Sports Participation Evaluation
The overall goal of the preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE) is to ensure safe participation in an appropriate physical activity and not to restrict participation unnecessarily. Whether athletes receive the PPE in the context of an ongoing primary care relationship or as a focused preseason checkup, the following goals of the evaluation are universal:
• To identify conditions that may interfere with a person’s ability to participate in a sport
• To identify health problems that increase the risk for injury or death during sports participation
• To help select an appropriate sport for a person’s particular abilities and physical status
Sports and disciplined physical effort enhance fitness and coordination, increase self-esteem, and provide positive social experiences for participants, including individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities. Few children and youth have conditions that might limit participation, and most of these conditions are known before the PPE takes place. The PPE should be completed well enough in advance of the planned sports activity so that any needed specialist evaluations, rehabilitation, or therapy can be completed before participation begins. As a general rule, 6 weeks before participation is an appropriate time.

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