# Physical Examinations

Part of the Athletics Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/athletics/guide/index.md)

*2. Health & Nutrition*

> **2a.** Discuss the importance of having a physical examination each year. Discuss why overall health, immunizations, medications, allergies, and medical history are covered during an examination. Tell your counselor when you last underwent a physical examination.

Think of an annual physical exam like a pre-flight check for an airplane. Before every flight, pilots walk around the plane and inspect everything — engines, tires, fuel, instruments. They do this even when the plane looks perfectly fine, because catching a small problem on the ground is much better than finding it at 30,000 feet. Your body works the same way. An annual physical catches issues early, when they are easiest to fix.

### Why Every Year?

Your body is changing fast during your teen years. You are growing taller, gaining muscle, and your heart, lungs, and bones are all developing. An annual physical exam gives your doctor a chance to make sure everything is progressing normally and to spot any problems before they become serious.

For athletes, the physical is especially important because it determines whether it is safe for you to participate in sports. Most schools and sports leagues require an up-to-date physical before you can compete — and for good reason.

> **Did You Know?**
>
> Scouting America requires a current Annual Health and Medical Record (AHMR) for all participants. The level of medical evaluation required depends on the activity: Level 1 covers basic events, Level 2 requires a health history, and Level 3 requires a full physical exam by a doctor — needed for events lasting 72 hours or more, like summer camp and high-adventure bases.

### What Happens During a Physical?

A typical sports physical includes:

- **Height and weight** — Tracking growth over time helps identify developmental issues.
- **Blood pressure and heart rate** — High blood pressure can be a hidden risk factor, even in young athletes.
- **Vision and hearing** — Good vision and hearing are important for safety in sports.
- **Heart and lung check** — The doctor listens with a stethoscope for irregular heartbeats, murmurs, or breathing issues.
- **Joint and muscle flexibility** — The doctor checks your range of motion and looks for signs of previous injuries that need attention.
- **Hernia check** — Certain physical activities can worsen a hernia, so it is important to screen for one.

### Why the Doctor Asks About So Many Things

You might wonder why a sports physical involves questions about allergies, medications, and family medical history. Here is why each matters:

**Overall health:** A cold, infection, or chronic condition like asthma can affect your performance and safety. Your doctor needs the full picture to clear you for activity.

**Immunizations:** Vaccines protect you from diseases like tetanus (a real risk for any athlete who gets a cut or scrape on a dirty field), influenza, and meningitis. Your doctor checks that your shots are up to date.

**Medications:** Some medications affect your heart rate, blood pressure, or energy level. Your doctor needs to know what you are taking so they can advise you on safe participation.

**Allergies:** Allergies to bee stings, foods, or medications can cause serious reactions during outdoor sports. Your doctor and your coach need to know about them so an emergency plan is in place.

**Medical history:** Past injuries, surgeries, or family history of heart conditions can affect your risk during athletics. A family history of sudden cardiac events, for example, may prompt additional screening.

![A young athlete sitting on an exam table in a doctor's office, with the doctor listening to their heart with a stethoscope, both smiling](https://ik.imagekit.io/doulacoop/tr:w-800/mbu-assets/merit-badges/athletics/guide/doctor-physical-exam?v=5361cb73)

> **Tip**
>
> Be honest with your doctor during your physical. If you have had pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath during exercise, tell them. They are not there to keep you off the field — they are there to make sure you can play safely.

### The Scouting Connection

Scouting America takes health screening seriously. The Annual Health and Medical Record is divided into parts:

- **Part A:** Informed consent and hold-harmless agreement
- **Part B:** General health history, completed by you and your parent/guardian
- **Part C:** Pre-participation physical, completed and signed by a licensed healthcare provider

[Scouting America — Annual Health and Medical Record](https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/ahmr/): Download the latest AHMR forms and learn which level of medical clearance you need for different Scouting activities.

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- Previous: [First Aid for Athletes](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/athletics/guide/req1b/index.md)
- Next: [Healthy Habits](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/athletics/guide/req2b/index.md)