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WINNIPEG - Manitoba soccer players have a new foul to worry about. Players caught swearing a blue streak or even cursing under their breath will net themselves a red card as referees begin enforcing an existing policy on bad language.

Only starting Wednesday, that policy became a zero-tolerance rule. There will be no warnings - any player or coach caught swearing will be ejected from games sanctioned by the Manitoba Soccer Association.

Referees will not be allowed to use their discretion, said association director Hector Vergara.

"In other words, a referee's not going to have the flexibility to say that's OK today, but it's not OK for tomorrow. It's simply not okay," said Vergara. "It's going to be strictly applied to the letter of the law."

The crackdown is aimed at improving the sport's image and making games more family-friendly. Vergara said he's received complaints from parents who refuse to bring their children to matches because of abusive language.

John Albi, a father and owner of a soccer apparel store, said he's heard language complaints from some parents. "When the kids are there watching the games, you just don't want to hear it. I don't think it was out of hand or anything like that, but you don't hear it in professional soccer games."

Vergara agrees, but said the association is being strict because they want to improve soccer's reputation.