Ros-Lehtinen Teams With Curbelo to Tackle Student Athlete Safety

Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen and Congressman Carlos Curbelo have teamed up to introduce H.Res. 655 -- a resolution of the House of Representatives expressing concern regarding the preventable loss of life association with sports-related sudden death of student athletes in the United States, and emphasizing the importance of rigorous, evidence-based pre-participation physical examinations for student athletes. The resolution encourages local school districts, youth sports associations, and college and university athletic departments to regularly update their pre-participation physical examination policies, in accordance with evidence-based best practices, and with respect for special parental considerations.

This resolution was inspired by the many promising lives lost over the years in South Florida and the rest of the nation, including FIU baseball player Ramiro "Toti" Mendez who passed away sixteen years ago on April 2, 2000 at the age of 20 from sudden cardiac arrest.

Reps. Ros-Lehtinen and Curbelo have also cosponsored H.R. 921 -- the Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act -- which would allow team physicians and trainers accompanying high school, college, or professional athletes to treat their own team's athletes while involved in official events in other states, without having to seek licensure or certification in those states to protect against civil or criminal malpractice liability issues. This bill would allow the professionals who know student athletes the best to do their jobs without fear of legal repercussions. Finally, Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen recently cosponsored H.Res. 112 -- Supporting the goals and ideals of the Secondary School Student Athletes' Bill or Rights -- which encourages high schools to take all available and reasonable efforts to ensure student athlete safety.

Statement by Rep. Ros-Lehtinen:

"The loss of any young person is tragic, but it is particularly unsettling to lose a child or young adult suddenly from a preventable cause when he or she is simply playing a beloved sport with friends and teammates. We have an obligation as parents, as coaches, as trainers, and as legislators to ensure the safety of our student athletes in every aspect of sports competition, and I hope this resolution helps continue the conversation about how we can all work together to minimize the risk of injury and death in youth sports in South Florida and across the country."

Statement by Rep. Curbelo:

"The passing of a child in any circumstance is heart breaking, but losing a child when he or she is participating in an activity that they love, that is supposed to be safe, is truly devastating. I am happy to co-lead this effort to help mitigate the risk of injury and death in young people who participate in youth sports. We can ensure the safety and health of student athletes, but only if we work together. My hope is that this resolution will serve to spark a dialogue that will help prevent these tragic deaths."

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