Bill Overview
Title: SAFE PLAY Act
Description: This bill directs several agencies to undertake specified activities and expand surveillance related to cardiac conditions, concussions, and heat-related illnesses among young athletes. The bill also establishes requirements for schools with respect to concussions and excessive heat. Specifically, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) must (1) develop information for schools, childcare centers, and others on high-risk cardiac conditions in children, adolescents, and young adults; and (2) incorporate questions about cardiac conditions in an existing school-based health survey. In addition, the CDC must develop guidelines for emergency action plans for youth athletics programs, and the Food and Drug Administration may issue guidelines related to youth consumption of energy drinks. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must award matching grants to local educational agencies for automated external defibrillator and cardiopulmonary resuscitation trainings. The Department of Education, in consultation with HHS and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, must develop public education materials focused on the health risks of exposure to extreme heat and humidity, and public schools must develop action plans for athletic activities during periods of excessive heat or humidity. The bill establishes minimum requirements for elementary and secondary schools related to concussions, including but not limited to (1) implementing a standard plan for concussion safety and management, and (2) ensuring students returning to academics after a concussion receive certain services and supports.
Sponsors: Rep. Pascrell, Bill, Jr. [D-NJ-9]
Target Audience
Population: Young Athletes and School-aged Youth
Estimated Size: 50000000
- The bill focuses on young athletes, specifically those involved in school athletic activities which extend to elementary and secondary school students.
- Cardiac conditions, concussions, and heat-related illnesses are common among young athletes – a group estimated to include millions of youth involved in sports globally.
- Participation in school sports is widespread, with millions of children in the United States alone participating in some form of organized sports.
- The bill mandates educational materials and action plans for schools, meaning all students in schools with athletic programs could potentially be impacted by the regulations or benefits resulting from this bill.
Reasoning
- To simulate the impact of the SAFE PLAY Act, I selected individuals from different backgrounds related to or impacted by school athletics, such as a student-athlete, a parent of an athlete, school staff, and coaches.
- The budget must cover resources for information dissemination, emergency equipment, and training programs. Therefore, impacts may vary based on the level of access and engagement with these resources.
- There might be individuals, such as young children not yet in structured sports or non-athletic students, who might see limited direct impact from this policy.
Simulated Interviews
High School Student (Dallas, TX)
Age: 15 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy makes me feel safer knowing that schools will have plans in place for emergencies like heatstroke.
- I hope the training includes updated techniques and real-life scenario practice.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
High School Student (New York, NY)
Age: 16 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Prioritizing heart health and safety in sports should have always been the standard. This policy is a step in the right direction for students like me.
- Financial support for defibrillators and emergency plans can save lives on the field.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
High School Coach (Chicago, IL)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having protocols for concussions and heat emergencies is critical for us as coaches to protect our players.
- I hope the guidelines are clear and easy to implement without overwhelming our limited resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Teacher (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Teaching kids about the dangers of heat stress and conducting CPR training are valuable additions to the curriculum.
- Given our tight budget, I hope we can get the required equipment and training for our school.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Middle School Student (Orlando, FL)
Age: 12 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel more confident knowing my coaches are trained for emergencies. It's comforting to know I'll be safe playing the sports I love.
- I wish the emergency drills weren't as frequent, though.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
School Nurse (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The program equips us with essential tools to respond to cardiac events and concussions more effectively.
- It may challenge us to manage additional training and responsibilities, but overall it is positive.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Parent (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It’s reassuring to have structured protocols for heat-related safety. As a parent, peace of mind is invaluable.
- I hope our schools have the support they need to implement these plans effectively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
High School Student (Denver, CO)
Age: 17 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think education around heat stress is vital, especially when practicing outdoors. The policy is a proactive measure.
- If it means adjusting practice schedules, it might affect my training routine, but overall it's beneficial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
College Student (Houston, TX)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is crucial for improving safety in sports, something I value as a future sports professional.
- It could encourage youth sports participation knowing better safety measures are in place.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Elementary School Student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 8 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My mom says it's safe to play outside in the sun. I'm not sure what it means but I can keep doing what I love.
- I think it would be good if we had more breaks during summer sports even when I feel tired.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $120000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $150000000)
Year 2: $115000000 (Low: $90000000, High: $140000000)
Year 3: $110000000 (Low: $85000000, High: $135000000)
Year 5: $105000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $130000000)
Year 10: $90000000 (Low: $70000000, High: $110000000)
Year 100: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $30000000)
Key Considerations
- Scope and scale of educational programs within schools could vary significantly by district, affecting cost estimates.
- Implementation quality and adherence to guidelines will be crucial in realizing intended health benefits and potential savings.
- Evolving guidelines and scientific insights into health conditions covered by the bill may necessitate continuous updates.