NOV 02
2017

NATIONAL ANTHEM

This message is for all TASO Members in regard to the recent
trend of players kneeling or sitting during the national anthem.

PLAYERS, COACHES AND OTHER TEAM PERSONNEL

As officials, you are there to officiate. It is not within
the purview of officials to make judgments on the personal, social, or
political opinions of any player or coach. It is neither proper nor warranted
for officials to express their pleasure or displeasure with how players act during
the national anthem. Athletes and coaches have their expectations set by their
school. These expectations set by the school are not within the official’s
purview.

TASO, the UIL and TAPPS are all in agreement that if a
player, coach, or anyone else affiliated with a team make a decision to kneel,
take a knee, sit, or other gestures during the playing on our National Anthem,
the officials take no action and do the job they are there to do.

TASO OFFICIALS

As a TASO member assigned to a game or match by a TASO
Chapter assigner, there are certain criteria that you are expected to follow
during a rendition of our National Anthem. It is not our desire to disallow
your freedom of free speech, when you are a spectator at a game or match, you
should follow your heart when the Anthem is played. However, when you are officiating
a game or match, you are a representative of your Chapter, TASO and the 15,000 TASO
members, so certain conduct is expected. We are there to perform a professional
service to ensure a fair and safe athletic contest for the student athletes,
the coaches and the schools. We are not there to make a personal political or
social statement.

Conduct during playing of the National Anthem: When the flag
is displayed, you are expected to face the flag and stand at attention.  TASO prefers that you place your right hand
over your heart. If you are wearing a hat, the hat should be removed, held in
your right hand, and placed near your left shoulder so that your hand is over
your heart.

If the Flag is not displayed, you should face the music and
act in the same manner as if the flag was displayed. Members of the Armed
Forces and veterans may render the military salute in the manner provided as if
they were in military

Michael Fitch, Executive Director

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