[Editor’s note: The NFL has provided PFT with the following, which describes the process for choosing officials to work postseason games.]

Super Bowl Eligibility Requirements



* Highest overall percentage at each position who has not yet worked Super Bowl (must be in top five)

* Referees:

– Three years of experience as Referee and five years total (including current); and

– Playoff experience as Referee

* Other Officials:

– Five years of experience (including current); and

> Has worked Conference Championship & Wild Card/Divisional Playoff; or

> Three Wild Card/Divisional Playoffs in past five years (not including current)

* Cannot work consecutive Super Bowls

* Cannot be passed over a second time when ranked with highest overall percentage

Conference Championship Criteria



* Highest two overall percentages at each position not working the Super Bowl

* Three years of experience (including current)

* Playoff experience

Divisional Playoff Criteria – new for 2012, no longer assigned by crew



* Super Bowl official plus highest three overall percentages at each position not working the Conference Championship

Wild Card Playoff Criteria – new for 2012, no longer assigned by crew



* Highest four overall percentages at each position not working a later playoff game

Pro Bowl Criteria



* Most senior eligible official who has not worked Pro Bowl since 2001 and is not working a playoff game

* Assignment may be made for special circumstances such as retirements or special recognitions with approval of the NFLRA

* 2009 Pro Bowl in Miami is not considered