How Long Does a Sports Clearance Exam Take? What to Expect During the Visit

If your child is getting ready to join a sports team or start physical activity at school, getting a sports physical clearance is a must. It’s not just a checkbox for school or league requirements—it’s a vital step to make sure your child is healthy and safe while being active. 

At Thrive Pediatrics, we understand that parents often wonder: How long does a sports clearance exam take? And more importantly, what happened during the visit? In this guide, we’ll break it all down, so you know exactly what to expect—and how to make the process smooth and stress-free for both you and your child. 

What Is a Sports Clearance Exam? 

Also known as a pre-participation physical examination (PPE), a sports physical clearance is designed to assess a child's overall health before they begin a new sport or physical activity. The main goal is to catch any underlying issues that might put a child at risk during exercise or competition. 

This includes everything from reviewing past illnesses or injuries to checking for asthma, heart issues, or musculoskeletal concerns. If your child has ever had a broken bone, breathing problem, or even frequent headaches, this is the time to bring it up. 

How Long Does the Exam Take? 

A typical sports clearance exam takes about 20 to 30 minutes. However, it may take a bit longer if there’s a detailed medical history to review or if additional testing is required. The visit is usually quick, but thorough—designed to give you peace of mind without a long wait. 

To make it even faster, you can: 

• Fill out pre-visit forms before your appointment (available online) 

• Bring your child’s vaccination records 

• List any medications or allergies 

• Bring past medical records if your child sees a specialist 

What Happens During the Visit? 

Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens during a sports physical clearance appointment: 

1. Medical History Review 

The provider will review your child’s medical history, including: 

• Previous illnesses or injuries 

• Any history of asthma, heart murmurs, or joint problems 

• Hospitalizations or surgeries 

• Current medications and allergies 

• Family medical history (especially heart conditions) 

It’s important to be open and honest during this part—it helps your pediatrician identify any red flags that need attention. 

2. Physical Examination 

Next comes a head-to-toe physical exam that includes: 

• Height and weight check 

• Blood pressure and heart rate 

• Vision screening 

• Listening to the heart and lungs 

• Joint and muscle strength testing 

• Posture, spine, and flexibility check 

This physical portion helps determine if your child is physically ready for the sport and if there’s any need for restrictions or follow-up care. 

3. Addressing Concerns 

If your child has experienced symptoms like chest pain during activity, shortness of breath, or dizziness, this is the time to speak up. The pediatrician will take those concerns seriously and may order additional tests or refer you to a specialist before giving clearance. 

4. Clearance Decision 

At the end of the visit, the provider will give one of the following outcomes: 

• Cleared for participation 

• Cleared with recommendations (e.g., wearing a brace or inhaler during activities) 

• Not cleared pending further evaluation 

In most cases, healthy children are cleared immediately. If not, don’t worry—getting answers early helps keep your child safe and on track. 

Preparing Your Child for Active Participation 

Getting your child ready for a sports season involves more than just buying the right shoes or uniform. A sports physical clearance is a critical step in that preparation. It ensures your child: 

• Has no undiagnosed conditions that could worsen with exercise 

• Is physically able to handle the demands of the sport 

• Receives helpful advice on staying healthy and injury-free 

Plus, this is a great time to talk about nutrition, hydration, rest, and how to handle minor injuries like sprains or strains. 

Helpful Tips for a Smooth Visit 

• Book early: Don’t wait until the last minute—sports seasons often have deadlines. 

• Arrive a little early: It helps with paperwork and makes the process smoother. 

• Dress comfortably: Your child may need to stretch or move during the exam. 

• Bring questions: Ask about anything you’re unsure of—your pediatrician is here to help! 

Why Choose Thrive Pediatrics for Sports Physical Clearance? 

At Thrive Pediatrics, we care about helping kids stay active, healthy, and safe. Our team provides gentle, thorough physical sports in a warm, family-friendly environment. We take the time to listen, check carefully, and support our child’s goals—whether it’s their first season of soccer or their fifth year of competitive gymnastics. 

We believe that being active is one of the best parts of growing up. And we’re here to make sure your child has the health foundation they need to enjoy fully. 

Don’t Wait—Schedule Your Sports Physical Today 

Avoid last-minute stress and set your child up for success by scheduling a sports physical clearance today. At Thrive Pediatrics, we’re here to make the process easy, informative, and supportive every step of the way. 

👉 Call or click to schedule your visit now and get ready for a safe, fun season of activity!  FAQs 

1. How long does a sports physical clearance exam usually take? 

   A typical sports physical clearance exam takes about 20 to 30 minutes. It may take slightly longer if your child has a complex medical history or requires additional evaluation. 

   
   

2. What should I bring to my child’s sports clearance appointment? 

   Bring any completed medical forms, vaccination records, a list of current medications, allergy details, and any relevant specialist reports to make the sports clearance process smoother. 

   
   

3. What’s included in a sports physical exam?  

   A sports physical includes a medical history review, a full physical exam (checking height, weight, blood pressure, heart, lungs, joints, and flexibility), and a discussion of any health concerns related to sports participation. 

   
   

4. Can my child be denied sports clearance after the exam?  

   Yes, in some cases a child may not receive immediate sports clearance if potential health risks are found. Additional testing or specialist consultation may be required before being cleared for activity. 

   
   

5. Why is a sports physical clearance important before sports participation?  

   A sports physical clearance ensures your child is physically fit to participate in sports, helps detect underlying health issues, and reduces the risk of injury or complications during physical activity.