The FA has today joined the Premier League and EFL in announcing a collective undertaking to improve behaviour across the game.
This announcement sees the competition organisers task the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) to take a stronger position and action towards unacceptable participant conduct.
The specific areas of focus will be in relation to participants’ behaviour towards the match officials, with the aim of reducing disrespectful conduct such as aggressively challenging decisions or running from distance to confront an official.
PGMO will apply the laws of the game to rigorously manage players' and coaches' behaviour towards match officials, as well as conduct in the technical area.
Martin Glenn, FA chief executive, said: "We welcome this joint initiative with the Premier League and EFL to promote positive behaviour across the game.
"It will help reinforce the proactive approach The FA has taken to supporting referees when dealing with disciplinary issues in recent years.
“We all have a collective responsibility to ensure high standards of respect are maintained”
Martin Glenn
FA chief executive
“We all have a collective responsibility to ensure high standards of respect are maintained – from the grassroots to the professional game. Above all, we don’t want youngsters mimicking incidents of dissent or abuse they see on TV in the school playground or the park pitches.
"English football relies on its officials and anything we can do to protect and promote the work of our 28,000 referees in this country is to be supported.
"Also, it is essential we continue to ensure The FA Cup, a competition respected for its history, tradition and innovation, reinforces the importance of positive behaviour and good sportsmanship."
The English domestic season kicks off with The FA Community Shield supported by McDonalds, as champions Leicester City take on Emirates FA Cup winners Manchester United at Wembley Stadium connected by EE on Sunday 7 August.
