Benefits & Payroll (HR) / Youth Sports- Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act (AB 1639)

What is AB1639?

AB1639 The Eric Paredes Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act (2016)

Initially, a California Interscholastic Federation by-law affecting high school sports programs, this law now applies to our state’s public, private, and charter K-12 schools. It includes mandatory Sudden Cardiac Arrest Information sheets that are signed by parent/guardian and student-athletes, bi-annual SCA prevention training, and new removal/returns to play protocol for student-athletes who faint/pass out or exhibit a suspected cardiac condition.

AB379 Concussion and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Protocol (2020)

This law extends the protocol introduced in AB1639 to community youth sports programs, with the addition that sports officials (referees, umpires, etc.) and administrators also take mandatory Sudden Cardiac Arrest prevention training. This law applies to an organization, business, non-profit entity, school, or local governmental agency that sponsors or conducts amateur sports competitions, training, camps, or clubs for those under 18.

Free Resources

Free SCA Prevention Training
NFHS Learning Center Courses free training for students, coaches, parents, administrators, and officials
Flyer in English (PDF) | Flyer in Spanish (PDF)
SCA Fact Sheet for Sports Clearance
- English (PDF)
- Spanish (PDF)
Warning Signs of SCA (PDF)
Call Push Shock (PDF)
Risks and Symptoms (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
A Parents Guide to SCA Video (Video; 6:22)

California’s COVID-19 Youth Health Information Act

Returning to Physical Activity and Sports During COVID

In July 2021 California passed AB856 to help parents access and navigate guidelines for how a youth who has been symptomatic or diagnosed with COVID should return to physical activity or participate in athletics. This applies to recreational activity, physical education (PE) in school, and school or community sports teams.

Read the letter from the California Department of Education instructing schools to inform parents of these guidelines.

This fact sheet summarizes how parents and youth should consult with their medical practitioner about the symptoms they experiences and if their COVID experience was mild, moderate or severe. Based on the consultation, youth will either be given a cardiac risk assessment or referred for diagnostic testing, such an ECG, or you could be referred to a cardiologist for further evaluation.

Download the COVID-19 Youth Health Information Act fact sheet. (Spanish version also available.)

The guidelines follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations. You can view the AAP’s COVID Safety Checklist, as well as Interim Guidance During COVID, plus a guide on Understanding the Risks.

For more information on this state law, visit the California Department of Education.

Lakeport Unified School District

Benefits & Payroll (HR)