The laws governing sports physicals have changed at the state level and are extremely stringent. Gone are the days of being able to whisk your child to the doctor for a physical the day before the first practice. All sports physical forms must now undergo an additional level of review by our district physician. Implementation of these laws may actually preclude some students from participating if guidelines are not followed.
Here are three very important factors to consider:
- Sports physicals will not be offered in our schools. These physicals must be completed either by your family physician, or at the medical facility of your choice. Some suggested facilities are listed below.
- Parents should be aware that sports physicals submitted will only be accepted if the examining doctor has signed the statement that he/she has completed the required professional development module on cardiac assessment. This is found on the bottom of the Clearance Form (number 5, below). We are required to return any physical paperwork to the parent/student if this statement is not signed by the doctor.
(Please allow 7 to 10 days for processing)
(Parents: Please complete the Health History Update Questionnaire if physical exam was done more than 90 days ago)
This is an explanation of each of the forms in the packet:
- A note to the examining healthcare provider. Take this to the doctor.
- A Pre-Participation History Form. You fill this form out and take it to the doctor also.
- A Supplemental History Form for athletes with special needs. You fill out and take to doctor, if appropriate.
- The Physical Evaluation Form. Your doctor will complete.
- The Clearance Form. Your doctor will complete.
- A Sports-Related Concussion and Head Injury information sheet. Parent and student read and sign-off on the second page.
- A Sudden-Cardiac Death in Young Athletes brochure. You read this.
- Sign-Off sheet for Sudden Cardiac Death. Sign-off after you have read the brochure on that topic.
- This is an update form. You may need this in the future. If, for example, you play soccer in the fall and track in the spring, you would complete this form prior to starting track. It is used to update your health information and must be submitted anytime you start a new sport if it has been 90 days since your annual sports physical.
Here are some local places where you can obtain a sports physical seven days a week for a fee:
CVS Minute Clinic
3220 Route 38
Mt Laurel NJ
866-389-2727
Mount Laurel Urgent Care
3131 Route 38
Mt Laurel NJ
856-866-8700
Premier Urgent Care
1601 North Kings Hwy
Cherry Hill, NJ