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NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — Local NewsAugust 17, 2026Hillsborough

Florida requires heart screenings for new high school student athletes

Florida law now mandates that all rising ninth graders and new student athletes undergo a heart screening before participating in school sports. This requirement aims to identify underlying, asymptomatic heart conditions in student athletes.

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Read the full story at Fox 13 News (WTVT) — Local News

Why It Matters

The law changes the medical clearance process for all new Florida high school athletes, requiring a heart screening as a prerequisite for sports participation to prevent potential life-threatening emergencies.

Key Facts

  • Florida law requires heart screenings for all rising ninth graders and new student athletes before they can participate in sports.
  • Calvary Christian High School has expanded this policy to require screenings for all student athletes, regardless of grade level.
  • Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a congenital heart condition involving holes between the heart's chambers.
  • Cameron Crider was diagnosed with ASD through the mandatory screening despite having no prior symptoms.
  • Cameron Crider is scheduled for surgery in October to repair the heart defect.
  • Cameron Crider will miss the upcoming basketball season but is expected to return to football in 2027.

Who's Mentioned

organizationCalvary Christian High School“School that requires heart screenings for all student athletes.”personCameron Crider“Student athlete at Calvary Christian High School who was diagnosed with a heart ”personLaura Crider“Mother of Cameron Crider.”