Parents could be forced to stop shouting during football games

SLIDE tackles, shouting from the sides, and unequal ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams could all be banned under sweeping changes to youth football in England

Twelve new rules have been put forward for childrens’’ football in order to create a calmer and safer environment, while aiding faster development for young players. It follows the Football Association’s recent youth review to improve the grassroots game.

The changes are designed to help today’s budding stars of tomorrow become more skillful and see games become more competitive.

As part of the redesign, which is currently being piloted in Manchester, slide tackles are banned and blue cards are being introduced for any cautionable offence, resulting in a rugby-style sin bin punishment.

Furthermore, coaches can no longer shout instructions from the side- lines in an effort to make young players think for themselves.

The rules have been published and pioneered by the Manchester Junior Respect League to promote ‘calm, safe, fun’ football for young players. They are as follows: Silent sidelines rule Spectators are encouraged to applaud both teams (e.g. clap when a goal is scored) but must not shout or call out. [Law 1] Slide tackle rule On medical advice, no slide tackles are allowed. A free kick will be given in every instance. [Law 12] Blue card rule A blue card is shown for any cautionable offence, resulting in a two minute sin bin (five minutes at 9v9 level). [Law 12]. Respect marks rule After every match, referees will give marks to players, coaches and spectators from both teams. [Law 12] Retreat line rule When goalkeeper has possession, opposition must retreat to halfway. Keeper must pass to own player in own half. [Law 16] Pass back rule Because goalkeepers need to practice their footwork, they cannot pick up the ball from a pass back. [Law 12] No instructions rule Coaches may ask questions that prompt players to think for themselves but must not shout instructions during matches. [Law 1] Equal playing time rule All squad members must receive equal playing time with at least 50% per player for each game. [Law 3] All positions rule All squad members must be given regular experience playing in all posi- tions, including goalkeeper. [Law 3] Mixed teams rule To maximise competition, clubs must field teams of similar ability - ie. not ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams. [Law 3] Power play rule If any team goes four goals ahead, the other team may field an extra player until the goal difference is reduced to three goals. [Law 3] Equal numbers rule If a team has too few players, the other must lend them willing subs or withdraw players to make numbers even. [Law 3]

Youth football is defined by the FA as under-11s to under-18s.

The FA already has a number of rules in place nationally for these age groups including length of games, minimum number of players, and maximum playing time in one day.

It introduced its ‘Respect’ campaign almost a decade ago, in 2008, with the message ‘good behaviour makes for a great game’.

The initiative was launched to eradicate unsavoury scenes across all levels of football, aimed at improving the behaviour of players and coaches with basic codes of conduct.

Earlier this month, the Hampshire FA staged its third ‘Silent Weekend’ to ‘showcase football that puts the needs of the players first’.

In a series of youth fixtures, coaches and spectators remained silent throughout games to ‘raise awareness of the need to create a positive and pressure-free environment in which children can enjoy football and learn to love and develop in the game’.

The success of the scheme has been extended across other county associations, who are also set to implement it this season.