There are a lot of people who don’t understand the proper protocol when it comes to a color or honor guard presenting the colors at a sporting or other event.  Below are a couple of announcements to help you remind attendees of the proper procedure when it comes to the National Anthem.  Note, there are a couple of examples that account for different situations.

Color/Honor Guard with National Anthem Singer/Performer Announcement

“Ladies and gentlemen, at this time, please rise and direct your attention to [color/honor guard entrance location] for the presentation of the colors for tonight’s game.  Presenting the colors for tonight’s game, please welcome the [color/honor guard name] from [where they are from].  Ladies and gentlemen, we remind you to remain standing at attention until the colors have been retired, following the singing/performance of our National Anthem by [National Anthem singer name].”

The above is the preferred method as announcing should not be performed once the color/honor guard is in place, however if you are in a situation which calls for announcing after the color/honor guard is in place and before the National Anthem is performed, use the next example.

Color/Honor Guard with Pause Prior to National Anthem Singer/Performer Announcement

“Ladies and gentlemen, at this time, please rise and direct your attention to [color/honor guard entrance location] for the presentation of the colors for tonight’s game.  Presenting the colors for tonight’s game, please welcome the [color/honor guard name] from [where they are from].   Ladies and gentlemen, we remind you to remain standing at attention until the colors have been retired, following the singing/performance of our National Anthem.”

[Pause for presentation of colors, when color guard is set and all flags are still at 12 o’clock]

“Ladies and gentlemen, please remain standing, and welcome [National Anthem singer/performer name] to sing/perform our National Anthem.”

Note:  Following the National Anthem, do not announce anything until the colors have been retired.  This will help fans understand that they are to remain standing at attention without calling attention to it.  The colors are retired when the flag of the home country is gathered and lowered which is typically when the color guard exits the playing surface.  Color/honor guard should also be placed at a central focal point if available.  Behind second base, center court, midfield, etc., however if the middle of the playing surface is unavailable, a location which can be seen by all in attendance is required.

(written by Jarrod Wronski of SportsAnnouncing.com)