What is a sports physical?

A sports physical is a medical exam that makes sure you’re healthy enough to safely play a sport. They’re mainly for children who want to play school sports. While they’re mainly for high school-level athletes, sports for younger children may also require them.

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Also known as sport preparticipation physical exams (SPPEs), sports physicals are there to keep your child safe. They can help your child avoid minor issues like sprains or strains. They can also save lives, finding previously undetected conditions — including dangerous ones.

During the exam, your child’s provider will screen them for illnesses that could interfere with their playing. They’ll also look for signs of past injuries and advise you and your child on any possible future impacts.

If your child’s provider finds a reason that your child can’t safely play a sport, they may disqualify your child from playing. But finding a medical issue doesn’t mean your child’s provider will automatically disqualify them. Whenever possible, your child’s provider will try to find a way for your child to play safely.

What can I expect during a sports physical exam?

There are two main parts of a sports physical:

Medical history
Physical exam

Medical history

The medical history part of a sports physical includes asking questions about your child’s medical history. It’ll also include questions about their biological family medical history. Your child’s provider will specifically look for:

Alcohol, tobacco or drug use
Medications or supplements your child takes, plus their vaccination records
History of shortness of breath (dyspnea) or physical activity-related fatigue
Menstrual history for females, and genital and urinary system check for males
Past diagnosis of a heart murmur or high blood pressure (hypertension)
Past diagnosis or possible instances of asthma, allergies or anaphylaxis, or activity-related bronchospasm
Past exclusion from sports for a medical reason
Past sports-related injuries, like fractures or concussions, or heat-related illness
Past surgeries or hospitalizations, or known long-term (chronic) health issues
Unexplained instances of fainting (syncope) or near-fainting (presyncope), chest pain or discomfort
Unexplained seizures or seizure-like issues

Physical exam

For the physical examination part, your child’s provider will likely check or look for the following:

Baseline concussion test results (especially for contact sports), in case a future comparison is needed
Current fitness level
Signs of liver or spleen enlargement (by feeling their abdomen)
Any signs of connective tissue diseases
Limbs, back and neck for signs of any lingering injuries or damage, difficulty with movements or muscle weakness
Your child’s heart and pulses in different parts of their body to look for signs of circulation-related conditions
Measurements like height and weight
Potential body image issues (especially ones that could relate to eating disorders or other conditions)
Screening for contagious conditions like herpes simplex virus (HSV), impetigo or MRSA
Vision and hearing
Vital signs like heart rate, breathing and blood pressure

What can I expect after a sports physical exam?

After a sports physical, your child’s provider will do one of the following:

Clear your child to play without any restrictions: This means they didn’t find anything of concern with your child’s health.
Clear your child to play with restrictions: This means your child can play a sport but needs certain accommodations or treatments to keep them healthy while they play.
Tentatively withhold clearance: Your child’s provider may want to run other tests or try treatments before deciding.
Disqualify your child: This means your child’s provider won’t clear them to play because it isn’t safe. This could be for certain sports or for all sports. Your child’s provider will explain which.

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Additional Common Questions

Where do I go to get my child a sports physical?

Your child can get a sports physical at their pediatrician’s office. Sometimes, schools will have an opportunity for multiple students to get their sports physicals at the same time.

When should I get my child a sports physical?

Experts recommend that your child get their sports physical about six to eight weeks before the sports season’s training starts. That allows enough time for follow-up testing and treatment, if necessary.

In the U.S., all 50 states legally require them for participation in high school sports that school year. Athletes also need follow-up sports physicals to keep playing next school year.

What is the difference between a sports physical and an annual physical?

A sports physical specifically looks for any condition or issue that could make it unsafe for your child to play a sport. An annual physical (or well-check) looks at overall health.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Sports physicals are beneficial for children playing any sport, not just full-contact ones. And while it’s rare for these exams to find something dangerous, they can be lifesaving when they do. One thing to keep in mind is that your child’s provider wants them to play and enjoy sports. That means they’ll do everything they can to find a way for your child to play safely.

And in the event that your child does need restrictions, their provider may be able to recommend alternative sports or activities. That way, your child can still find something they enjoy doing and stay safe inside and outside of their activities.

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