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NFL hires first woman official

Xinhua, April 9, 2015 Adjust font size:

Line judge Sarah Thomas will become the league's first woman full-time official, NFL confirmed on Wednesday.

Thomas, who was one of two women in the league's advanced developmental program for referees, was among nine first-year officials who will begin calling games in the upcoming 2015 season.

Thomas, 41, has officiated in the collegiate Conference USA since 2007. In 2007, Thomas became the first woman to officiate a major college football game. She was the first female official on the elite Football Bowl Series level and the first to officiate a post-season bowl game.

"Our incoming officials have all demonstrated that they are among the best in college football," NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino said in a statement. "We are excited about having them join us." Endi