Athletic and Marching Band Pre-participation Physical Evaluation
Updated Covid Risk Mitigation Guidelines
The major change involves new state law requirements related to informing parents of the ability to receive cardiac screening. You may read the full bill here: https://capitol.texas.gov/Search/DocViewer.aspx?ID=86RHB000765B&QueryText=%22hb+76%22&DocType=B
The law states:
“A school district must provide a district student, who is required under University Interscholastic League rule or policy to receive a physical examination before being allowed to participate in an athletic activity sponsored or sanctioned by the University Interscholastic League, the following:
- Information about sudden cardiac arrest and electrocardiogram testing; and
- Notification of the option of a student to request the administration of an electrocardiogram, in addition to the physical examination.”
The first of these requirements is met with the UIL Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness form. The second is accomplished via the change to the PPE form.
The only change for schools to note is the addition of the notification / request language related to ECG screening on the Medical History Form. Schools are not required to make any other changes.
What do schools do?
Schools should continue to follow UIL rules related to preparticipation physical examinations and forms. The law does NOT require schools to begin offering ECG screenings. Additionally, schools are NOT required to pay for or arrange cardiac screenings for students who check the “yes” box on the PPE form.
What happens when a student checks yes on the ECG question?
If a physical exam is required, the student has to be cleared for participation by the medical professional conducting the preparticipation physical exam before the student can participate. However, the student is not prohibited from participation until the ECG screen is conducted UNLESS the medical professional conducting the physical examination indicates such. As long as the student is cleared for participation by the medical professional conducting the physical, the student may participate.
If a physical exam is not required and the parent checks yes, the student is not prohibited from participation unless the local school district has implemented a policy which indicates such. As long as the student would be able to participate based on the answers to the questions on the Medical History form, the student may participate.
The student and his/her family are responsible for having the ECG conducted and read. Schools MAY assist in this process and MAY provide cardiac screening opportunities. Schools are NOT required to do so.
Schools may adopt local policies and processes for requiring the student and family to report the results of the ECG screening.
If you have any questions, please contact the athletics department at athletics@uiltexas.org.