Sports Physicals

A sports physical includes both history-taking and an examination. Most schools, camps, and sports-related organizations require a sports physical before children or athletes can participate in sports and other physical activities. Healthcare providers also call this exam a pre-participation physical evaluation (PPE).  

During a sports physical, a healthcare provider examines your child/the athlete. They’ll ask about their health and review their medical history. The healthcare provider is screening for conditions that may put your child/the athlete at a higher risk of injury, illness, or other health problems that can result from physical activity.  

Sports physicals help your child/the athlete take part in sports as safely as possible. They give parents, healthcare providers, and coaches important information about a young athlete’s health. With this information, all can work together to prevent injuries. Sports physicals are meant to facilitate and encourage participation, not to exclude athletes from participation.

Sports physicals are very common, especially among children and teenagers. In the United States, more than half of children between the ages of 6 and 17 play on a sports team or take sports lessons. Most schools, camps, and organizations require a documented sports physical prior to allowing children to play sports or participate in certain activities.  

The exam assesses medical history; height, weight, vital signs, vision; the heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose, and throat; posture, joint health, strength, and flexibility.   

Here's a more detailed breakdown:  

1. Medical History:  

• Questions about past injuries, illnesses, surgeries; current medications and supplements.   

• Inquiry about any family history of health conditions that could be relevant.  

2. Physical Examination:   

• Height and weight measurements to track growth and assess body composition.  

• Taking of vital signs including blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse.  

• Vision screening to check for any vision impairments.  

• Heart and lung assessment to ensure proper function.  

• Abdomen examination to check for any issues.  

• Ears, nose, and throat examination to identify any problems.  

• Posture, joint, strength, and flexibility assessment to evaluate musculoskeletal health and potential risks. 

3. Additional Considerations:  

• Immunization records may be reviewed to ensure up-to-date vaccinations.   

• A mental health assessment may be included in some sports physicals to address potential mental health concerns.   

• A nutritional assessment may be part of the exam to evaluate dietary habits and ensure proper nutrition.  

Healthcare providers usually recommend getting a sports physical about 6 to 8 weeks before the activity or sports season begins. This gives time for your child/the athlete to be evaluated and for the healthcare provider to begin treating any issues that are discovered.  

Your child/the athlete will likely need to get a sports physical every other year or as often as required for participation. If they’re recovering from an injury, they may need more than one sports physical in a year. 

During a sports physical, a healthcare provider evaluates your child’s/the athlete’s health with specific sports or activities in mind. The exam assesses their ability to participate in a particular activity safely.  

An annual well check or physical examination is more comprehensive and often involves recommendations for immunizations, as well.

After a sports physical, the healthcare provider may tell you that your child/the athlete is:  

• Cleared to play all sports without restriction.  

• Cleared for certain activities or sports only.  

• Cleared to play with certain restrictions or requirements.  

• Allowed to participate after another evaluation or treatment (such as physical therapy for an injury).  

• Not eligible to take part in activities due to health conditions or because the risk of illness or injury is too high.