What Parents Need to Know About School Physicals and Sports Clearance Exams

A pre-participation physical exam (PPE)—often calleda sports physical— is a vital health check required by many statesbefore students join athletic programs. These exams help confirm that a childis healthy, fit, and safe to play by detecting medical issues or injury risks before the season starts.

School physicals and sports physicals also serve as key checkpoints during crucial growth years, helping parents stay informed about their child’s overall health and development.

1. Back to School Physicals

Typically completed before the start of the academic year, these exams confirm that a student is healthy,developing appropriately, and up to date on required vaccinations. Schools mayr equire one or both of the following:

• Height and weight
• Development milestones
• Vision
• Vaccination status
• Chronic conditions that may affect learning or school participation

2. Sports Physicals (PPE Exams)

Before each sports season, students must often complete a sports physical or PPE to ensure they are physically prepared to participate safely.These evaluations help prevent avoidable injuries and determine whether thestudent can play without restrictions.

Beyond injury prevention, sports physicals provide an opportunity to address growth concerns,nutrition, training safety, and the athlete’s overall well-being. n addition to assessing an individual's fitness level for sports participation, sports physicals also provide an excellent opportunity for parents to obtain a comprehensive medical assessment of their child's health, including growth and development tracking. Therefore, sports physicals are a crucial step towards ensuring the overall health and safety of athletes.

Key Elements of a Sports Physical

Sports physicals typically include two major components:

1. Medical History

The medical history section of a sports physical examination includes information about the student's current and past health,as well as any relevant medical history of the parents. Parents and students complete a detailed questionnaire covering:

• Family history of illnesses, heart disease or sudden cardiac events
• Previous episodes of fainting, dizziness, or difficulty breathing
• Current or past injuries
• Medications
• Allergies
• History of hospitalizations or surgeries
• Chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes
• Menstrual history (for female athletes)
• Lifestyle habits (e.g., smoking, alcohol, especially forolder students)

Accurate answers help providers identify potential risks andcustomize recommendations.

2. Physical Examination

The student undergoes a physical examination to identify any existing health conditions that may affect their participation in specific sports. Providers evaluate:

• Height, weight, and BMI
• Blood pressure and pulse
• Vision
• Heart and lung function
• Abdomen, ears, nose, and throat
• Joints, muscles, and flexibility
• Spine alignment and posture

This exam ensures the athlete can safely participate in their chosen sport.

Requirements for School and Sports Physicals

Requirements differ by state,school district, and sport. Some need an annual PPE, while others require one before each season. Parents should check with school administrators to ensure they meet the specific guidelines and avoid delays in eligibility.

Why Sports Physicals Matter

Sports physicals are crucial for:

• Detecting hidden health issues
• Preventing injuries
• Monitoring growth and physical development
• Ensuring athletes can safely participate
• Providing peace of mind for parents, coaches, and schools

Even healthy students might have underlying conditions that only show up during intense activity.

When Should Students Get Their Physicals?

• Back-to-school physicals: Ideally completed 1–2 weeks before the academic year begins
• Sports physicals: Typically required weeks before the first practice or tryout; timelines vary by state and school policy

Physical exams can be performed by a primary care provider,pediatrician, or approved school programs that offer on-site evaluations.

At tru Primary & Urgent Care, we offer sevenconvenient offices across the DMV and in Germantown, Maryland, with walk-in andsame-day appointments available. You can also make an appointment at our FamilyHealthcare of Elkton office in Elkton, Maryland.

What Happens After the Physicals?

After the exam, the provider will complete the school or sports clearance form. Results typically fall into one of the following categories:

• Cleared without restrictions
• Cleared with recommendations or modifications
• Temporarily not cleared pending further testing or treatment

If the exam detects concerns, the provider may suggest follow-up tests, treatment plans, or specialist referrals to ensure the student’s safety.

School, Sports and Student Wellness

School and sports physicalsare essential for maintaining students' health—physically, socially, andacademically. When schools, families, and healthcare providers work together,students enjoy a safer, more supportive learning environment.

Where to Get School and Sports Physicals

For fast, convenient school and sports physicals, tru Primary & Urgent Care offers walk-in and same-day appointments at sevenlocations across Northern Virginia and Maryland.

They are also available at Family Healthcare of Elkton, ourprimary care office in Elkton, Maryland. Students and adults can get thenecessary PPE exams quickly—without long wait times.