Sports Physicals, Exercise, and Safe Participation

An independent educational resource prepared by Mark M. Simonian, MD, FAAP

Sources checked: August 13, 2026     |     Medical review completed: August 13, 2026

This page is for general education only and does not replace individualized medical advice. This resource does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. For questions about your own child, contact your child's current healthcare professional.

Magnolia Pediatrics, Valley Children's Healthcare

2497 E. Herndon Avenue, Suite 101, Clovis, CA 93611     |     559-538-3070

Sports and active play support health, confidence, and connection. A sports physical is not simply a form: it is an opportunity to identify questions about the heart, breathing, bones and joints, medicines, menstrual health, mental well-being, and safe participation.

Urgent Warning Signs - Check This First

CALL 911 NOW

  • Chest pain with fainting, collapse, severe breathing trouble, blue or gray lips or face, a seizure, or a child who is limp or unresponsive during or after exercise.

  • A serious injury, uncontrolled bleeding, a suspected neck injury, or another life-threatening emergency.

GET EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE NOW

  • A head injury followed by repeated vomiting, worsening severe headache, increasing confusion, unusual behavior, weakness, seizure, slurred speech, trouble walking, or inability to awaken normally.

  • Severe pain, obvious deformity, inability to use a limb, or heat illness with confusion, collapse, or inability to cool down.

CONTACT YOUR CHILD'S HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE RETURNING TO SPORTS

  • Fainting, chest pain, unusual shortness of breath, racing heartbeat, dizziness, or near-fainting with exercise.

  • A history of a heart condition, high blood pressure, a family member with sudden unexplained death or a serious heart problem at a young age, or a new concerning family history.

  • A possible concussion, ongoing headache, new neurological symptoms, a recent injury, recurrent pain, or a condition that limits normal activity.

What a Sports Physical Is For

  • A preparticipation physical evaluation reviews medical history, family history, medicines, allergies, prior injuries, and the child’s readiness for the specific activity. It also includes an examination and an opportunity for focused questions.

  • The goal is usually to help a child participate safely, possibly with treatment, conditioning, protective equipment, an action plan, or a referral—not to exclude children unnecessarily.

  • The best time is with the child’s regular healthcare professional, ideally 6 to 8 weeks before a season begins. Bring the organization’s form and any prior records or action plans.

Bring These to the Visit

  • The sports, school, camp, dance, or activity form; a list of planned activities and season dates; and any required medication or emergency forms.

  • A list of medicines, supplements, inhalers, allergies, prior surgeries, hospitalizations, injuries, concussions, and specialists.

  • Information about symptoms during exercise: chest pain, fainting, palpitations, wheezing, dizziness, severe headaches, muscle weakness, or pain that changes participation.

  • Relevant family history, especially heart disease, unexplained fainting, sudden death at a young age, inherited conditions, or known rhythm disorders.

Exercise, Conditioning, and Basic Safety

  • Increase activity gradually after a break. Include rest days, sleep, hydration, regular meals, and recovery. A child should not be expected to train through persistent pain.

  • Use sport-specific protective equipment that fits, is in good condition, and is worn correctly. Helmets reduce some head-injury risk but do not prevent every concussion.

  • Follow the rules, coaches’ safety instructions, weather plans, and heat precautions. Stop activity for chest pain, dizziness, fainting, severe breathing symptoms, unusual weakness, or concerning pain.

  • Children with asthma, diabetes, seizures, allergies, or other chronic conditions can often participate with an individualized plan, appropriate supplies, and adults who know how to respond.

Concussion: Remove From Play

After a bump, blow, jolt to the head or body, or a fall, a child who has headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, balance problems, vision changes, or “does not feel right” may have a concussion.

  • Remove the athlete from play immediately. Do not allow return on the same day.

  • A healthcare professional should assess a possible concussion and give the return-to-school and return-to-sport plan.

  • Return to sports is gradual and begins only after the child has returned to regular non-sports activities, including school, and has been cleared by the healthcare professional. Stop progression and contact the clinician if symptoms return.

Forms, Clearance, and Communication

  • A completed form is not permanent clearance. New symptoms, injuries, medicine changes, or health diagnoses can require reassessment.

  • Share relevant plans with the school nurse, coach, athletic trainer, activity leader, and the child when age-appropriate. Protect the child’s privacy while making sure adults know how to respond to an emergency.

  • Ask the organization about its policies for concussion, heat, asthma inhalers, epinephrine, emergency contacts, and return after injury.

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Sources and Medical Review

Sources checked August 13, 2026. Medical review completed August 13, 2026.