1. Cliff Lohrey March 13, 2012 EDLD 655

2.  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.

3.  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.

4.  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.

5. 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

6. 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

7.  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

8.  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.