​Every PSAL sport has rules and regulations that coaches and athletes must follow.  Due to the recent death of football player Miles Kirkland during a football practice, there has been a push from the community and coaches to re-evaluate these rules, add to them, and strive for stricter enforcement.

According to S.I. Live, Staten Island University and Richmond University medical centers have recently announced plans to screen student athletes with an echo-cardiogram. An echo cardiogram is a test of the action of the heart using ultrasound waves to produce a visual display, used for the diagnosis or monitoring of heart disease.  These hospitals have screened students before, but now plan on expanding this program to every high school.  This idea has been met with much praise from many people.  Dan Messina, CEO of Richmond University Medical Center, said to the Staten Island Advance, “In addition to their doctor’s medical clearance, the echo cardiogram may give them one more safeguard in picking up a pathology that could cause a serious problem.”

There is now speculation about having an athletic trainer or sports physician present at every high school practice session.  Many athlete deaths and injuries occur during practices,where there is often no medical professional present.

Aaron Bogard,S.I. Federation co-president has proposed the idea of adding athletic training classes to every high school where varsity athletes could enroll to learn the basics about injuries and how to spot difficulties among teammates.  According to S.I.  Live this idea is currently in the works with several school districts.

A specific change this year is the requirement of medical forms for sports teams. To participate in any sport, students must get a signed physical examination from their doctor. In years past, students were not allowed to attend any games or meets, but were permitted to practice with their team without a physical form. Starting this year, however, they are no longer allowed to attend any practice sessions unless they have submitted a signed physical and parental form. This decision by the PSAL has been reinforced for safety reasons. If an athlete attends a practice without these two forms and suffers a serious injury, there can be severe consequences for both the coaches and the school.

These re-evaluations come just weeks after the tragic death of Curtis junior, Miles Kirkland. The entire community has felt the pain of this loss, prompting the PSAL and Staten Island Medical centers to work together to reduce injuries and provide a safer environment for student athletes.