Mike Pereira, a former NFL official who served as the league's Vice President of Officiating from 2004 to 2009, has expressed his surprise regarding the selection of referees with limited experience for Super Bowl LVIII. This development comes in light of recent rule changes implemented ahead of the 2024 season. Pereira noted, 'That's a huge departure,' emphasizing the importance of experience in officiating high-stakes games.

Historically, it was believed that a minimum of five years of experience was necessary for officials to gain the competence required to manage the pressures of significant games, particularly those in front of large audiences. Pereira remarked on the inclusion of a third-year official and a third-year umpire in the Super Bowl officiating crew, stating, 'When I saw this, I was very surprised.' This is particularly notable considering the role these officials played in the NFC Championship Game held in Philadelphia.

Among the officiating crew for this year's matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, only two officials have previous Super Bowl experience. Ron Torbert, who officiated Super Bowl LVI, will serve as the referee, while Boris Cheek, with four prior Super Bowl officiating appearances, will take on the role of side judge. The remaining members of the crew lack Super Bowl experience altogether, and notably, two officials have only three years of NFL officiating experience. Traditionally, officials were not permitted to officiate both an AFC or NFC Championship game and the Super Bowl in the same year, but this rule has also seen adjustments.