U.S. Soccer's New Policy Requires Players to Stand for National Anthem
By Kyle Koster
U.S. Soccer has passed a new policy requiring players to stand during the national anthem, reports Fox’s Stuart Holden. It was unanimously approved on Feb. 9.
“All persons representing a Federation national team shall stand respectfully during the playing of national anthems at any event in which the Federation is represented,” Policy 604-1 reads.
Megan Rapinoe followed Colin Kaepernick’s lead and knelt during the national anthem before a Seattle Reign-Chicago Red Stars game last September. As a response, the Washington Spirit played the national anthem ahead of schedule when Seattle visited — preventing such a protest.
Rapinoe also kneeled before a women’s national friendly against Thailand.
There is no predetermined consequence for failing to meet the requirement, so U.S. Soccer will have to cross that bridge should a player want to cross it.