Nearly two dozen Pasco County football coaches received a hands-on lesson to keep students safe on the football field this season.
Wednesday, the coaches took part in a day-long clinic. They performed drills in a middle school gymnasium, while learning the safest techniques for blocking and tackling.
The coaches also received tips on heat preparedness, hydration, concussion recognition and equipment fitting.
"Player safety is number one," said River Ridge High School Coach and former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Ryan Benjamin.
Nationally, more than 1.2 million children were sent to the emergency room for sports-related injuries in 2013.
USA Football Master trainer Tod Creneti said he hopes Wednesday's clinic keeps young football players in Pasco County out of the emergency room.
"By putting them through these paces and taking them in a classroom and talking to them about ways to keep their players safe and healthy, they're learning what it takes to be a safer player and a safer coach," said trainer Tod Creneti.
The clinic was part of the Heads Up Football Program. The Pasco School District teamed up with Florida Hospital and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the event.
About USA Football: Indianapolis-based USA Football (www.usafootball.com) is the sport’s national governing body, leading the game’s development for youth, high school and other amateur players.
The independent nonprofit partners with leaders in medicine, child advocacy and sport to establish important standards rooted in education.
USA Football advances coaching education and player skill development for safer play and positive experiences through athletics. Follow USA Football at www.facebook.com/usafootball or on Twitter @USAFootball.