Every year, before the school year or sports season begins, parents are asked to schedule a physical for their child. For many families, it feels like just another form to complete or another appointment to squeeze in. This raises a common question: Do kids really need a sports physical every year?

The short answer is yes. Annual sports physicals can play an essential role in keeping children safe and healthy as they grow. In this blog, we’ll discuss why these exams matter, how they differ from regular checkups, and what you should know before scheduling.

What Is a Sports Physical?

A sports physical, also known as a pre-participation physical, is an exam designed to determine if a child is healthy enough to play sports safely. As such, it covers specific areas that may not always be addressed in a routine wellness exam.

During a sports physical, the provider will review your child’s medical history, ask about past injuries, and perform a physical exam. They’ll check vital signs, heart health, lung function, muscle strength, joint flexibility, and vision to help identify potential risks before your child participates in physical activity.

Why Sports Physicals Are Required Annually

Many parents might wonder why a sports physical from last year isn’t good enough. Let’s take a closer look at why sports physicals in New Jersey are needed every year:

Children’s Bodies Change Rapidly

Children’s health can change quickly. Growth spurts, puberty, and changes in activity levels can all affect their physical condition. Because of this, an exam from last year may no longer reflect their current health.

Detecting New Health Issues

A pre-participation physical can also help catch some conditions, such as Asthma, vision problems, heart murmurs, and orthopedic concerns, that may not have been present the year before. Spotting these changes early can help prevent potential health risks during physical activities.

Preventing Injuries

Injuries remain one of the biggest challenges for student-athletes. Taking a School and sports physical in Linden, NJ, can also help ensure a child’s muscles, joints, and cardiovascular system are prepared for the demands of sports.

Can a Regular Checkup Replace a Sports Physical?

This is a common point of confusion. While both visits cover important ground, they are not the same. Annual checkups focus on overall well-being, growth charts, immunizations, and developmental milestones.

On the other hand, sports physicals zero in on the physical demands of athletics, looking closely at heart health, flexibility, breathing, and injury history.

Sometimes, your child’s primary care provider can complete both exams in the same appointment. However, most schools and sports programs in New Jersey will still require you to fill out the sports physical form separately.

What Happens If You Skip a Sports Physical?

Skipping a sports physical might affect your child’s eligibility to play and even jeopardize their health.

You run the risk of:

• Participation limits: Schools and teams may not allow your child to join practices or games without a signed clearance form.
• Undetected issues: Health problems could go unnoticed, putting your child at risk during physical activity.
• Insurance and liability concerns: Having an up-to-date exam helps protect both the athlete and the organization in case of an injury.

When to Schedule Your Child’s Sports Physical

While there isn’t a set time for scheduling a sports physical, it’s usually best to have it done a few weeks before the school year or season begins. Doing it early gives you time to address any concerns that might arise.

When you take your child for the screening, be sure to bring:

• The required school or league forms
• A record of immunizations
• A list of current medications
• Information on past injuries or hospital visits

FAQs About Sports Physicals

Q: How long does a sports physical take?

Usually about 20–30 minutes, depending on your child’s medical history.

Q: What if my child doesn’t pass?

Sometimes providers may recommend further testing or temporary activity limits to protect the child’s health and safety.

Q: Are sports physicals covered by insurance?

Many insurance plans include pre-participation physicals as part of preventive care. However, coverage may vary, so it’s best to confirm with your provider.

Q: Can my child’s primary care provider perform the physical?

Yes, primary care providers are often the best choice since they already know your child’s health history.

Care Station Medical Group: Your Partner in School and Sports Physicals

Care Station Medical Group offers convenient locations and extended hours, making sports physicals in New Jersey simple for families in Linden and across Union County. 

Contact us or call us at (908) 925-CARE (2273) to schedule your child’s sports physical today. Our experienced providers will complete a detailed health check to confirm that your child is ready to play safely.