I have come across this too. And when words such as "Country Dance Society" and "Ladies" are uttered in the same breath you had better believe that the "rules" will be universally known and strictly observed. I have been to these kind of events and women are real sticklers for rules and protocol, much worse than any man. At one they wouldn't even let a non-committee member into the kitchen to help with the dishes, can you believe that? It really is that bad. Thank God I'm a man!