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New rule requires complete checkups for some student athletes Starting with the 2008-2009 school year, the Tennessee Board of Education requires that every public school student athlete in 7th and 9th grades receive a complete well child checkup before participation in sports. A new form for clearance for athletic participation is also required, and it can be filed starting May 1. Student athletes in other grades and private school students are not affected by this change. They will continue to undergo school sports physicals as normally required by their school and their sport. The change is part of an effort to improve the health of Tennessee’s children, who currently rank 43rd in the nation for health and well being (according to 2007 Kids Count data). A yearly EPSDT (Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis & Testing) is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics to promote the early diagnosis and treatment of medical problems. Doctors, nurse practitioners and some specially trained public health registered nurses are able to perform this exam. For additional information and to print a copy of the new clearance form, visit the Tennessee Department of Health website’s section on Interscholastic Sports Examination Program. INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS EXAMINATION FORM |
