Rules are rules, but Legion hat debate rages on

The Summerland Legion is again grappling with the issue of wearing hats in the hall. The matter is brought forward every two or three years.

The prohibition of hats in a Legion is based on military tradition. It is said that in an armed forces mess all ranks are equal. By not allowing hats, officers would be indistinguishable from ordinary ranks.

Another antiquated rule: Taverns used to have separate entrances for men and women (ladies and escorts) with only a dividing line on the floor in some establishments. Neither policy has stood the test of time.

There are exceptions to the no-hat rule. Headgear is allowed to accommodate religious beliefs. If worn as part of an event’s costume (Santa and his elves as an example), hats are allowed. Women may wear dressy hats.

The head covering rule is determined by each individual branch. I am told the Keremeos Legion, in deference to its cowboy culture, allows Stetsons to be worn. In days past, the penalty for contravening the no-hat rule was to buy a round of drinks for the house. I have never seen this happen.

My generation and before were taught hats were never worn indoors. My paternal grandfather sang this ditty every time he came home: “I had a hat when I came in and I hung it on the rack. I’ll have a hat when I go out, or I’ll break somebody’s back.”

Offending this rule in my youth earned a cuff to the side of the head, and the hat on the floor from either parent.

Why are hats in a Legion of concern? Apparently, younger patrons prefer to wear hats all the time. This is especially true of members of sports teams that come to a Legion after a game to enjoy a beverage. I am told some members of co-ed teams avoid the Legion due to concerns over unkempt hair.

The vote is tradition versus economics. Why would a Legion want to discourage an entire sports team’s custom over a “silly” no-hat rule? It is because it is a rule.

Organizations have rules, and if you want to belong, you must obey the rules. Even as a child, when I went to a Cub meeting I had to wear a full uniform, itchy socks and all.

This controversy may seem peculiar to those outside of the Legion family, but you would be amazed at how divisive these discussions can be. Members quit or transfer if they are on the wrong side of the vote.

Postscript: By a 60 per cent vote, Summerland Legion members voted Wednesday night to allow hats to be worn in the branch.

John Dorn is a retired tech entrepreneur living in Summerland.