Whether you are playing the game for the first time or are an experienced player, it is necessary to consider safety when playing lacrosse.
If you are wondering: Do guys wear cups in lacrosse?
We are here to answer all your questions!
Wearing a cup and understanding the rules associated with one is essential for protecting yourself in this contact sport.
In this guide, we'll discuss why wearing a protective cup is essential, provide tips on properly wearing one and explore other safety tips you must know before partaking in lacrosse.
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Take Away Key Points:
What are protective cups?
Protective sports cups are essential equipment for any athlete, especially those participating in contact sports. They are designed to protect the groin area from impact and injury.
Protective sports cups come in various shapes and sizes and can be made from plastic, foam, or metal.
When choosing a protective cup, selecting one that fits comfortably and securely is imperative. It should also provide adequate protection against impact without restricting movement. It is recommended that athletes try on multiple cups before purchasing to ensure the best fit.
Additionally, athletes should replace their protective cups regularly as they can become worn over time.
Overall, protective sports cups are a vital part of any athlete's safety equipment.
By wearing a cup that fits appropriately and provides adequate protection, athletes can help reduce their risk of injury while playing their favorite sports.
The benefits of wearing a cup as a lacrosse player
As a lacrosse player, wearing a cup is an integral part of the game. Not only can it help protect you against the impacts of the ball hit and other players, but it also provides additional protection below the belt.
Here are the top 3 benefits of wearing a cup as a lacrosse player:
1. Increased protection
Protective sports cups provide an extra layer of protection between your body and the hard impact of a lacrosse ball or lacrosse stick. This can reduce the risk of groin injuries and other serious injuries such as broken ribs, fractured tailbones, and internal bleeding.
In addition, this extra layer makes playing much more comfortable and lowers your risk of sustaining severe injuries in that area that could keep you from playing.
Wearing a cup can also provide extra coverage beneath pads and compression shorts, helping to enhance their protective functions as well.
2. Improved comfort
Wearing a cup can improve comfort and mobility during play, providing a more secure fit that won't move around or shift while playing. They are also typically made from lightweight materials, which provide flexibility, allowing for better mobility during play than heavier protective items.
3. Peace of mind
Knowing you have additional safety equipment in place can help give you peace of mind while playing any contact sport, such as lacrosse, allowing you to focus on enjoying the game.
Ultimately, wearing a cup is essential for any lacrosse player who wants to be safe and comfortable on the field - not to mention being able to play lacrosse without worry!
Are athletic cups mandatory when playing lacrosse?
The short answer is no. Although many leagues require players to wear protective gear such as helmets, mouth guards, and pads, a cup is not mandatory in any lacrosse league.
However, it is recommended that players wear protective sports cups while playing lacrosse due to the added risk of injury posed by the sport.
How to choose the best athletic cup as a lacrosse player
1. Choose the right fit
Make sure the cup fits properly, allowing complete coverage of the groin area without shifting or moving around during play. Consider adjustable cups that offer adjustable straps and a secure fit.
A cup that does not fit correctly can move during play, irritating the groin area or causing potential injury. It also may not offer enough coverage to protect the wearer fully.
Choosing the right size cup and shape ensures maximum safety and comfort while playing.
2. Look for padding
Look for protective cups with extra padding to minimize impact and provide additional comfort while playing.
Padding is relevant for athletic cups because it helps to reduce impact and provide additional comfort while playing.
The cup may still offer protection without adequate padding, but it could be uncomfortable when taking hits or moving around during play.
Padding also helps to reduce chafing and provides additional cushioning.
3. Consider ventilation
Look for breathable materials that wick away moisture and provide adequate ventilation, keeping you comfortable while playing.
4. Think about durability
Choose a cup made of high-quality material durable enough to withstand repeated impacts without tearing or breaking down.
Materials are important for athletic cups because the cup needs to be able to withstand impact and protect against groin injuries.
In addition, it should not cause discomfort or move around while playing, so choosing a cup with breathable material is essential.
Additionally, the material should be durable to ensure it does not break down over time.
Is a jock strap the same as a protective cup?
No, jock straps and protective cups are different pieces of equipment.
A jock strap provides extra support for the lower back, while a protective cup protects the groin area from impacts during games. In addition, a jock-strap wraps around the player's torso, providing an extra layer of shock absorption and support. The jock strap is most commonly used by midfielders, who must endure continuous physical contact during gameplay.
Both items should be worn properly to maximize their potential effectiveness.
Possible injuries of not wearing a protective cup
The main injury risk for male athletes who do not wear protective cups is testicular injury.
Without the protection of a cup, impacts on the groin area could cause swelling, bleeding, and other trauma to the testicles. Other possible injuries include bruising, abrasions, and contusions in the groin region.
Additionally, there is a risk of more serious traumatic injuries such as broken bones or cuts due to impact with sticks or other players.
Additionally, long-term risks associated with not wearing a cup could include fertility issues due to sperm damage. Therefore, players must take their safety seriously and always wear protective gear on the field.
Is the Nutty Buddy the best protective cup for lacrosse players?
The Nutty Buddy cup is one of the most popular cups for lacrosse players. Its ergonomic shape, superior padding, and secure fit make it an excellent choice for protection. Wearing this athletic supporter is exceptionally important for an adolescent lacrosse-playing boy as it will protect him from future injuries.
It also helps to keep sweat away from sensitive areas, adding comfort throughout intense games. Additionally, the Nutty Buddy works great with compression shorts as well! Finally, it helps players on the lacrosse field from being victims of a wild shot in the wrong place!
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference – some athletes may find that other cups offer better protection or more comfort in certain situations.
Here you can see the Nutty Buddy tested by John Brenkus HERE.
FAQs
Do pro lacrosse players wear cups?
Yes, professional lacrosse players wear cups to protect the groin area from any sudden contact during play. The cup must fit properly and provide enough coverage to ensure maximum safety and comfort.
Besides athletic cups, pros may also wear compression shorts or other protective equipment for added protection.
What sports do boys wear cups in?
Cups are standard protective equipment in many male-dominated, contact sports. Examples include football, hockey, rugby, and lacrosse.
The cups provide additional protection for the groin area to reduce the risk of injury from sudden contact with another player or object.
In some sports, such as football and hockey, players may wear other protective paddings, such as hip/tailbone guards or rib protectors.
How to wear a cup for lacrosse?
Players should follow these steps to ensure correct fit and protection:
1. Place the cup in the center of the underwear
2. Adjust the straps until snug but not too tight
3. Ensure that the cup covers and protects the groin area completely
4. Test for comfortable and secure fit before starting play
5. Replace when necessary
Do high school lacrosse players wear cups?
Yes, high school lacrosse players must wear protective equipment, such as cups, to reduce the risk of catastrophic injury while playing.
According to US Lacrosse, all players should wear a helmet, mouth guard, and other recommended protective equipment like shoulder and elbow pads, gloves, or cleats. In addition, using a cup is highly recommended for male players.
Why do lacrosse goalies wear sweatpants?
Lacrosse goalies wear sweatpants for several reasons. Firstly, the material helps to protect their legs from any dangerous hits on the field. The lightweight and breathable fabric also keeps them cool during physical activity. Finally, sweatpants provide a layer of padding between the lacrosse goalie's legs and the goalposts to reduce the risk of injury from getting hit by a ball or defensive stick check.
Do girls have to wear a cup in lacrosse?
Although using a cup is highly recommended for male players, it is not required for female lacrosse players. However, US Lacrosse does recommend that all female players wear protective equipment such as a mouth guard and goggles.
Additional optional protective equipment could include gloves, arm pads, and a chest protector.
Conclusion
Protective cups are a vital piece of protective equipment for lacrosse players. They provide essential protection to the groin area, potentially saving players from injury.
Using a jock strap in combination with a protective cup can further enhance the safety of any player participating in lacrosse. When selecting these items, it's essential to make sure that you choose the appropriate size and fit for your body type to maximize protection.
Freddy is the heart and soul of Lacrosse Runner. As a former athlete, Freddy is very passionate about Lacrosse. He keeps up with the sport’s changes and innovations and often tests the new equipment released by the leading manufacturers. Read more here