Back, way back in history (English history-is there any other?) a group of Cotswold dancers formed a break away side that kept many of the ring laws and ideas, but because of the scarcity of bells and the expense of baldricks, ribbon etc. modified their kit.
They still wore mainly white, and tennis shoes of course.
They had long passed their best dancing years and so they also modified the dance until it was mostly just running about, with long spells of mere standing around looking good for lengthy periods.
That too was an all male preserve, with women there for the sole purpose of making the tea.
Hankies were discarded. Sweaters introduced. Some sticks were retained for traditional reasons, but spent most of the time stuck in the ground and used as a target for other sides to throw things at.
A stick defender was introduced, who would attempt to wave off aimed missiles by the use of a larger stick.
This tradition is still with us today, and is called "cricket".
Obviously of pagan origin, and maybe associated with rain making ceremonies.
Also connected to Jack-in-the-Green, as the dance area is often referred to as "The Green".
When dancers become too old for this form of pagan worship, they are encouraged to take up "bowls" which too includes a "green" and interestingly, a "Jack".