Is it proper to wear the American flag on athletic uniforms?

Sir: Sorry for the bad delay. I was away. You raise a good point. Here is what the code says: >>No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart. << As is typical in many areas of the code, it has a problem with vague and confusing language. I read it to say not to put a patch on an athletic uniform. Or is it making a distinction between a flag patch and "part of the flag."? If it is making a distinction, does it say not to put a "part of a flag" on an athletic uniform but a flag patch would be OK? Or is it saying not to use a flag "AS" an athletic uniform but it is OK to affix a flag patch to an athletic uniform? The Flag Code often creates as many questions as it answers. You are correct. The US Olympic team does it all the time. Keep in mind, The Flag Code is NOT a law. It is a set of suggested guidelines for civilians and attaches no penalties. It is a suggested protocol. A Canadian flag protocol officer once said that the most important aspect of protocol is adaptability. Keep in mind also, that if you put a patch on your athletic uniform, the day will come when someone tells you it is wrong and is a violation of the code. I am sorry, but there is no clear cut answer. I wish I could give you something better on which to stand. The code is weak in its explanation of this matter. The safest course would be NOT to put a patch on an athletic uniform.