american flag
 

the american flag on a referee shirt. Is there a proper way to put it on the sleeve of the shirt or whatever you may think looks the best??

For an example, look at the Army uniforms.

Right sleeve, stars to the front.

i see most refs have them on their left arm

This is going to be a regional thing, I think. The stars will still be towards the front. If the flag is on the left sleeve, the stars will be on the left side of the flag. If the flag is on the right sleeve, the stars will be on the right side of the flag.

I just checked my shirts, and you're right. I hadn't even paid attention other than making sure the stars went forward. But, Honig's sewed mine on, so I just went with it.

Technically, it should go on the right; but I'm not sure it's within code for referees to wear it. What's that mean? Only that the code is antiquated, I suppose.

United States Code
 

No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations.

Note that on Army uniforms, where the flag is put on the sleeve of the uniform, the flag patch is displayed with the stars facing forward, in the direction the wearer is facing. This is done to give the impression of the flag flowing in the wind while being carried forward across the battlefield. This is known as the "Reverse Field Flag."

Note that many athletic teams appear to have ignored this rule, notably, Major League Baseball placed the flag on the back of all uniforms following the 9/11 attacks, and the US team in the 2006 World Baseball Classic wore a flag patch on their left sleeve. For Independence Day and 9/11 2008, with the exception of the Toronto Blue Jays, All MLB teams will wear navy-blue versions of their hats, with an American flag imposed inside their own logo.

1) Although the Flag code states who may wear flag patches, I dont think anyone is ever going to get in trouble for wearing it on a unifrom like the ones that officials wear.

2) The shoulder that the flag goes on is a local determination but as has been mentioned the union (I think I have the correct term) is always forward. I It looks funky on the right shoulder if you are not used to it. I get questions all the time... "why is the flag on your shoulder backwards" My response is... it is correct because it emulates the flag as if it were at the front of formation charging into a battle"

We are a nation at war with a military at war. Wearing the national symbol should be done appropriately ( sewn on, ironed properly, not looking ratty)

It used to be worn on the Arny uniform only when deployed. Since OIF/OEF it is worn due to the conflict (and not having to take it off and on for every rotation)

White trim or gold? There's a mix of that out there too.

I have both white and gold trim. The flag is on my left arm as well.

For high school games we can only wear a patch on our right arm. I have the "gold outlined" patches which some say are pointed the wrong way. But that is the way most officials in my area have them (at least in football). I just choose not to wear a flag in basketball because it is too much of hassle and not everyone even wears one. When this became fashionable was during the football season when 9-11 took place. This phenomenon did not catch on during the basketball season or other seasons.

Peace

Mine are on the left sleeve, with the union to the front. Gold trim.