As summer flies by, families are starting to prepare for the return of school and sports right around the corner. One important item that should be on every parent's checklist is scheduling a sports physical before the fall season begins.
Sports physicals are required for student-athletes in both Minnesota and North Dakota, but they offer much more than a completed form. These visits help determine whether it is safe for students to participate in sports while providing valuable insight into their overall health and wellness.
What Is a Sports Physical?
A sports physical, also known as a pre-participation physical examination, helps determine whether a child is healthy enough to safely participate in sports and other physical activities.
During the visit, healthcare providers review students:
- Medical history
- Family health history
- Current medications
- Allergies
- Previous injuries, surgeries or medical conditions
The physical assessment may also include checks of:
- Height and weight
- Vision and hearing
- Blood pressure and pulse
- Heart and lung health
- Joint function and flexibility
- Strength and overall physical wellness
"Sports physicals give us an opportunity to look at a student's overall health and identify any concerns that could affect their ability to participate safely,” explains Dr. Adam Quinn, a family medicine physician at Altru. “In many cases, these visits help catch issues early and ensure athletes are ready for the demands of their sport."
Why Scheduling Early Matters
Waiting until the last minute can create unnecessary challenges for families.
Appointments often fill quickly in late summer as schools and athletic programs require updated physicals before participation. Scheduling ahead allows families to secure a convenient appointment time and avoid delays that could prevent students from participating in practices, tryouts or competitions.
Early scheduling also provides time to address any concerns identified during the exam. If additional testing, treatment or evaluation is needed, families have several weeks before the season begins to follow up and help ensure students are ready to participate safely. Early appointments can also help parents stay on top of other back-to-school healthcare needs, including immunizations, annual wellness visits, and medication updates.
"Scheduling a sports physical early gives families time to address any concerns that may arise during the exam,” says Dr. Quinn. “If additional evaluation is needed, we can work through those steps before the season starts so athletes don't miss valuable practice or competition time."
More Than Just Sports Clearance
Sports physicals provide an opportunity to discuss a variety of health topics with a trusted healthcare provider. Common conversations may include:
- Injury prevention
- Nutrition and hydration
- Sleep habits
- Mental health and stress management
- Safe exercise practices
- Concussion awareness
- Conditioning and training habits
While sports physicals focus on determining whether an athlete can safely participate in sports, they can also discuss injury prevention and help students build healthy habits that support long-term wellness.
"Our goal isn't just to determine whether a student can participate in sports,” explains Dr. Quinn. “We also want to help them stay healthy throughout the season by discussing injury prevention, recovery, nutrition, and other habits that support their overall well-being.”
Preparing for a Successful School Year
Fall sports often begin before the first day of school, making summer an ideal time to schedule a sports physical.
Parents should bring any school or athletic participation forms to the appointment and be prepared to discuss their child's medical history, medications, and any recent health concerns.