GAINESVILLE, Fla. –  In alignment with Florida Statute, the FHSAA, in conjunction with the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee and the Board of Directors, have released the new ECG screening form(s).  The form(s) can be found by selecting the "Parents" tab when on www.fhsaa.com.

Summary of new documents and changes to existing documents:

1. EL1 ECG Screening form - required form starting July 1, 2026 for all incoming 9th graders and new student athletes in grades 10-12.
2. EL1/2s - this form replaces page five of the EL2 and is for use when a follow-up is required for either the EL1 or the EL2
3. EL2 - Page five of the EL2 was removed.  The first four pages of the EL2 did not change in any way and the previous version can still be used.
4. EL3 - Information, including vital State Statute language was added to the EL3.  This new version of the EL3 will need to be used by parents moving forward.
5. ME1 - For use by Medical doctors to exempt a student athlete from the ECG requirement.

Who Must Obtain an ECG:

• All incoming 9th-grade student-athletes (2026-27)
• Any student in grades 10–12 who has never participated in an FHSAA-sanctioned sports

Returning athletes are not required but strongly encouraged to obtain an ECG. The goal is to identify undetected cardiac risk factors and enhance athlete safety.
 
Documentation:
A one-page standardized form (EL1) will confirm ECG completion, including:

• Parent/guardian attestation
• Clinician verification
• Referral information, if needed

Any follow-up that is requested by the medical professional will require the completion of the EL1/2s.
 
An ECG performed on or after July 1, 2024 will satisfy the requirement.
 
Parents can visit WhoWePlayFor.org for local screening opportunities, contact their school athletic director or athletic trainer, or consult their family healthcare provider.
 
Interpretation Standards - - To ensure accuracy and minimize false positives, clinicians must use the most current International Criteria for Electrocardiographic Interpretation in Athletes. FHSAA will collaborate with statewide medical societies to provide education and training for consistent application.
 
Parent Options & School Partnerships The committee reviewed parental opt-out pathways, including religious exemptions, and emphasized the need for schools to partner with qualified ECG screening organizations and referral providers to ensure equitable access for all families.
 
Please direct any questions to FHSAA SMAC Liasson Scott Jamison at sjamison@fhsaa.org


About the FHSAA
The Florida High School Athletic Association supervises and regulates interscholastic athletic programs for high school students at member public, private and charter schools. The organization also recognizes and honors academic achievement among student-athletes at over 850 middle, junior and senior high schools statewide. Headquartered in Gainesville, it is the official governing body for interscholastic athletics in Florida.