Pennsylvania signs "Greg Moyer's Law" requiring AEDs at all PIAA athletic events

[eddieq]

https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb375

The PA governor signed this on May 13.  In addition to a bunch of "shall provide training" language, there is a requirement of the bill that requires AEDs to be available at all PIAA athletic events.  

Quote

External Defibrillators.--(a) Each school entity and nonpublic school that participates in interscholastic athletics, as defined in section 1602-A, shall have an automated external defibrillator situated in such a manner that is readily accessible for students participating in interscholastic athletics and practices.

So the question for discussion - is this going to be "my problem" to ensure that it's there?  Or is that 100% a school administration issue and we don't have to worry if it's there or not?

[MadMax]

2 hours ago, eddieq said:

is this going to be "my problem" to ensure that it's there?

It's not your/our (as umpire) problem, but it is a Very Important Valid Procedural Question. VIVP...Q... 

At the plate meeting, prior to commencing the game, we (umpires, with PU being UIC) go through the standard procedures... we take the lineup cards from the Home team (first), then by the Visitors team (second, always). Now, the game is under our jurisdiction. We verify things on the lineup cards (DH, subs, etc.), and then we fire off a series of Very Important Questions – 

1. Are all players properly and legally equipped?
2. (For Home team) Do you have an AED present and in certified order? (HC should say where it is and yes)
3. (For Home team) Do you have a medic / trainer / other designated medically-trained person on site? (HC should say yes, and where / who they are)
4. (For Home team) Do you have an Emergency Access Plan? (HC should say / indicate where (that route) is)

That first one is our official "CYA". @Richvee @Kevin_K and other Jersey'ians have to go through a whole recitation rigamarole about sportsmanship and other ignored trivialities, but those 4 questions above are completely Procedural – as in, we cannot commence the game without those being verified. 

No AED, no pitchy, no swingy. 

[The Man in Blue]

Illinois has required this for a number of years.  They didn't tie the law to IHSA, but to public recreational facilities.

Similar to what @MadMax cited, IHSA adopted this requirement for us:

1.) All players properly and legally equipped?

2.) Location of the AED?

3.) Is there a trainer or qualified medical personnel on site?

(No emergency plan question requirement, though this is encouraged to be discussed with event management before the plate meeting.  The AED and trainer questions could be discussed in this pre-meeting or at the plate meeting.)

Answering NO to number 1 means something needs to be rectified before we begin.

Answering NO to number 2 means we play, but umpires have to file a special report after the game.

Answering NO to number 3 simply means we have the authority to remove a player for suspected concussion protocols, and they may not return.

[Richvee]

Interestingly enough, we don’t have the AED, medical personnel or emergency access plan in our required plate meeting details. 
 
I have  been having some fun, though, with the sportsmanship statements to the teams. I’ve been stopping cold at random points and point to the team to see if they can complete the sentences. They have scored 100 every time I do it! 🤣