“This event was a great opportunity for coaches at all levels to grow as teachers and have a positive impact on their teams,” said Miami Dolphins Youth Programs Director RaShauna Hamilton. “We are committed to making the game healthier and safer for South Florida student-athletes, coaches and parents. It is great to have the support, time and resources of our senior leadership in Stephen Ross, Tom Garfinkel, Chris Grier and Brian Flores with important events like this that help advance our mission.”
Also, on hand to present about concussion education was Gillian Hotz, Ph.D., Director of the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute’s concussion program. In 2017, the Miami Dolphins Foundation partnered with the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute and KiDZ Neuroscience Center at the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis to sponsor The University of Miami Countywide Concussion Care High School Program, which performs baseline concussion testing for all high school athletes at Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Additionally, Tod Creneti from the Positive Coaching Alliance offered presentations on how to be a more effective coach and encourage young athletes, USA Football provided Heads Up Football certification to youth coaches and the Florida High School Athletics Association presented on compliance.
The Junior Dolphins program encourages youth players and coaches to learn, teach and play football in a fun and safe environment. The Junior Dolphins program is designed to give kids access to learn the fundamentals of football using the NFL’s top resources. To grow the game, the Junior Dolphins program will work to educate coaches, parents and youth on the health and safety of football with a strong emphasis on character development. Junior Dolphins is building the next generation of Dolphins Fans.