Sports physicals are examinations. Most schools, camps and organizations require a sports physical in order for your child to participate in sports or physical activities. Your child’s healthcare provider does a physical exam and takes a complete medical history. You can get a sports physical at your healthcare provider’s office, urgent care centers and some drugstores.
A sports physical is an examination. Most schools, camps and organizations require a sports physical before your child can participate in sports and other physical activities. Healthcare providers also call this exam a pre-participation physical evaluation (PPE).
During a sports physical, your healthcare provider examines your child. They’ll ask about their health and review their medical history. Their healthcare provider is screening for conditions that may put your child at a higher risk of injury, illness or other health problems that can result from physical activity.
Sports physicals help your child 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, you can all work together to prevent injuries. They’re meant to facilitate and encourage participation, not to exclude athletes from participation.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Sports physicals are very common, especially among kids and teenagers. In the United States, more than half of kids between age 6 and 17 play on a sports team or take sports lessons. Most schools, camps and organizations require proof of a sports physical. Many of them may require it prior to allowing your child to play sports and do certain activities.
Your healthcare provider will take a full medical history and do a physical exam. They’ll ask about your family history of conditions, disorders and diseases. Your healthcare provider will also ask about your child’s health, including:
During a physical examination, your healthcare provider will:
Advertisement
If your healthcare provider determines that it’s safe for your child to play sports, they’ll “clear” them. This means your child has permission to participate. Or your healthcare provider may include a requirement your child has to fulfill before they can play. For example, if your child wears glasses, they may need to wear prescription safety glasses when playing a sport.
At the end of your visit, your healthcare provider will complete the required sports physical form. This form includes information about your child’s current health, medical history and any conditions that might increase the risk of injury. The form may also include your child’s vaccination record.
If your healthcare provider clears your child to play, they’ll sign the form. They’ll also include any notes about special requirements or concerns. You submit the sports physical form to the school, coach or athletic trainer. They keep your form on file so they can refer to it if they need to.
You can get a sports physical at:
Sometimes, schools offer physicals at special clinics on school grounds. A healthcare provider comes to the school to do the examinations.
Advertisement
Healthcare providers usually recommend getting a sports physical about 6 to 8 weeks before the activity or sports season begins. This gives you time to have your child evaluated. It also gives the healthcare provider time to treat any issues discovered during the physical.
Your child will likely need to get a sports physical every year. If they’re recovering from an injury, they may need more than one sports physical in a year.
During a sports physical, your healthcare provider evaluates your child’s health with a specific sport or activity in mind. The exam assesses your child’s ability to participate in a particular activity safely.
An annual well-check or physical examination evaluates overall health and evaluates your child’s health and eligibility for participation in an activity.
After the physical, your healthcare provider may tell you that your child is:
If your healthcare provider discovers an injury or a symptom that might indicate a problem, they may recommend another evaluation. Your child may need a follow-up appointment if they have conditions such as:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Sports physicals give your healthcare provider important information about your child’s health. This information helps them assess your child’s risk of injury so they can participate safely. To prevent injuries and illness, be sure to share a thorough family health history with your child’s healthcare provider. Schedule a sports physical well in advance of the sports season to allow plenty of time for another exam or treatment if necessary.
Last reviewed on 06/28/2022.
Learn more about the Health Library and our editorial process.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy