The NFL will continue its practice of using equipment managers and ball attendants independent of the participating teams for the Super Bowl.

Chicago Bears equipment manager Tony Medlin will be in charge of the process for this year’s game in Glendale, Ariz.

“Like many aspects of our policies and procedures, there are modifications for the Super Bowl,” NFL spokesman Michael Signora said. “At the Super Bowl, the equipment manager of another team is in charge of the game balls and arranging for the ball attendant crews, which are hired before the Super Bowl teams are determined. The officials will maintain strict control of the game balls for the Super Bowl.

“Many aspects of the regular-season process are in place. The Super Bowl teams receive balls to work with during practice as per our policies. The balls are then returned to the league late next week.”

In the wake of the controversy over under-inflated balls allegedly used by the New England Patriots during their 45-7 win over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship game last Sunday, the competition committee is likely to review its policies.

“It would seem to be simpler to have one set of balls, which was the case for many years,” Pittsburgh Steelers president and co-owner Art Rooney II said. “The officials brought the balls out and everybody used the same ball, and it seems like that would be an easy answer to this.”

Patriots coach Bill Belichick denied knowing anything about the under-inflated balls until it was brought to his attention the day after the game. He deferred to quarterback Tom Brady.