Playing sports is a fantastic way for kids to stay active, hang out with friends, and just have a good time. But before they can hit the field, student-athletes need to get a sports physical exam. This quick checkup with a doctor is all about making sure it is safe for your child to jump into their favorite activities.
EmergeOrtho-Foothills Region serves student-athletes across Hickory, Newton, Sherrills Ford, Denver, Morganton, Lenoir, Maiden, and surrounding communities. We help middle school and high school athletes complete required sports physical exams quickly and conveniently before the school sports season begins.
EmergeOrtho-Foothills Region proudly partners with local schools and communities throughout Hickory, Sherrills Ford, Newton, Maiden, and surrounding areas to help student-athletes stay healthy and ready for the season ahead. Whether your child participates in school athletics, travel ball, cheer, or summer sports camps, completing a sports physical early can help avoid last-minute stress before tryouts and practices begin.
“Fit 2 Play” Sports Physical Clinic
Our May 2026 “Fit 2 Play” Sports Physical Clinic was a big success! We helped support two clinics in South Hickory and Sherrills Ford and helped 110 student athletes get free physicals so they could participate on their favorite teams this coming school year.
What Is a Sports Physical?
A sports physical is a physical exam performed by a physician and a record of a young athlete’s overall health. It helps identify any health issues that could affect a child’s ability to participate safely in sports.
During a sports physical, a qualified medical professional will evaluate and record your child’s:
- Height and weight
- Pulse
- Blood pressure
- Vision
- Heart, lung, throat, ears, nose, and abdomen conditions
- Posture
- Condition and function of joints
- Strength and flexibility
- Skin condition
Why Does My Child Need a Physical to Play Sports?
A sports physical clears your child for safe participation in sports. It can also uncover any issues that might affect athletic performance or increase the risks of harm when playing sports. In addition to safety reasons, an annual physical is required by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA).
Most children are cleared to participate. Even if your child has a health condition, they might still be cleared, but with suggestions to keep them safer and to reduce injury risks. A child recovering from an injury or illness might need a little time to be cleared, so be sure to get their physicals done as soon as possible.
When Should Student-Athletes Get a Sports Physical?
Student-athletes should ideally complete their sports physical at least six to eight weeks before the start of their sports season. Scheduling early gives families time to complete required school paperwork, address any follow-up concerns, and avoid the last-minute rush before tryouts and practices begin.
Summer is one of the busiest times of year for sports physical appointments in the Foothills Region as athletes prepare for fall sports like football, soccer, volleyball, cross country, cheer, and marching band. Early scheduling can help ensure your child is cleared and ready to participate on time.
If a provider identifies an injury, heart concern, or other medical issue during the exam, having the physical completed early allows time for additional evaluation or treatment before the season starts.
How To Prepare for a Physical
The most important thing you will need for your child’s physical is the completed required forms, which you can find on the NCSHAA website. Download and complete the listed forms before you go to your appointment. This will streamline the process and help the medical professional complete the physical more quickly.
Before your appointment, it helps to know what paperwork and information your student-athlete may need to bring.
Along with completed forms, be ready with information and any necessary medical records regarding your child’s medical history, including:
- Previous illnesses or injuries, especially those requiring hospitalization
- Previous surgeries
- Previous concussions
- Any previous issues with sports or exercise, like shortness of breath or joint pain
- Ongoing chronic health conditions, like diabetes or asthma
- Any allergies
- Any medications
It also helps to prepare your child for what to expect. Explain to them the purpose of the physical and how similar it will be to other standard checkups they do with their usual pediatrician.
Sports Physicals at EmergeOrtho-Foothills Region
The cost to complete a sports physical is $25. You can schedule an appointment at any of the following EmergeOrtho-Foothills Region locations:
- Hickory – 2165 Medical Park Drive
- Newton – 829 West 25th Street
- Sherrills Ford – 3900 Terrell Park Drive, Suite 101
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Physicals
What should my child bring to a sports physical?
Families should bring completed school athletic forms, a list of medications, insurance information, and details about any previous injuries or medical conditions.
How long does a sports physical take?
Most sports physical appointments are completed quickly, making it easy for busy families to prepare for the upcoming sports season.
If you are experiencing sports injuries, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our EmergeOrtho-Foothills Region sports medicine specialists.
