Dolphins 2016 training camp primer and schedule

The Miami Dolphins open training camp a week from today, beginning their ramp up toward the 2016 regular season. To help us all great ready for training camp, we put together a look at the league’s rules, as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, pertaining to training camps.

Reporting (Article 23, Section 5)

The CBA allows for two different report dates, though not all teams take advantage of this. Rookies and first-year players (defined as any player who has not yet accrued a full season under the league’s rules) can report up to seven days prior to the veterans. Teams can set the veterans’ reporting date to no earlier than 15 days prior to the team’s first preseason game, or July 15, whichever date is later.

Conduct of Practices (Article 23, Section 6)

The first day of training camp will include physicals, meetings, and classroom work, with no on-field practices permitted, other than running or conditioning work. The second and third days of camp may include on-field practices, but cannot include pads. The three day limitation before pads can be worn will also be in effect for any player who reports to camp late.

After the three days, when pads are allowed, teams may also hold two-a-day practices, with limitations similar to the minicamp two-a-day rules. Players will be allowed to be on the field for no more than four hours a day, only one practice may be padded (not exceeding three hours in pads total), there must be at least a three hour break between practices, and the second practice mau only be a “walk-through” type of workout (defined as no helmets and conducted at half-speed following the snap).

Quarterbacks, kickers, punters, and long-snappers are allowed to wear pads outside of padded practices if they choose (helmets and shoulder pads). The league also allows for helmets on players who have suffered a head injury if it is considered a precautionary measure, as well as allowing helmets to be worn by quarterbacks and defensive players who receive communication from coaches through the helmet speakers.

Padded Practice (Article 24, Section 1(c))

The league’s padded practice rules for the regular and post season (covered in Article 24) also apply to Training Camp, and explains that a “padded practice” is any practice in which players are required to wear helmets, shoulder pads, and any other pads as required by the club.

Dolphins public practice schedule

This will be a favorite question over the next week. Here’s everything you need to know to go see the training camp practices Miami will open to the public:

Friday - July 29 - 9am
Saturday - July 30 - 8:35am
Sunday - July 31 - 8:35am
Monday - August 1 - 8:35am

Thursday - August 4 - 9am
Friday - August 5 - 8:35am

Monday - August 8 - 9am
Tuesday - August 9 - 8:35am
Wednesday - August 10 - 8:35am

Monday - August 15 - 8:35am
Tuesday - August 16 - 8:35am
Wednesday - August 17 - 8:35am

All practices will be held at the Baptist Health Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University. Free parking is available at the Nova Southeastern University LRITC garage, located near the intersection of University Drive and S.W. 30th Street, between Griffin Road and I-595. Access to this garage is off University Drive and S.W. 30th Street.

Tickets to Dolphins training camp practices

The Dolphins provide free admittance to 2,000 fans each day, as scheduled above, but you do need to have a ticket. You can reserve tickets to each practice at Dolphins.com/TrainingCamp.

Practice times are subject to change, and the most updated information can be obtained by calling the Dolphins practice hotline at (954) 452-7004 or by visiting Dolphins.com/TrainingCamp.

Changes to Dolphins camp in 2016

The Dolphins are making some changes to camp this year to make it more fan-friendly. They have installed a canopy over the seating area for fans, providing some shade. They are also adding a new area reserved for children 12 years old and younger, which will provide them with special access to get autographs from Dolphins players post practice. Weekend practices will feature food trucks, inflatables and fun-filled games for fans and families. And, the team is expected to utilize the field closer to the stands more than they have in recent years, allowing fans to have a better view of the team throughout the practice.