The Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong said on Monday that it will soon issue guidelines to affiliated sports associations on the use of the national flag and anthem, to prevent any mix-ups.

The wrong song was played ahead of a rugby match between Hong Kong and South Korea on November 13 and the anthem was mislabelled during a televised match between Hong Kong and Portugal on November 6.

On an RTHK programme, the committee’s honorary secretary general, Ronnie Wong, said standardised procedures will be established to stop similar mistakes in the future.

“We will likely provide national flags and the national anthem that have our confirmation and the government’s approval to each sports association before they go out to take part in competitions. Each association should be given two sets, with one as a backup. They will have to sign a confirmation with the organiser as well," he said.

Wong said that when things go awry, for example if the wrong song is played instead of the national anthem, anyone “on the frontline” and being filmed, including the athletes and the coach, should make a gesture and let the organiser know.

He said they can hold up their arms to make a “T” sign to signal to the organiser that it has to correct the mistake, adding that the delegation should leave the venue if the error is serious.