Equipment

Protective Cups: Essential Piece of Sports Safety Equipment

Protective cups and jock straps are worn under an athlete's uniform as part of the base layer of their underwear. The cup is primarily for supporting and protecting a boy's testicles or genitalia. Cups are recommended equipment for just about any sport your son plays which involves a puck, a ball, or possible collision or contact with another player, explains MomsTeam's Brooke de Lench in this informative video.

Buying Mouth Guards

There are three kinds of mouth guards, but, regardless of type, they help prevent injury to the mouth, teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue. But they are also breeding grounds for bacteria, so they should be sanitized daily.

Protective Cups, Jock Straps, Supporters: Essential Equipment for Contact and Collision Sports

When your son plays contact or collision sports, there is always the risk of testicular injury. To protect against such injury, boys need to wear a cup.

Youth Basketball: Age-Appropriate Rim Height, Ball, Court, and Team Size Increase Fun, Skill Development

Recommendations for youth basketball programs on equipment, court size and the number of players depending on age group from leading youth basketball expert, Bob Bigelow.

Replacing Athletic Shoes Recommended Even If No Signs of Excessive Wear

Because the mid-sole material of an athletic shoe takes a pounding and eventually loses its ability to provide your child's foot with adequate support or cushioning, experts, such as Dr. Michael Lowe, past President of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, and long time team podiatrist of the NBA's Utah Jazz, recommend periodic replacement of athletic shoes, even if the bottom sole shows no sign of excessive wear.

Basketball: Equipment Needs Are Minimal

Basketball equipment needs are minimal: sneakers, mouth guard, and ball.

Buying a Basketball

A basketball is a typically a synthetic sphere with slightly raised bumps for traction. The ball is sized according to league and gender. Youth basketball (ages 8-12) usually use a basketball, 28.5-29 inches in circumference, with a weight of 18-20 oz. High School girls use the same size, while high school boys us a ball 29-30 inches in circumference with a weight of 20-22 oz.

Buying Optional Protection

Optional Protection

There are a few pieces of protection that may be a good idea to wear. Elbow pads prevent unintended contact from injuring other players. Knee pads can be a good idea to protect the knees in falls. Oftentimes goggles or face masks are worn to protect the eyes, or the face and nose from being re-injured.

Buying Mouth Guards

Mouth guards or "mouth pieces" not only protect the wearer's teeth, tongue and lips, but help protect against head injuries such as concussions. Depending on specific regulations, the mouth pieces should be worn at all times during play. The mouthpiece must be a highly visible color and is mandatory.