College Football Official (Pac‑8 / Pac‑10)

Background & Officiating Career

• John Pemberton began his career officiating youth, high school, and junior college football in Southern California, after playing college football at the University of Idaho in the late 1950s.  
• He ascended to major college officiating in 1979 following a recommendation from then-USC coach John Robinson. That was during the Pac‑10 era, which had been Pac‑8 until expansion in 1978.  
• Records and community recollections list him among longtime Pac‑10 officials, alongside other officials from the Pac‑8/10 lineage. ()
• He worked on‑field as a college football official for 25 seasons, followed by 7 years as an instant replay official, retiring from college and pro officiating two years before 2013.  

Other Officiating Credentials

• Beyond college, he officiated in professional leagues: including the USFL, World Football League, and Arena Football League.
• He was selected for 19 bowl games over his career. 

Personal & Early Life

Born in 1935 and raised in the San Fernando Valley, he played college football at Pierce College and later the University of Idaho as a halfback.  

Taught junior high in Canoga Park, CA, and balanced teaching with officiating young athletes at multiple levels.