Why Phoenix Schools & Activities Require Sports Physicals

As a parent of a child, preparing for back to school season in Phoenix almost always includes a visit to your primary care physician for a sports physical. If your child plans on participating in school sports or any extracurricular activities, they often must first be examined by their doctor to check for recent immunizations and their general state of health.

Why is this? Simply put: liability. If your child has a health condition that can worsen with physical activity, schools and coaches protect themselves from lawsuits and healthcare costs through a liability waiver form that comes in two parts: the guardian/parent allows the child to participate in a given activity and the doctor’s sports physical signature. A physician’s signature is the authentication that a child’s health is in a condition that allows them to participate in the activities the sport or extracurricular activity involves.

This does not immediately mean that all negative health condition rule out a child’s eligibility to play. For example, certain conditions such as asthma or allergies are still permissible in sports activities. The coach or school official will just need notification and medication from the parent/guardian, as well as physician instructions about the medications the child needs in case of any medical emergencies, such as an asthma attack. Children with these types of conditions should inform their leader if they are not feeling well.

On the other hand, a sports physical can reveal health weaknesses otherwise unknown. Most sports physicals evaluate a child’s shot records, medical history, physical exam, and in some cases, urinalysis and/or blood tests. It is possible to miss a necessary immunization shot, and genetic family history during the physical exam can help a physician evaluate whether your child is exhibiting signs of any genetic health conditions. Blood pressure, pulse and heartbeat checks can also help physicians detect any cardiac arrhythmia that is not a serious threat at the very moment but could be something to evaluate over time. Cardiac irregularities do not immediately exclude a child from playing any sports, but the physician will warn that, if stressed, it could develop into a much more serious and potentially fatal condition.

According to the Arizona Interscholastic Association, teens interested in participating in any high school, club or extracurricular activities are not able to opt out of sports physicals, and failure to comply after beginning participation can result in disqualification.

Sports physicals are widely available, and with back to school season right around the corner, great specials are guaranteed to be found throughout Phoenix. For example, Phoenix Family Medical Clinic is offering elementary, middle school, high school and college sports physicals at only $20! Don’t risk disqualification, and book your appointment with this offer today!

You can find Phoenix Family Medical Clinic in Surprise, Phoenix and Ahwatukee/Tempe. Our four locations offer complete health services for family health. Our bilingual staff is eager to further assist families as a no-insurance walk-in clinic! Visit us online to book your appointment and get location-specific phone numbers!

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