Virginia middle- and high-school students need a sports physical before they can participate in school-sponsored sports. A sports physical can help student athletes find out about and deal with health problems that might affect their performance or increase their chances of being injured.
Where to get sports physicals
Your athlete’s regular doctor can perform a sports physical at the same time as an annual wellness visit. Mention that you need a sports physical and a regular checkup so your doctor can set aside time to do both. If your athlete has had had a recent visit with the doctor, you may be able to drop off the form for the doctor to fill out. In addition, most local urgent cares and pharmacy clinics offer sports physicals for an extra fee.
What to know about sports physicals
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Student athletes must give pages 1-3 of the VHSL sports physical form to their school to be allowed to participate in VHSL sports. The physical form expires 14 months from the date of the healthcare provider’s signature on the medical eligibility page (page 3).
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The parent/guardian must complete all sections of the VHSL form before their sports physical, except the medical eligibility page (page 3) and physical examination (page 6). The physical will not be performed if the rest of the form is not filled out entirely! The student and parent/guardian must sign the form as well.
- The VHSL sports physical form is also available in Spanish.
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Most insurance plans cover sports physicals if they are done at the same time as an annual wellness visit. Some insurance plans may cover a separate visit for a sports physical; all Virginia Medicaid Managed Care plans do. Ask about the cost when you are making the appointment.
Last Updated: May 27, 2025