Changes have been made to the BISFed Referee Committee ©Getty Images

Australia's Pam Johnston has been appointed chairman of the Boccia International Sports Federation's (BISFed) Referee Committee.

She comes in to replace American Mary Knudsen who has retired from officiating duties due to personal reasons.

Canada's Jennifer Larson has been appointed as vice-chairman while Brazil's Alez Lautherbach joins the Committee as a new member.

Other existing members are Spain's Teresa Calverol, Greece's Eleni Lioglou and Hong Kong's David Leung.

Knudsen was first certified as an international referee in 1993 and officiated at the Atlanta 1996 and Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

Mary Knudsen took part in several important projects before stepping down ©Getty Images
Mary Knudsen took part in several important projects before stepping down ©Getty Images

She had been chair of the Referee Committee for the past two-and-a-half years, with her work including the creation of an international referee training course curriculum and an international referee procedures manual.

"Mary stepped up to the role of chair of the BISFed Referee Committee in 2017 in a time of need, and led the Committee in several important projects, including developing a process for assessing referees during competitions," said BISFed President David Hadfield.

"I am most grateful for her leadership and for the example she set. 

"I am sure everyone will join me in wishing Mary a long and happy retirement."