The Great Sock Dilemma

Recently there has been a clamp down on short socks at the clubs I coach at and the main Sock Police have been myself and my Coach. Those people displaying bare legs have been asked to cover up and it's usually greeted with a touch of surprise and embarrassment. It probably seems pretty petty for two coaches to be worrying about something as minor as short socks? Well in a way it is but it is also pretty fundamental. There is a functional element to long socks as they protect the shins from grazes and cuts. Long socks were traditionally worn with breeches back in the day when swords were for real, except back then they were called stockings. So there is a long sartorial tradition in wearing long socks. You wouldn't turn up for a karate or judo class wearing shorts and t-shirt would you? Basically it is about tradition to an extent. Long socks are worn because they have always been worn; the quality of your fencing is not enhanced (or degraded) by the colour of your tan so it is not necessary to show it off. Also, the socks should be white where possible as in the old days they would have shown the first sight of blood from a cut (important if fencing to first blood). Socks nowadays seem to be an arena for fencers to demonstrate their individuality; stripes and colours abound. Maybe it's an off-shoot of the multi-coloured football boots seen on display and it certainly isn't the most important thing to worry about when fencing. However, what do your socks say about you? And your attitude?