Why your athletic son needs to wear a cup (2024)

Jersey? Check. Helmet? Check. Athletic cup? If you’re a parent of a young male athlete, that last one may be a head-scratcher.

An athletic cup is a device used to protect against groin injuries from contact sports. It guards against hits and kicks or collisions with a ball or player’s helmet. And it’s often overlooked — many athletes choose not to use it. Even if your son only goes in for a few minutes of play, don’t skip the cup.

“Just like a helmet, an athletic cup is a critical piece of gear,” says Dr. Jacob Baber, a urologist at Geisinger.

Protection starts early

For some activities, like riding a bike or swimming, wearing a cup isn’t necessary. But playing high-impact sports (think basketball, soccer, baseball and lacrosse) puts athletes at risk for a groin injury. Even the smallest players can benefit from the added protection that wearing a cup offers.

So, how young is too young to start wearing one? “As soon as your son starts playing sports, he should wear a cup,” Dr. Baber says.

Don’t get caught without one

When your son is on the field, run-ins with a loose ball or unintentional contact with another player happen. Those run-ins can put your son at risk of a hit to the crotch.

That risk increases as your son gets older. “Once boys hit puberty, their testicl*s grow, and the scrotum drops. This makes them more likely to have a groin injury,” says Dr. Baber.

Injuries can range from mild bruising and swelling to more serious things like:

  • Groin strains or sprains
  • Inguinal hernias
  • Sports hernias
  • Testicular torsion

Your son can reduce the risk of a groin injury by putting on a cup before heading onto the field.

To get him used to the idea of using a cup, keep the lines of communication open.

“Talk with their coaches and doctor to reinforce the importance of using an athletic cup whenever they play sports,” says Dr. Baber.

What to look for

If he doesn’t own a cup, find one online or at your local sporting goods store.

Not sure where to start? Dr. Baber suggests, “Look for cups that are strong enough to protect the groin while being comfortable.”

When he’s ready to go shopping, these tips will help your son find the right one.

Select a cup based on age and size. Some athletes find that wearing a cup is uncomfortable. That’s why finding the right size is key. Athletic cups are available for most age groups, starting from age 4 up to adults. For smaller children (4’6” and up to 75 lbs.), consider a cup that’s 1 ¾” deep. Kids 5’6” and 110 lbs. may be most comfortable in a cup that’s 2” deep. Older boys may want to consider a deeper cup, up to 2 ½”. After you find the right size, check for fit. “A properly sized cup should fit comfortably around the groin area and shouldn’t touch the testicl*s,” says Dr. Baber.

If the cup shifts or feels too loose, choose a different size.

Choose a material. Cups used to be made out of metal. They may have offered good protection, but they probably weren’t very comfortable. Your athlete will breathe a sigh of relief knowing they can choose cups made from:

  • Soft or hard plastic
  • Carbon fiber
  • Fabric

For added comfort, consider a model with gel padding around the edges. And, for easier cleaning, look for one that’s machine washable.

Consider durability. The type of cup an athlete needs depends on the kind of hits he’ll take. Football, for example, is a higher impact sport than wrestling, so a young quarterback might need something sturdier than a wrestler would.

Don’t forget an athletic supporter. After finding the right cup, you’ll need to look for a supporter to hold it in place. Pick from traditional athletic supporters (also called jockstraps), impact shorts or compression shorts. So, how to wear a cup? To put the cup in, slide it into the pocket on the front of the supporter with the narrow end facing down. Once it’s in place, adjust until it fits comfortably over the penis and testicl*s.

When your son has the gear he needs, he can focus on playing his best. So the next time he’s getting his uniform ready, make sure his gear includes a cup.

Next steps:

Meet Jacob Baber, MD

Does your child have a sports injury? Look for these signs.

Easy ways to keep your young athlete injury-free

Why your athletic son needs to wear a cup (2024)

FAQs

Why should boys wear a cup? ›

A: It is very important for boys to wear an athletic cup to protect their groin area from blunt trauma injuries when playing sports. Any fast-moving kick, ball or helmet that hits a boy in the groin area can cause serious damage, including severe bruising, internal bleeding, testicular fracture or rupture.

Do boys need to wear a cup for baseball? ›

For some activities, like riding a bike or swimming, wearing a cup isn't necessary. But playing high-impact sports (think basketball, soccer, baseball and lacrosse) puts athletes at risk for a groin injury. Even the smallest players can benefit from the added protection that wearing a cup offers.

At what age do boys need to wear a cup? ›

“A child needs to wear a cup as soon as they start playing contact sports,” advises Slocombe. “For some kids, that's as early as age 5.” In addition to offering much-needed protection, starting early helps kids learn to think of the devices as essential sports equipment.

How effective are athletic cups? ›

There is nothing worse than getting hit in the groin area or having a knee come up and hit you in the family jewels. The good news is that modern athletic cups are highly effective in absorbing impact and preventing groin injuries.

Why is a cup important? ›

Cups are used for quenching thirst across a wide range of cultures and social classes, and different styles of cups may be used for different liquids or in different situations.

Should men wear a cup? ›

Some men believe that they don't need to wear a protective cup when playing or competing, but the reality is that a protective cup is a necessary precaution if you want to protect yourself from the risk of permanent damage.

Do Little League players need a cup? ›

All male players playing in competitive divisions (Intermediate down through A) must wear a cup for their protection per Little League. They can chose between athletic supporters or boxer brief style sliding shorts.

What sports do men wear cups for? ›

Protective cups should be the norm for hard-hitting sports with speedy objects, such as hockey pucks. Cups are also necessary in hockey, football, baseball, rugby, lacrosse, soccer, mixed martial arts and other contact sports.

Do boys wear cups in tee ball? ›

Most youth baseball leagues recommend that cups be worn at every age group, however, once your son reaches elementary school, the athletic cup often is required equipment.

Do NBA players wear cups? ›

“Granted, such injuries could likely be prevented by wearing a cup, but NBA players don't wear them. Even Dr. Stephen Strup, the chief of urology at the University of Kentucky, doesn't recommend them. In over 20 years of practice, Strup has treated a few basketball-related injuries in the hoop-crazy state.

What sports require a jockstrap? ›

Which Sports Require Jockstraps? Mens jockstraps are a requirement in every high-impact sport league, including football, baseball, hockey, and soccer. Many athletes, however, are moving away from traditional jockstrap designs.

What is the average age to use a cup? ›

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you offer your child a cup when they start eating solid foods, usually around 6 months. You can use a "sippy" (training) cup with a spouted lid or offer a cup and straw.

Can I wear an athletic cup all day? ›

Yes, you can wear a supporter all day, but doing so presents as many risks as not wearing one when you're exercising. You wear a supporter to protect your genitals during exercise.

Why is cupping good for athletes? ›

The fact that cupping can help stimulate the chemical breakdown of any toxins within the body, means that athletes who need their muscles and tissues to heal quickly can expect this to happen when undergoing cupping therapy.

Do professional athletes wear a cup? ›

It's optional, just like rib guards or knee stockings. Every player is solely responsible for determining whether or not they require a cup; the referee will not check whether or not a player is wearing one before a match.

What is cup in education? ›

A Conceptual Understanding Procedure, or CUP, is a teaching procedure designed to aid development of understanding of concepts that students find difficult. They have been developed in physics but could be designed for other areas of study such as chemistry, mathematics and biology.

Why is it important to fill your own cup? ›

You must fill your own cup before you can pour into others.” Everyone feels depleted and rundown at times. Pain can zap your reserves, and so can factors like depression, anxiety, stress, a busy schedule, caregiving, grief, and loss. Self-care is crucial for your emotional and physical health.

Why do Americans use cups? ›

As pioneers travelled thousands of miles west across the frontier during the early 19th century, they didn't have that luxury or time to properly weigh ingredients and supplies. It was simply easier to use measuring cups instead because you could guarantee a cup was always going to be on hand.

Can you wear a cup daily? ›

Some people may choose to wear them to try and reduce discharge. Generally, if you follow the rules of safe menstrual cup wear, you should be able to safely wear one every day. If you have a significant amount of discharge, though, you may want to rule out an underlying medical condition, such as a yeast infection.

Is it acceptable for a man to wear a bra? ›

There is sometimes no medical necessity for men to wear bras, and the same considerations for and against apply regardless of gender. In sport, a male bra is often used by sporting clubs to evaluate players with real-time statistics.

How to buy a cup for my son? ›

Size is determined by age and body mass. Boys aged five and up, reaching 4 feet 6 inches and 80 pounds should wear a cup 1 3/4 inches in depth. Youths age 11 and up, reaching 5 feet 6 inches and 110 pounds should wear a cup 2 inches in depth.

What sport requires a cup? ›

Many sports require the use of an athletic cup. These include cricket, fencing, martial arts, boxing, lacrosse, hockey, baseball, paintball, football and many others.

Is it OK not to wear a cup in baseball? ›

Do baseball players wear cups? Although cups are not required by the MLB it is highly recommended and in Little League, it is required for all catchers. Catchers always wear cups due to the risk of deflection from a foul bowl directly in between their legs.

What do boys wear for baseball practice? ›

Boys should wear an athletic supporter or compression shorts under their sweatpants and baseball pants. If your son is a catcher, it is mandatory he wear a protection cup. Giving your Little Leaguers time to practice with the gear they'll be using in their games will get them comfortable and ready to play.

When did athletes start wearing cups? ›

It was not until the early 20th century that the need for a protective cup in sports garnered attention. Medical literature around that time is fraught with tales of genital trauma, particularly in baseball.

Why do NFL players wear cups? ›

"The cup is designed to protect against high-velocity impact to the groin," says Duke Athletic Products president Mark Atwater. "That's usually more consistent with sports like baseball and hockey. Although I think a 270-pound lineman hitting you in the testicl*s with his shoulder pads might qualify."

Does my son need a jock strap? ›

If he's age 7 or older and plays a vigorously athletic sport, he probably needs an athletic supporter, according to pediatrician quoted in Long Island Newsday. Athletic supporters (“jockstraps”) protect the testicl*s from injury.

How do you clean an athletic cup? ›

In addition, most cups are machine washable, but always check the packaging to make sure. If the style you buy is not, you can wash it in a tub or sink filled with hot water and laundry detergent or antibacterial soap. Allow the cup to soak before scrubbing it with a fresh sponge or dish cloth.

Can you wear a cup without a jockstrap? ›

You can wear a protective cup without wearing a jockstrap by inserting the cup into the protective slot on your underwear. The cup will not only protect you from urinary tract infections, but it can also help prevent menstrual cramps and other problems during menstruation.

Do boys wear cups in Little League? ›

If your son is a catcher, it is mandatory he wear a protection cup. Giving your Little Leaguers time to practice with the gear they'll be using in their games will get them comfortable and ready to play.

Do guys wear a cup in football? ›

A cup is not required as an item of equipment in football. It's optional, just like rib guards or knee stockings. Every player is solely responsible for determining whether or not they require a cup; the referee will not check whether or not a player is wearing one before a match.

Do major league players wear cups? ›

Do baseball players wear cups? Although cups are not required by the MLB it is highly recommended and in Little League, it is required for all catchers.

Why do guys not wear jockstraps anymore? ›

However, times have changed, and jockstraps are not as ubiquitous they once were. Many men dislike the idea of having their backside exposed when they change clothes in the locker room. Also, some people find the design uncomfortable; depending on your build, the bulky pouch has the possibility to chafe your skin.

Why do some male athletes wear bras? ›

Sports bras for men? These sports bras are officially called the GPS tracker vest and are very common among male footballers. According to experts, modern players in the game wear it in order to read their GPS data.

Why do some male football players wear bras? ›

The so called GPS bras are common in the big football clubs. They're used for the training or test matches. These bras record the movements on the pitch and the physical data. Like this it's easier to analize: how fast is the player, where is he moving to, what is his heart rate like etc.

What is a Jill strap? ›

jillstrap (plural jillstraps) (informal) A pelvic protector, a woman's equivalent of a man's jockstrap.

Can jockstraps be worn everyday? ›

You bet. The best jockstrap for everyday wear is the one that makes you look and feel sexy. Show off a bit of your adventurous side at home with your partner or strut down the street for all to see (while wearing pants, please!).

What fills a child's cup? ›

To fill their cup, children need quality connection time with their parents every day. When they receive this, children will develop healthy self-worth and self-esteem and, therefore, approach the world with more kindness and compassion.

What does gifting a cup mean? ›

Just one sip seems to make everything better. Everyone favours gifts that are personal to them and there's always room for a special mug in someone's life. By giving a mug as a gift, you are extending a special reminder to someone that they are loved and cared about. You can't get more personal than that!

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