Calls renewed for more medical screening of student athletes

Sports medicine specialist Dr Paul Wright is renewing calls for more medical screening of student athletes.

Dr Wright says physical examinations should be conducted by trained physicians in sports medicine and cardiology in the presence of the parents of the athletes before each season.

He was speaking on Power Play on Power 106FM following yesterday's sudden passing of St George's College captain Dominic James.

James was pronounced dead at hospital after he collapsed during a match against Excelsior High school at the Stadium East field.

READ: St George's College Mourns - ISSA Responds To Student's Death

IN PHOTO: Members of St George'’s College’'s Manning Cup team mourn the death of their teammate, Dominic James, who collapsed during yesterday'’s game against Excelsior at Stadium East and later died at the University Hospital of the West Indies.

According to Dr Wright, a full medical screening would allow student athletes to have the appropriate care before and during games.

He also says screenings should also be extended to student athletes who are pulled from the field of play for medical reasons.

Sports commentator Ed Barnes says schoolboy football organiser ISSA should review the mandatory minimum medical requirements for sporting events.

Meanwhile, the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) is to hold an emergency meeting today to decide whether to postpone the next set of Manning Cup football matches slated for Friday.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says he is saddened by the shocking news of the schoolboy's passing.

Holness, who in New York on government business, has expressed condolences to the family of Dominic James.