Why this change?
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the #1 killer of student athletes in the U.S., the #1 cause of death on school campuses, and the #2 cause of medical death among youth under age 25. Electrocardiogram (ECG) heart screening is the most effective tool to identify youth at risk for SCA. Given that 75% of fatalities for student athletes during sports are cardiovascular related, ECG screenings for student athletes can be a valuable component of the clearance process for athletic activity. There are at least seven recent CUHSD alumni who have been affected by SCA, six of whom lost their lives to this condition. All of them had their usual pre-athletics physical screening and underlying conditions had been missed. The seventh knew about SCA and asked his doctor for a screening; this led to identification of an underlying condition and proper treatment.
What do 9th and 11th grade athletes need to do?
Athletes in grades 9 and 11 during 2022-23 will need to get a heart screening, either as part of or in addition to their athletic physical, prior to participation in sports.
- If their outside doctor completing their physical provides this screening, that meets the requirement.
- If their outside doctor completing their physical does not provide this screening, they can complete the requirement by getting the screening done at the school sites on-campus event hosted by the Foundation at a cost of $10.
- If they get the physical done at the school sites on-campus event, they can also get their screening done at the school sites on-campus event hosted by the Foundation at a cost of $10.
More FAQs:
Q: What about 10th and 12th grade students?
A: These students are not required to get a heart screening, but they are welcomed to participate in the school sites on-campus heart screening events if the Foundation can handle the additional numbers. Please work with your school site Athletic Director for more information.
Q: What if a 9th/11th grade athlete already got their physical and didn't get a heart screening?
A: The athlete can either return to their doctor's office or the provider to request a heart screening and an updated form, or they can get their heart screening done at the school sites on-campus event for $10.