Sports Physicals: Frequently Asked Questions

Lurie Children’s prides itself on being a reliable source of information on your child’s health and well-being — and the Sarah and Peer Pedersen Family Learning Center (PFLC) supports that mission. Our Patient and Family Education Team at the PFLC provides helpful information about pre-participation physical evaluations (PPEs) or “sports physicals.” Let’s learn more about them, who needs them and how they keep our kids safe.  

What is a pre-participation physical evaluation (PPE)?  

A PPE, or “sports physical,” is a form your child’s primary care provider fills out that says if your child is healthy enough to play a sport safely and lists any accommodations they might need. Playing sports can sometimes be hard on the body, especially contact sports like football, hockey, lacrosse and soccer. Even if your child has the best equipment and coaches, they must meet certain credentials. A PPE form includes important questions you and your child’s doctor must answer to ensure your child is safe and healthy when playing a sport.   

But don’t think of this as ”just a form” to fill out – it’s an important conversation you have with your child’s doctor to ensure your child stays safe while still doing activities they love.   

Does my child only need this if they play a school sport?  

Most schools in the U.S. – middle school through college – do require this form before your child can play a sport for the school. However, many experts (like the American Academy of Pediatrics) suggest that all kids get a sports physical.  

Take a moment to think about how active your kid is. Just because they aren’t the quarterback or point guard doesn’t mean they’re not active. They may be in gym class, in a school play or on a dance team. They also may be running around playing tag with their friends, playing kickball in the park or climbing a tree. All these activities use some of the same skills as playing an organized school sport. Therefore, it’s important to ensure they stay healthy while doing all their favorite fun activities.

What does my child’s pediatrician need to fill out on the form? 

There are two parts to the sports physical: the medical history and the physical exam. Some of the topics that the medical history will ask about include:  

• Medical conditions that run in your family (like if anyone has problems with their heart, bleeding problems, etc.)
• If your child has any allergies
• Past injuries like broken bones or concussions
• Conditions or illnesses like asthma or diabetes
• What medications your child is taking right now (both prescribed and over-the-counter)
• Mental health – are they feeling anxious, nervous, sad, not interested in their favorite things, etc.  
• Any issues with their vision
• Nerve issues – like tingling, numbness, or weakness in their arms or legs  

You and/or your child can fill out the medical history part of the form before your appointment. You can download the form (in English and Spanish) from different places: 

• For Illinois, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) website has its form online. Scroll down to “Sports Medicine Forms.”
• If you’re not in Illinois, you can search for your state’s high school sports association to find their PPE form.
• You can also download the form from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) website. Many states use this form. 

 During the appointment, your child’s primary care provider will also do a full body physical exam where they will check your child’s:  

• Height
• Weight
• Blood pressure
• Vision
• Heart and lungs
• Muscles and joints  

After the physical exam, your child’s provider will complete the form.  

Do I need to make a separate appointment for the sports physical?  

No – you do not need a separate appointment for the PPE. Your child’s primary care provider most likely can do this at their well-child visit as long as you let the office know ahead of time that you want to complete their PPE during this visit. In fact, it’s best to see their primary care provider’s office for this exam because they know your child best. They have your child’s health history in their chart, so you know all the important information is included in their sports physical.  

To help you get the most out of this appointment, plan to fill out the PPE form before your appointment to save time for any questions or further discussion you need to have with their pediatrician. You can find the form (in English and Spanish) on the IHSA website or the AAP webpage.  

Remember that, depending on your child’s medical history or what their provider finds during the physical exam, they may need to see a specialist. This can be another appointment and most likely will not be done at their well-child visit.  

When should my child have their sports physical appointment?  

The AAP recommends scheduling this appointment at least 6-8 weeks before they start pre-season practice. This gives you and your child’s healthcare team enough time to address any concerns or issues and document everything you need for their school. Your child should get their sports physical exam every 1-2 years.  

How can Lurie Children’s help my child safely play sports?  

We want to make sure your child is safe and ready to play! Our clinical teams at Lurie Children’s are here for you and your child whether they need their well-child visit and sports physical with a primary care provider, or need to see a specialist like a cardiologist. You can also meet with a provider in sports medicine to talk about your child’s specific needs to play their sport safely or to treat any injuries.

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