i was wondering what the standard regulation is for wearing cups on the field. should all players wear them all the time at all levels?

my son's 9/10 yo adopted that rule: all players all the time.

i don't seem to recall that when i was a kid. the catcher always wore one and batters.

also: there are soft cups and hard cups. i wonder if we can get away the soft cup? seems reasonable at this level but i really don't know.

any insight into this matter would be appreciated. i was just convinced to coach a last minute group of kids and we start practice tomorrow.

Many teams recommend/require these for P and IF in addition to catchers. The two worst injuries I saw of this type were both IF that were hit on the bounce. The soft cup should be fine. It is not a bad thing for them to get used to.

I agree. Encourage all of the kids to wear them. IMO, it makes players more confident when they don't have to worry as much about taking a shot down below. Better to be safe than sorry.

I've never worn one because the confidence wasn't as great as problems it created for running, etc. Never found one large enough that didn't get in the way.

Well, here's all I know. One line drive to the nuts while pitching will make you wear one in a hurry. I now wear even in the OF

My son has never been on the field without a cup since he was 8 and in farm ball.

I have seen batters hit in the cup by curves and foul balls. I have seen almost every position player take a cup check on a bad bounce. Wearing a cup makes a player feel safer. My son won't even practice without one.

I would also like to cut down on my emergency room time.

And I would like grandkids someday!!