In the world of officiating, perception is as important as reality. Let's hope first-year Pac-10 Commissioner Larry Scott realizes this as he continues to examine ways to improve the conference.

Pac-10 officials can't stay out of the headlines lately.

The conference acknowledged Tuesday that an official incorrectly tagged Arizona State linebacker Vontaze Burfict with a fourth-quarter facemask call.

Additionally, an apparent rash of fake injuries by conference players to disrupt opposing offenses has some asking the Pac-10 to do more.

Nothing is more disconcerting, however, than a Pac-10 policy that allows its officials to work games that feature their alma mater.

Conflict of interest, anyone?

The issue came to light during the Arizona-Oregon State game in October when several instant-replay reviews went against the Beavers.

Oregon State fans were livid to learn the replay official was Jim Fogltance, a former Pac-10 football crew chief who also is an Arizona graduate.

He apparently is a donor, too.

A check of the school's website Wednesday showed someone named "James Fogltance" listed as a member of the Wildcat Club's "Bear Down Circle," which requires an athletic department donation of $500.

And, uh oh. Pac-10 documentation shows Fogltance is scheduled to work the replay booth when Arizona State and Arizona meet on Dec. 2 in Tucson.

Fogltance did not respond to a request for an interview.

Here's the thing: Don't blame Fogltance. He is operating within the rules. The conference used to forbid its officials to work games involving their alma maters but in the mid 1980s changed its mind.

Many other conferences don't allow it. Southeastern Conference Assistant Commissioner Charles Bloom said Wednesday his league prohibits officials to do so "and hasn't allowed it for a long time."

Frankly, I believe most Pac-10 officials are making on-field calls based on fact, not emotions. They are trained, hard-working and have the game's best interests at heart.

However . . .

The conference can't ignore perception, and putting an official at a game involving a school he attended is setting everyone up for failure.

Look at Fogltance. He might have done nothing wrong but his allegiances have caused this firestorm.

The truth is, officials make errors. Everybody makes errors. Don't put them in a position to have those mistakes blamed on bias.

It's not just the Pac-10's problem.

The Mountain West found itself under scrutiny several weeks ago after a conflict-of-interest issue arose in connection with a botched replay review.

During a San Diego State-BYU game, replay personnel failed to overturn an obvious fumble by the Cougars in BYU's 24-21 victory.

The conference suspended three replay personnel involved in that game. One was a BYU athletics department employee and another was an alum.

"I was shocked that they were connected that closely to the university in the replay booth," San Diego State Athletic Director Jim Sterk told reporters.

Word already has leaked that Fogltance is working the ASU game in Tucson and frustration can be found on a variety of Sun Devils message boards.

It puts Fogltance in a no-win position.

And that's the Pac-10's fault.

In his short time here, Scott has demonstrated an open mind and proactive approach. He has addressed expansion, revenue-sharing and television contracts.

He already has taken a step in the right direction, hiring Mike Pereira, former vice president of officiating for the NFL, as an adviser to help improve officiating in the Pac-10.

Here's hoping he takes more.

Reach Boivin at paola.boivin@arizonarepublic.com, and follow her on Twitter at Twitter.com/PaolaBoivin.