Sports Physicals: Why Your Child Needs One Before August

Pediatric Providers Team
Jul 6
2 min read

Tryouts Are Closer Than You Think

If your student-athlete has practice, tryouts, or conditioning starting in August, now is the time to schedule their sports physical. Maryland schools require a current preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE) before a child can practice or compete, and appointment slots fill up fast in late summer.

A Sports Physical Is Not the Same as a Well Visit

Many parents assume their child's annual well-child visit covers this requirement. It doesn't. A sports physical is a separate, sport-specific evaluation focused on whether your child can safely handle the physical demands of their sport.

What We Check at a Sports Physical

A detailed health history, including any past injuries, fainting spells, or family history of heart problems
A focused exam of the heart and lungs to screen for conditions that could affect safe participation
A musculoskeletal exam including joints, muscles, and old injuries that could be re-aggravated
Vision screening
A concussion history check, since any athlete with a known or possible concussion needs clearance before returning to play

The goal isn't to keep kids out of sports. It is to help every athlete participate as safely as possible, and to catch the rare but serious conditions (like an undetected heart issue) before they become an emergency on the field.

When to Schedule

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends scheduling the PPE about six weeks before the first practice, ideally with your child's own pediatrician rather than at a pop-up clinic or pharmacy. That gives us time to address anything that comes up before the season starts.

Maryland Paperwork

Most Maryland school athletic programs require a completed PPE form, signed by a licensed provider, on file before your child can try out. Bring your school's specific form to the appointment if you have it.

Book Your Child's Sports Physical

Call our office today or message us through the patient portal to schedule. We have availability for both sports physicals and back-to-school well visits