National Anthem Etiquette
1. Athletes and featured participants in an event should follow procedures to stand and respect the anthem. In football, the NFL announced in an official statement in May 2018 that it will penalize a team if its player(s) kneel during the National Anthem on the field. The NFL requires that “all league and team personnel shall stand and show respect for the flag and the Anthem. Personnel who choose not to stand for the Anthem may stay in the locker room until after the Anthem has been performed.”
That more forceful ruling supercedes the NFL’s prior position that, while its Rulebook governs play and does not mention the National Anthem, its Game Operations Manual is its “bible of operations” and does govern National Anthem procedures:
The National Anthem must be played prior to every NFL game, and all players must be on the sideline for the National Anthem. During the National Anthem, players on the field and bench area should stand at attention, face the flag, hold helmets in their left hand, and refrain from talking. The home team should ensure that the American flag is in good condition. It should be pointed out to players and coaches that we continue to be judged by the public in this area of respect for the flag and our country.
In some other sports, players may be contractually required to stand. In basketball, the NBA requires that “Players, coaches and trainers are to stand and line up in a dignified posture along the sidelines or on the foul line during the playing of the National Anthem” (2016-2017 NBA rules, p. 62, II. H. (2)). The bylaws of the U.S. Soccer Federation require them to “stand respectfully during the playing of national anthems at any event in which the Federation is represented.”
2. As citizens, our US Federal Statute (36 U.S. Code § 301 – National anthem) says we should face the flag (or face toward the music if there is no flag) and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart. If the music is prerecorded, look straight ahead.
3. As soon as you hear an announcement that the National Anthem is about to be played or sung, stand up in anticipation if you are able. If you have a hat on, remove it. This etiquette applies to both men and women if the woman is wearing a unisex or sports hat (ball cap). Ladies-only decorative hats (like you see worn at the Kentucky Derby) can be left on, as of course can any uniform hats of performers or flag-bearers.
4. For those who have never served in the military: On the first note of the anthem, place your right hand over your heart. (You may hold your hat in your right hand and place it over your heart as well.) Keep your hand in place until after the last note.
5. Veterans and current military members should give and hold a military salute during the anthem. The change in protocol for former members of the military using a military salute occurred in 2008. Prior to that, veterans held their hands over their hearts just as civilians did.
6. Remove your sunglasses. Yes, it’s uncomfortable in the bright sun. That’s OK. People on the battlefield have been much more uncomfortable.
7. Don’t talk during the anthem. If you’re talking, you’re not paying attention to the song and thus not showing respect for its meaning. And you’re interrupting those around you who are trying to show their respect.
8. Don’t eat or drink during the song. If you’re chewing gum, stop until the anthem has ended. Have nothing in your hands (except a hat); put your smartphone away.
9. You may sing along if you wish. In fact, since it’s our nation’s song, we should sing along. Just don’t belt it out like you’re the one who was invited to perform it!
10. After the song is completed, it’s not proper to applaud. The song represents our National Anthem as a hymn, and we usually don’t applaud after hymns. I know this sounds odd, and I know that most everyone else at a sporting or large event claps, but that does go against the official Code. The performers are leading the audience in the singing of the hymn, not performing it for their own recognition or for applause. (I know it’s hard sometimes not to clap. Remember when Whitney Houston sang the National Anthem in 1991 at Super Bowl XXV? It was practically impossible not to clap for her!) On the other hand, at sporting events the game usually begins immediately after the playing of the anthem, so it could be said that people are clapping for the start of the event and not the end of the anthem. And at the Super Bowl, the fly-over immediately follows the anthem; this proud, awe-inspiring display is certainly applause-worthy.
11. In cases where the anthem of another nation is playing on U.S. soil, or you’re visiting another country: stand up, remove your hat, and remain quiet in respect for their anthem. Do not place your hand over your heart or salute a foreign anthem, allegiance, or flag.