State-Level Implementation of Health and Safety Policies to Prevent Sudden Death and Catastrophic Injuries Within High Schools: An Update

Background: Mandated sports safety policies that incorporate evidence-based best practices have been shown to mitigate the risk of mortality and morbidity in sports. In 2017, a review state-level implementation health within high schools was released. Purpose: To provide an update on assessment pertaining leading causes death catastrophic injuries school athletics United States. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: A rubric composed 5 equally weighted sections for sudden cardiac arrest, traumatic head injuries, exertional heatstroke, appropriate care coverage, emergency preparedness utilized assess individual state’s policies. State athletic/activities association (SHSAA) policies, enacted legislation, Department Education were extensively reviewed all 50 states District Columbia between academic year (AY) 2016-2017 (AY16/17) 2019-2020 (AY19/20). meet specific criteria be awarded credit, needed mandated by SHSAA member schools. Weighted scores tabulated calculate aggregate score with minimum 0 maximum 100. Results: total 38 had increased their since AY16/17, mean increase 5.57 ± 6.41 points. AY19/20, ranged from 30.80 85.00 points compared 23.00 78.75 AY16/17. Policies related heatstroke greatest change (AY16/17 mean, 6.62 points; AY19/20 8.90 Δ = 2.28 [11.40%]), followed 8.41 10.29 1.88 [9.40%]). Conclusion: longitudinal state showed progress wide range indicates continued advocacy development at level is warranted.