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Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention

In April 2015, Tennessee passed the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act to increase awareness of sudden cardiac arrest among coaches, parents and athletes.  The legislation, Public Chapter 325, went into affect on January 1, 2016 and has 3 components:

  1. To inform and educate coaches, youth athletes and their parents and require them to sign a sudden cardiac arrest information form before competing.
  2. To require removal of a youth athlete who appears to have symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest from play or practice at the time of symptoms.
  3. To require a youth athlete to be cleared by a licensed health care professional before returning to play or practice.
Recreational leagues for children under age 18 that require a fee are affected by the new law, which covers all sports. This link to the National Institutes of Health website contains all the resources coaches, youth athletes and parents need to fulfill the intent of the law.  

CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO TN DOH Website

Parents, Coaches and players must read and confirm that they have read the information below (which is an excerpt of the form below) and understand the symptoms and warning signs of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).

Completion of the NRSA online registration process by a parent or guardian through NRSA's website includes an confirmation by the parent or guardian that they have reviewed the Sudden Cardiac Arrest education information and that they understand the symptoms and warning signs of Sudden Cardiac Arrest.   

Athlete/Parent/Guardian Sudden Cardiac Arrest Symptoms and Warning Signs Information

(taken from the Parent/Athlete Signature Form to be signed by all parents/guardians of players in all sports)
    
What is sudden cardiac arrest?

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is when the heart stops beating, suddenly and unexpectedly. When this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. SCA doesn’t just happen to adults; it takes the lives of students, too. However, the causes of sudden cardiac arrest in students and adults can be different. A youth athlete’s SCA will likely result from an inherited condition, while an adult’s SCA may be caused by either inherited or lifestyle issues. SCA is NOT a heart attack. A heart attack may cause SCA, but they are not the same. A heart attack is caused by a blockage that stops the flow of blood to the heart. SCA is a malfunction in the heart’s electrical system, causing the heart to suddenly stop beating.  

How common is sudden cardiac arrest in the United States?

SCA is the #1 cause of death for adults in this country. There are about 300,000 cardiac arrests outside hospitals each year. About 2,000 patients under 25 die of SCA each year. It is the #1 cause of death for student athletes.  

Are there warning signs?

  Although SCA happens unexpectedly, some people may have signs or symptoms, such as:

  • fainting or seizures during exercise;

  • unexplained shortness of breath;

  • dizziness;

  • extreme fatigue;

  • chest pains; or

  • racing heart.

    These symptoms can be unclear in athletes, since people often confuse these warning signs with physical exhaustion. SCA can be prevented if the underlying causes can be diagnosed and treated.  

    What are the risks of practicing or playing after experiencing these symptoms?

    There are risks associated with continuing to practice or play after experiencing these symptoms. When the heart stops, so does the blood that flows to the brain and other vital organs. Death or permanent brain damage can occur in just a few minutes. Most people who experience SCA die from it.  

    Public Chapter 325 – the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act

    The act is intended to keep youth athletes safe while practicing or playing. The requirements of the act are:  

    • All youth athletes and their parents or guardians must read and sign this form. It must be returned to the school before participation in any athletic activity. A new form must be signed and returned each school year.

    • These symptoms can be unclear in athletes, since people often confuse these warning signs with physical exhaustion. SCA can be prevented if the underlying causes can be diagnosed and treated.  

      What are the risks of practicing or playing after experiencing these symptoms?

      There are risks associated with continuing to practice or play after experiencing these symptoms. When the heart stops, so does the blood that flows to the brain and other vital organs. Death or permanent brain damage can occur in just a few minutes. Most people who experience SCA die from it.  

      Public Chapter 325 – the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act

      The act is intended to keep youth athletes safe while practicing or playing. The requirements of the act are:  

      • All youth athletes and their parents or guardians must read and sign this form. It must be returned to the school before participation in any athletic activity. A new form must be signed and returned each school year.

  

Adapted from PA Department of Health: Sudden Cardiac Arrest Symptoms and Warning Signs Information Sheet and Acknowledgement of Receipt and Review Form. 7/2013

Contact

North River Soccer Association
FIELDS: Cleveland T Grimes Soccer Complex, 4502 N. Access Road Chattanooga TN 37343 --
SEND MAIL TO: 5895 Union Springs Road Chattanooga, Tennessee 37415

Phone: 423-505-9451
Email: [email protected]

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