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Sudden Cardiac Arrest; Youth Athletic Activities

Thursday, June 2, 2022
 

Dear District Administrators,

Wis. Stat. sec. 118.2935 Sudden cardiac arrest; youth athletic activities was signed into law in March 2022. Beginning July 1, 2022, school districts and other persons who operate certain youth athletic activities must distribute information about the risks associated with continuing to participate in a youth athletic activity after experiencing warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest to coaches, parents, and student athletes. Information about electrocardiogram testing must also be shared.

The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) was directed to develop this information in consultation with the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) and at least two pediatric cardiologists. The information is to be included with the information regarding concussions and head injuries required to be distributed under Wis. Stat. sec 118.29(3)(a).

DPI’s Concussion and Head Injury Statute 118.293 and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Statute 118.2935 Resources webpage has been updated and includes revised information sheets for both concussion/head injury and sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). These sheets are to be distributed together. Revised sample agreement forms are also available on the website. Statute states agreement forms are required from student athletes and their parent/guardians for the concussion material. DPI has included SCA information as part of these agreement forms.

Please direct questions to the Student Services/Prevention and Wellness Team at dpisspw@dpi.wi.gov
 
Sincerely,
 
John W. Johnson, PhD
Deputy State Superintendent