The Football Association (FA) has unveiled its Respect programme, a series of practical steps aimed to tackle ‘unacceptable’ behaviour both on the pitch and on the sidelines.

The programme is to be adopted at all levels of the game – from grassroots to the Premier League – and has a particular focus on improving youth football.

The aim of the programme, at grassroots level, is to increase children's participation in football by reducing the pressure from the sidelines, it will do this by introducing new codes of conduct for those on the pitch and off.

Owners of the grounds will also be required to provide a designated spectator’s area at least 2m away from the pitch. The Football Foundation has agreed to invest £1m of funding towards providing barriers at youth games to deter over-competitive parents.

Gerry Sutcliffe, minister for sport, said: “Football is the most high profile sport in the world and with the new season about to start, the game is back in the spotlight. Footballers today are not just sportsmen, they are role models for young people around the world.

"Passion is at the heart of the game, but being passionate doesn't mean disrespecting people. It's absolutely crucial that players, coaches, officials and spectators sign up to Respect. We need to see a commitment to change at all levels of the sport."

At a professional level, the programme will concentrate on the game’s management by both the referee and captain - who will work collaboratively to control and confront players’ behaviour.

Certain rituals will also be adopted including a pre-match meeting between the referees, managers and captains to discuss how the game will be managed, one-hour before kick off. A pre-game hand shake, which is already customary in the Premier League, will now be standard in all levels of football.

The behaviour of managers, coaches and team officials, will also be targeted and the blanket ban on television monitors in the technical area will also be rolled out across every level of the game.

Andy Williamson, chief operating officer of The Football League, said: “It is vitally important that the professional game plays its part towards ensuring the success of this initiative. Our matches contribute towards setting the tone for the whole domestic game, with the behaviour of players and managers being reenacted on football pitches across the country every weekend.”

To implement this programme, the FA is working with county FAs, the Premier League, the Football League, and the Professional Footballers’ Association, as well as the League Managers Association and Professional Game Match Officials.

FA chief executive Brian Barwick said: “I’m delighted that the whole game is working together on this issue. There is a general agreement that something has to be done to improve levels of respect, for the game’s long-term health.”

The FA are inviting all regional and local leagues to join the programme and implement the rules of respect. Details: www.thefa.com/TheFA/Respect