Sports Physicals — Get Your Child Cleared to Play Safely
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Most schools and sports leagues in Texas require a pre-participation physical examination (PPE) before a child can join a team or begin a season. At Happy Days Pediatrics, we provide thorough sports physicals that go well beyond rubber-stamping a form. We genuinely assess your child’s readiness to participate safely — because a missed finding at a sports physical is the kind of thing that can have serious consequences.
Dr. Barakah Day pays particular attention to cardiovascular health during sports physicals because sudden cardiac events in young athletes, while rare, are the leading cause of non-traumatic sports-related death in children and adolescents. We screen carefully and ask the right questions. We also evaluate musculoskeletal fitness, assess prior injury history, and discuss sport-specific risks with both the child and the parent.
If we identify a concern during a sports physical — a heart murmur, a blood pressure concern, a history of concussion — we address it directly and work with your family on next steps. Our goal is always to get your child cleared to play, but safely and with full information.
What To Expect
- Comprehensive cardiovascular examination — heart rate, rhythm, murmur screening
- Blood pressure measurement
- Pulmonary (lung) assessment
- Musculoskeletal evaluation — joint stability, strength, flexibility, prior injury review
- Vision screening
- Review of complete medical and surgical history
- Concussion and head injury history review
- Height, weight, and BMI
- Completion of required UIL or other sports organization form
- Discussion of sport-specific risks and injury prevention strategies
SPORTS PHYSICAL DETAILS
Required annually for all UIL-sanctioned sports in Texas
Available for any sport — school team, club, recreational league, or personal fitness
Schedule 4–6 weeks before season start — allows time to address any concerns found
Bring your sports physical form from school or league to the appointment
Separate from a well-child visit — covers different content
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can a sports physical replace my child's annual well-child visit?
No. A sports physical is focused and sport-specific. It does not include the full developmental screening, comprehensive vaccine review, behavioral assessment, or anticipatory guidance of a well-child visit. We strongly recommend scheduling both separately.
How far in advance should we schedule?
At least 4 to 6 weeks before your child’s first practice or tryout. This gives us time to follow up on any concerns before the season starts — not the day before
My child had a concussion last year. Will that affect the sports physical?
Yes, and it is critical that you disclose this. We will assess your child’s post-concussion recovery, review symptoms, and make sure they are fully cleared before returning to contact or collision sports. A concussion that has not fully resolved is a serious return-to-play risk.
What if Dr. Day finds something during the physical?
We discuss the finding with you directly and honestly. Most findings are minor and easily addressed. If a concern requires specialist evaluation before clearance, we will coordinate that referral and communicate with the sports medicine or cardiology team. Our goal is always safe clearance — not automatic clearance.
Do you offer group sports physical days for teams?
Call the office to discuss. We may be able to accommodate group scheduling for local school teams depending on availability.
Season starting soon?
Call (210) 816-1330 to get your child’s sports physical scheduled.