Florida passed a new law called the “Second Chance Act" implemented for the 26-27 school year. This law is a new way to prevent cardiac-related emergencies in high school sports. 

Currently, the law is required for all new high school athletes participating in an FHSAA sanctioned sport. This includes all 9th graders and any 10-12th graders participating in an FHSAA sport for the first time. Returning athletes are not required to participate in this screening.

The intention behind this law is to uncover hidden heart conditions or issues athletes may have but are not aware of. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of sudden death in young athletes. 

PCHS Athletic Trainer Ben Morse said, “I think this is a wonderful law that will help identify and uncover previous heart issues that students may not have seen before.” He also says, “It will also in turn, reduce the amount of cardiac related emergencies that we see during sport(s).”

The updated requirements to participate in a FHSAA sport include the heart screening (EKG/ECG) in addition to the previous requirements: a valid 2.0 or higher GPA, a physical, and the required courses assigned through NFHS. Specific sports may have additional requirements.

Student athletes can easily go get their heart screening at most clinics, urgent care, or specific hospitals. 

Additionally, the organization Who We Play For offers heart screening. There is one scheduled for October 17 from 9am-12pm at the Wells Law Enforcement & Allied Health Building in Lakewood Ranch.