The Blue Springs School District and the Missouri High School Activities Association require all students who are participating in athletics to have a sports-related physical. Information about the need for a physical is included below:The first step in safe athletic participation should be a thorough pre-participation evaluation (PPE) by a physician who knows the athlete well. Each school shall require a physician’s certificate stating that the individual is physically able to participate in their chosen activity or activities from each student participating in sports activities or spirit. The most appropriate form is the consensus Pre-participation Physical Evaluation form recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Sports Medicine, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, and the American Osteopathic Academy for Sports Medicine and care should be taken to address each part of the evaluation.
This annual physical is a very important part of comprehensive medical care for a young athlete. It gives the pediatrician or family physician an opportunity to address general medical history, probe potential issues related to physical activity including cardiovascular problems, as well as address sensitive issues such as drug and alcohol use with their young patient. In the event that an athlete and their parents do not regularly attend a medical office, they have the option of obtaining a physical evaluation certificate from any physician. The evaluation may be performed and the certificate may be signed by an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner or Certified Physician’s Assistant who are working in written collaborative practice with a physician provided the name of the physician with whom there is collaborative practice also appears on the certificate.
The medical certificate is valid from February 1 through the next school year. For example, a physical issued on February 1, 2016, is valid through the 2016-17 school year. Before a student begins try-outs or practices for sports activities or spirit, they must have a physical evaluation certificate and insurance verification on file with their school district.
A physician examining athletes in junior and senior high schools must use good judgment in deciding whether or not to restrict a student from competition. There are three major considerations for restricting persons from participation in athletics.
- Is there an injury, illness or condition which prevents the individual from competing fairly with normal persons?
- Is there an injury, illness or condition which might be aggravated by athletic competition?
- Does this injury, illness or condition place that athlete or another athlete at harm?
These question are relative and circumstances alter decisions. It is the examining physician’s responsibility to determine qualification and disqualification for participation.
If you need a MSHAA physical form, please click here or the link on the left side of the page.