text: Other than looks, it is used to protect scrapes, cut and bruises if there are any.   Also, it provides warmth to the area that is more convenient than wearing tights completely underneath the shorts.   Players also wear them to give their calf more pressure, that helps them feel more comfortable especially if the calf/shin area has had surgery performed in the area (the surgery may have caused lossed sensitivity).  Lastly, some players wear them because of superstition.