Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Symptoms are: collapsing with no pulse or respirations.

Prior to collapsing, a person may clutch their chest, have difficulty breathing, become pale or flushed with sweating, become nauseated and vomit and say they have chest pain.

A student-athlete who is experiencing symptoms that may lead to sudden cardiac arrest must be immediately removed from play. A student-athlete who is removed from play shall not return to play until he is evaluated by and receives written clearance to return to physical activity by an appropriate licensed health care provider as determined by the Virginia Board of Education. The licensed health care provider evaluating student-athletes may be a volunteer.

Heat Related Illnesses

Symptoms are: Flushed skin, Altered mental state or behavior, Fainting, High Fever, Intense headache, Intense nausea, Vomiting, Difficulty breathing, Increased heart rate, muscle cramps or weakness, Lack of sweating, Dizziness

Student athletes should be exposed gradually to physical activity intensity and duration. VHSL guidelines suggest “Athletes should remain well hydrated and replace fluids lost through sweat during activity, including conditioning/training sessions, practices and games. It should be emphasized that athletes should have free access to readily available fluids at any time, not just during breaks. It is imperative that relevant personnel be trained in prevention, signs and symptoms, and treatment of EHI (Exertional Heat Illness).

When high temperatures and/or humidity is forecasted, those supervising practices and competitions should make accommodations based on these conditions, including:

• Increasing frequency and duration of water breaks  
• Increasing frequency and duration of rest breaks
• Reducing the amount of equipment worn during activity  
• Modifying total amount of time engaged in practice
• Changing activity location