Ohio Law · Effective 2017

Lindsay’s Law

Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Youth Athletes

Ohio law requires youth sports organizations to educate athletes, parents, and coaches about sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). ALTBSA families must review this information annually before participation in travel baseball or softball.

What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating, cutting off blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. SCA is fatal if not treated immediately, most often with a defibrillator (AED).

SCA is not the same as a heart attack. It can happen in young people who appear healthy. Lindsay’s Law helps families and coaches recognize warning signs and respond quickly.

Who is Lindsay?

Senate Bill 252 is named for Lindsay Davis, a national heart health advocate and former Miss Ohio who lives with a heart condition. She has dedicated her career to raising awareness that sudden cardiac arrest can affect seemingly healthy student athletes.

“Sudden cardiac arrest is the number one killer of student athletes. At any moment I could have died because coaches and teachers had no idea this was even a possibility for someone who looked as healthy as I did at that age.”
— Lindsay Davis

Ohio Law

Lindsay’s Law (Ohio Revised Code sections including 3313.5310, 3707.58, and 3707.59) took effect August 1, 2017. It applies to youth athletes age 19 and under who practice for or compete in athletic activities organized by a school or youth sports organization — including community travel programs like ALTBSA.

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Ohio Department of Education, OHSAA, and medical stakeholders developed required educational materials for parents, athletes, and coaches.

ALTBSA Requirements

Each season, before a player participates in ALTBSA activities, families must:

  • Review the ODH sudden cardiac arrest informational materials (video and handout)
  • Read and understand the warning signs and symptoms of SCA
  • Sign the required Lindsay’s Law acknowledgment form for each athletic activity

Forms and signatures may be collected through team registration, tryout registration, or your team manager as directed by the Board. Contact online contact form if you are unsure where to submit your signed form.

Warning Signs & Symptoms

Warning signs may be present before sudden cardiac arrest. Pay attention if your athlete experiences any of the following, especially during or after exercise:

  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Unusual shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Unexplained fatigue or tiredness beyond normal exertion
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Racing heart rate or heart palpitations (feels like the heart is fluttering or beating too fast)
  • Fainting, passing out, or seizures during or immediately after exercise

If your child experiences any warning sign, seek medical attention promptly. Call 911 or go to an emergency department if symptoms occur suddenly or are severe.

Family History Red Flags

Additional caution is warranted if any of the following apply:

  • A family member died suddenly before age 50
  • A biological parent, sibling, or child has had sudden cardiac arrest
  • Known family history of cardiomyopathy, long QT syndrome, Marfan syndrome, or other heart rhythm disorders
  • The athlete has ever fainted or passed out before, during, or after athletic activity

If any of these apply, the athlete must be evaluated and cleared in writing by an authorized healthcare provider before participating in practices, scrimmages, or games.

Removal from Play & Return to Play

During an activity

If a youth athlete faints or passes out during or after athletic activity, the coach must remove the athlete from play immediately. The athlete may not return until cleared in writing by a healthcare provider.

Other warning signs

If a coach or parent becomes aware of other warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest, the athlete should be evaluated by a healthcare professional before continuing participation.

Who may clear an athlete?

Written clearance may be provided by a:

  • Physician (MD or DO)
  • Certified nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or certified nurse-midwife
  • Physician assistant or licensed athletic trainer (community programs)

The provider may refer the athlete to a cardiologist or other specialist for further evaluation. Written clearance must be shared with the coach and organization before the athlete returns to activity.

Coach Requirements

Ohio law requires coaches to complete sudden cardiac arrest training on an annual basis. Community program coaches (including ALTBSA) must review the ODH coach video and coach informational handout each year.

Coaches who become aware of warning signs must remove the athlete from participation and ensure the family seeks appropriate medical evaluation and written clearance before return.

ALTBSA coaches must also complete mandatory concussion training on a separate schedule (every three years).

Official Resources

Download and review materials from the Ohio Department of Health:

Content on this page is summarized from Ohio law and materials published by the Ohio Department of Health and league guidance such as the CVBA Lindsay’s Law page. Refer to ODH for the most current official requirements.

Ohio Department of Health
School Nursing Program · 246 North High Street, 7th Floor · Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-466-1930 · Email: BCHS@odh.ohio.gov