Sports and School Physicals

What a preparticipation sports physical covers

The purpose is narrow and important: identify conditions that could make athletic participation dangerous, and identify problems that should be addressed before the season starts.

History, which is the highest yield part. Prior injuries and concussions, exercise related chest pain, dizziness or fainting during exertion, unexplained shortness of breath, exercise induced asthma symptoms, heat illness history, current medications and supplements, and family history of sudden cardiac death, cardiomyopathy, or inherited heart conditions before age 50.

Vital signs. Including blood pressure, which is measured against age and height appropriate references in children rather than adult thresholds.

Vision screening.

Cardiovascular exam. Heart sounds, murmurs, pulses, and findings that would prompt further evaluation before clearance.

Lungs and abdomen.

Musculoskeletal exam. Joint stability, range of motion, strength, and prior injury sites.

Clearance decision. Most students are cleared without restriction. Occasionally a finding requires further evaluation or a specialist opinion before clearance, and occasionally an activity restriction is appropriate. That determination is individual.

What a school entry physical covers

School entry requirements are about documentation and public health rather than athletic readiness. These visits generally involve a general health exam, review and documentation of the immunization record, growth measurement, and completion of the state or district form.

If your child is behind on immunizations, bring what you have. Records can usually be reconstructed, and your provider will discuss a catch up schedule with you.

Sports physical or annual physical: which one does your child need

They are not the same visit, and one does not replace the other.

A sports physical is a targeted clearance exam. It answers one question: is it safe for this student to play.

An annual physical is comprehensive. It covers growth and development, mental health, nutrition, sleep, screen use, immunizations, adolescent risk topics, and any chronic conditions, plus screening labs where indicated. It is the visit where things that have nothing to do with sports get caught.

Many families do both in the same visit. That is often the most efficient approach, and it is worth asking about when you book. See Pediatric and Adolescent Care.

What to bring

1. The actual form. Downloaded from your school, district, or athletic association, and printed. Different schools and different leagues sometimes use different forms.
2. The immunization record. The official record, not a recollection.
3. The student's medication list. Including inhalers, EpiPens, ADHD medication, and any supplement or protein product they are using.
4. Prior injury documentation. Imaging reports, orthopedic notes, concussion evaluations, physical therapy summaries.
5. A parent or legal guardian. Consent signatures are required for minors.
6. Glasses or contacts. If the student wears them, bring them for vision screening.

Timing matters

Sports physicals are typically valid for a limited period, commonly one year from the date of the exam, and the exact window is set by the association or school. Plan around tryout and registration dates rather than the start of the season, because clearance is usually required before a student can practice at all.

The practical advice: schedule in late spring or early summer. Late summer is when every family in the county is calling at once, and if the exam turns up something that needs a specialist opinion, you want weeks of runway, not days.

What happens if your child is not cleared right away

This is uncommon, and it is not a rejection. It usually means a finding needs to be explained before it is safe to sign off. That might be an elevated blood pressure that needs to be rechecked, a heart murmur that warrants an echocardiogram, a joint that has not fully recovered from an injury, or asthma that is not currently well controlled.

Your provider will explain exactly what needs to happen, help arrange it, and complete the form once the question is answered.

Payment

Seaside Family Wellness participates with some insurance plans, but not all. Participating plans change frequently, so call (772) 678-0011 before your visit to confirm whether we currently participate with your specific plan. Self-pay options are available, and labs and diagnostics can sometimes be billed through your insurance when medically appropriate.

Schedule

Seaside Family Wellness 1657 SE Port St Lucie Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 Phone: (772) 678-0011 Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Common questions

This page is general health education. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified provider who knows your history. Always talk with your provider about your own health questions. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Reviewed by Amy Weber, APRN and Stephanie Hoppy, APRN, September 2026.