sounds to me like Boti had nothing better to write about. Does it really matter either way? It takes up a whole 2 minutes and shows a bit of respect to the nation. If it doesn't get played so what, if it does... same response.

I reckon the national anthem should be saved for the finals only. It is a bit much to go through it every game, and for some 2 games each weekend!

I am very proud to listen to it before every game, as I think should every player.

Keep the anthem, it's a tradition

I like having the national anthem if i am going to see the Boomers play, but i do not see the point if the comp is ABL or even NBL.

I say play the National Anthem before every game, social included!

I personally don't believe that it should be played at ABL games. The playing of the anthem and introduction of players (not really needed at ABL games - all that is needed is to introduce the starting five just prior to tip-off), disrupts the warm-up, and I am sure most coaches do not want the interruption. The practice should be kept for games involving National teams (at any level).
When I lived in Canberra WNBL games were played prior to NBL games. The National Anthem was played before both games. I believe that league guidelines (at the time - not sure about now) stated that the anthem was to be played before the game. A senior government official involved with the Cannons and also the protocol dept of the Prime Minister explained that the National Anthem should only be played ONCE on any given night. For those people who state that it's a "tradition" - who says that we have to stay with tradition on all occassions. Most traditions are based on the past and maybe some things need change.

No. They say (in the aftermath of the Mahmoud Abdul Raouf incident) that the National Anthem was played at American sporting matches during the World War (II?) so that people could publicly remember their soldiers. I don't think we need to do that at every game, NBL, ABL or whatever. Leave it for when the Boomers win Gold.

^^^^^ So Never Young Gun?

I have no problem with it being played before games, but I think it would be better saved to perhaps just finals and any game played on ANZAC day.

keep it every game, its really good :D

I get shited off that we continue to quote Boti and most of his crap...specially the Thursday stuff where he has nothing to write but dribble...

Watch his column in the off season, it will be utter tripe!

Next he'll be writing about how he doesn't poach players from other clubs and country associations...

Be proud of your country and play it before every ABA game it is the problem with this country not enough national pride.

Supporter - IMO, often the problem in countries is too much national pride!

agree totally play the anthem

ABSOLUTELY agree with Supporter. Australians show very little patriotism. The American national anthem is played before EVERY college and high school game. I'm not inferring for one second that we should follow America, but I believe it should be played here. For as long as I can remember, we have always played the national anthem before the women's and men's games. If they can it, I will be sorely disappointed.
I think the national anthem and introducing all the players shows some form of professionalism in a league that offers very little.