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Why Texas Requires a Pre‑Season Exam
The University Interscholastic League (UIL) governs most public‑school athletics in Texas. To cut sudden cardiac events and untreated injuries, UIL mandates that every athlete complete the Preparticipation Physical Evaluation (PPE) before practice. If you have not downloaded it yet, get the current PDF directly from the UIL forms page. The first page is a parent questionnaire; the second is your doctor’s clearance.
Timeline: When to Schedule
| Season Start | Prime Exam Window | Reason |
| Fall sports (Aug) | May – July | Leaves room for follow‑up tests |
| Winter sports (Nov) | Aug – Oct | Fresh exam lasts entire season |
| Spring sports (Feb) | Nov – Jan | Avoids holiday clinic rush |
Tip: UIL forms dated after April 1 count for the entire upcoming school year.
Paperwork to Bring
- History form—pages 1–2 of the UIL PPE, completed and signed.
- Immunization record—Texas Health and Human Services posts current school vaccine rules if you need a printout.
- Vision report if your teen wears contacts or glasses.
- Asthma or allergy action plan—bring rescue inhaler or EpiPen for demo.
- Medication list—include over‑the‑counter supplements like creatine or energy drinks.
- Parent ID and insurance card—some schools file copies.
Having every sheet ready trims check‑in time and keeps walk‑in lines moving.
At‑Home Pre‑Check: 10 Quick Questions
| Ask Your Teen… | Yes / No |
| Chest pain or shortness of breath with exercise? | |
| Passed out or nearly did during sports? | |
| Family history of heart trouble < 50 yrs old? | |
| Ever broken a bone or sprained a joint badly? | |
| Concussion symptoms lasting > 24 hours? | |
| Takes any prescription meds daily? | |
| Uses inhaler more than twice a week? | |
| Has only one kidney, testicle, or eye? | |
| Female athletes: irregular or missed periods? | |
| Feels anxious or depressed about team pressure? |
Marking “Yes” is not an automatic bench—but it alerts the doctor to probe deeper.
What the In‑Clinic Exam Includes
Vitals & Vision
- Height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure
- Basic eye chart; bring glasses or contacts
Heart & Lungs
- Listening for murmurs while sitting and lying down
- Breath sounds to rule out exercise‑induced asthma
Musculoskeletal Screen
- Shoulder, elbow, wrist range of motion
- Single‑leg hop test for knee stability
- Spine inspection to detect scoliosis
Hernia Check
Sensitive but vital. Wear loose shorts; a sports bra for female athletes allows full back exam while preserving comfort.
Common Myths—Busted
Myth 1: “A sports physical replaces my annual well check.”
Reality: PPEs focus on play clearance; they skip vaccines, labs, and broad health counseling. Keep both appointments.
Myth 2: “If I have asthma, I can’t play football.”
Reality: With an updated inhaler plan and peak‑flow monitoring, most asthmatic teens excel on the field.
Myth 3: “Energy drinks count as hydration.”
Reality: High caffeine pulls water from cells and spikes heart rate—tell your doctor if your teen downs these regularly.
For evidence‑based hydration guidelines, review the American College of Sports Medicine fluid replacement bulletin.
Concussion & Mental Health Add‑Ons
Texas law requires schools to distribute a concussion fact sheet from the CDC. We reinforce those rules during your visit:
- Baseline symptom checklist
- Return‑to‑play protocol explanation
- Stress and sleep questions—an overlooked injury‑recovery factor
If anxiety or sleep scores flag high, we can loop in a sports psychologist before the first game.
Post‑Exam To‑Do List
- Photocopy the signed form—keep one copy at home, give originals to the athletic trainer.
- Scan and upload any clearance letters to the school portal if offered.
- Set medication reminders in the team app (inhaler, ADHD meds, etc.).
- Buy fresh mouthguards—a 2025 study in Dental Traumatology found boil‑and‑bite guards protect as well as custom ones if replaced each season.³
- Store the doctor’s number in your teen’s phone under “ICE: Pediatrician.”
Travel Kit for Away Games
| Item | Why Pack It |
| Reusable water bottle | 32 oz keeps cramps off the roster |
| Spare inhaler / EpiPen | Game-day adrenaline can trigger flares |
| Small first‑aid kit | Cleans turf burns fast |
| Extra contact lenses | Dry stadium air pops lenses out |
| Nut‑safe protein bar | Post‑game recovery when concession food fails |
Download our full packing list PDF on the Sports Physicals page.
Red Flags After Clearance
- Chest pain or light‑headedness during practice
- New or worsening joint swelling
- Headache that worsens with activity
- Mood changes—irritability, sadness, or sleep loss
Stop play and call us if these appear; clearance can always be updated for safety.
External Resources for Coaches & Parents
- “Preparticipation Physical Evaluation – 6th ed.” – Latest national PPE guidelines from the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine.
- “Texas Sudden Cardiac Arrest Toolkit” – Texas Heart Institute’s action plan for schools.
Both open in new tabs and provide deep dives without disrupting your reading flow.
One Form, One Exam, One Season of Confidence
Finishing the PPE early clears paperwork stress, surfaces hidden issues, and lets your teen focus on teamwork and fun—exactly what high‑school sports should be.
Ready to Get Cleared?
Grab an after‑school sports physical—walk in, finish forms, and hit tryouts prepared.
