A sports physical reviews a young athlete's health history and checks whether it appears safe to participate in a sport. To help the visit go smoothly, bring the required school or team form, insurance card, medication list, glasses or contacts, and accurate information about past injuries and family health history.
What does a sports physical cover?
A sports physical is also called a preparticipation physical evaluation. It usually has two parts: a medical history and a focused physical exam. The history may ask about asthma, allergies, medications, previous surgery, concussions, broken bones or joint injuries. It may also cover fainting, dizziness, chest pain or trouble breathing during exercise, plus relevant family history.
During the physical exam, the provider commonly checks height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, vision, heart and lungs. The provider may also examine posture, strength, flexibility, muscles, bones and joints. Additional testing is not automatic for every athlete; it depends on the history, exam and individual circumstances. Talk to your provider if your child has had concerning symptoms during exercise. American Academy of Pediatrics: sports physicals.
What should parents bring?
- The exact form: Bring every page required by the school, club or league, with the parent sections completed.
- Insurance information: Bring the current card and a photo ID. Coverage for sports physicals varies, so confirm benefits if cost is a concern.
- Glasses or contacts: Your child should bring and wear the vision correction normally used.
- A medication list: Include prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines and supplements, with doses when possible.
- Health history: Note allergies, chronic conditions, surgeries, hospitalizations, injuries and concussions. Ask relatives about a family history of serious heart problems or sudden death if you are unsure.
- Questions: Write down anything your child has noticed, especially chest pain, fainting, unusual shortness of breath or dizziness with activity.
Do not wait until the deadline
Teams may need clearance before camps, practices or tryouts begin. Schedule before the form is due so there is time to find missing records or complete follow-up if the provider identifies a concern. A same-day appointment may solve a scheduling problem, but it cannot guarantee immediate clearance when more information or evaluation is needed.
Same-day and walk-in availability
HealthONE Medical Center offers same-day and walk-in visits when availability permits. Call or text before coming to confirm your child's age is within the clinic's scope, the required form, appointment availability and what to bring. If your child is also due for a comprehensive preventive visit, ask whether a separate well-child appointment is recommended; a sports physical focuses on safe participation and may not replace broader preventive care.
Honest answers matter more than “passing” quickly. The goal is to identify concerns, support safe participation and help your child start the season with confidence.
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Request a visit
HealthONE Medical Center is at 398 W Army Trail Rd, Suite 118, Bloomingdale, IL 60108. Call 630-380-3100 or request an appointment online. Appointment requests require confirmation. Please confirm your specific insurance plan and visit availability with the office.
This article provides general information and does not replace an individual evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.