Protection

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by LDUB

Another example could be the use of a hockey style mask. A standard mask as well as a hockey mask offer the same level of protection for a shot to the face. The hockey mask also protects the top, sides, and back of the head while the standard mask does not. Many people do not use the hockey mask even though the protection to the top, sides, and back of the head is far superior. For one reason or another many people prefer the standard mask. Parts of the head are left unprotected but the chances of getting hit in those areas are so low that many people don't feel the need to protect them.

It is the same thing with wearing a cup. For one reason or another many people don't like wearing one. They understand that the odds of them getting hit in the cup are so low that they don't feel the need to wear it.

The issue is SOLELY about the degree of pain and damage a shot to the jewels causes. The odds of getting hit are irrelevant. If you get hit, it is intolerable, and can be horrifically injurious. If it were ankle or shin protection we were discussing, then that risk/reward thing and odds of getting hit would be relevant. There is ZERO tolerance to a jewel shot. So odds on getting hit are irrelevant.

The exit speed of a 90 m.p.h. fastball struck by a big slugger with a metal bat can reach 115 m.p.h. even at the H.S. level. I would say that a foot or head can move in time to avoid being struck. The center of one's body cannot.