CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. — Charlotte County Public Schools (CCPS) is implementing electrocardiogram (ECG) screenings for student-athletes in accordance with Florida Statute 1006.20, known as the Second Chance Act, passed during the 2025 Florida legislative session.

The statute requires ECG screenings for students before participating in high school athletics. Screenings will be available for incoming ninth-grade students and current high school students who have not previously participated in a Florida High School Athletic Association-sanctioned sport. Returning athletes are not required to participate but are encouraged to complete the screening.

Beginning in fall 2026, all incoming ninth-grade students will be required to complete an ECG screening before being cleared to participate in high school athletics.

“Our student-athletes put a lot of trust in us every time they compete,” said Jack Ham, district athletic director for Charlotte County Public Schools. “Providing ECG screenings is one more way we can look out for their well-being and help ensure they have a safe and healthy experience in school athletics.”

CCPS has partnered with Who We Play For (WWPF), a nonprofit organization that provides cardiac screenings for student-athletes.

Families will register for screenings through the Who We Play For website, where a $20 donation will be collected at the time of registration. Who We Play For will coordinate and conduct the majority of screenings across Charlotte County Public Schools campuses. Screening results will be provided directly to students and their families.

Screenings will take place Feb. 24–27 across the district.