As with so many things in 2020, school athletics were put on hold this spring due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Many are wondering what sports will look like in the future and how we can continue to keep children and adolescents safe while still maintaining their physical and mental health. Currently in the state of Ohio, some of the restrictions on non-contact sports and skills training for contact sports have been lifted, allowing a partial return to activity. While these recommendations are a bit of a moving target and may be altered based on the trajectory of ongoing Covid-19 cases, school and club athletics are starting up again.
In anticipation of fall sports, the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Joint Advisory Committee on Sports Medicine has made final recommendations regarding the Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation (PPE), also referred to as the annual Sports Form. Students in grades 7-12 will continue to be required to have an up-to-date PPE annually. Mass physicals for sports screening are strongly discouraged this year due to concerns for students’ health and spread of Covid-19. Instead, OHSAA is strongly recommending that the physical exam is performed in a medical home, such as Anderson Hills Pediatrics. This allows the health care provider who knows your child best and has access to past medical records to do a comprehensive history and exam, provide anticipatory guidance, give necessary immunizations as indicated, and follow up on any issues that may arise.
If your child is considering participating in sports this coming year, we encourage you to call or access the Portal to schedule a well care visit at this time so that your Sports forms are ready when needed. We look forward to seeing your child and keeping them active and healthy!
Pamela Lachniet, MD
