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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Robert F. Matzie |
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Matzie bill to protect student athletes on way to governor
HARRISBURG, May 23 – State Rep. Robert F. Matzie, D-Allegheny/Beaver, said legislation he co-sponsored to protect student athletes from sudden cardiac arrest is on its way to becoming law after passing the state House and Senate.
"This important legislation gives Pennsylvania the distinction as the first state in the country to require individuals involved in youth sports to be educated about the risks of sudden cardiac arrest," Matzie said. "Sudden cardiac arrest syndrome is a dangerous and potentially fatal illness and I hope this legislation will help raise more awareness about it."
House Bill 1610 will ensure that coaches and athletic directors are properly educated about sudden cardiac arrest and trained to watch out for the condition’s symptoms. Similarly, parents will receive information about the nature and warning signs of the disease.
The bill also will require coaches, parents and students to take online training about the conditions requiring players to be removed from the playing fields if they show symptoms. If a student athlete would show symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest, under this bill, he or she will be removed from play or practice until the athlete is evaluated and cleared by an appropriate medical professional.
The free informational training for coaches and sports officials will be available online at the state Department of Health’s website.
House Bill 1610 is on its way to the governor to be signed into law.
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