Last Updated on November 25, 2021 by
Not really! Recently, NFL football players don’t wear cups anymore because they can interfere with speed and performance. As a football player, the last thing you want is something that will slow you down during a heated match.
We all know that football is a physical sport that requires some basic protective gear like helmets, thigh and knee pads, shoulder pads, and a mouth guard, but many of us don’t know that these players used to wear cups during a match. If you wanna know if these players still wear cups, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll also show you the benefits and disadvantages of using a cup as a football player.
Cups have become scarce among NFL football players over the years. Due to the structure of football players’ legs gotten from weightlifting and body workout, it is normal for them to experience chafing and discomfort when wearing cups. As a matter of fact, football players with thick legs will suffer more discomfort, leading to scuffed inner thighs. As a player, you’ll find it difficult to use a cup for football games or even practice since the pants you’re wearing it on is very tight to your body. The more experience a player gets, the confident he is to play without wearing a cup. Nonetheless, we will recommend cups for young players below the age of 15 as it will help protect you from getting certain hits. More of a reason why most parents won’t allow their kids to play football without wearing complete protective gear.
What Is A Cup For A Football Player?
One of the most delicate parts of the body is the reproductive part which needs some protection considering the nature of the game. American football, like we said earlier, is an impact sport where players get hit to the ground or by the ball on any part of their body. A cup helps to offer reasonable protection to minimize the impact of any hit on or around the reproductive parts. Just like the helmet protects the head from getting hits, cups are designed to protect a player’s reproductive parts. Cups are built with hard plastic and equipped with some type of spandex material or jockstraps. Normally, these cups are built to be in the shape of a player’s legs to provide maximum comfort and enough space for free movement. In the last few years, cups haven’t really seen any modifications as they are still designed and manufactured the same way. There are no changes in the way they are supposed to be used or worn during a match or practice.
Can I Get Penalized If I Don’t Wear A Cup?
Nothing happens! A cup isn’t compulsory gear in American football just like high socks and rib pads. It is completely optional and depends on your preference. It is basically at your discretion as a player to wear a cup and you won’t be penalized or disqualified for not wearing it. As a matter of fact, even the officials won’t check for it. Most importantly, youth players should wear these cups as they will protect them and also offer greater comfortability. If we are to advise you, we will suggest wearing cups during practice and games. Truthfully, football players get accidental hit directly on their reproductive parts sometimes during a game which leads to temporary or severe injuries depending on the impact.
Do Female Players Still Use Cups In Football?
Female players also have reproductive parts that need protection during the game. Although it is not mandated or made compulsory for female players to wear cups during football games. They can only wear these cups depending on their preferences. In terms of material used and build, the male type of cups is much similar to that of the females. They deliver a better fitting for female players even if they are constructed with the same shape as male cups. Just like we said earlier, whether a young female player wear cups during practice and games depend on the parent’s decisions. Most parents may feel like the cup will be better protection for their children.
How Can I Get The Best Cups For Football?
If you’re planning to get the right cup, then it will be advisable to visit online or physical sporting stores. A physical sporting store is more preferable because you’ll get to try the cup on to see if it fits perfectly. But that’s not to say that you can’t get a good-sized cup online, especially if you’re looking to buy one as soon as possible. If you’re buying online, we suggest that you check for the sizing charts which will help you pick the cup that will fit your pants size accurately.
FAQs
We’ve compiled a list of the frequently asked questions. Let’s check them out!
Are Football Players Supposed To Wear Cups?
Like we said earlier, football players don’t necessarily have to wear cups during games and practices. However, teenage players should wear cups for maximum protection of their private parts. More experienced and skilled players don’t feel comfortable wearing cups, since most of them complained that it hinders rapid movements on the field.
Why Do NFL Players Not Wear Cups?
Despite the fact that the NFL is one of the most physical and violent football leagues in the world today, most NFL players still don’t wear cups. They believe it is not cool for superstars like them to still wear cups that are common among younger players.
Do High School Football Players Wear Cups?
Yes, of course! High school football players wear softer plastic cups that aid movement and provide protection from accidental hits on their reproductive parts.
Conclusion
Generally, football players won’t be penalized for not wearing cups because it is not mandated by the football bodies. There are still some who wear cups, but just only a few of them. Cups are common among younger players. We’ve reached the closing chapter of this informative article. We hope you were able to find good resources in your quest to know whether football players wear cups during games and practices. If you have any questions or comments about the article topic, don’t hesitate to contact us. Thanks
