article: The NFL is set to hire Sarah Thomas as its first permanent female official for regular season games, according to reports. The 42-year-old mother-of-three from Mississippi has officiated pre-season games as a line judge. The Baltimore Sun's Aaron Wilson broke the story, with the NFL refusing to confirm the appointment. The Los Angeles Times reported that Thomas will be one of eight new officials for the 2015 season. Sarah Thomas is set to become the NFL's first full-time female official after refereeing college games . Thomas was on the NFL's list of officiating prospects and is set to be named as one of eight new officials . Thomas has a history of trailblazing since beginning her refereeing career in 1999. Starting at high school level, she would go on to become the first woman to referee in a Big Ten stadium and a bowl game. 'She has the right temperament and attitude and feel for the game,' a source told The Baltimore Sun. 'She knows the rules and understands how to apply them in the spirit of the rules. That sets her apart, male or female.' 'I set out to do this and get involved in officiating not having any idea that there were not any females officiating football,' Thomas told NFL Network. 'Being a former basketball player, you saw female officiating all the time. So, no, I don't feel like a pioneer.' In 2012, Shannon Eastin was hired during an officiating lockout and was line judge during the regular season game between the Green Bay Packers and the St Louis Rams. She was not hired permanently, however.
highlights: Thomas set to be named as one of eight new referees for the 2015 season .
  The married mother-of-three has regularly officiated college games .
  Thomas was the first woman to officiate an NCAA game  in 2007 .
  She has also spent time in the NFL's developmental program for officials .
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