Football Camp Teaches New Techniques, But Prioritizes Safety
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Summer workouts for fall football have already begun on fields across Maryland.
Mary Bubala has more on the special workshops on concussion prevention called "Heads Up Football" that were held over the weekend.
The aim is to educate and teach how to play the sport in a safer way.
On the fields of Calvert Hall High School, coaches representing high school programs and youth leagues throughout the state are being drilled on new and safer ways to play football.
"As a coach it's my job to protect them so he doesn't go back on the field and that's something that USA Football is stressing across the nation," Clifford Williams, a USA Football trainer said.
Heads Up Football is a comprehensive approach to a better and safer game with new tackling and blocking techniques along with classroom learning about heat and hydration, proper helmet and shoulder pad fitting and the CDC's concussion recognition protocols.
"One of the misnomers is that it has to be head-to-head contact," said Donald Davis, head football coach at Calvert hall. "Whiplash contact can create concussion-like effects as well, so it's important for coaches, parents everyone to pay attention to those sorts of things; when you see an event like that the number one thing you have to do is get the young person evaluated."
The game plan is for the coaches who were a part of the Heads Up workshop to then teach the new methods to their organization's coaches and players.
These newly trained coaches will also monitor practices and games throughout the season.
"No football game, no how important it may seem -- whatever championship, is more important than a kid's life and his future,"
The program is run through the Indianapolis-based USA Football program, which is the sport's national governing body.
If you'd like to learn more about the organization or specific safety techniques taught at Calvert Hall, click here.