Flag Borders

[ajmc]

Originally Posted by MrUmpire

As has been pointed out already, this is not cottect. Also, a strict interperetation of the U.S. flag code would seem to exclude sports officials from "legally" wearing the flag on their uniform.

So, as one has suggested previously, as long as you're breaking the flag code, who cares what border you use on the flag?

As a group, we (officials) may naturally lean a little further towards exact compliance with existing rules, but a (negative) definition of bureaucracy defines it as, "when existing rules come in direct conflict with common sense, bureaucracy dictates blindly following the existing rule rather than reason the objective."

It's reasonable to presume that the primary objective of the U. S. Flag Code is to assure the American Flag is treated with the respect it has so rightly earned. Examples are shown as guidelines to present an idea of type actions are not allowed (Much like NF:9.4 provides limited examples of what type actions constitute Illegal Personal Contact).

Following the tragedy of 9/11/01 the NFHS and several State Associations, out of a feeling of deep respect and appreciation for our Armed Services, who currently stand in "harm's way" on our behalf, designated it's members authority (and in many cases instructions) to wear a small American Flag as a specific sign of respect in observance of that event and appreciation of the ongoing service rendered by our military.

Suggesting, somehow, that this overt gesture of respect and appreciation constitutes a violation of the U.S. Flag Code, I submit, is much more likely a misunderstanding of the primary objectives of the U.S. Flag Code.