The preparticipation physical examination is a staple of educational athletics; and for MHSAA member schools it’s an annual requirement, not a once-while-in-high-school rule, as in some other states.

No specific form is required, although two elements must be included in whatever form a school chooses to use:  (1) the certification by an MD or DO that the student has passed a physical examination and is physically able to compete in athletic tryouts, practices and contests; and (2) the consent for disclosure to the MHSAA of information otherwise protected by FERPA and HIPAA for the purpose of determining eligibility for interscholastic athletics.

Newly posted on MHSAA.com is a downloadable “long-form” Health History Form.  It has been developed with significant assistance of the Michigan Department of Community Health and the nearly unanimous consent of a large group of medical professionals the MDCH coordinated to develop recommendations to the MHSAA.

As it has for decades, the MHSAA will continue to provide a shorter form card free of charge to all member schools.  However, at the present time, staff is seeking input from school representatives to determine if the size of the card might be expanded to 8 ½” x 11” in order to include more of the information the MDCH group has recommended.

Physicals conducted on or after April 15, 2011 are necessary for student eligibility for the 2011-12 school year.