Parents & Students,

Please read the email below about NEW CHANGES effective for the 2026-2027 school year regarding REQUIRED paperwork for FHSAA sanctioned athletics. Changes will take effect JULY 1, 2026.

ImPACT Baseline Testing

For many years Saint Stephen’s has required ImPACT Baseline testing for its student-athletes who participated in sports that had a higher likelihood of sustaining a concussion due to the nature of the sport.

Research suggested that this was best practice at the current time.  Recent review of latest literature suggests that baseline testing of student-athletes need not be an integral part of the concussion management plan.  Literature has indicated that annual baseline testing does not necessarily optimize postinjury care.1

In light of this updated review of best practices and with the ever increasing number of other required items for FHSAA eligibility, Saint Stephen’s will NO longer require ImPACT baseline testing for student-athletes beginning the 2026-2027 school year. 

The ImPACT test may still be used by some healthcare providers as one of the tools in the concussion management plan, but does not require the need of an individualized baseline test.

ECG Testing

Effective July 1, 2026, in alignment with Florida Statute, the FHSAA will require all first-time high school participants in FHSAA athletics to have an Electrocardiogram (ECG) screening before participation. This applies to students with no cardiac symptoms. Students with cardiac symptoms should consult their healthcare provider. An ECG completed within two (2) years prior to July 1 of the participation year satisfies this requirement. If the ECG requires further evaluation, the student must be cleared by a licensed medical practitioner trained in the diagnosis, evaluation and management of ECGs before participating in FHSAA athletic competition, practice, tryouts, or workouts.

In Summary:

Who Must Obtain an ECG:

• All incoming 6th-grade student-athletes (2026-27)

• Any student in grades 7th–12th who has never participated in an FHSAA-sanctioned sport

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.

Saint Stephen’s has been in communication with Sunshine Urgent Care and their physicians who are also a SSES family.  They have the ability to perform ECG screenings in house and are located near the SSES campus.  The Saint Stephen’s Athletic Department and Sunshine Urgent Care will be coordinating together opportunities this summer for completion of both the Preparticipation Physical Examination and ECG screening for SSES student-athletes.  More information and details will be communicated at a later date.

Parents can also visit WhoWePlayFor.org for other local screening opportunities. 

Please reach out to Heather Hodges (hhodges@saintstephens.org), Senior Associate Athletic Director for any questions or concerns.