Make History as First Woman to Officiate In a Super Bowl

NFL referee Sarah Thomas will be the first woman to officiate a Super Bowl on Feb. 7, 2021.

The NFL announced its officiating assignments for Super Bowl LV on Tuesday and named Thomas as the game's down judge.

Carl Cheffers will referee the game and will be joined by umpire Fred Bryan, line judge Rusty Baynes, field judge James Coleman, side judge Eugene Hall, back judge Din Paganelli and Thomas. Mike Wimmer will be the game's replay official.

https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/01/19/sarah ... ZQbYkpXTDo

[Bob78164]

Sarah Thomas, a native of Mississippi who began her officiating career in high school, officiated games before leaving to continue her career in pharmaceutical sales. She was then contacted by Gerald Austin, who was a coordinator of football officials for Conference USA. Thomas started working for the conference in 2007 and became the first woman to officiate a bowl game in 2009.

She then joined the NFL’s Officiating Development Program, worked some New Orleans Saints' training camps, and also officiated a NFL preseason game last August.

Story here

I guess this should have been "official," rather than "referee." The referee is in charge of the officiating crew, right? --Bob

[Vandal]

Sarah Thomas, a native of Mississippi who began her officiating career in high school, officiated games before leaving to continue her career in pharmaceutical sales. She was then contacted by Gerald Austin, who was a coordinator of football officials for Conference USA. Thomas started working for the conference in 2007 and became the first woman to officiate a bowl game in 2009.

She then joined the NFL’s Officiating Development Program, worked some New Orleans Saints' training camps, and also officiated a NFL preseason game last August.

Story here

I guess this should have been "official," rather than "referee." The referee is in charge of the officiating crew, right? --Bob

Five year rule.

[BackInTex]

Five year rule.

That's more of a guideline than a rule.

[lilclyde54]

I am happy for her. She is fairly well known down here. She has earned that honor.