Texas High School Athletic Association Sport Physical Exams

The Texas High School Athletic Association (THSAA) Sport Physical Exams are available for download.

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Introduction

The Texas High School Athletic Association (THSAA) is a voluntary association of secondary schools that regulates and promotes athletic programs in Texas public and private high schools. The association also sponsors championships in various sports for its member schools. In order to participate in THSAA-sanctioned events, student-athletes must have a current physical examination on file with their school. Physical examinations must be dated no later than May 1st of the academic year in which the student wishes to participate.

What is the Texas High School Athletic Association?

The Texas High School Athletic Association (THSAA) is the governing body for athletic activities in the state of Texas. The THSAA oversees high school sports programs and sets the rules and regulations for all participants.

The THSAA sponsors State Championships in 17 different sports across 3 different classifications. In order to participate in any THSAA-sanctioned event, all athletes must have a valid physical exam on file with their school.

For more information on the Texas High School Athletic Association, please visit their website at http://www.thsaa.org/.

What is a sport physical exam?

A sport physical exam is a medical exam that is required for any student who wants to participate in athletics at a Texas high school. The exam must be completed by a licensed health care professional, and it must be within the last year. This exam is designed to make sure that the student is healthy enough to participate in sports, and to identify any potential health concerns that could impact their ability to do so.

Who needs a sport physical exam?

All students in grades 7-12 who wish to participate in athletics at a public or private school in Texas must have a sport physical exam on file with the school. A student who has a valid, current physical on file from another school in Texas is not required to have another exam. The physical is valid for one year from the date of the examination.

When is the best time to get a sport physical exam?

The best time to get a sport physical exam is two to three weeks before the start of the sports season. This will give you plenty of time to get the results back and, if necessary, schedule any additional testing. Try to avoid getting a physical too close to the start of the season, as you may not have enough time to take care of any issues that arise.

How often does a student need a sport physical exam?

A student needs a sport physical exam every year to participate in any UIL activities.

What does a sport physical exam involve?

The sport physical exam is a comprehensive medical evaluation that is required by the Texas High School Athletic Association (THSAA) in order for a student to participate in any sport at the high school level. The exam must be performed by a licensed physician, and it must be completed on the THSAA Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation Form.

The exam itself consists of a medical history review, a physical examination, and, if needed, additional diagnostic testing. The medical history review will ask about any chronic medical conditions that the student has, any medications that they are taking, and any injuries or illnesses that they have had in the past. The physical examination will assess the student’s height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, lung function, flexibility, and strength. If the physician finds anything abnormal during either the medical history review or physical examination, they may order additional tests such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan.

Once the sport physical exam is complete and all required tests have been performed, the physician will fill out the THSAA Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation Form and submit it to the high school. The student will then be cleared to participate in sports for the upcoming school year.

What if a student cannot participate in a sport physical exam?

There are several options for students who cannot participate in a sport physical exam. The student may:

1. Obtain a letter from a licensed physician, licensed nurse practitioner, or licensed physician assistant that includes all of the following:
– The student’s name
– The date of the examination
– The statement “The student has been examined and found to be physically able to participate in all activities related to the sport(s) listed below without restrictions”
– The specific sport or sports for which the student is cleared to participate
2. Submit an official copy of his or her most recent physical examination that includes all of the following:
– The student’s name
– The date of the examination
– The statement “The student has been examined and found to be physically able to participate in all activities related to the sport(s) listed below without restrictions”
– The specific sport or sports for which the student is cleared to participate 3. Participate in and successfully complete a physical assessment administered by a certified athletic trainer that includes all of the following components:
– A physical assessment consisting of a standard pre-participation health history questionnaire and risk factor screening
– A head-to-toe physical examination If a student cannot participate in any of the above options, he or she may submit documentation from a licensed physician, licensed nurse practitioner, or licensed physician assistant that includes all of the following information: 1. The student’s name 2. The date of the examination 3. A clear explanation of why the student is unable to participate in a physical examination 4. A description of any limitations on the student’s participation

What are the benefits of a sport physical exam?

The purpose of a Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation (PPE) is to determine whether it is safe for an athlete to participate in a given sport. The PPE process includes a medical history assessment and a physical examination conducted by a licensed health care provider.

There are many benefits to getting a sport physical exam. The PPE can help identify risk factors that might make participation in a given sport unsafe for an athlete. For example, an athlete with uncontrolled asthma may be at risk for having an asthma attack during competition. By identifying this risk factor, the health care provider can work with the athlete and his or her family to develop a plan to control the asthma and reduce the risk of an asthma attack during competition.

In addition, the PPE can also help identify any medical conditions that may require special attention during participation in a given sport. For example, an athlete with diabetes may need to have his or her blood sugar levels checked more frequently during practices and competitions. By identifying this need, the health care provider can work with the athlete and his or her family to develop a plan to ensure that the diabetes is controlled and that blood sugar levels are monitored appropriately.

The PPE is not just about identifying medical conditions that may pose a risk to athletes; it is also about promoting lifelong wellness and fitness. The PPE provides an opportunity for health care providers to educate athletes and their families about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For example, health care providers can discuss the importance of eating healthy foods, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep. They can also provide information about the risks associated with smoking, drinking alcohol, and using drugs.

Overall, the benefits of a Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation extend beyond just assessing an athlete’s readiness to participate in a given sport; they also include promoting lifelong wellness and fitness.

Conclusion

In order to maintain the health and safety of all student-athletes, the Texas High School Athletic Association requires that a physical exam be conducted and cleared by a licensed medical professional on an annual basis. The physical exam must be on file with the school prior to any participation in practices or competitions. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school or the THSAA office.