Sports Physicals for Kids and Teens: A Parent’s Guide

Medically reviewed Dr. Terence R. McAllister, MD, FAAP at Desert Valley Pediatrics

Key Takeaways

• A sports physical (also called a Preparticipation Physical Evaluation, or PPE) is a focused exam that confirms your child is healthy and safe to participate in their chosen sport.
• The exam has two parts: a thorough medical history review and a hands-on physical evaluation, and together they take about 15 to 30 minutes.
• A sports physical does not replace your child’s annual well-child visit, which covers broader developmental, emotional, and preventive health needs.
• Schedule the appointment six to eight weeks before the season starts so there’s time to address any concerns the physician finds.

If your child plays school or club sports in Las Vegas, a sports physical is part of every season. Here’s what to expect, why it matters, and how to make the most of the visit.

 

What Is a Sports Physical?

A sports physical, formally known as a Preparticipation Physical Evaluation (PPE), is a focused medical exam that determines whether your child can safely participate in their sport. Most schools and athletic organizations in Nevada require a current PPE on file before a child can practice or compete.

The goal is not to disqualify young athletes. It’s the opposite: the visit gives the pediatrician a chance to spot small issues early so your child can play with confidence. In rare cases when a concern is identified, the physician’s job is to find a safe path forward, whether that means treatment, restrictions, or a recommendation for a different activity.

The typical sports physical takes 15 to 30 minutes and covers two main components.

 

The Medical History Review

The medical history is often the most important part of the visit. Many of the conditions that affect athletic safety, especially heart-related ones, only show up through careful questioning.

Your child’s pediatrician will ask about:

• Past injuries, including concussions, fractures, sprains, and any joint issues that haven’t fully healed
• Exercise-related symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath during activity
• Family medical history, particularly heart conditions, sudden cardiac events, asthma, and diabetes
• Current medications and supplements, including over-the-counter products and performance supplements
• Allergies, especially to foods, insect stings, or medications
• Chronic conditions such as asthma, seizure history, or diabetes

A quick tip for parents: try to fill out the history form together with your child and, if possible, gather information from both sides of the family before the appointment. Family heart history in particular can be life-saving information.

 

The Physical Evaluation

After the history review, the pediatrician moves into the hands-on exam. At Desert Valley Pediatrics, our board-certified pediatricians check:

• Height, weight, blood pressure, and heart rate
• Heart and lungs
• Abdomen, ears, nose, and throat
• Hearing and vision
• Coordination, flexibility, strength, reflexes, and posture

These checks help the physician spot hidden issues, such as an irregular heartbeat, signs of an unresolved injury, or muscle imbalances that could lead to problems on the field. They also give your child a chance to ask questions about training, nutrition, or anything else on their mind.

For a more detailed look at what we screen for, you can download our Sports Physical Protocol.

Ready to get your child cleared for the season? Our board-certified pediatricians offer sports physicals at all three Las Vegas offices: Summerlin, Centennial Hills, and Southern Hills. Request an appointment online or call (702) 260-4525.

 

Why Sports Physicals Matter

Even when a young athlete feels great, a sports physical can uncover concerns that wouldn’t otherwise come to light. The visit gives your pediatrician a chance to:

• Identify hidden risks like irregular heartbeats, lingering concussion symptoms, or undiagnosed asthma
• Adjust treatment plans before the season (for example, fine-tuning asthma medications so your child can breathe easier during practice)
• Offer training, nutrition, and injury-prevention guidance tailored to your child’s sport
• Create a private space for teens to ask questions about their own health

The exam is one of the simplest and most effective tools we have for keeping young athletes safe.

 

Sports Physical vs. Annual Well-Child Visit

Parents often ask whether a sports physical can take the place of their child’s yearly checkup. The short answer is no. They serve two different purposes.

 

The good news is that you can often combine both into a single visit. When you call to schedule, just let us know your child needs a sports physical and a well-child visit so we can book the right amount of time.

 

When and Where to Schedule a Sports Physical

The best time to schedule is six to eight weeks before the first practice of the season. That way, if the physician finds something that needs follow-up (such as additional tests or a brief course of treatment), there’s still time to address it before your child needs to suit up.

We also recommend that families see their regular pediatrician for the visit rather than relying on a school-based “station” event. Your child’s regular doctor already knows their medical history, family background, and prior injuries, which leads to a more thorough exam and better continuity of care. At Desert Valley Pediatrics, you can book a sports physical at our Summerlin, Centennial Hills, or Southern Hills office.

A sports physical is generally good for one year, but if your child develops new symptoms mid-season (chest pain, shortness of breath, a new injury), call us before they return to play.

 

What to Bring to Your Child’s Sports Physical

A little preparation makes the visit faster and more productive. Bring:

• The completed sports clearance form from your child’s school or league
• A list of current medications and supplements
• Your insurance card and a photo ID
• Notes on known allergies
• Records of past injuries or surgeries (especially if you’re seeing a new provider)

 

What Happens After the Exam

After the visit, the physician will share one of these outcomes:

• Cleared to play with no restrictions. Most kids fall in this group.
• Cleared to play with restrictions. Your child can participate with certain accommodations or treatment in place.
• Clearance pending further testing. The physician may want a follow-up test or specialist consult before signing off.
• Disqualified from a specific sport. This is rare, and even when it happens, your pediatrician will help identify safer alternative activities your child can enjoy.

If your child is cleared, the physician will complete the sports physical form, which you’ll take to the school’s athletic office.

 

Red Flags That Warrant a Call Before the Exam

If your child has experienced any of the following, please mention it when scheduling so we can plan the visit accordingly:

• Chest pain, palpitations, or fainting during exercise
• A family member who experienced sudden cardiac arrest or death before age 50
• A recent concussion or head injury that hasn’t been fully evaluated
• New shortness of breath, dizziness, or unusual fatigue with activity

These are exactly the kinds of concerns a sports physical is designed to catch, and flagging them ahead of time helps us give your child the most thorough exam possible.

 

Sports Physical FAQs

Are sports physicals covered by insurance? Coverage varies by plan. Many insurance plans cover a sports physical when it’s combined with an annual well-child visit. Call your insurer or our office to confirm what your specific plan covers.

Can my child get a sports physical and well-child visit at the same appointment? Yes, in most cases. Let our scheduling team know you’d like to combine both so we can book the appropriate time.

Does Nevada require a specific form for school sports? Most Clark County School District schools and local club leagues have their own clearance form. Bring whatever form your child’s school or league provided, and the physician will complete it during the visit.

How often does my child need a new sports physical? A PPE is valid for one year. Your child will need a fresh exam each year, and a new form for each sports season.

At what age should sports physicals start? Any time your child enters an organized sport that requires medical clearance. For most kids, that’s middle school or earlier, though club sports and recreation leagues often request a PPE for younger athletes too.

 

Sports Physical Next Steps

A sports physical is a simple, focused exam that gives parents peace of mind and helps young athletes head into the season safely. The visit takes less than half an hour and covers the most important pieces of athletic readiness: medical history, heart and lung health, and musculoskeletal function.

If your child has a season starting soon, the single most useful next step is to put the appointment on the calendar six to eight weeks ahead of the first practice. That leaves room for any follow-up care without putting their season at risk.

Desert Valley Pediatrics has cared for Las Vegas families for over 25 years, and our board-certified pediatricians offer sports physicals at all three of our offices. To learn more about what we offer or to book your child’s visit, head to our Sports Physicals service page or request an appointment online.