School and Sports Physicals: A Checklist for Parents and Students

Book the physical well before the season or school deadline. Bring the school’s or league’s form, the completed health history, a list of medicines and allergies, and records of past injuries and vaccinations. Expect a review of health history, especially heart-related questions, plus a physical exam focused on readiness for activity. Most students complete the visit with no restrictions. If something needs a closer look, the provider will explain the next step before signing a form.

When to book

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends scheduling a sports physical at least 6 to 8 weeks before the activity starts. That leaves time to follow up on anything that needs it without missing the season. School deadlines can be just as firm, so check the date on your form.

Who needs one

The AAP describes sports physicals, formally a preparticipation physical evaluation, as relevant from middle school through college. They also apply to physically demanding activities outside organized sports. Many schools and leagues require a specific form completed by a licensed clinician. Check what your school or league requires.

The AAP also suggests asking for the sports physical at your child’s routine well-child visit when possible, since that provider already knows the child’s history. If the physical is done somewhere else, send the full records to the child’s regular clinician.

The checklist: what to bring

• The required form from the school, league or camp, with the student’s sections filled in. If a form was not provided, ask the organization which one they accept.
• A completed health history. Parents and older students should fill it out together before the visit, as accurately as possible.
• The student’s identification.
• A list of medicines, including inhalers, allergy medicines and supplements, with doses.
• Allergies, including any history of serious allergic reactions.
• Vaccination records. Some schools check these at the same time. See SimrikMed’s vaccinations page if any are missing.
• Records of past injuries, surgeries, concussions or conditions such as asthma.
• Glasses or contact lenses, if the student wears them, for any vision check.

What the visit usually covers

SimrikMed’s school and sports physicals service describes a health assessment of height, weight and blood pressure, a heart and lung exam, growth and development review, and vision and hearing screening when appropriate. It also covers an activity-readiness check of joint mobility, strength, flexibility, balance and coordination, plus a review of previous sports injuries.

Heart screening questions

The AAP highlights heart-related questions as an important part of the evaluation. These cover symptoms during exercise, past heart evaluations, high blood pressure and family history, such as a relative with a heart condition or sudden death at a young age. Answer these carefully. If you’re unsure about family history, ask relatives before the visit.

Concussion history

Tell the provider about every past concussion, even if it seemed minor. The AAP notes that a previous concussion raises the risk of another, and that a student should not return to play without clearance from a health professional.

Private questions

For older students, the provider may ask some questions privately, including about mood and mental health. For female athletes this can include menstrual health and nutrition. This is routine and helps the student speak openly.

If something needs a closer look

Most students are cleared to participate. Sometimes the provider finds something that needs further evaluation, such as high blood pressure, a heart murmur, an incompletely healed injury or concerning symptoms. In that case, the next step might be further testing, a specialist referral or a follow-up visit before the form can be completed. A physical can’t guarantee clearance. The provider’s job is to make sure activity is safe.

During the season

Make sure coaches know about conditions that matter for safety, such as asthma or severe allergies, and that emergency medicines are available. Chest pain, fainting or severe trouble breathing during activity needs emergency care.

Next step

See what SimrikMed’s school and sports physicals include. For college forms and immunization reviews, see our medical clearance visit checklist.