Cup Help Needed

[mumm]

Hi Dads-

I hope it is okay to poke my head in here. I'm a lesbian mom and my 8 year old is now required to wear a cup for baseball. I think we are not doing it right, but I can't figure it out.

I believe we have the right size, etc. It just seems so uncomfortable and he can't bear to wear it. There really isn't much space for everything to fit in and it is so "pokey" between his legs. Is it just a miserable thing that you get used to or do I need to experiment more with brands, sizes, etc.

fwiw we are using the xo brand with patented soft edges.

Today is his first day in the cup required program and I'm thinking of just letting him go without it but he will be humiliated if they check and he isn't like all the other kids.
He is ready to quit ball over this.

Thanks for any advice, insight, information you might be able to offer! (and thanks from him too!)

[mtullius]

I'm afraid I have no advice, seeing as how I never played organized baseball and thus have never worn a cup. But if you don't get some good advice in the next day or two, I'll check with my jock-type friends and find out for you!

[mumm]

Thanks. I think we are okay for a while. He went today without it and no one asked. I'm not sure what I thought would happen. They'd go through and knock each kid on the crotch with a bat?? I was pleased to see that it seemed to be a new experience for some other kids too since at least two boys were seen repeatedly punching their own groins. 8 year olds.

[mtullius]

I consulted a friend of mine who is an ex-jock and a current coach; I knew he would have some advice to offer. Here's what he said:

"I was a catcher as a little leaguer so the cup was mandatory. I found that the best route was to purchase a jock strap that contains a cup insert pocket that snaps. (The “normal” jock strap does not have this feature so you will have to pay attention when you buy it.) This is far more comfortable than simply putting in the cup independently. It’s easier to adjust & it moves with you better here as well. Hope that helps."

I would just add that going without the cup is not such a great option-- presumably they're mandatory for a reason, and an injury in that region would be terribly painful, and potentially serious. You might also consult with your son's coach, if he/she is reasonably approachable...

[PaulMmn]

Fitting a Young Man's Cup

There is a web site that has some information on athletic supporters, jocks, and cups. You'll probably want to review it first, but it has a page on protective cups: http://www.timberwoof.com/jockwoof/cups/index.html
.
There are a number of different cup designs, with varying room for a man's 'equipment.' Some poke you where you'd rather it didn't, some are wider, some narrower, which affects how easy it is to walk or run. Chances are there are other brands of cups that may fit your youngster better.
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--PaulMmn