what you need to know

TIMELINE

All physical exams must be up-to-date, meaning that the exam must have taken place within one calendar year of the first official day of practice for the respective sport

• Example: The first official day of football practice is August 8, 2023, so any physical performed on or after August 8, 2022 is eligible for clearance

CLEARANCE

Once a physical is "cleared" for a specific sport/season, that student-athlete can participate throughout the entirety of that season, even if the physical expires after the first official day of practice.

• Example: The first official day of practice for the girls basketball team is November 20, 2023. Jane Doe's physical was performed on November 21, 2022. This means that Jane is cleared for participation for the entire basketball season. However, Jane will need an updated physical if she wishes to participate in a spring sport, as the first day of official spring practice falls outside of the one calendar year threshold.

DUE DATE

To be guaranteed clearance by the Sports Medicine Staff in time for the first day of practice, physicals must be completed and turned in to the Sports Medicine Staff no later than TWO WEEKS before the official start of practice.  Once turned in to the Sports Med Staff, physicals are reviewed and then transferred, via, courier, to the school physician for clearance. This process can take time, which is why student-athletes are urged to turn their in their physicals in a timely manner. Click here to see important dates regarding official start dates and due dates. 

COMMON MISTAKES

Physicals must be absolutely and completely filled out before they are transferred to the school physician. The Sports Medicine Staff reviews each physical before sending it to the school doctor. If there is any information missing from the physical exam, the Sports Medicine Staff will contact the parents of the student-athlete in attempt to obtain the missing info. Common items that are often missing from physical exams include:

• Signatures: student-athlete, parent/guardian, and physician signatures in all designated areas

• Vital sign information: height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, and vision assessment

• Completed History Form with explanations for all "Yes" answers

MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Student-athletes with special medical considerations, such as asthma, diabetes, cardiac issues, etc., should attach all necessary information and clearance notes to physical paperwork. For student-athletes with asthma, a current Asthma Action Plan is needed with orders from the student-athlete's physician. 

HEALTH HISTORY UPDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

Physical exams that are performed more than 90 days prior to the official start of practice are required to complete a Health History Update Questionnaire. 

Once a student-athlete has completed the the pre-participation physical exam process, their Genesis profile will be updated. This information will now be available to view for parents and guardians through Genesis.