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IF you are one of hundreds of thousands of soccer fans who have embraced the “Fly the Flag” campaign with unflagging enthusiasm, just make sure you are doing so with flying colours – the right way up.

After all, there is a certain standard to be set when...well, setting out with your standard.

On the eve of the Fifa World Cup, eager fans all over South Africa are decorating their houses, businesses and public places at the urging of the government.

But fans beware – there is strict etiquette, as laid down in the Government Gazette of June 8, 2001, with regard to how, when and where national flags are raised.

Be careful you don’t fly any of the flags upside down – remember, this is an international signal of distress or surrender and an insult if used in any other context.

The South African flag must have the red on top. It should also be hoisted first and lowered last. When flying with the national flags of other countries, all the flags must be of equal size and must be flown at an equal height with the South African national flag on the right hand side, or on the left from the observer’s point of view.

As national representations, all flags must be treated with absolute respect and if you see a national flag raising or lowering ceremony, you are expected to stop, remove your hat if wearing one, and place your right hand over your heart. Tough luck if you are a lefty.

When the national flag is flown with other flags, such as corporate or club flags, it must be in the middle and the highest. When lowering the flag be careful not to cause any offence by allowing it to touch the ground. Some people are very, very sensitive about this.

Those who are tempted to liven up their table decor do not, ever, under any circumstances, use the flag as a table cloth as such an action is in extremely bad taste.

Finally, the national flag may never be used as underwear, floor mats, or for commercial advertising.