Aug 21, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL referee John Parry (132) calls a penalty during the preseason game between the Oakland Raiders and the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

John Parry (born c. 1965) is an official in the National Football League (NFL) since the 200 sason Parry officiated Super Bowl XLI in 2007 as a side judge on the crew headed by referee Tony Corrente.  Following this game, he was promoted to referee for the 2007 NFL season following the retirement of Bill Vinovich due to health issues.  He wears uniform number 132.

A resident of Akron Ohio, he is also an Associate Financial Advisor for Ameriprise Financial in  Tallmadge.  His father, Dave Parry, was the Supervisor of Officials for the Big Ten Conference, and the side judge in Super Bowl XVII

Parry’s assistants include umpire Carl Paganelli (13 years of experience),Head linesman Tom Stabile (17),  Line Judge Gary Arthur (15 years), Field Judge Gary Cavaletto (9), Side Judge Laird Hayes(17) and Back Judge Tony Steratore (12). Parry was chosen to be the referee of Super Bowl XLVI to be held February 5 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. This is his second Super Bowl as an official.

For those of you who have never had the pleasure to walk on the field and do a game, here’s a little taste of life as an official.

The life of an official