The Requirement Can ‘Help Ensure a Safe, Successful Season’
When school’s out for the summer, consider taking advantage of the breather to schedule the kids for early sports physicals, a pediatrician with ThedaCare said.
A sports physical is a medical assessment required by most schools and community sports leagues to ensure a child can safely participate in sports. Scheduling these appointments early in the summer can help make time for any necessary treatment and recovery before the start of the sports season.
“Late spring is a great time to schedule,” said Dr. Kevin Gentile, a pediatrician with ThedaCare Physicians Pediatrics-Neenah. “And your child can complete their annual checkup and sports physical in the same visit.”
Completing both exams can help kids and parents feel confident going into the upcoming season, Dr. Gentile said. That’s because the child’s health care team reviews their health and wellness and can help identify and address issues that may impact their ability to safely participate in a sport.
The care team reviews:
- Family history
- Allergies
- Medications
- Conditions such as asthma, diabetes or seizure disorders
- Past injuries
- Hospitalizations and surgeries
- History of dizziness, chest pain or trouble breathing during exercise
The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) oversees middle and high school sports. The WIAA requires student athletes to complete a sports physical every two years. April 1 is the earliest date of examination.
“That means a physical performed April 1 or later is valid for the following two school years,” Dr. Gentile said. “Check with the athletic department at your child’s school if you’re unsure whether your young athlete is due.”
During a Sports Physical
Physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants can perform sports physicals. Sometimes schools also offer clinics that provide sports physicals.
“These qualify, of course, but note that sports physicals alone do not replace the need for a child’s annual checkup,” Dr. Gentile said. “It’s important for your child to keep up with routine care through their pediatric or family medicine office.”
Before the child’s appointment, parents or guardians will be asked to complete a form that asks several questions about their young one’s medical history.
During the child’s sports physical, the care team typically checks:
- Height and weight
- Blood pressure and pulse
- Vision
- Heart and lungs
- Muscles, bones and joints
Doctors often also ask boys about testicle pain and girls about their periods.
“These are all areas also covered in a child’s annual checkup,” Dr. Gentile said. “Through completing an annual checkup and sports physical in the same visit, we can provide a comprehensive exam while also ensuring your child is up to date on vaccines and other preventive care.”
A few steps may help ensure a smooth and quick process, Dr. Gentile said. They include:
- Completing all forms and questionnaires before arriving at the child’s appointment.
- Scheduling extra time to be present at the appointment with a minor child.
- Writing down questions to ask.
- Printing and bringing the appropriate WIAA form for sports physicals.
- Having copies of records or signed paperwork available as a reference.
Uncovering a Concern
Sports physicals are designed to ensure kids can safely participate in sports. It’s rare for them to disqualify kids from participating, Dr. Gentile said. More often, they may prompt a need for medication, follow-up care or additional treatment such as physical therapy. The process also may help parents or guardians and their young athletes develop plans to communicate health concerns to coaching staff, such as an asthma protocol.
“Plan to ensure your child is up to date on all their needs so they’re ready for practices and matches,” Dr. Gentile said. “Remember, even if they’re not due for a sports physical, they’ll need to complete an alternate year card.”
“We love to see kids participate in sports,” he added. “Doing so is great for their physical, emotional and social health. We’re happy to partner to help ensure a safe, successful season for student athletes.”
Parents and guardians planning to schedule checkups and sports physicals for their young athletes can visit MyThedaCare, make an appointment and avoid the summer rush.
About ThedaCare
For more than 115 years, ThedaCare® has been improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves in northeast and central Wisconsin. The organization delivers care to more than 650,000 residents in 17 counties, and employs approximately 7,000 providers and team members at 180 points of care, including 10 hospitals. As an organization committed to being a leader in Population Health, team members are dedicated to empowering people to live their unique, best lives. ThedaCare is a not-for-profit health system with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs, as well as primary care. ThedaCare also partners with communities to understand needs, find solutions together, and encourage health awareness and action. ThedaCare is part of Froedtert ThedaCare, Wisconsin’s most comprehensive healthcare system.
For more information, visit thedacare.org or follow ThedaCare on social media.
Date posted: June 3, 2026