Tips To Prepare For A New Sports Season

Many children are getting excited for organized sports to start back up and now is the perfect time to ensure they are at their healthiest to compete safely! Training and staying physically active are both great ways to prepare for a new season – but don’t forget about a yearly sports physical to start it off on the right foot. Find out more about what sports physicals are, who they’re for and why they matter!

What is a sports physical?

A sports physical, also known as a pre-participation physical evaluation, is an exam conducted to determine if a child’s health is in good standing to play in sports. For athletes competing in middle school, high school or an organization outside of school, a sports physical from their pediatrician is generally the first step in preparing for a new season!

Why would a sports physical be needed?

Whether your child is brand new to competing in sports, or actively plays organized sports throughout the year, a sports physical is ideal for children of all backgrounds and abilities. This exam is especially important for children who have a history of health complications or have suffered from injuries in the past.

The best time to get a sports physical is typically 4-8 weeks before a new season starts. Getting an exam within this time frame gives you and your child’s pediatrician plenty of time to find and address concerns. If complications are discovered in the examination, further evaluation or testing may be necessary, which can prolong the waiting period for your child to be eligible to play. To avoid delays in your child starting a new season, be sure to schedule their sports physical early.

Where to get a kid’s sports physical

We take all the hassle out of sports physicals for kids and understand your child and their health journey best! To ensure they are ready to perform their very best next season, click here to schedule a sports physical.

Regardless of the date published, no content on this website should ever be used as a replacement for direct medical advice from your primary care provider or another qualified clinician.