What to Expect at a Sports Physical: A Parent and Athlete Guide

Before the first practice of the season, most schools and leagues require a sports physical, also called a preparticipation physical exam. The visit is short, simple, and rarely uncomfortable. Knowing what to expect can make the visit easier for parents and athletes.

At Highpoint Health in Middle Tennessee, parents and athletes can expect a review of health history, a physical exam, and guidance about any next steps before the season begins.

What Is a Sports Physical and What Does It Check?

A sports physical helps determine whether your child can safely participate in a sport. A provider reviews your athlete’s health history, checks areas most affected by sports, including the heart, lungs, joints, and vision, and flags anything that should be looked at before competition starts.

It is a safety check, not a search for something wrong. Most visits take about 20 to 30 minutes.

What to Bring to the Appointment

Showing up prepared keeps the visit short and helps prevent a second trip. Bring:

• The school or league clearance form, with the parent sections already filled out
• A list of current medications, inhalers, vitamins, and supplements
• Glasses or contacts, if your athlete wears them
• Information about past injuries, surgeries, concussions, or time missed from sports
• Family health history, especially heart problems or sudden death before age 50
• An insurance card and photo ID

What Health Questions Are Asked at a Sports Physical?

This is often the most valuable part of the visit. The provider will ask about chest pain, dizziness, or fainting during exercise; unusual shortness of breath; a racing, pounding, or irregular heartbeat; asthma; allergies; past concussions; and joint injuries that never fully healed.

Encourage your athlete to answer honestly. Teens sometimes downplay symptoms because they are worried about being held out of a game. Honest answers can help a provider address a concern before it becomes a bigger problem during the season.

What Does a Provider Check During a Sports Physical?

During the physical exam, the provider completes a quick, straightforward check of your athlete’s overall health and movement. Expect the provider to check:

• Height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse
• Vision in each eye
• Heart sounds, including murmurs or an irregular rhythm
• Lungs and breathing, including any wheezing
• The abdomen and overall health
• Joints, strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the shoulders, knees, hips, and ankles
• Balance, posture, and basic movement patterns

What Happens After a Sports Physical?

Most athletes are cleared without restrictions, and the form is signed the same day. Others may be cleared with recommendations or conditions, such as finishing ankle rehabilitation, updating an asthma action plan, or wearing a brace.

A smaller number need follow-up before they can be cleared. That may include an electrocardiogram (EKG), echocardiogram, imaging, or a specialist visit.

A pause is not the end of the season. It is a chance to confirm that your athlete can compete safely.

What Symptoms Should an Athlete Report Before the Season?

Do not wait for a scheduled sports physical if your athlete has any of these symptoms. Contact a healthcare provider promptly if they experience:

• Chest pain, pressure, or tightness during exercise
• Fainting, near-fainting, or dizziness with activity
• A racing, pounding, or skipping heartbeat
• Shortness of breath that seems out of proportion to the effort
• Joint pain, swelling, or instability that has not gone away
• Headaches, confusion, or memory trouble after a hit to the head

When Should I Schedule a Sports Physical?

Schedule a sports physical about six to eight weeks before the season begins. This gives your family time to complete any follow-up testing, treatment, or specialist care before participation if the provider identifies a concern. Late-summer appointments fill up quickly, so scheduling early can also help you avoid a last-minute rush.

Ready to get your athlete cleared for the season? Schedule a sports physical with a provider at Highpoint Health in Middle Tennessee.

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.