An NAIA school in Southwest Missouri has taken its support of the national anthem at sporting events to the next level.
Not only will athletes and coaches at College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Mo., stand at attention for the Star Spangled Banner, the opponent will as well.
Or the Bobcats won't play.
The school calls it "No pledge, No Play" in a release distributed on Friday.
"The College of the Ozarks has revised its contracts for competition in all sports, adding a stipulation that all participating players and coaches respect the American flag and National Anthem," said school president Jerry C. Davis. "Opponents are pledging to meet the College's expectations for respect of the National Anthem and American flag. Otherwise, our College will not participate.
"It's a shame sporting events are being used to communicate disrespect for this great country. We will not be part of this."
The College of Ozarks, a private, Christian, liberal arts college with an enrollment of about 1,500, doesn't have a football team. The mission statement on the school's website lists as a goal "To encourage an understanding of American heritage, civic responsibilities, love of country and willingness to defend it."
