Pac-10 to restructure football officiating program


Pac-10 commissioner Larry Scott announced Friday that the conference will restructure its football officiating program after undergoing a comprehensive review of its previous system. The conference’s football officiating crew has been much maligned in recent years with the perception of disparity at an all-time high.

“Like in other high priority areas, we have taken a fresh look at our program, and will be implementing a series of changes that are forward-looking, innovative and take our program to the next level,” Scott said in a statement. “The game and level of play is always improving, so it’s essential that in the critical area of officiating, the program continue to evolve and improve as well.”

Leading the changes includes the resignation of coordinator of football officiating Dave Cutaia and the appointment of Mike Pereira, the former Vice President of Officiating for the NFL. Pereira, who served as a consultant for the Pac-10 during the 2010 season, is expected to implement a variety of changes, while serving on an interim basis.

“We are thrilled that Mike Pereira will be leading the restructuring of our football officiating program and will serve as the interim Coordinator,” Scott said. “He is among the most respected leaders in his field at the professional and collegiate level, and has extensive football officiating and program management experience.”

In the meanwhile, the Pac-10, soon to be the Pac-12, will begin its search for a permanent Coordinator of Officiating.