England goalkeeper David James admitted players have a responsibility to act as proper role models to try to help shape the next generation.
The Football Association recently launched a new RESPECT initiative aimed at improving the conduct towards match officials, which is being piloted at the grassroots level.
New FA chairman Lord Triesman is set to push forward with the concept, which he hopes will eventually be adopted by the professional game.
However, no sooner, though, had the scheme been launched, then there were two high-profile examples of questionable behaviour from Premier League stars.
Chelsea defender Ashley Cole showed disdain to the referee when being cautioned by Mike Riley against Tottenham, and Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano was sent off after arguing with match official Steve Bennett at Old Trafford.
Portsmouth keeper James, 37, in line to add to his 36 caps during the friendly against France in Paris, accepts players have to do what they can to ensure youngsters get the right message from their sporting idols.
"It is very important, but it is also very complex," James said.
"We have situations where we as internationals, in the Premier League or any professional footballer in the game who appears on TV - we are all role models.
"But at the same time you are dealing with the influence that has on kids who should also be using their parents as role models.
"Everything I do cannot be right for everyone else. The FA have looked to challenges, which they are now with the Respect campaign.
"It starts with the players initially because they are on TV, and then you have to go grassroots.
"I found that going through a well structured youth team with an apprenticeship, if you have a strong coach or manager there who will demand respect among your peers and to officials, then that soul hold you in good stead for when you become a professional.
"But really for kids at home, the parents should be the role model."
New England boss Fabio Capello has yet to name who will captain the side against France.
Liverpool's Steven Gerrard lead the team for the Italian's first game against Switzerland at Wembley in February, although fit-again Chelsea defender John Terry is also a candidate for the armband.
James believes the whole team must take a sense of collective leadership.
"There is always the role of leading by example," James said.
"Mr Capello has already said he is going to rotate the captains to whom he feels he is going to be the best.
"My view has always been that you are playing for your country and all the captain has to do really is the toss at the beginning. The rest of it is the team working together.
"Whoever gets the role, I am sure they will be the right person."
Former England captain David Beckham, now playing in the United States with Major League Soccer outfit Los Angeles Galaxy, could be in line to earn his 100th cap on Wednesday night.
James paid tribute to the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder, who he feels should already have reached the landmark.
"If things had been right he should have made his 100th cap before now," he said.
"Becks is a world-class player, today in training he demonstrated he has not lost anything. I consider it an opportunity for me to stake a claim for participation for the 2010 World Cup.
"I think David Beckham is the same - he is not just here for his 100th cap. He deserves to be part of the England set up. It's a pleasure to play with him."
The Portsmouth keeper also insists the late call-ups to the squad of West Ham's Robert Green and Paul Robinson, of Tottenham, due to injury demonstrates strength in depth of the goalkeeping position.
"I have said all along - it is a personal triumph to still be involved," James added.
"With so many decent English goalkeepers about - the strength in depth is definitely there.
"It is a good squad. I am a big fan of our talent in this country - a good blend of youngsters and experience.
"In the past players have joined up later on, but for everyone to be here yesterday was great for team bonding.
"I feel part of the squad, part of the team, I don't know what will happen because the team hasn't been announced.
"If it is anything like last time it (the team) will not be given to us until 10 minutes before we get on the bus."
