Choctawhatchee High School

Beginning with the 2026–27 school year, the Okaloosa County School District will implement a new FHSAA health requirement, The Second Chance Act (SB 1070), for student-athletes participating in FHSAA‑sanctioned sports.

All incoming ninth-grade student-athletes and students in grades 10–12 who have never participated in an FHSAA‑sanctioned sport will be required to obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG) prior to athletic participation.

An ECG is a non‑invasive test that assesses the electrical activity of the heart and can help identify undetected cardiac conditions that may place student-athletes at risk during physical activity. This new requirement is part of ongoing efforts to enhance student safety and support the well‑being of athletes across the state.

Student-athletes who are returning participants in FHSAA‑sanctioned sports are not required to obtain an ECG; however, families are strongly encouraged to consider the screening as an added precaution.

To support families and increase access to screenings, the district has entered into a contract with Who We Play For, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac death in young athletes through heart screenings, education, and advocacy. Through this partnership, ECG screenings will be offered at multiple locations throughout the district.

The cost of the ECG screening through Who We Play For will be $20 per student. Families may also choose to obtain an ECG through any medical provider, as long as the required documentation is submitted and meets FHSAA and district guidelines.

Students can attend the screening at any school.

Additional details can be found on our ECG webpage or on the FHSAA Website.

Additional Resources:

Electrocardiogram (ECG) Screening Form