THE Birmingham County FA is set to bring in new powers which it hopes will safeguard the future of football.

Figures released last week show a rise in misconduct at child and youth games - both from players on the pitch and from club officials and spectators on the touchline. Player behaviour appeared to be improving, with only 32 cases reported at this point of the 2001-01 season and an overall reduction in cautions at the end of the year.

However, one of the four alleged cases of assaults on match officials this season involves a 15-year-old player, whilst six of the 13 games abandoned are youth games.

With 68 cases of misconduct by youth players this season and nearly a half of all club official misconduct reported at child and youth games, the County FA is taking decisive action to curb the increase and it's effects by imposing suspended punishments on players, individuals of clubs who are found to be serious offenders.

"One of the main complaints from clubs is that there is not enough referees to go round all the games played," said Dave Shelton, BCFA County Secretary. "We are recruiting more and more officials each season, but this kind of behaviour puts some off.

"Referee training now includes a practical element to ensure that newly qualified officials are as prepared as possible to take control of a game. As with any job though, experience is essential and youth football is where many begin.

All youth leagues in the Birmingham County region will be visited to explain why such action has been deemed necessary, and what clubs can do to turn the situation around.

"Club officials play the most important part as they are the role models to the players of the future - we have to be sure everyone is getting the right message across.

"By rewarding those who take responsibility for this problem, and clamping down on those who don't, we hope to make sure the players and referees of the future can enjoy and maintain their involvement," Sheldon concluded