Football Federation Australia (FFA) have confirmed Mark Shield has stepped down from his role as FFA Director of Referees to take up a senior corporate role in Queensland.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) have confirmed Mark Shield has stepped down from his role as FFA Director of Referees to take up a senior corporate role in Queensland.
In his tenure as FFA Director of Referees, Shield was responsible for a restructuring of the FFA Referees Department, implementation of the three year Referees Strategic Plan and introducing of the Possibles Probables Candidate Program, which will help regenerate Australia-s refereeing panels. He also pioneered a new policy of open discussion of refereeing decisions in the Hyundai A-League.
Shield will work with the new Head of Hyundai A-League Damien de Bohun to find a replacement for the Director of Referees position.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with FFA,” Shield said.
“The education and development of referees in Australia is something that I am very passionate about.
“This was a decision made for my family and my career, however I will never be too far from football.”
De Bohun said while losing such an important member of the Hyundai A-League team is a loss, the pair will continue to work together in the short term to identify a new referees chief to continue the programs that have been put in place.
“Mark enjoyed a fabulous career as a FIFA referee and has continued to make a significant contribution to the game in his administration role,” de Bohun said.
“He earned the respect of referees and stakeholders with his intelligent approach to referee development.
“We will work together over the coming weeks to ensure that the right candidate is selected to continue Mark-s excellent work in the referees department and ensure a smooth transition occurs.
“I wish Mark all the best in his new position and I am sure that he will remain involved with the sport for a long time to come.”
Shield will this weekend take the Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League referees through their paces at the Australian Institute of Sport with media invited to attend the Friday afternoon session from 3pm.
Shield will commence his new position at the end of September