St. Lucie Schools Require EKG Screenings for First-Time Student-Athletes Starting in 2026–27

St. Lucie Public Schools will require electrocardiogram screenings for first-time high school student-athletes beginning with the 2026-27 school year. The requirement will affect every incoming ninth-grader hoping to play a sport as well as any 10th-, 11th- or 12th-grader who has never competed in an FHSAA-sanctioned event.

Students who have never played a high school sport — regardless of grade level — must obtain an EKG before they take the field, the court or the pool under the new rule. A student who ran track in eighth grade at Forest Grove Middle School but never suited up for a high school team would need the screening. A senior trying out for cross country for the first time would, too.

An EKG, or electrocardiogram, measures the heart's electrical activity and can detect abnormalities that put young athletes at elevated risk during intense physical exertion. The screening requirement reflects a growing national focus on sudden cardiac events in youth sports.

Students who have already logged time in a high school sport are not required to get an EKG under the new rule, officials said. St. Lucie Public Schools is strongly recommending all student-athletes obtain one as a best practice.

Families have two paths to meet the requirement. Students can schedule the screening through their own healthcare provider, or they can access testing through the St. Lucie Health Department, which is partnering with the district to make screenings available locally. The partnership lowers a potential barrier for families without easy access to a primary care physician — a meaningful consideration in a county where access to pediatric care can be uneven.

Incoming ninth-graders at schools like Fort Pierce Westwood High, Treasure Coast High and Port St. Lucie High must complete an EKG before participating in any FHSAA-sanctioned sport next school year. Parents should not wait until summer physicals. Contact your family doctor or reach out to the St. Lucie Health Department now to understand scheduling and any associated costs.

The 2026-27 school year begins this coming fall. Parents should watch for additional guidance from St. Lucie Public Schools on Health Department screening dates, locations and registration. The district has indicated these details are forthcoming as the partnership takes shape.

This article was generated with AI assistance using publicly available information. It was reviewed and approved by a human editor before publication. TC Sentinel uses AI writing tools in accordance with FTC guidelines.