Some Keys athletes will face a new requirement before taking the field next school year, as the state prepares to require heart screenings for high school sports. Beginning July 1, under Florida’s “Second Chance Act,” incoming ninth-grade student-athletes and any upperclassmen who have never participated in an FHSAA-sanctioned sport must complete an electrocardiogram (ECG) screening before competing.
The requirement is designed to detect underlying heart conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed. The screenings aim to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac events in young athletes by identifying possible issues early and potentially saving lives.
Locally, families have access to a no-cost option through Keys Area Health Education Center (AHEC), which is offering ECG screenings for students new to high school sports. The program also includes the required sports physical if needed.
Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling 305-743-7111, extension 210.
Screenings will be offered at the following locations:
- Marathon High School: May 18-22.
- Coral Shores High School: June 1-5.
- Key West High School: June 8-12.
Required forms can be found at: https://keysahec.org/ecg-sports-physical-program/
Students with abnormal results may choose their own provider or be referred to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for follow-up care. All ECG results are reviewed by a pediatric cardiologist and may take up to eight days for confirmation.
Parents seeking additional information or screening opportunities can visit whoweplayfor.org, contact their school’s athletic director, or speak with their healthcare provider.
