Each year the President General gives one trophy to the state society color guard that has the most active program and one trophy to the chapter color guard that has the most active program. The sleeve was used before the practice of placing screws through grommets in the flag hem became popular. The rate of tarnishing can be reduced by varnishing the brass and wearing gloves while handling and carrying the poles. Ten pound bases are adequate to hold the poles upright in a light breeze and are easier to carry than heavier bases. Sources of Gloves, Flag Belts, Musket Slings, etc.
Gloves are available at military base stores.
They supply musket slings as well as flag and sword belts.