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Are you a student athlete looking to get cleared for sports in Texas? If so, you’ll need to make sure you get a physical exam from a licensed healthcare provider. Here are some guidelines to help you through the process.
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Introduction
In order to be able to participate in a sport, all students must have a physical exam clearance form completed by a licensed healthcare provider (LHP). This can be done through a regular check-up with your family doctor, or at a sports medicine clinic. The following are guidelines for LHP’s when completing the physical exam clearance form for students wishing to participate in sports.
The physical exam must be completed within the last 12 months in order for the student to be cleared to participate.
The LHP must sign and date the physical exam clearance form.
The student’s parent or guardian must also sign and date the physical exam clearance form.
What is a Sport Physical Exam?
A Sport Physical Exam is a medical exam required by the State of Texas for any student who wants to participate in a UIL-sanctioned sport. The purpose of the exam is to ensure that the student is healthy and physically able to participate in the sport.
The Sport Physical Exam must be completed on a state-approved form, which can be obtained from the student’s school or from the UIL website. The exam must be completed by a licensed health care provider, such as a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. The provider must sign and date the form, and must also complete the “Provider Information” section on the back of the form.
The Sport Physical Exam must be completed within the twelve months prior to the start of the sport season. For example, if a student wants to participate in a sport that has a season that starts on August 1, 2018, the student must have had a Sport Physical Exam that was completed on or after August 1, 2017.
If a student has had a comprehensive physical exam within six months prior to the start of the sport season, and that exam included all of the required elements of a Sport Physical Exam, then the student may use that comprehensive physical exam in lieu of having a separate Sport Physical Exam. In order for this to be allowable, however, the licensed health care provider who completed the comprehensive physical exam must sign and date an affidavit attesting to this fact, and submit it along with the student’s other paperwork when they turn in their paperwork for participation in their chosen sport. A copy of this affidavit can be found on the UIL website.
When is the Best Time to Schedule a Sport Physical Exam?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) recommend that all young athletes have a pre-participation sports physical examination (PSE) each year. The PSE is an opportunity to identify risk factors that might predispose athletes to sport-related injuries. It is also an opportunity to evaluate an athlete’s readiness to participate in a given sport. The PSE should be scheduled at least six weeks before the start of the sport season to allow time for any necessary follow-up appointments or tests.
What to Expect During a Sport Physical Exam?
The purpose of a sport physical exam is to assess an athlete’s overall health and fitness to participate in a sport. The exam should be thorough, but it does not need to be overly long or invasive.
During the exam, the doctor or other healthcare provider will:
– Take a medical history, which will include questions about your family’s medical history, your personal medical history, any medications you are taking, any allergies you have, and any previous injuries you have sustained
– Perform a physical examination, which will assess your height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing
– Test your flexibility, strength, and coordination
– Ask you about your eating habits and level of physical activity
– Determine if you are at risk for any chronic health conditions, such as obesity or heart disease
– Recommend any additional testing or vaccinations that may be needed
After the exam is complete, the doctor will provide you with a clearance form that indicates whether or not you are cleared to participate in sports. If you are not cleared for sports participation, the doctor will provide you with instructions on how to proceed.
Tips for a Successful Sport Physical Exam
In order to participate in any type of organized sport in Texas, it is necessary to have a sport physical exam clearance. This applies to both public and private schools, as well as club and recreational programs. The state requires that every student have a physical on file before being allowed to practice or compete.
Here are some tips to help you have a successful sport physical exam:
· Make sure you bring all required paperwork with you to your appointment. This typically includes a completed health history form, immunization records and any other information that has been requested by the doctor.
· Dress appropriately for your exam. You will likely be asked to remove clothing so that the doctor can assess your musculoskeletal system, so avoid wearing clothing that is difficult to remove.
· Be prepared to discuss your medical history with the doctor. This includes any past or current injuries, surgeries or illnesses. Be sure to mention any medications you are currently taking, as well as any allergies you have.
· Be honest when answering the doctor’s questions. It is important that the doctor has accurate information in order to make the best decisions about your clearance for sports participation.
· Follow all instructions given by the doctor at the end of your exam. You may be given specific instructions on how to prepare for upcoming competitions or practices, or advised on what type of activity would be best suited for your current level of fitness.
Conclusion
It is the responsibility of the student, parent/guardian, and healthcare provider to ensure that the clearance is secured prior to participation. If a healthcare provider completes the physical examination and finds the student to be ineligible for participation, that decision is final.
