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You can clap - but you can’t shout or call out. That is one of 12 new rules put forward to improve kids’ football.

It comes following The Football Association’s recent youth review to improve the grassroots game.

The emphasis is on creating a calmer and safer environment, while aiding faster development for young players and designed to help them become more skilful and see games become more competitive.

As part of the redesign, that is 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.

(Image: www.alamy.com)

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

The rules have been published and pioneered by the Manchester Junior Respect League who are keen 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 shot 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 2 minute Sin Bin (5 minutes at 9v9). [Law 12].

-Respect marks rule

After every match, referees will 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 positions, 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 4 goals ahead, the other team may field an extra player until the goal difference is reduced to 3 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 hungers even. [Law 3]

(Image: www.alamy.com)

The FA introduced their ‘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 the game, aimed at improving the behaviour of players and coaches with basic codes of conduct.

In youth football, home teams must now have FA Respect barriers in place as part of safeguarding measures.

Earlier this month, the Hampshire FA staged their 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.