2012 International Bowl preview

NCAA Gulf South Conference veteran official ALEX BARINAGA has been named referee for the 2012 International Bowl to be played Wednesday, Feb. 1, at 6 p.m. ET (5 p.m. CT) at the Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex in Austin, Texas.

Barinaga, a Miami, Fla., resident has worked several NCAA Division II postseason games. He was part of officiating crews for the 2011 International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Senior World Championship in Austria, the 2009 IFAF Under-19 World Championship in Canton, Ohio, and the 2010 International Bowl in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The training director for the South Florida Football Officials Association, he also has worked USA Football clinics in Mexico and Austria.

The third annual International Bowl features the U.S. Under-19 National Team comprised of America's top high school players against an IFAF World Team of premiere players age 19-and-under from outside the United States. Both teams will field a roster of 50 players. Team USA's players and coaches are selected by USA Football. The World Team is selected by IFAF.

The 2012 International Bowl will be telecast nationally live in high definition on CBS Sports Network. International Bowl rosters, ticket information and more can be found at www.InternationalBowl2012.com.

Barinaga will be joined by seven other officials.

Officials for the 2012 International Bowl:

• Umpire: JOEL BELLINGER, Sutherland Springs, Texas (Big 12)
• Head linesman: DOUG DUKE, Austin, Texas (Texas University Interscholastic League)
• Line judge: PETE TAO, Dripping Springs, Texas (Sun Belt)
• Field judge: ALAN KWAST, San Antonio, Texas (WAC)
• Back judge: TERRY JONES, Round Rock, Texas (Big 12)
• Side judge: ERIC STEEN, Austin, Texas (SWAC)
• Red hat: BILL SCHOTT, Austin, Texas (Lonestar Conference)

True to its name, the 2012 International Bowl features players and coaches from a record 20 countries spanning five continents, making it the most globally diverse matchup in football history. This year's record number of 20 participating countries tops the previous high of 17, set in Austin last year.