Football Federation Australia have named former A-League and AFC referee of the year Mark Shield as the new director of referees. The appointment is part of the national body's new referee development structure, it said.
Shield said he was honoured and excited by the appointment.
"Having been out of the game for three years, it was the right time for me to get back into the game," he said.
"There is definitely an opportunity to build on our previous successes for what will be one of the most anticipated A-League seasons since the inaugural one.
"I'm really excited about the challenge of working with the all referees, clubs, coaches and players to improve the profile of referees in Australia."
A-League head Lyall Gorman said he believes that Shield's appointment will be of great benefit to the refereeing ranks and football in Australia.
"We are very proud to announce that a referee of the calibre of Mark Shield will head our new referee development structure," Gorman said.
"His knowledge and experience in relation to refereeing is unequalled in the Australian football community and is a fantastic role model for all aspiring referees.
"We look forward to working closely with Mark and assisting him to develop refereeing within Australia."
