Heart Screening (ECG) Opportunity
Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, Florida has implemented a new heart screening requirement for student-athletes participating in high school sports.
Under Florida’s Second Chance Act, incoming ninth-grade student-athletes and students in grades 10–12 who have not previously participated in an FHSAA-sanctioned sport must complete an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) screening before participating in school athletics.
This requirement applies to both boys’ and girls’ lacrosse players who meet the criteria.
Upcoming Heart Screening Opportunity
The School District of Manatee County, in partnership with Who We Play For, is offering an affordable heart screening opportunity for local student-athletes.
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Wells Law Enforcement & Allied Health Building, Manatee Technical College – East Campus
Address: 5540 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton, FL 34211
Cost: $20 per student
Ages: 10–25
Why Is This Important?
An ECG/EKG is a quick, painless, non-invasive test that measures the electrical activity of the heart and can help identify underlying cardiac conditions that may not be detected during a routine sports physical.
Screenings typically take approximately five minutes, and each ECG conducted through Who We Play For is reviewed by a board-certified pediatric cardiologist.
Who Needs a Screening?
- Incoming freshmen: Student-athletes entering ninth grade.
- New high school athletes: Students in grades 10–12 who have never previously participated in an FHSAA-sanctioned sport.
- Returning athletes: Generally not required to obtain another screening if they have already satisfied the requirement, but screening is encouraged.
An ECG completed on or after July 1, 2024, may satisfy the new requirement.
Registration
Families are encouraged to register in advance through Who We Play For.
Register for the October 17 Heart Screening
For more information regarding the requirement, visit the School District of Manatee County’s ECG Screening page.
MCLAX encourages all families to review their student-athlete’s eligibility requirements and complete any necessary screening documentation before participating in upcoming lacrosse activities.
