Complete Your Child’s Sports Physical

A sports physical exam ensures students can safely play sports and participate in physical activities. Most schools and sports organizations require students to complete a sports physical, also called a pre-participation physical exam, before training, practice or the season starts.

Complete your child’s sports physical at a Sanford Health location or find an event near you.


What is a Sports Physical?

A sports physical is an exam to catch health problems before they become serious. Heart and lung issues can go unnoticed without a trained health care professional looking for them.

A sports physical includes:

  • A review of medical history, including past illnesses, injuries, surgeries and concussions
  • Height and weight checks
  • An evaluation of heart and respiratory health

The provider may ask questions about the child’s lifestyle, including smoking, vaping and use of alcohol, drugs, nutrition supplements or performance-enhancing supplements.

Sports physicals also give parents and children the opportunity to discuss sports safety and injury prevention with an expert. During the exam, a provider will review concussion symptoms, safety gear and signs of dehydration.

Where Can I Get a Sports Physical?

Sports physicals are offered at Sanford Health locations and during events starting in June through the end of August.

Scheduling a well child visit with a pediatric primary care provider or family medicine provider is another way to complete sports physical requirements. A well child visit includes the sports physical exam as part of a comprehensive evaluation.

You can schedule a well child visit on My Sanford Chart. Select Visits in the navigation and click Schedule an Appointment. Then select Wellness Visit and follow the prompts.

Sports physicals are also offered by sports medicine providers.

Sports Physical Events

Bismarck Region

Find events in Bismarck-Mandan, Minot and Williston.

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Fargo Region

Find events in the Fargo-Moorhead area and other local communities.

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Bemidji Region

Find events in Bemidji.

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Sioux Falls Region

Find events in Brookings, Aberdeen, Pierre and other local communities.

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Sports Physical FAQs

What usually happens during a sports physical?

During a sports physical, a health care provider will review medical history, including illnesses, injuries or concussions. They will also complete a physical exam and assess heart and respiratory health. This visit helps determine if children can sustain physical exercise without putting themselves at risk for cardiovascular or breathing concerns.

Typically, a sports physical exam is good for one year.

What is the difference between a well child visit and a sports physical?

Well child visits, or annual checkups, also fulfill sports physical requirements. A well child visit includes the sports physical exam, plus growth and development checks, screening for mental health concerns and immunizations as needed.

Schedule a Well Child Visit

How much is a sports physical?

Sports physicals are usually not covered by insurance but are a low-cost visit. If you prefer to file insurance for your appointment, schedule a well child visit with your primary care provider. This comprehensive visit includes sports physical requirements and can be billed to your insurance with no payment necessary at the time of your appointment.

What should I bring to a sports physical?

Please bring school-provided forms to your sports physical appointment with the parent portion completed.