It all depends on the crew. Last year we wore short half the year for varsity and most the year for JV (with the exception of the last two games). We wore the officials socks for varsity games and the ankle high ones for JV (which look far better with shorts).
This year I haven't been able to wear shorts at all.

My personal thought is that as long as everyone on the crew looks the same, its all good. I'd much prefer the white shorts and low socks myself.

Here in San Diego, CA all HS level games are in full unis. We wear shorts (with white socks, not the stripeys) for the youth games only. When you're stuck out on the field for 3 to 4 youth games, it's nice to have the shorts. And, I'm sure many will be shocked, we're even allowed to wear sunglasses.

Please note the actual question that was asked. I was curious about the way the coaches in your areas reacted or commented to shorts instead of knickers.

Here in Baton Rouge, we wear black shorts for all freshman and JV games, the only time we wear knickers is for fri night games. Coaches out here dont really care all they care about is winning.

I have never heard a coach comment either way regarding uniforms. If he has a particular beef with an official and that official looked like a slob, he might add that to his list of complaints. I have, however, heard comments about officials that have a little extra poundage and/or are out of shape.

During a game?

In Arizona, we wear black shorts with white crew length socks for all games other than Varsity. I have never heard a comment from a coach about it.

We can't wear shorts for varsity game (thank goodness) and I don't own a pair of shorts so it's always knickers for me.

You'd think that, of all places, Arizona would be one to use white shorts. :cool:

Knickers - always. Shorts - never. I don't allow my crew to wear shorts even for scrimmages. We are professionals, dress like it. As to lower level games, what makes those any less important to the participants and fans? If you dress less than professional for those games, you will be seen as less than professional. If you wanna wear shorts, go work in the yard.