Beginning with the 2009-2010 school year, it is recommend that Vermont
students competing in middle or high school sports receive a “Well
Exam” prior to playing school sports. A Well Exam is a complete,
research-based, specific type of exam developed by the American
Academy of Pediatrics. Current data indicates that approximately 55%
of adolescents in Vermont receive an annual Well Exam.
Well Exams address all aspects of
child’s health including their physical, social, and emotional
well-being. They are an opportunity to provide individualized
education and prevention information by a medical provider. Well Exams
identify, diagnose, and treat medical problems early in a child’s
life. Early identification can lead to improved health outcomes, and
ideally, prevent future medical problems later on in life. The Well
Exam provides consistent care by the child’s medical provider.
With half of Vermont’s adolescents
playing competitive sports that currently require some sort of “sports
physical”, this is an opportune time to promote evaluating our student
athletes total health. This recommendation is supported by the
Vermont Principals’ Association, the Vermont Departments of Health and
Education, the Vermont Chapters of the American Academy of Pediatrics
and Family Physicians, and the Vermont State School Nurses’
Association.
Click Here
for the form titled, “Well Exam – Sports Participation Clearance
Form”, which has been reviewed by the entities listed above. The
actual medical screening components to determine eligibility to
participate in school sports were developed by the American Academy of
Pediatrics Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness.
Click Here for the
Preparticipation Physical Evaluation
Click Here for Resources and
Information for Completing a Preparticipation Physical Evaluation
During a Child or Adolescent's Well Exam
Click Here for
Frequently Asked Questions: For Parents - Changes in Health Clearance
for School-Aged Sports
Click Here
for a list of Supervisory Unions by District Office
