Improvingthe Safety of

Student-Athletes

Cliff LohreyMarch 13, 2012

EDLD 655

FHSAA, Florida High School Athletic Association, is the governing body for participating middle & high schools in Florida

Currently, the only medical clearance required to participate in athletics in Florida is a standard physical evaluation.

Present Standards

Mandatory electrocardiogram test, known as an EKG, in addition to the standard physical evaluation for participation in athletics.

An electrocardiogram test is a specific heart-related test that can detect potential abnormalities or defects that may result in sudden death.

Policy Implementation Goal

50 -100 sudden deaths among athletes in middle, high school & college per year. *(Dr. Marlon Rosenbaum, associate clinical professor of medicine and pediatrics at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons)

Medical evidence shows 40% of all deaths in young student athletes due to heart related conditions can be prevented with the identification of the causing defect or abnormality through an EKG test.

Critical Need Evidence

Initial Implementation Phase◦ Increase awareness in FL◦ Athletic Directors build relationships with medical

community for staff volunteers & facility usage

Intermediate Implementation Phase◦ FHSAA selects an EKG safety committee &

promotes program◦ EKG formal fundraising campaign initiated

(financially disadvantaged schools)

Final Implementation Phase◦ 100% of schools/student athletes in compliance of

mandatory EKG policy

Policy Impacts

Newly Created Positions Annual Cost

•Head Doctor $12,000

•Regional Doctors (4 to 6) $36,000

Educational Materials $4,000 (first year only)

$1,500 (succeeding years)

Existing Positions

•FHSAA Media Relations Depart. Increased Responsibilities

•FHSAA Compliance Director Increased Responsibilities

•County Athletic Directors Increased Responsibilities

•School Athletic Directors Increased Responsibilities

Total Costs $52,000

Budget & Staffing

Concerns:EKG is financially unrealisticDecrease in participation will occur

Alternative Options:Individual counties, though not required by FHSAA ,

arrange voluntary EKG tests for student athletes

Parents pay out of pocket for an EKG test as a result of educational awareness

Concerns & Alternative Options

Zero preventable deaths will occur in student athletes in Florida.

Florida High School Athletic Association will become the model for other state athletic associations to implement mandatory EKG test.

Conclusion