In high school football, wearing a cup is like having an extra layer of protection for a sensitive area – like how knee socks or rib guards can be extra shields for other parts. But it’s up to the players whether they want to wear one or not.
Football players nowadays use all sorts of gear. From helmets to shoes to knee pads – they wear different things to stay safe. But if you’re a high school guy, do you wear a cup? Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
In high school football, injuries can happen, and some can be pretty bad. People have even gotten seriously hurt or worse while playing. High school football is tough!
Every year, there are players who get hurt or even die while playing. That’s why wearing protective gear on the field is really important. But not all gear is the same.
Today, we’ll talk about what kind of stuff your favourite high school football player should wear. And how not wearing it can affect how they play or how safe they are. So, let’s get into it!
What does “Cup” mean in high school football?
A cup is a thing that players wear while playing football to keep themselves safe. It’s like armour for the private area. It can be made from different stuff. Sometimes, in high school, players might not want to wear it because they don’t want others to know or maybe they don’t think it looks good.
Importance of Wearing a Cup in High School Football
Wearing a cup in High School Football is really important. It keeps you safe from getting hurt. Injuries can happen when you practise or play games. If you don’t wear a cup and get hit in your private area, you could have bleeding inside and feel pain for weeks. That’s why wearing protection is a big deal – it helps keep you safe.
You might notice that players who wear cups and don’t get hit there do better on the field. They play better in games than those who don’t wear cups (or just wear shorts).
This happens because if you get hit directly in your private area without any padding, like if another player or something else hits you there, it can hurt a lot. Our bodies’ private parts are sensitive, and they can get hurt easily.
It’s good to know that not all states make it necessary to wear an athletic supporter or jockstrap. But in many places, it’s a rule for safety. If your son plays where there isn’t an official rule about cups, he should still wear one every time he plays or practices. That way, he can avoid getting hurt.
Do High School Football Players Wear Cups?
Yes, High School Football players should wear a cup, but they might not have to. Some people mistakenly think players don’t wear cups during games and practices.
The rules change depending on the state and even the district within each state. There are many leagues in high school sports, so each has its own rules about gear like helmets and visors.
They also decide what kind of padding to wear underneath. For example, in California, there’s likely a rule that players must wear some padding during practice, even if it’s just small pieces. This is to protect them, especially around the waist.
Pros and Cons of Wearing Cups?
Let’s talk about reasons for and against wearing cups in High School Football. One reason to wear cups is safety. They shield the private area, which is important for young players who might not be fully grown. A strong hit there could cause big problems.
- Another reason to wear cups is less pain after playing. This is especially important for high schoolers who might not handle pain as well as older players.
- Some people don’t like wearing cups. It’s about feeling comfy and cost. Cups can make you feel bulky, especially if you’re already wearing padding. Some players find cups uncomfortable and it affects how they play on the field.
- Sometimes, cups are not well made. They might tear easily, especially if someone tackles you. If this happens during practice or a game, it can hurt and make you less confident.
Cups can also be expensive, and not everyone can buy them. It’s up to each player and their family to decide if they want to wear cups for High School Football.
What Are the Pros and Cons of High School Football Players Wearing a Cup?
Wearing a cup in High School Football is a smart choice, especially if you want to keep your private parts safe. It can also help avoid bad injuries to your groyne that might keep you off the field for a long time.
However, there are some downsides too. Cups can be uncomfortable, make you feel hot, and distract you. They might also make running fast or jumping high a bit harder, depending on the cup type.
In the end, the decision to wear a cup is personal. Each player should decide based on what they like and what they need.
Does not wearing a cup affect a player’s performance or their ability to play?
Yes, wearing a cup matters and affects how well a player can perform. Not wearing one can lead to a common injury called testicular torsion. This twists the cord, stopping blood flow to the testicles and causing serious harm.
Football players need cups to avoid embarrassment and stay in the game. Without protection, they could get hurt and have to leave because of pain or injury in their private area while playing.
But, some players might feel better and play well without a cup. Others might feel it affects their game. Each player should decide what’s best for them.
What Are the Guidelines for Using Cups in High School Football Games?
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) is in charge of High School Football in the U.S. They say all players must wear cups in games. Cups should be soft and fit under the uniform.
Cups must stay in place during play. If one comes loose, the player must leave until it’s fixed. Players without cups can’t play until they have one.
If you get hurt without following the rules, no one can help. This might mean missing practices or games. There’s no compensation from coaches or others, even if they saw the injury but didn’t help.
What Are Other Gear Choices for Players Who Don’t Wear a Cup?
If you don’t want to wear a cup, you still have choices to guard your private parts.
- One choice is wearing athletic supporters (jock straps). They’re like briefs but have an extra strap to keep them up. They’re made of nylon or spandex and come in different colours. Some find them comfy, but they can get sweaty during activities, especially if you run a lot. They offer some protection but not as much as a cup.
- Compression shorts are another option. They look like regular athletic shorts but have extra padding in the important area. They give moderate protection against impacts, like falling in football. However, they’re not as protective as other gear. If you play a contact sport with regular impacts, consider the step above (see “What Are Some Alternative Protective Gear
- Options For Players Who Choose Not To Wear A Cup?” section). Ultimately, the player decides the level of protection they want.
