pelvic protectors

[softball_chic_12]

i know many female catchers that do not wear pelvic protectors. i do wear one. for those of you who do not know what a pelvic protector is, let me explain. it serves the same purpose that a man's cup does. it protects a female's lower private area from damage from a ball or from someone sliding into the girl. is there a rule that you must wear one? i wouldn't think so, but if so, i would like to know. I was wondering if any of you coaches or even parents out there that have daughters that are catching, if you make the catcher wear a pelvic protector. it does serve useful purposes, but can be uncomfortable, depending on which type you buy. i didn't know if it was common to wear one anywhere else in the U.S. or not.