The Dunbar Way
The Dunbar Way is an invaluable guide to our behaviour to make you proud to be part of our Club. We have developed into one of Sydney’s leading amateur football clubs through our reputation for high standards for on-field and off-field behaviour.
This has not been an accident, but defined by our Code of Conduct, The Dunbar Way. This behaviour makes us unique, engaging and successful so that we can:
- Attract players and coaches with the right values,
- Gain sponsors who can entrust their brand values with Dunbar Rovers, and
- Foster respectful relationships with the organising bodies and our opposition Clubs.
Dunbar Rovers’ codes of conduct apply at all Club functions including matches, training, social events and other Club activities.
Behaviour at Matches
This is how we behave as players, on the bench, coaching, officiating or spectating:
- Play by laws of the game.
- Believe in our ability to win; accept defeat
- Do not argue with the referees & linesmen, nobody will listen to you. It will be your fault when referees don’t turn up in the future.
- Verbal abuse of officials, players or spectators will not be tolerated. You look stupid ridiculing mistakes of opposing players, spectators or match officials.
- Discriminatory behaviour based on race, religion, gender or ability is an embarrassment for everyone, most of all, you.
- Physical abuse of others is not acceptable even as retaliation. You walk away from inflammatory incidents.
Be a Real Part of the Team
- Put the needs of the team ahead of your own needs. No individual is bigger than the team.
- Deliver on your commitments to your teammates.
- Cooperate with your coach, teammates, match officials and Club management. This includes doing the nets, helping as linesman in preceding/ following game.
- Inform the coach of any absence from training and matches with adequate notice.
- Turn up to matches and training on time.
- Look the part by wearing the full Club kit during the match, warm up kit prior to the match and Club kit as spectators. It makes a big difference.
- Move between grades to cover for other players temporarily unavailable.
- Respect Club management who serve Dunbar Rovers voluntarily for your benefit.
Drive the Pride
Dunbar encourages everyone to be accountable for our fortunes:
- Encourage fellow Club members to follow the Dunbar Way and do things right.
- The Reg Bartley and NCIE are our homes. Show generous hospitality to officials, opposing players and spectators.
- Help with equipment and ensure facilities are left without litter and locked. Councils keep a record of cooperative Clubs when allocating pitches.
- Channel all complaints straight to suitable Club officials in a constructive manner. Avoid ill considered public criticism.
- Promote a positive image of football as it competes with other codes to be the sport of choice.
- Do something special each year.
Dunbar Events & Social Media
Dunbar embraces a fun culture to celebrate and encourage each other.
- Respect standards of social behaviour that are not overly aggressive or illegal.
- Avoid language which is vulgar, threatening or discriminatory.
- Show suitable support for Club sponsors.
- Maintain responsible use of alcohol for yourself and other Club members.
- Members are encouraged to dress suitably and wear Club attire.
Comments on public forums including Facebook, Twitter and the Club website, are too often misinterpreted by others. Remember the Dunbar Way when mentioning Dunbar Rovers and do not compromise the reputation of the Club or our members.
Breach of our Code
Breaches of the Club’s code of conduct will be referred to an internal review set by the Club committee. The Club has the right to issue:
- A verbal or written warning or a fine
- Suspension from matches and or training
- Expulsion from the Club
Code violations may be actioned by the Club regardless of any official citing by either match officials or opposing Clubs.
Penalties may be issued by the Club in addition to penalties issued by ESFA’s disciplinary tribunal.
Any dispute or appeal should be directed in writing to the Club Secretary.