As winter sports wrap up, schools and athletics departments throughout Florida are preparing for the spring season events.
Before any practices and try-outs can take place, student athletes will need to complete all sorts of paperwork to join a team.
Most of these packets are pretty simple - they require parent signatures, copies of grades, waivers for bus rides - but the completion of the paperwork related to the sports physical always seems a little harder to complete and return immediately.
It shouldn't be, and the sports physical is too important to either not get done, or get done in a rush or incorrectly. Here is the game plan for getting sports physicals done and making sure it serves to protect student athletes.
Scheduling a Physical
Instead of having to call and arrange an appointment that might not be available for a week or two, walk-in clinics have staff trained in examining student athletes and who are familiar with the requirements of a sports physical.
They will be able to report on general health indicators and have the equipment and knowledge to look out for health concerns that are specific to each child and the sport he or she will play.
Walk in clinics can even make this less painful on the wallet. Most family insurance plans are accepted, just as they would be at the doctor's office.
In addition to serving the patient's schedule, student athletes will be seen by licensed physicians, whereas the traditional family doctor's office may use a registered nurse or physician's assistant to complete a sports physical.
During the Sports Physical
Parents know their children, and they know more than what is present on a medical record. The sports physical is an important time to discuss previous experiences in sports and strenuous activities, and discuss the demands of the sport that is beginning soon.
While most of the qualifiers on a sports physical are basic health indicators, parent and doctor communication is vital for tailoring the appointment to meet a student athlete's health needs.
Some conditions, like diabetes or asthma, won't disqualify a child, but these conditions may impact an athlete's health during the season.
Speak to the doctor about how best to avoid any complications that might arise with increased physical activity. Ask questions about eating, sleeping, and exercise habits and see if there are any signs parents should look for to keep students healthy.
Indicators like fatigue and changes in mood won't keep a child from playing, but can be important signals in bodily changes.
After the Sports Physical
The sooner the sports physical is completed, the sooner a student athlete can begin to practice. Eligibility is determined not just by the student's health clearance to play, but also by the number of practices the student has attended after the physical has been turned in to the athletic department.
Student athletes can be locked out of practices and may not be able to start the season if they haven't been cleared. The early practices are essential for team building and learning the plays.
Don't hesitate to make the appointment and ensure that all paperwork is handed in as soon as it is completed.
Emad Yousef works at Doctors Express in Tampa, Florida and posts on the popular walk in clinic Tampa blog regularly. Check it out for the latest information on walk in clinics and the urgent care industry.
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