Sports Physicals: What to Expect
What Is a Physical Exam for Sports?
A sports physical is a medical exam for athletes. Sports physicals are also called preparticipation physical evaluations (PPEs). A PPE evaluates your health to make sure you can participate in sports safely. Your exam checks your heart, lungs, bones, joints, and mental health.
Who Needs a Sports Physical?
Athletes of all levels may need sports physicals:
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Junior high
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High school
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College
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Professional
The state of Utah requires regular PPEs for all high school athletes. Student athletes need to get these once a year, between March and early July.
Where Can I Get a Sports Physical?
The best place to get a sports physical is with your child’s primary care provider (PCP) or pediatrician. Sports medicine providers also offer sports physicals. Our sports medicine team provides these exams to athletes who don’t have a primary care provider. We may also perform sports physicals for teams we partner with.
In the past, schools offered group sports physicals in gymnasiums. This setting can be chaotic and lack privacy. It’s easy to miss signs of medical problems in this environment. That’s why experts recommend getting a sports physical during an office visit with your child’s provider.
Why Choose University of Utah Health for Sports Physicals?
University of Utah Health has a vast team of primary care providers, pediatricians, and sports medicine specialists. We work closely so your child gets the timely care they need.
Convenient Care All in One Place
With our multi-specialty health care system, you won't need to go anywhere else. From our easy appointments with a primary care provider to our access to specialty referrals, you'll find everything you need.
The Latest in Medical Advances
We use the latest in research-based evaluations and treatments. Our advanced testing helps us spot problems early, which means getting you back into the game faster.
Experts in Personalized Care
Our team is always up-to-date on the latest guidelines for sports physicals. From injury prevention to return-to-play readiness, our approach supports the full athletic journey.
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What Happens at a Sports Physical?
Medical History
Your child’s provider sends a questionnaire to you before the appointment. It asks questions about key areas of your child’s health and medical history:
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Conditions such as asthma, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, or heart problems
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History of injuries, hospitalizations, or surgeries
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Immunization records, including tetanus; measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR); hepatitis B; and chickenpox vaccines
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Signs of concussions and whether your child has had a concussion
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Symptoms of heart problems such as shortness of breath or sudden fainting
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Weight changes, including whether your child is trying to gain or lose weight
Mental Health History
Your child’s provider may also discuss social and mental health issues with them. They often discuss these topics without parents, if appropriate:
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Bullying
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Drug and alcohol use
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Gender identity
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Sexual activity
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Symptoms of depression or anxiety
Physical Exam
The PCP or sports medicine provider examines your child’s overall health:
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Eyes, ears, nose, and throat, including checking their vision
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Heart and lungs by listening to their chest and back with a stethoscope
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Musculoskeletal system, including checking previous injuries
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Vital signs, taking their pulse, blood pressure, height, and weight
Discussion of Results
Your child’s provider discusses the results of the exam with you and your child. There are several possible outcomes:
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Full clearance—Your child can participate in their sport without restrictions.
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Clearance pending more evaluation—Your child may get a referral to another specialist, such as a cardiologist. This specialist looks at specific symptoms and may order tests. The results of these additional tests show whether they can play their sport.
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Limited clearance—Your child can participate in their sport with some restrictions.
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No clearance—Your child isn’t cleared for sports. This result is rare.
Your provider sends the results to your child’s school. The athletic director or administrator logs and secures them for their records.
University of Utah Health Sports Psychiatry Clinic
Our Sports Psychiatry Clinic specializes in helping you through performance anxiety, mental health challenges, and more. Our goal is to help you prepare, adapt, and recover. We help you build skills that support your long-term mental health.
How Long Is a Sports Physical Good For?
The results of a sports physical are good for one year. Most high school athletes get their sports physical in the spring or early summer.
How Much Does a Sports Physical Cost?
The cost of a sports physical varies based on your insurance plan. Some plans cover these visits at no cost. Some bill them as an office visit. We recommend contacting your insurance plan directly if you have questions.
Make an Appointment
You can make an appointment for a sports physical with a primary care provider or a pediatrician. Costs vary by insurance plan. We recommend checking with your insurance provider if you have questions.
- Call 801-213-9500 to make an appointment with primary care.
- Call 581-2205 to make an appointment with general pediatrics.
You can also schedule an appointment online by choosing an option below.
Medically Reviewed by a U of U Health Expert
Last reviewed March 2026
University of Utah Health is the only academic medical center in the state of Utah. We are a top-tier research institution training scientists and health care professionals in the latest medical advances. This content was reviewed with your health in mind by Aaron Provance, CASQM, FAAP, MP.
