Cliff Lohrey March 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.

 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.

 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.

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

Newly Created PositionsAnnual 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 DirectorIncreased Responsibilities County Athletic DirectorsIncreased Responsibilities School Athletic DirectorsIncreased Responsibilities Total Costs$52,000

 Concerns:  EKG is financially unrealistic  Decrease 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

 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.