Football Equipment Question

[nuovorecord]

OK, weird question alert!

My 9 y/o stepson just began playing tackle football. His dad signed him up and has been responsible for equipment, etc. I was helping my stepson gather up his gear the other day and noticed that he didn't have a protective cup. He informed me that no one on the team wore them because they would get in the way of running.

I find this somewhat difficult to believe, as protective cups are standard in other sports such as hockey and baseball, both of which I have played. I never played tackle football, though. Is this true? Football players don't wear cups? Enlighten me, please?

[Dragon]

I never played either, though I wish I would have. I would think that it depends on the position you play as to whether you would need a cup or not. I imagine running backs would more likely need one then a wide receiver.

I wear one to the city league softball games, and I still run rather well. Of course I play catcher, so I’m willing to sacrifice speed for the jewels.

[plankton]

He informed me that no one on the team wore them because they would get in the way of running.

I'm not buying that. Cups were mandatory gear in our youth football league. Getting "cleated" in the jewels would not be good. Check out the different sizes (a nine-year old would probably wear a small) and speak to the sales associate about why it won't impede running.

I can assure you that Priest Holmes and Jamal Lewis wear cups and they seem to run just fine....

[Richmond Jake]

Have the boy wear a cup...some day he'll thank you standing on his feet and not on his hands and knees wishing he'd have taken your advice.

[Bear Up North]

If he doesn't wear a cup and he gets hit, his voice won't change.

Bear

[nuovorecord]

If he doesn't wear a cup and he gets hit, his voice won't change.

Bear

Which could set him up nicely for a career in the opera...

[NHPlanner]

Speaking from experience.....I broke several while playing (I played defensive tackle and center)....have him wear one!

[GeogPlanner]

I have never heard of such a thing...get the boy some protection! You can run far when your kicked in the nards...

Or getting pwn3d in this thread...

[MD Planner]

I played in high school and college and I always wore one. I can tell you however, that several teamates at both levels (including a future NFL Pro Bowler) did not. It always amazed me. It doesn't make running any easier but I'll take the protection any day.

[Rem]

They are never worn in Rugby (it's a deliberate strategy to reduce breeding among less intelligent members of the community), though I understand occasionally members of the Dutch women's team have a need for them.

[nuovorecord]

Thanks all. We had a discussion about the need to "protect the boys" yesterday. He'll start wearing it at practice tonight!