Soccer chiefs have launched a campaign aimed at improving the conduct of players across the game.

The Football Association claims more than 7,000 referees quit the game every year because of the abuse they receive from players.

The governing body is now doing more to crack down on bad behaviour by reafirming its message of "Respect".

Proposals include making captains more responsible for the behaviour of their teams and referees giving team captains and managers a pre-match briefing.

The Respect programme will be implemented in both the professional and grassroots game and encourages better behaviour towards match officials but also changes in the conduct of overly-competitive coaches and parents on the sidelines.

It represents a shared commitment between the Football Association, Premier League, Football League, Professional Footballers' Association, League Managers' Association, Professional Game Match Officials, County FAs and regional and local leagues.

FA Chief Executive Brian Barwick said: "I am 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.

"This has been a personal priority and I would like to thank our various partner organisations for their support.

"This is not only about players and managers at the top of the game acknowledging the impact that their behaviour has further down the football pyramid, but also about addressing the most pressing issues in the grassroots game.

"Changing a culture is about long-term commitment to change negative attitudes and abusive behaviour. It needs the whole game working together to make a real difference and that is what collectively we have done."

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