NFL changed rules to appoint Super Bowl referees after Mahomes and Chiefs controversy

The NFL has adjusted its Super Bowl officiating rules by lowering the experience required for referees to be involved in the game. The change allows referees with less than five years of experience to officiate the big game between the Chiefs and the Eagles , and comes amid ongoing scrutiny over officiating of Kansas City’s games in their historic quest for a three-peat .

For the first time, two officials on the Super Bowl crew are in just their third season of NFL officiating. The NFL previously prioritized veteran referees for the biggest game of the year to ensure the game was kept in the hands of the most experienced officials the league has to offer.

A minimum of five years of experience was required before a referee could be eligible for a Super Bowl assignment. The decision reportedly came from Ramon George, an NFL officiating leadership team member. George, appointed to his role in May 2023, has been a key force behind the rule change.

“It’s not collectively bargained to have a certain number of years [of experience],” George said. “That’s just a rule that whomever is in the position to select, that is their philosophy. I don’t live by that philosophy. If you are the best, then you should be on the field.”

George’s duties include leading the apprenticeship and growth of all NFL game officials and overseeing steps to recruit and incorporate new referees into the league. His decision to adjust the selection process has fueled concerns that the NFL’s officiating standards for the Super Bowl may shift to a lower level .

The Super Bowl LIX officiating crew will be led by Ron Torbert, who formerly officiated Super Bowl LVI, and side judge Boris Cheek, who will officiate his fourth career Super Bowl. They are the only two crew members with prior Super Bowl experience.

The unit includes down judge Max Causey, line judge Mark Stewart, field judge Mearl Robinson, back judge Jonah Monroe, replay official Kevin Brown, and umpire Mike Morton. After the rule change, NFL fans went online to voice their skepticism , with one fan writing, “The Only experience necessary is watching previous Chiefs games to learn how to handle their calls.”

Another NFL fan added, “That doesn’t make me feel really good about the game.” The ongoing debate even reached Patrick Mahomes during Super Bowl media requirements, who was jokingly asked about his favorite referee.

The three-time Super Bowl MVP instantly recognized the joke attempt and kept a straight face to say, “That’s hilarious,” before adding, “No, all the refs are great. All the refs are great. They do the best they can, go out there and play the game the right way.”