SPORTS PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sports physicals, also known as preparticipation physical evaluations (PPE), are essential for ensuring athletes are fit to participate in sports safely. Here are the key components and requirements:

1. Medical History: This includes questions about past illnesses, surgeries, injuries, and family medical history. It helps identify any conditions that might affect sports participation.
2. Physical Examination: This involves a thorough check-up of the athlete’s body, focusing on:
   • Cardiovascular System: Checking for heart murmurs or other heart-related issues.
   • Musculoskeletal System: Assessing joints, muscles, and bones for any abnormalities or weaknesses.
   • Neurological System: Evaluating reflexes, coordination, and overall neurological health.

Medical Eligibility and the Physical Preparation Evaluation

RPA wants each athlete to be successful in their sport and it is important to make sure that everyone is healthy and eligible to play. The school requires all athletes to provide a sports physical document determining medical eligibility prior to participation in any sport. The primary care provider should have experience in evaluating athletes and determining if they are medically able to compete. Examinations in locker rooms or gymnasiums are discouraged as it does not provide the athlete with a confidential space for the PPE.

After the examination, the primary care provider can find the athlete:

• medically eligible for sports without restrictions
• medically eligible for sports without restriction, but further evaluation needed
• medically eligible for certain sports listed on the form
• not medically eligible for any sports, pending further evaluation
• not medically eligible for any sports