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School Nurse » 🏅 Sports Physicals & Regular Physical Requirements

🏅 Sports Physicals & Regular Physical Requirements


At North Bergen Junior High School, your child’s health and safety come first — both in the classroom and on the field.
New Jersey law requires specific health documentation before students can participate in school sports, physical education with restrictions, or certain extracurricular activities.


📋 Sports Physicals – Pre-Participation Physical Examination (PPE)

 

Required by: N.J.A.C. 6A:16-2.2(h) and N.J.S.A. 18A:40-4

 

Before a student can try out, practice, or play for any school-sponsored athletic team, they must have a current Pre-Participation Physical Examination (PPE) completed by a licensed healthcare provider.

 

Scholastic Student-Athlete Safety Act

Scholastic Student-Athlete Safety Act FAQ

 

 

✅ Requirements:

 

 

  • Official NJDOE Sports Physical Form must be used — no substitutes accepted.
  • The physical must be dated within 365 days of the first day of official practice.
  • Completed by a licensed MD, DO, APN, or PA.
  • Must include vision, hearing, height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, and cardiac assessment.
  • Forms must be reviewed and signed by the school physician before clearance is granted.

 

 

📌 Tip for Parents: Schedule sports physicals early (spring or summer) to avoid   delays.

 

New Jersey Scholastic Officials Association


PREPARTICIPATION PHYSICAL EVALUATION

EVALUACIÓN FÍSICA PREVIA A LA PARTICIPACIÓN


❤️ Cardiac & Concussion Safety Forms

As part of NJ’s student-athlete safety laws:
  • Sudden Cardiac Death in Young Athletes Pamphlet must be reviewed, and the sign-off form must be signed by parent/guardian and student.

 

📝 Health History Update Questionnaire

Required by: N.J.A.C. 6A:16-2.2(h) and NJDOE Sports Physical Guidelines
 
If your child’s sports physical (PPE) was completed more than 90 days before the first day of official practice, New Jersey law requires you to complete a Health History Update Questionnaire before they can participate.

This form is required every sports season when a new physical is not due.
It ensures that the school is aware of any recent injuries, medical events, or changes in your child’s health.
 

 

✅ What the questionnaire covers:

 

 

  • Recent injuries or illnesses
  • Concussions or head injuries
  • Bone/joint injuries or dislocations
  • Episodes of fainting or loss of consciousness
  • Chest pain, shortness of breath, or “racing heart” during exercise

 

📌 When to Submit:

 

 

  • Must be completed and signed by a parent/guardian.
  • Turn in before the first official practice for each sport season.
 

 

📂 Download the Form:

 

📄 NJDOE Health History Update Questionnaire

📄Cuestionario de actualización del historial médico del Departamento de Educación de Nueva Jersey

 

 

🚨 Why this matters:

 

This form keeps our coaching, athletic training, and nursing teams aware of any changes in your child’s health so they can respond quickly in an emergency and make sure all athletes are safe to participate.

 

📄Other Required Health Documents for Sports Clearance

 

 

 

 

🔄Annual Regular Physicals

 

 

While New Jersey only mandates sports PPEs annually for athletes, we strongly recommend an annual Well-Child Exam for all students.

This helps:
  • Identify health concerns early.
  • Keep immunizations up-to-date.
  • Provide updated clearance for PE, field trips, and extracurricular activities.

🚨 What Happens if Requirements Aren’t Met?

  • Students cannot practice, try out, or participate until all forms are received and approved.
  • Missing forms may delay participation for several weeks — NJ law does not allow exceptions.


📬 Where to Submit Forms

 

Forms can be:
  • Dropped off in the Health Office.
  • Sent in with your child (in a sealed envelope marked “School Nurse”).
  • Emailed securely to the Health Office (call for approved email address).


🆘 Need Help Getting a Physical?

 

If you do not have health insurance or a primary care provider:

  • Contact the School Health Office for guidance.
  • We can help connect you to NJ FamilyCare or local low-cost clinics.