AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 RELATING TO INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS.

Plain English Breakdown

The effective date is listed as blank in the metadata; typically laws take effect upon signing or a specified date, but this specific bill does not list one.

HB71: New Safety Rules for School Sports

This law requires school coaches in Delaware to get training in CPR, first aid, and how to use an AED; it also mandates that schools have emergency plans for heart emergencies and keep unlocked AED machines available at sports events.

What This Bill Does

• Requires the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association to create rules ensuring all coaches are trained in CPR, first aid, and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
• Mandates that schools with athletic programs write a specific Emergency Action Plan for handling cardiac arrest or life-threatening emergencies during practices or games.
• Requires AED machines to be placed at every school sports venue in a location that is clearly marked, unlocked, and easy to reach.
• Orders that all AEDs are tested and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Requires schools to tell the Office of Emergency Medical Services about their new AEDs, including what type they bought and where they are located.

Who It Names or Affects

• All coaches working for Delaware middle or high school athletic programs
• Schools that have an athletic department or program
• The Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA)
• The Office of Emergency Medical Services

Terms To Know

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

A portable machine used to deliver an electric shock to restart a normal heartbeat during cardiac arrest.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

An emergency procedure involving chest compressions and rescue breaths when someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped.

Emergency Action Plan

A written plan that describes exactly what steps to take during a medical emergency at a specific location.

Limits and Unknowns

• The official text does not state the exact date when these new rules will officially begin.
• The law requires training but does not specify how often coaches must renew their certifications beyond saying they must maintain them.
• The bill mentions following national guidelines for AED placement and plans, but it does not list those specific guidelines in detail.

Official Summary Text

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 RELATING TO INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS.
This Act requires the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association to promulgate regulations requiring all coaches to have CPR, first aid, and automated external defibrillator (AED) training. It also requires schools with an athletic program or department to have an Emergency Action Plan for responding to a cardiac arrest event at an athletic event or practice. It requires that an AED be accessible in a clearly marked, unlocked location at any athletic event or venue. Finally, the regulations must require testing and maintenance of AEDs and notification to the Office of Emergency Medical Services regarding the AED acquisition and its location.

Current Bill Text

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Rep. Harris & Rep. Heffernan & Sen. Poore

Reps. Jones Giltner, Bush, Lynn, Ross Levin, Kamela Smith, Lambert, Bolden, Griffith, K. Williams, D. Short; Sens. Buckson, Hansen

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE BILL NO. 71

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 RELATING TO INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:

Section 1. Amend § 303, Title 14 of the Delaware Code by making deletions as shown by strike through and insertions as shown by underline as follows:

§ 303. Regulations, policies, and procedures.

(e) The Board shall adopt regulations applicable to a member school regarding student athletes and awareness, recognition, and management of sudden cardiac arrest. The Board shall, through either regulation or policy adopted under regulation, do at least all of the following:

(4)

Hold a current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (“CPR”) certification for each school-appointed head coach. The certification must include training on the use of an automated external defibrillator.

(f) The Board shall adopt regulations relating to secondary and middle school interscholastic athletics that do at least all of the following:

(1) Require all coaches to obtain and maintain certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Training and certification in CPR and AED use must be consistent with national evidence-based emergency cardiovascular care guidelines.

(2)

Require that each school with an athletic department or program develop an athletic Emergency Action Plan (Plan) to respond to incidents of cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening emergency during a school athletic practice or event. The Plan must follow nationally recognized recommendations and be venue-specific, widely distributed, posted, and rehearsed annually.

(3) Require that an AED be clearly marked and easily accessible in an unlocked location at each school athletic venue and event. The AED must be accessible during the school day and any school-sponsored athletic event or team practice in which students of the school are participating.

The AED must be placed in accordance with nationally recognized guidelines focused on emergency cardiovascular care.

(4) Require that AEDs be tested and maintained according to the manufacturer's operational guidelines.

(5) Require notification is provided to the Office of Emergency Medical Services regarding the AED, the type acquired, and its location.

SYNOPSIS

This Act requires the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association to promulgate regulations requiring all coaches to have CPR, first aid, and automated external defibrillator (AED) training. It also requires schools with an athletic program or department to have an Emergency Action Plan for responding to a cardiac arrest event at an athletic event or practice. It requires that an AED be accessible in a clearly marked, unlocked location at any athletic event or venue. Finally, the regulations must require testing and maintenance of AEDs and notification to the Office of Emergency Medical Services regarding the AED acquisition and its location.