NFL announces officials assigned to Super Bowl 52

Some of the first officials in Super Bowl 52 have been announced, including the lead referee.

According to the NFL, Referee Gene Steratore will lead the seven-person crew of on-field game officials. Steratore was the lead referee during the Vikings-Saints game Jan. 14. He has also officiated 11 playoff games and was the alternate referee for Super Bowl XLIV.  

Other members of the Super Bowl LII officiating crew are umpire Roy Ellison, down judge Jerry Bergman, line juge Byron Boston, field judge Tom Hill, side judge Scott Edwards and back judge Perry Paganelli.

Under the NFL officiating program's evaluation system, officials must be rated in the top tier at their position to be eligible for the Super Bowl. They must have at least five years of NFL experience and previous playoff assignments.