Health for Sports

For budding athletes, being a part of a team is an important part of the school experience. But sometimes medical and health restrictions can keep you from participating in organized athletics. While some limitations can be overcome, others may keep you off the official playing field. Understanding the guidelines will prepare you for potential barriers and help you make the best choices for physical activity.

Government Guidelines

The Agency for Health Care Research and Quality, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has established guidelines for physicians who perform medical exams for potential athletes. The agency states, "For most chronic health conditions, current evidence supports and encourages the participation of children and adolescents in most athletic activities." That being said, the agency goes on to list a number of conditions that it feels would prohibit participation based on the potential of worsening a condition or predisposing an athlete to injury.

Medical Clearance

While the government has established guidelines, the decision to grant or withhold medical clearance lies with the examining physician. If your school supplies a checklist, your physician might limit the examination to the items on the list. But if you have a medical history of a life-threatening or restricting condition, the physician may deny clearance, even if you satisfy the school's check list. In 2001, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a position statement on medical conditions and sports participation for children and adolescents. In it, the academy urges physicians to consider the athlete's current health status, availability of treatment, potential safety modifications of the sport and the willingness of the athlete and the parents to assume responsibility for risks and resultant injury.

Cardiovacular Issues

A 2004 statement from the American Heart Association makes recommendations for sports participation by athletes with genetic cardiovascular disorders, or GCVD. In it, the AHA suggests the decision to participate should be governed by the "degree of physiological exertion implied by a sporting discipline." The statement goes on to declare that recreational exercise of low to moderate intensity may be safe for patients with GVCD, defining intensity levels in terms of Metabolic Load, or METS.

Common Disqualifying Conditions

In addition to cardiovascular issues, the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality offers an extensive list of limiting or disqualifying conditions. Among the more common are pregnancy, obesity, impaired vision, digestive disorders, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, and a host of others. For many young athletes, the benefits of participating in sports may outweigh the risks, but issues of liability often lie at the crux. The examining physician and the school or organization hosting a sport or activity may require the parents to sign a waiver absolving them of responsibility for injury or death.

Selecting A Sport

While certain medical conditions may prohibit you from participating in official school sports, there are numerous opportunities to enjoy sports and an active lifestyle outside of school. Your local YMCA or Boys and Girls Clubs offer a variety of physical activities and sports that you can participate in. Explore other sports that are not typically offered by schools, like cycling, rowing, dance and other moderate-intensity activities. Your greatest obstacle to excelling in any sport is often in your mind.